Arrest of Lev Tahor Member Jonathan Castillo Highlights Serious Allegations

Jonathan Castillo, a member of the Lev Tahor sect, was arrested while attempting to enter El Salvador, suspected of serious crimes including human trafficking and child abuse. Authorities are coordinating his extradition to Guatemala. The sect has faced scrutiny for abusive practices, highlighted by a recent raid that freed numerous individuals from their control.

Investigations have led to the capture of Jonathan Castillo, a member of the Lev Tahor sect, after he attempted to cross into El Salvador from Guatemala. Authorities have identified him as a suspect in multiple serious offenses, including human trafficking, forced marriage, and child abuse. Following his arrest, Castillo altered his appearance to evade law enforcement. The El Salvador police are currently collaborating with Guatemalan authorities to arrange his extradition, although the specific date of his arrest remains unreported.

Castillo’s behavior reportedly shifted dramatically after his involvement with the extremist sect, with anonymous sources alleging that he exhibited increased violence and made threats towards the children in the group. Uriel Goldman, a leader within the Lev Tahor sect, asserts that Castillo was expelled due to his actions and has provided documentation to support this claim. Furthermore, it has been reported that individuals attempting to join the sect were denied because of suspected connections to drug trafficking.

Originally from La Libertad, Colón in El Salvador, the 23-year-old Castillo entered the Lev Tahor sect during his time in Guatemala. His case gained significant attention following an Interpol issuance of an international red notice against him on December 27, 2024, prompted by requests from the Guatemalan National Civil Police and the prosecutor’s office. A recent raid on the sect’s compound on December 20 resulted in the rescue of over 200 individuals, predominantly children and women, amid allegations of abuse, further highlighting the sect’s controversial practices.

The Lev Tahor sect is an extremist Ultra-Orthodox Jewish group known for its secretive nature and controversial practices. The group has faced numerous allegations, including human trafficking, forced marriage, and child abuse, leading to increased scrutiny by authorities in multiple countries. The recent events surrounding Jonathan Castillo’s arrest are part of broader concerns about the sect’s activities, especially following a major raid in Guatemala that exposed significant instances of abuse within their communities. This context is crucial for understanding the implications of Castillo’s actions and the dangers posed by such sects.

In conclusion, the case of Jonathan Castillo serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with extremist sects like Lev Tahor. His arrest underscores the pressing need for vigilant law enforcement collaboration across borders to address serious allegations of abuse and trafficking. As investigations continue, the rescue of vulnerable individuals from such groups remains a high priority, reflecting society’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of children and women who may be affected by these activities.

Original Source: www.ynetnews.com