A court on Thursday rules to keep behind bars an Israeli-American teenager accused of making dozens of anti-Semitic bomb threats in the United States that have stirred a political backlash.
The 18-year-old’s latest court appearance comes as reports emerged that his bitcoin account was estimated to be worth millions of shekels.
Haaretz reports that the finding raised suspicions that he was being paid in the virtual currency for the threats, though another report alleges he was believed to have sold forged documents online as well.
Police say the Rishon Lezion court extends the suspect’s remand until April 18, following his arrest on March 23 after an investigation that included the FBI.
His identity remained under a gag order, though authorities have confirmed he was arrested in the Israeli city of Ashkelon.
In recent days, his mother and father have given television interviews saying their son was ill and not motivated by hatred, adding that they were unaware of his alleged activities and apologizing. His lawyer told the court last week that he has a brain tumor and suffers from autism.
— AFP
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