What happened:

Yoni Cohen, an Israeli TikTok star known for showcasing his wealth on the platform, was the victim of a violent robbery when disguised thieves, donning Wolt courier uniforms, stole his luxury vehicle.

Disturbing details:

The robbers forcibly entered Cohen’s residence in the exclusive Holyland Park complex in Jerusalem, incapacitated him with zip ties, and demanded he transfers money and hands over expensive watches. Shockingly, they left Cohen bound and tossed into a bomb shelter, and his wife tied up while their baby remained unattended in the crib.

Why it matters:

Not only does the incident underscore the dangers of oversharing on social media, but it also demonstrates a brazen level of criminal activity within urban areas, highlighting concerns over public safety and personal privacy.

The aftermath:

With the detailed testimony provided by Cohen, local police tracked down the stolen car near Sacher Park. The confrontation left one suspected robber seriously injured after running over an officer and getting shot, while the rest of the bandits have been apprehended. The case remains under investigation as police work to uncover the full narrative behind the harrowing ordeal.

Statement by Yoni Cohen:

An emotional Cohen recounts how he thought the faux-couriers were odd but assumed his wife had ordered something, noting, “It seems strange to me that Wolt people would knock on the door… For some reason, I opened the door, and this is what happened.” Pondering on the role social media might have played in targeting him, he says, “I think this has something to do with my posts on social networks, they were mainly looking for money.”

Takeaway:

Cohen’s frightening experience serves as a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls awaiting those who publicly flaunt their affluence, inviting unwanted attention from criminal elements and putting family safety at risk.

This story was first published on ynetnews.com.