Colombian authorities have rescued 17 minors believed to be connected to the ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect Lev Tahor, as investigations into alleged abuse and exploitation within the group continue to unfold across multiple countries[[1]]. The recent operation, resulting in five children being placed on Interpol search warrants for suspected kidnapping and human trafficking[[2]], highlights an escalating international effort targeting the sect, founded in the 1980s and accused of practices including forced marriage and isolation[[3]]. The rescued children are reportedly from Guatemala, the United States, and Canada, signaling the group’s attempts to evade law enforcement by relocating across borders.
Colombian authorities have rescued 17 minors believed to be connected to the Orthodox Jewish sect Lev Tahor, with five of the children subject to Interpol search warrants related to kidnapping and human trafficking, officials confirmed Sunday, November 23, 2025.
The operation, carried out Saturday, comes as the group faces increasing scrutiny over allegations of abuse and exploitation in multiple countries. According to a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, “There are international alerts for crimes against minors associated with this community.”
Lev Tahor, which practices a strict form of Judaism where women are required to wear full black garments covering them from head to toe, has been under investigation for alleged mistreatment of children in several nations. The rescued minors originate from Guatemala, the United States, and Canada, according to a police report.
Migration Colombia indicated that authorities believe the group was seeking a country with fewer restrictions on what they described as “presumed irregular activities.” “There are indications that some may have been kidnapped, potentially constituting a scenario of human trafficking under the guise of religious doctrine,” the agency stated.
This latest incident underscores a growing international effort to address concerns surrounding the Lev Tahor sect and protect vulnerable children. In December 2024, authorities in Guatemala rescued 160 children who were in the group’s custody. Several Lev Tahor members were subsequently arrested and charged with crimes including human trafficking, forced pregnancy, and forced marriage of minors.
The sect was founded in the 1980s and established a presence in Guatemala in 2013. It has also faced conflicts with authorities in Mexico and Canada. The case highlights the challenges of addressing alleged abuses within insular religious communities and the complexities of international cooperation in cases of suspected trafficking and exploitation.
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