Fugitive Israeli rabbi accused of sex crimes arrested

Head of the Israeli Shuvu Banim community, Rabbi Eliezer Berland has been arrested in Johannesburg, South Africa, according to the Zionist daily, Haaretz.

Berland was on the run for three years, skipping across three continents since 2013, among Canada, Morocco, Zimbabwe, Holland and elsewhere.

He is suspected of commiting sexual offenses, especially against women who were a part of his community, Shuvu Banim.

Some complainants had been inside a room with him seeking advice or a blessing.

Berland's lawyer Sharon Nahari confirmed his arrest and said Israel has filed a request for extradition.