A 27-year-old Israeli model and content creator is at the center of a sprawling Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department investigation, accused of orchestrating a sophisticated dating app scheme to burglarize wealthy, older men. Adva Lavi, who also uses the names Mia Ventura, Shosana, and Shauna, is the subject of a special bulletin as detectives allege she used her online persona to gain access to luxury homes before stealing high-value items.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department issued the bulletin on October 8th, warning the public and seeking potential victims. Detectives from the Malibu/Lost Hills station state Lavi has been involved in a series of residential burglaries across the county. Her alleged method involves posing as a romantic companion on social media and dating platforms to connect with targets.
Authorities included photos of two vehicles—a black Porsche SUV and a white Mercedes-Benz sedan—linked to the suspect. The bulletin describes Lavi as 5’7”, 104 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. While no formal charges have been filed in this specific investigation, the department’s public appeal suggests a pattern they believe spans multiple jurisdictions and victims.
Lavi’s background adds a layer of notoriety to the case. A former Israeli Defense Forces soldier and flight attendant, she gained prominence as a model featured in Playboy and Penthouse magazines. In 2022, she was announced as a creator for the subscription platform HoneyDrip. Her social media profiles are replete with images showcasing designer clothing, exotic vacations, and lavish lifestyles.
The 𝒶𝓁𝓁𝑒𝑔𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓸𝓃𝓈, however, extend beyond the dating app scheme. Several individuals have come forward with claims of theft in other contexts. Podcaster Michael Sartine, host of Access Vegas, told media outlets that Lavi was a guest on his show and allegedly stole credit cards and cash from the purses of female panelists in the green room before calmly participating in the recording.
One of those alleged victims stated Lavi then attempted to use a stolen American Express card to book an expensive hair appointment at a Beverly Hills salon under the name Mia Ventura. The salon reportedly retained FaceTime consultation videos, which could provide crucial digital evidence linking Lavi to the fraudulent transaction.
Further accusations involve an incident in France. Adult film star Cody Steel claimed that while on a work trip, Lavi stole designer items from everyone in their shared Airbnb group. French police allegedly intervened and recovered the stolen goods. These accounts paint a picture of a suspect whose alleged thefts were not limited to romantic liaisons.
Lavi was previously arrested on a felony charge in May, booking records show. She posted bail, but details of the charge and its disposition remain unclear. Legal experts suggest this prior contact with law enforcement could influence the current probe, potentially allowing new charges to be consolidated with any pending case or establishing a pattern of behavior.
In a brief and unusual response to the mounting 𝒶𝓁𝓁𝑒𝑔𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓸𝓃𝓈, Lavi spoke to the Daily Mail. She claimed she was unaware of the investigation until contacted and suggested she may have angered a powerful individual. “I think when you probably hang up with someone really powerful and someone really connected, if you piss them off, it’s problematic because they can really mess you over,” she stated before ending the call.
Legal analyst and trial attorney Adante Pointer, who discussed the case on the Sidebar podcast, noted the rarity of such a public bulletin before specific charges are filed. He interpreted it as a “clarion call” for more victims to come forward, which could lead to more severe charges and penalties. Pointer emphasized that social media activity would be a primary focus for investigators.
“Social media is a treasure trove for law enforcement,” Pointer stated. He explained that posts showcasing luxury items could be used to identify stolen property, while direct messages and location data could help establish connections to alleged victims and timelines for the purported crimes.
Potential charges could range from grand larceny and residential burglary at the state level to federal charges like wire fraud if interstate communication or transport of stolen goods is involved. Pointer suggested federal prosecutors might take interest if the stolen property’s value reaches a high six-figure sum or if the scheme demonstrates significant complexity.
The defense in such a case, Pointer speculated, would likely hinge on claiming the items were gifts or that there is no concrete evidence linking the suspect to the alleged thefts. The sensitive nature of the alleged interactions—older men meeting a younger woman through dating apps—may also complicate the prosecution, as some victims could be reluctant to publicly come forward.
The LA County Sheriff’s Department has provided direct contact information for the lead detectives and encouraged tips to be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers. However, Pointer cautioned that true anonymity may be fleeting if a case proceeds to trial, as defendants have a constitutional right to confront their accusers.
As the investigation continues to unfold, detectives are meticulously corroborating tips and evidence. The digital paper trail from dating apps, financial transactions, and social media is expected to play a pivotal role. The case underscores the evolving nature of crime in the digital age, where online personas can be weaponized to facilitate offline theft.
Authorities urge anyone who believes they may have been victimized or who has information on Lavi’s whereabouts to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Malibu/Lost Hills Station. The search for the model remains active, with law enforcement piecing together a complex puzzle of 𝒶𝓁𝓁𝑒𝑔𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓸𝓃𝓈 that span from intimate dates to international travel.