Before the Japanika arson: what did the arsonist ask ChatGPT?
According to the indictment filed against Hanan Yaakov and Osher Bayach, the latter inquired about the charges for burning down a shop and the length of prison sentences. The accusations state that the two set fire to the branch while an employee was inside.
Hanan Yaakov and Osher Bayach, suspected of setting fire to the Japanika branch in Givatayim, are accused of committing the act in the early morning hours while an employee was inside, before fleeing the scene.
According to the indictment, the two equipped themselves with 4.5 liters of flammable material, gloves, face masks, and ignition tools. They arrived at the restaurant on an electric scooter. While wearing hoodies and other means to hinder identification, Yaakov emptied the bottles of flammable material onto the restaurant's doors and windows, as well as on the surrounding vegetation. Afterward, he ignited the material, ran toward Bayach, and the two fled.
The damage to the restaurant is estimated at approximately 13,500 shekels. The two are charged with arson under aggravating circumstances. In the request to extend their detention, the state claimed that a correspondence with ChatGPT was found on Bayach's mobile phone prior to the incident. In it, he inquired about the law regarding burning down a shop and the length of prison sentences in such cases.
"What if the place is closed and no one is around?" he asked the AI.
The prosecution claims the state possesses security camera footage documenting their departure from Rehovot, their arrival in Bnei Brak, their travel toward the restaurant, the arson itself, and their escape route. Furthermore, the arrest request details testimonies from the drivers who transported them and findings from their mobile phones.
An additional charge was filed against Bayach regarding his arrest. According to the indictment, on August 5, police officers arrived at Yaakov Tuchman Street in Rehovot to arrest him. After the officers identified themselves and asked for his name, it is alleged that Bayach impersonated a person named Yuval Bitao and attempted to escape on foot.
