A Los Angeles model who cultivated a public image of international jet-setting luxury is now confronting a serious array of criminal allegations. Prosecutors assert that behind the glamorous social media posts lay a calculated pattern of theft, extortion, and burglary targeting numerous individuals.
The Allegations and the Growing List of Victims
Adva Lavie, 27, has been indicted on multiple felony counts, including burglary and extortion. Investigators allege she used dating applications, social media, and personal relationships to single out her victims, who were frequently wealthy older men. She is accused of posing as a girlfriend, travel companion, or friend to gain access to their homes and financial accounts, subsequently stealing cash, credit cards, and high-value designer goods.
The charges originate from alleged incidents involving at least five victims across Los Angeles County. However, since the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department issued a public appeal for more victims in October, over ten additional people have contacted detectives with similar claims, according to Detective Angela Lopez. "It wasn't just elderly men," Lopez told the Los Angeles Times. "It evolved to basically anyone she had an opportunity to steal from."
Lavie was formally charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office on November 4 and surrendered two days later. She has pleaded not guilty to charges of extortion, grand theft, and first-degree burglary. A special circumstance alleges she committed a violent crime against a vulnerable person. She is currently on home detention with an electronic ankle monitor. Her next court date is scheduled for January 14.
A Glamorous Facade and Disturbing Encounters
Authorities state that Lavie's carefully curated image was central to her alleged scheme. Detectives say she would often arrive in luxury vehicles, such as a black Porsche Macan SUV or a white Mercedes coupe, presenting herself as a successful international model. This persona is said to have played a key role in gaining the trust of her targets.
The case gained further dimension with testimony from lingerie model Amber Karis Bassick. Bassick accepted what she believed was an innocent invitation from Lavie for a content-creation trip to Ibiza. Upon arrival, Bassick discovered the hotel room was unpaid and she was pressured to cover costs. She described a disturbing pattern where Lavie focused on finding wealthy older men to pay their way, allegedly photographing their credit cards when unattended.
"I thought this trip was a girl's trip to make content, but for [Lavie,] the whole trip was just to use me to attract her next victims," Bassick said. Feeling unsafe, she cut the trip short. "All she wanted to do was hunt for rich older men," she added.
Incidents Beyond Dating: Podcasts and Aliases
Allegations extended beyond dating scenarios. Following Lavie's appearance on the Access Vegas podcast in November, several guests reported missing credit cards and cash. Guest Eden Lynn said two credit cards and $400 vanished. Weeks later, unauthorised charges from a Beverly Hills hair salon appeared on her card; the appointment was allegedly booked under the name 'Mia Ventura'.
Law enforcement officials confirm Lavie has used multiple aliases, including Mia Ventura, Shoshana, and Shana, and presented varying personal histories. Investigators allege her focus was consistently on high-end items like designer handbags, jewellery, and cash. Reports linked to Lavie have surfaced in Southern California, Nevada, Florida, France, and Italy as detectives work to determine the full scope of the alleged crimes.
When contacted by the Daily Mail in October, Lavie suggested she was a victim of a conspiracy, stating, "I think when you probably hang out with someone really powerful and someone really connected, if you p*** them off, it's problematic." Her once-active social media presence has largely vanished since the charges were filed. Detectives continue to urge anyone who believes they may have been victimised to come forward.
