Adva Lavie, the 28-year-old former Penthouse Pet also known as Mia Ventura, made a dramatic dash from a Van Nuys, California courthouse on Monday after a judge ordered her to surrender her Israeli passport. According to the New York Post, the model and influencer is accused of using her looks and online persona to target wealthy older men in the Los Angeles area.
Courtroom Drama Unfolds
Prosecutors revealed that Lavie had obtained an Israeli passport on March 25, which they argued violated her bail terms following her arrest. Detectives presented evidence including a recording from the Israeli Consulate confirming the passport issuance and GPS data from Lavie's ankle monitor placing her at the consulate that day. Prosecutors labeled her a serious 'flight risk' and requested her bail be increased to $1 million, along with immediate surrender of the passport.
Lavie's lawyer countered that she obtained the passport solely for marriage purposes, claiming she planned to wed billionaire Stephen Cloobeck in Jerusalem on June 18. However, the judge declined to raise bail but imposed stricter conditions: Lavie must stay away from airports and the Israeli Consulate, and cannot leave Los Angeles County without court permission. When asked if she understood, Lavie replied, 'I understand everything you say. I will follow.' The judge warned that any future violations would result in bail 'so high no one will be able to bail you out.'
Allegations of Targeting Wealthy Men
Authorities accuse Lavie of using her appearance and online persona to lure wealthy older men in Los Angeles. Investigators say she posed as a glamorous companion on social media, then allegedly gained access to victims' homes and stole cash, gold, luxury items, and designer goods. The Los Angeles County District Attorney stated that Lavie cultivated relationships with victims met online, sometimes pretending to be a girlfriend or travel companion before allegedly robbing them.
Lavie faces six felony charges, including grand theft, identity-related offenses, and residential burglary, for alleged crimes between 2023 and 2025. She has appeared in Playboy and Penthouse and claims to be Israel's top OnlyFans model. If convicted on all counts, she could face up to 11 years and eight months in state prison.
Background and Reactions
Lavie's case has drawn significant media attention, with reports covering her dramatic court exit and the high-profile nature of her engagement to Cloobeck. The judge's strict warnings and the prosecution's concerns highlight the seriousness of the charges. As the legal proceedings continue, Lavie remains under close supervision, with her movements heavily restricted.
