Stephen Cloobeck
Allegedly Leaned On Witness in Fiancée’s Scamming Case
Published
Billionaire Stephen Cloobeck‘s surprising arrest is tied directly to the criminal case surrounding his fiancée, Adva Lavie … TMZ has learned.
TMZ broke the story … Cloobeck was arrested Tuesday in L.A. on a felony charge connected to discouraging a witness from testifying, and we’re told investigators believe that witness was tied to Lavie’s ongoing theft case.
Lavie — a former Penthouse Pet — is accused of targeting wealthy men through dating apps and social circles … allegedly stealing luxury goods, cash and personal information. She has pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges.
According to prosecutors, Cloobeck attempted to dissuade or prevent 3 of Lavie’s alleged victims from testifying against her.
He’s also been charged with a misdemeanor for “annoying telephone calls” to a 4th man reportedly connected to her case.
The arrest marks a stunning escalation in the legal drama surrounding the billionaire businessman and his fiancée … whose lavish Jerusalem wedding plans were already hanging by a thread after a judge ordered Lavie to surrender her passport and remain in California pending trial.
Cloobeck was booked Tuesday and later released on $300,000 bond. So far, neither he nor his attorney has publicly commented.
