Authorities in Los Angeles are investigating a troubling series of allegations involving a former Playboy / Penthouse model who allegedly exploited dating apps to defraud a number of “older men,” law enforcement sources said. The case, which has received widespread media attention, highlights both the vulnerability of people seeking romance online and the risks when trust is weaponized.

Who is the Suspect?

The suspect isAdva Lavie, also known by stage namesMia Ventura,Shoshana, or Shana. She is 27 years old. It is reported that she once modeled for OnlyFans and posed for Penthouse and Playboy publications.

Lavie is alleged to have operated under several aliases and used online dating platforms or social media to contact older men, present herself as a romantic companion, gain their trust, and then commit thefts from their homes.

What the Authorities Say

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the LAPD:

Lavie allegedly targeted older men (though younger victims are not ruled out) by using social media or dating apps.

She posed as a girlfriend or romantic companion to gain access to victims’ homes, where she is accused of stealing high-value items including cash, credit cards, jewelry, handbags, designer clothing.

At least 10 victims have come forward officially, though law enforcement says they have received dozens of calls that may expand the number of victims.

She has been arrested (in May) by LAPD, but released on bail. Detectives have circulated her photos and images of the vehicles she drives—a black Porsche and a white Mercedes‑Benz.

What Victims Say

While many detailed testimonies are yet to emerge in full or remain confidential, some victim accounts reported to media include:

Meeting Lavie through a dating app or social media; the suspect would present herself as romantically interested.

Inviting her to their home under a romantic pretext. After she leaves, victims noticed valuables missing

Victims describe her personality as charming and convincing, enough so that victims believed in her romantic interest.

Unconfirmed / Disputed Details

As with many ongoing investigations, several details remain unverified or subject to dispute:

It is not clear in every case exactly what items were taken, or whether law enforcement has recovered stolen property. Some reports cite jewelry, designer items, cash; others are more generic.

The exact number of incidents is uncertain. While “at least 10” victims have come forward, there might be more.
The legal charges that Lavie will face are not fully disclosed in all reports. Some articles only refer to “residential burglaries” and thefts.

The motive beyond financial gain (e.g. whether there is an element of psychological manipulation beyond the theft) is not yet fully documented.

How the Scheme Allegedly Worked

Putting together the reported facts, here is a profile of how the alleged scheme operated:

Contact via dating apps/social media: Lavie reportedly used these platforms to initiate contact with older men, presenting a romantic interest.

Persona construction: She allegedly used alluring profiles and aliases (including her model / Playboy / Penthouse background) to bolster credibility. Some sources claim she also used images of luxury vehicles.

Invitation to the victim’s home: Once trust was established, Lavie would accept invitations to visit the victim’s home as a romantic companion. During or after the visit, victims later discovered items missing.

Theft of valuables: The alleged stolen items include cash, jewelry, designer handbags or clothing, credit cards, etc.

Use of aliases / multiple names / fake identities: Multiple names and profiles reportedly used to deflect identification.

Police Response & Status of Investigation

Detectives have released images of Lavie and of the vehicles she drives in order to encourage more victims to come forward.

Law enforcement is urging anyone who suspects they were victimized to contact either the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department or LAPD, stating that more reports are still being collected.

Lavie was arrested in May and released on bail; her current whereabouts and whether she remains out or is under supervision are part of the investigation.

Broader Context & Similar Cases

This alleged scheme is reminiscent of other fraud / romance scam cases, where perpetrators use emotional or romantic relationships to access victims. Some similar high‑profile investigations include:

The case ofAurora Phelps, a 43‑year‑old woman in Nevada, charged with multiple counts of fraud, identity theft, and kidnapping, accused of targeting older men via dating apps, using sedatives, stealing money, and in some cases, alleged deaths.

Various “gigolo job” scams in India, where men seeking payments for being called “playboys” or escorts are asked to pay upfront fees for training, registration, or equipment, and then the job never materializes.

These cases together show a pattern: financial and emotional deception, the use of celebrity or glamour imagery to lure victims, and a reliance on the victim’s unwillingness to go to police (often due to embarrassment).

Legal & Ethical Implications

The allegations against Lavie (if proved) implicate multiple crimes:

Residential burglary

Theft

Possibly identity fraud if credit cards or personal identities were misused

Potentially theft from vulnerable individuals (older men) which may aggravate the severity of sentencing

Ethically, the case raises questions about:

The duty of dating platforms and social media to verify or monitor profiles used for fraudulent behavior

The vulnerability of individuals seeking companionship and the ways in which loneliness can be exploited

The responsibility of the public and law enforcement to treat “romance scams” seriously rather than dismissing them as mere embarrassment

Impact on Victims

From what is reported:

Victims have lost expensive items and often face the emotional toll of betrayal. The sense of having been deceived in a personal and intimate way adds to financial loss.

Some victims may be reluctant to identify themselves publicly or cooperate because of shame, fear of being judged, or concerns about their privacy.

The ripple effect includes distrust in online dating platforms and increased anxiety among older individuals about who to trust.

Questions Remaining / What Are We Still Trying to Find Out

Even as the investigation proceeds, several key questions are still under scrutiny:

How many total victims are there, including unreported cases?

Were any legal charges filed specifically for fraud, identity theft, or other financial crimes (beyond burglary)?

How many victims had personal data compromised (credit cards, IDs) and whether credit monitoring or restitution will be available?

Whether law enforcement will establish patterns of alias usage and track down bank accounts used in the thefts.

What the defense from Lavie (or her lawyers) is, if she has publicly responded to the allegations.

Protecting Yourself: Safety Tips for Dating App Users

Drawing lessons from reported cases, here are some practical tips to reduce the risk of being victimized in a similar scheme:

Keep initial interactions through the app – avoid moving too quickly to sharing personal info or inviting someone to your home.

Do background checks – search online for names, profile images; reverse image search can sometimes reveal reused images.

Observe red flags:

Someone professing strong romantic interest very quickly

Refusal to meet in public or insistence on visiting your home first

Requests for help with expenses, travel, equipment, or fees for “registration” for work or gigsAvoid paying upfront to get a job — legitimate employers do not usually require fees for applying to or securing a position.

Keep valuables and financial info secure — avoid allowing someone into your home unless you have full trust; lock up sensitive documents.

Report suspicious behavior to relevant authorities and platforms; even if you are embarrassed, your case might help prevent others from being victims.

Conclusion

The allegations against Adva Lavie, aka Mia Ventura / Shoshana, paint a disturbing picture of romance used as a weapon. Law enforcement claims that she used dating apps, social media, and alias identities to lure mostly older men, gain entry to their homes under romantic pretenses, and steal valuables. At least ten victims have come forward; dozens more may exist.

While many aspects are still being confirmed—how many incidents occurred, the exact stolen amounts, and the legal outcomes—this case serves as a sobering reminder of how personal vulnerability, especially when combined with loneliness, trust, and desire for companionship, can be exploited. It also underscores an urgent need for both individual caution and systemic protection via platforms, law enforcement, and societal awareness.

For those who believe they may have been victimized by this or a similar scam, authorities in LA have released contact information for detectives. Coming forward can help recover losses, aid legal prosecution, and prevent further victims.