Protection racket in Israel: The gang that terrorized national institutions is exposed
A covert and overt investigation by Lahav 433 led to the filing of a prosecutor's statement against those involved in the extortion of a local council and sewage facilities. Among the items seized: Rolex watches worth hundreds of thousands of shekels and luxury vehicles.
Following the arrests on July 6, 2026, and an intensive investigation by the Northern Protection Racket Division of Lahav 433 and the Erez Unit of the Border Police, the Northern District Attorney's Office filed a prosecutor's statement today regarding the intent to indict five suspects in the case dubbed 'Protection Waters'.
The court granted the request to extend the suspects' detention until Thursday to facilitate the filing of formal indictments and a request for detention until the end of proceedings.
The five individuals are suspected of collecting protection money and extorting a local council in the north, as well as critical national sewage treatment facilities. They also face charges related to money laundering and tax ordinance violations.
During the searches, authorities seized luxury vehicles, checks, stamps, invoices, and Rolex watches valued at 300,000 NIS. The police intend to seek the forfeiture of all seized assets at the conclusion of the legal process.
The Israel Police stated:
'The Israel Police will continue to wage a stubborn and uncompromising war against criminal organizations and protection gangs, using all tools at our disposal to crush the phenomenon of extortion, protect the public, and restore personal security to the streets.'
