Jerusalem, 9 November, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Some 500 police officers, Border Police fighters and special units arrested 59 suspects in a nationwide crackdown Monday on organized crime groups accused of extorting protection payments from businesses.
The operation targeted several crime families, including Abu Latif, Sweed, Hamdoun and Hariri, and involved 15 separate extortion investigations across Israel.
Among those arrested was a northern Israeli council head who allegedly manages a security company used to provide criminal groups with accounting cover. The former police officer received Israel’s Medal of Distinction in 2003.
Police said the suspects allegedly pressured contractors into purchasing fictitious security services, claiming to protect their property. In reality, no security was provided, while businesses were forced to pay between NIS 8,000 and NIS 12,000 ($2,200-$3,300) monthly per construction site.
