Following a years-long covert investigation, Israeli police will file indictments this morning (Sunday) against 12 suspects believed to be members of the Abu Latif crime organization. The suspects were arrested 40 days ago in a massive police raid and have been under investigation for violent extortion, rigging government and municipal tenders, and coercing high-profile business figures.
A Monopoly Built on Fear and Force
According to investigators, the suspects used threats and violence to control public tenders—at both national and local levels—creating an illegal monopoly over lucrative contracting work across Israel. Police allege that the Abu Latif group operated under the guise of a brutal and notorious crime syndicate.
Extortion Worth Hundreds of Millions
The criminal group is suspected of attempting to take over tenders worth hundreds of millions of shekels, using threats and coercion in cities such as Nof HaGalil, Netanya, Rishon Lezion, Yarka, Jdeideh-Makr, Kabul, I’billin, Julis, Sha’ab, and Abu Snan.
Investigators also linked the suspects to large-scale economic crimes, including issuing fraudulent invoices and placing explosive devices in the vehicles of business rivals.
Multi-Agency Operation
The case is considered one of the most complex organized crime investigations in Israel in recent years. It was conducted by the Northern District’s Central Unit and the National Economic Crime Unit of Lahav 433, in coordination with the Tax Authority, the Anti-Money Laundering Authority, Haifa Income Tax Office, and the Economic Division of the State Attorney’s Office.
A years-long, large-scale undercover investigation:
Arrest footage | Photo: Israel Police Spokesperson’s Unit
Police Statement:
“Israel Police is committed to enhancing the safety of all law-abiding citizens and will continue its uncompromising fight against organized crime in order to bring offenders to justice.”
