Top-league Israeli soccer player arrested on fresh suspicion of gambling and match-fixing

Israeli police say an active top-league soccer player was arrested by Lahav 433 on suspicion of gambling and match-fixing. Police indicate he did not act alone and expect further arrests.

Israeli police said Wednesday morning that a top-league soccer player arrested earlier that day on fresh suspicion of gambling and match-fixing did not act alone, and that further arrests are expected. The statement came after the player was taken into custody by Lahav 433 officers, adding a new line of investigation to a probe that had already led to an arrest on Tuesday.

On Tuesday at 08:41, Israeli police announced the arrest of a top-league player on suspicion of match-fixing, money laundering, tax offenses, and illegal gambling on a massive scale, as part of an inquiry into a Migdal HaEmek organized crime gang. At 08:50, a Lahav 433 source told N12 that the first arrest was 'just the opening shot' and that additional figures from the sports world may face investigation — a warning that materialized with Wednesday's arrest. The source's warning, reported by The Zioneer at the time, framed the probe as one that would expand.

As The Zioneer reported on Tuesday at 08:50, the Lahav 433 source described a 'body of evidence' indicating 'particularly severe conduct' in Israeli sports. The probe is separate from earlier police raids on organized crime in Migdal HaEmek, as N12 first reported Tuesday at 08:41.

It is not yet known whether Wednesday's fresh suspicion relates to the same Migdal HaEmek-linked investigation or constitutes a separate inquiry. Police have not named the player or specified the club, and no charges have been filed.

8 developments

1. 11 hours ago · 08:59 · 15 JunLatest

   The player denies all allegations and vows full cooperation with investigators

2. 10:21 · 14 Jun

   Suspect identified as Maccabi Haifa player Omer Dahan

3. 10:10 · 14 Jun

   Police indicate the suspect did not act alone and expect further arrests

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