A covert police officer who posed as a business owner at the Be'er Sheva industrial zone successfully gathered evidence against dozens of suspects in a protection racket run by organized crime figures from the Bedouin diaspora. The suspects demanded tens of thousands of shekels in "security fees." Early this morning, the investigation was rolled up: police conducted a large-scale raid and arrested dozens of suspects, police spokesperson said.
In an operation spanning months, an undercover police officer successfully infiltrated a protection racket network operating in the Be'er Sheva industrial zone. Posing as a business owner, the officer recorded dozens of suspects — mainly from Bedouin organized crime circles — who demanded tens of thousands of shekels in extortion fees for "protection." The investigation was made public early Monday morning when police executed a large-scale raid and arrested dozens of suspects.
The crackdown comes amid a broader police effort against protection rackets in Israel. As The Zioneer previously reported, the State Prosecution in June indicted three men for a similar racket in south Tel Aviv's Pardes Daka neighborhood, operating between 2023 and 2026. Earlier in June, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced millions in aid for victims of such extortion and called for tougher enforcement.
Police spokesperson released documentation of the raid, but no further details on charges or court appearances were immediately available. The investigation is ongoing.
2 developments
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- DevelopingPolice Commissioner promises fair and lawful elections
- DevelopingPolice Commissioner Danny Levi reportedly threatens to close police spokespeople division
- DevelopingPolice commissioner reportedly reprimands spokespeople over Haredi protest enforcement
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