Police raided a fortified compound in the northern city of Nazareth overnight Wednesday, arresting eight suspects on suspicion of belonging to a crime organization and carrying out extensive criminal activity. The operation was led by the undercover Mista'arvim unit of the Tactical Brigade, together with Northern District police and fighters from the Northern National Guard of the Border Police.
According to the police statement, the compound was being used to direct the gang’s criminal operations. The raid was carried out under the policy of Northern District Commander Maj. Gen. Meir Eliyahu, as part of an ongoing campaign against crime families and gangs operating in Nazareth and the surrounding area. As the forces entered, with drones overhead and undercover officers on the ground, several people tried to flee. Detectives and National Guard fighters pursued them on foot and arrested the escapees.
Among those detained were senior figures in the organization, and investigators say they are suspected of involvement in broad criminal activity run from the fortified site. A thorough search of the compound after the arrests uncovered tens of thousands of shekels, fake police identification caps, a vest, and technological equipment allegedly used by the group.
Police said the findings point to organized and sophisticated activity, including the use of counterfeit police gear and advanced technological tools. The suspects were taken for questioning, and police said they are expected to ask the Nazareth-Nof HaGalil Magistrate’s Court later on Wednesday to extend the detention of some of them. The force said it will continue working against illegal weapons, violence, and organized crime to protect public safety and bring offenders to justice.
