Brother of Suspect in Caucasus Crime Boss Murder Arrested, Cooperates with Police

Israeli police have arrested the brother of the main suspect in the August 23 assassination of Caucasus mafia boss Yanis Yushubayev in Caesarea. The brother, who was detained earlier this week, is suspected of aiding the killer and obstructing the investigation. Unlike his brother, who has maintained his right to silence, the arrested sibling is cooperating with investigators, denying any involvement in the murder and providing an alibi that police are expected to examine.

His detention has been extended until Monday. Police previously stated that despite the main suspect's silence, they have gathered evidence linking him to the assassination. Investigators from the coastal district's central unit, along with the special police unit Yamam, are continuing a wide-ranging investigation and searching for additional suspects involved in the murder and its aftermath.

The main suspect was apprehended in aחדרה (Hadera) apartment building storage room two days after Yushubayev's murder, an event that caused significant concern in the north and raised fears of retaliatory attacks. The police indicated they are nearing the stage of filing a prosecutor's statement, paving the way for a serious indictment by the state prosecution.

The lawyer for both brothers, Yaron Shimron, stated that the main suspect continues to exercise his right to silence, and he is not concerned by police claims of nearing an indictment, citing past instances of what he called "empty boasts." Regarding the brother, Shimron expressed hope that investigators would examine his alibi and lead to his release.