Prominent Defense Attorney Charged with Extortion and Threats

Central District Attorney's Office has filed an indictment against well-known defense attorney Alon Kriti for extortion and threats. According to the indictment, a former client owed Kriti and a relative of his 40,000 shekels. Recordings obtained by Channel 12 News capture Kriti threatening the complainant, stating, "I won't let you go." Following the arrival of two known criminals at the complainant's home, he contacted the police, reporting, "I have threats on my life."

The indictment details that the complainant borrowed 50,000 shekels from Kriti in 2025 and repaid 30,000 shekels. Early this year, he borrowed an additional 20,000 shekels from Kriti's relative, a sum that remains unreturned according to the indictment. The threats escalated beyond messages and recordings, with two individuals known to the police reportedly visiting the complainant's home in Kiryat Malakhi to collect the debt.

After the individuals left, the complainant called the police emergency number, reporting threats of murder. A covert investigation was launched by the Kiryat Malakhi police, identifying the suspect as a criminal defense lawyer. Kriti, who previously represented the husband of a advisor to Minister May Golan, continued to send threatening messages even after the visit, including "You are invited to complain" and "I won't let you go." He also wrote, "I'll check if you are home from time to time, so I know when to come. We need to talk. Next time I will come."

During his interrogation, Kriti denied the accusations. "All the evidence led to a serious indictment against the suspect," stated Sergeant Major Dov Pano. Kriti is currently under house arrest with electronic monitoring until the legal proceedings conclude.