Prominent Lawyer Charged with Extortion and Threats

The Central District Prosecutor'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. Exclusive recordings obtained by Channel 12 News capture Kriti threatening the complainant, stating, "Within an hour, I'll be at your house, you bum." Following the arrival of two known criminals at the complainant's home, he contacted the police, reporting, "I am receiving death threats."

Kriti, who previously represented the husband of a government advisor after a drug lab was discovered at their home, allegedly made the threats via messages and recordings. In one recording, he is heard saying, "You homosexual, you crook, remember what I'm telling you, within an hour, an hour at your house, you bum." The indictment details that the complainant borrowed 50,000 shekels from Kriti in 2025, repaying only 30,000. He then borrowed an additional 20,000 shekels from Kriti's relative earlier this year, which remains unreturned.

Further evidence suggests the threats escalated when two individuals known to the police visited the complainant's home in Kiryat Malakhi, allegedly to collect the debt. After they left, the complainant called the police emergency number, reporting, "I am receiving threats to my life... death threats were sent to me here." The Kiryat Malakhi police initiated a covert investigation, identifying the suspect as a criminal defense lawyer.

Even after the visit to his home, Kriti allegedly continued to send threatening messages, including, "You are welcome to complain... and as I said, if the need arises, I will pay the price. I will not let you go." Another message read, "Bye sweetie, they will check for me that you are home from time to time, just so I know to come. We need to talk. This time they came to check and said you weren't home so I didn't come, next time I will come."

During his interrogation, Kriti denied the allegations. However, based on the evidence, a serious indictment was filed. Kriti is currently under house arrest with electronic monitoring until the conclusion of legal proceedings.