Third Suspect Arrested in Murder of Caucasus Crime Boss

Israeli police have arrested a third suspect in connection with the assassination of Yanis Yushbayev, believed to be the head of the Caucasus mafia, who was shot dead last month at a gas station near Caesarea. The Coastal District Special Patrol Unit (YAMAR) made the arrest on Tuesday, and police intend to request an extension of the suspect's detention in court based on the ongoing investigation's findings.

Yushbayev, 45, a resident of Or Akiva, was fatally shot on August 23 as he was leaving a restaurant at a gas station. Paramedics provided medical treatment and attempted resuscitation but he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center in Hadera.

Immediately following the murder, police arrested the primary suspect, who was captured on security cameras shooting Yushbayev in the back of the head. Investigators believe this main suspect, a known property offender, did not act alone and had accomplices. A second suspect was arrested two weeks ago in connection with the killing.

The main suspect has denied involvement in the murder. His attorney, Yaron Shomron, stated that his client maintains his denial and believes the picture will become clearer in the coming days, leading to his client's release, noting that the court significantly reduced the initial detention period requested by police.