Arson Suspected in Beer Sheva Vehicle Scrapyard Fire Amid Protection Racket Probe
A fire broke out on Sunday at a vehicle scrapyard in Beer Sheva, with firefighters quickly gaining control of the blaze. Six private vehicles, a municipal cleaning truck, and approximately seven ATVs were destroyed in the incident, which occurred on Yishmael Street. Police forces were present at the scene alongside fire and rescue teams. Firefighters are continuing final extinguishing operations and tackling remaining hotspots, according to the Israel Fire and Rescue Services.
The background to the fire is still under investigation, with arson being considered. Specifically, authorities are examining a suspicion of protection racket activity, known as "Prtakshin" in Hebrew, as a possible motive. This investigation is part of a broader inquiry into alleged corruption within prominent security companies, which reportedly involved extortion and the establishment of a fictitious company for surveillance purposes.
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