Police Arrest Suspect in Caucasus Mafia Boss Murder After Restaurant Clues

Israeli police announced Thursday the arrest of Doron Weizman, 54, as the primary suspect in the assassination of Caucasus mafia boss Yanis Yushbayev, 41, who was shot dead last month at a gas station in Caesarea. Weizman, who has a prior criminal record, was apprehended after investigators linked him to the crime through forensic evidence, including fingerprints found on cigarette butts and a drink glass at a restaurant where he allegedly waited for Yushbayev, as well as in the getaway car. Police released footage showing Weizman arriving at the restaurant, confirming Yushbayev's presence, and then waiting outside before approaching and shooting Yushbayev as he exited. The getaway vehicle, a stolen gray car, was found abandoned in a warehouse in Hadera, where Weizman was hiding with a woman unaware of the murder. The suspect was eventually captured by a special police unit. Investigators believe Yushbayev's murder was orchestrated by a coalition of his enemies. Four individuals were initially arrested, including the 23-year-old son of Yushbayev's main rival, whose DNA was found in the getaway car, though his direct involvement in planning the murder could not be proven. Police are continuing their efforts to apprehend those who ordered the hit. Yushbayev, described as the head of a crime organization, had been a long-standing target for police and was previously linked to serious criminal investigations, including arson incidents.