Man Charged with Murdering Caucasus Mafia Boss in Busy Restaurant

The State Prosecutor's Office has filed an indictment against Doron Weizman, 54, from Beit She'an, for the murder of Yanis Yushbayev, known as the 'Caucasus Mafia boss.' According to the indictment, Weizman ambushed Yushbayev at a restaurant in Caesarea on August 23rd. Weizman allegedly followed Yushbayev as he left the establishment, aimed a pistol at his head, and fired at close range, killing him instantly. Police are still investigating who hired Weizman for the assassination, a detail not included in the indictment or the request for his continued detention.

Weizman reportedly had no prior acquaintance with the victim. The indictment details that Weizman acquired a weapon and used a stolen car with forged license plates to reach the restaurant. He arrived during lunchtime, ordered food, and waited for Yushbayev, who arrived around 3:11 PM with a friend, later joined by two others. Around 3:50 PM, as Yushbayev began to leave the restaurant with two companions, Weizman followed him, approached him on the stairs near the entrance, and shot him once in the head at point-blank range.

Weizman fled the scene in the vehicle. Bystanders and the victim's friends attempted to revive Yushbayev, but emergency services pronounced him dead at the scene. The prosecution highlighted Weizman's extensive criminal record, with 38 prior convictions and previous lengthy prison sentences. They described the murder as carried out with 'freezing composure, after prior planning, in broad daylight, in a crowded restaurant,' emphasizing that Weizman's calm behavior while waiting for the victim indicated premeditation.

Weizman faces charges including murder under aggravating circumstances, weapons offenses, and driving without a valid license or insurance. The investigation was conducted by the Coastal District's Major Crimes Unit, and prosecutors are seeking his remand until the conclusion of legal proceedings.