Notorious Criminal Arrested for Attempting to Control Multi-Million Shekel Delivery Market

Israeli police have arrested a prominent criminal figure, Shi Benamo, and his brother Michael, who are suspected of attempting to take over the delivery services market in Kiryat Gat. The brothers have been in custody for 50 days as part of an investigation dubbed "Relay Race," which alleges they extorted other delivery drivers in the city to push them out of the business.

In a separate but similar case being investigated in Ashdod, crime boss Eyal Nagar and another suspect were also arrested. Benamo is a known figure to the police, having been arrested in several serious cases in the past, though none resulted in indictments. He was once considered close to crime boss Shalom Doumani, but they have since become rivals.

"There is alleged evidence that Shi Benamo and his associates managed a delivery system in Kiryat Gat and wanted to take over the industry, which generates millions of shekels annually," a source familiar with the investigation told Mako. "There was an instruction or order from his people to harm competitors."

Investigators have presented evidence linking Benamo, his brother, and two other suspects to ordering attacks on competitors. Police stated in court that the evidence against them has significantly strengthened, with one investigator declaring Benamo to be "a crime boss in every sense of the word."

Due to the severity of the charges, the detention of Benamo, his brother, and the two associates was extended with special approval from the Attorney General, as they had exceeded the 30-day limit for detention without indictment. Benamo's lawyer, Einav Yitach, vehemently denies the accusations. The police believe there is sufficient evidence to file indictments but are awaiting further steps from the Southern District Prosecutor's office overseeing the case.