Israel Revokes Security Firm's License Over Extortion and Money Laundering Charges

Israel's Ministry of Justice has revoked the license of the security and guarding company "Alufim Be'bitachon Ltd." (Champions in Security Ltd.) and its chief organizer, citing criminal and intelligence information linking them to extortion and money laundering activities. The Northern District Prosecutor's Office has also filed an indictment against the company and individuals involved for these offenses.

Evidence gathered indicated that the company's clients were pressured to pay for security services, with threats of damage if they refused. In many cases, despite payments, no actual security was provided at construction sites. These payments were allegedly a form of "tax" collected by criminal "ra'is" or area bosses.

The Ministry of Justice's committee for licensing private investigators and security services made the decision after reviewing administrative evidence. The process involved the Civil Enforcement Unit, the Northern District Prosecutor's Office, and the Ministry of Justice's legal department, in cooperation with the Israel Police, following a hearing for the company and its owners.

This action is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Justice to combat the phenomenon of extortion, which has become a significant national problem. The ministry stated that administrative and economic enforcement measures are crucial in this fight, as criminal elements exploit business entities and security firms to legitimize and advance their illegal activities. The committee found that "Alufim Be'bitachon Ltd." provided a financial cover for criminal operations across the country, involving geographically divided territories controlled by criminal extortionists.

Previously, the Ministry of Labor had suspended the company's licenses to operate as a manpower and service contractor in security, guarding, and cleaning due to similar information.