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

Israel's Ministry of Justice has revoked the license of the security firm "Alufim Be'Bitachon Ltd." and its security organizer, citing involvement in widespread criminal activity including extortion and money laundering. The decision by the Private Investigators and Security Services Licensing Committee follows an administrative review of evidence presented by law enforcement, the State Prosecutor's Office, and the Israel Police. The company and its owners underwent a hearing process before the license was revoked.

Evidence indicated that contractors and businesspeople were forced to pay for security services under threat of damage, often without any actual security being provided. These payments functioned as a "tax" collected by criminal figures known as "Raisim." The indictment details that the accused actively approached contractors, exploiting their fears of harm to their businesses and property.

The licensing committee stated that the security company provided an accounting cover for nationwide criminal operations divided into territorial zones where protection money was collected. This action follows a decision by the Ministry of Labor several months prior to suspend the company's licenses as a manpower and service contractor in the security and cleaning sectors.

The Ministry of Justice emphasized that the license revocation is part of a broader enforcement effort against the phenomenon of "Prtakshin" (protection rackets), which has become a national scourge. These rackets exploit security companies to legitimize illegal activities.