Undercover Agents Infiltrate Crime Ring in Ashdod

An extensive investigation by the Lahish district's central unit, in cooperation with the National Guard of the Border Police, has led to indictments against two suspects, Eyal Nagar and Azriel, for allegedly operating a large-scale extortion racket targeting delivery and distribution businesses in Ashdod. Undercover agents were embedded within the criminal organization, posing as delivery drivers and business owners, and even established a fictitious company named "Delivery World." The indictment states that the accused sought to control the city's food delivery sector through threats and intimidation, harming competitors to prevent competition and force businesses and drivers to comply with their demands. The investigation transitioned to its overt phase in August 2026, with police forces arresting the suspects at multiple locations. Nagar is accused of thousands of counts of extortion, conspiracy to commit a crime, tax offenses, money laundering, and evidence destruction, allegedly amassing over 2.3 million shekels. Azriel faces charges including extortion, collecting protection money, fraud, evidence destruction, and tax offenses, with alleged gains in the millions of shekels. The Southern District Prosecutor's Office (Criminal) filed the indictments after gathering sufficient evidence. The Police Commissioner, Nishon Nagler, commented on the operation during an unveiling ceremony on August 11, 2026.