Indictment Filed Against Two Ashdod Men in Extortion Case Linked to Fugitive

Israel’s State Attorney’s Office has indicted Maksim Zaskin, 34, and Alexander Lageda, 36, both from Ashdod, on extortion by force charges. According to the indictment, they worked with Vladimir Drabkin, a criminal who fled abroad in 2020, to pressure and extort another man.

The men met the complainant in a pub, told him to step outside, and then placed a video call to Drabkin. During the call, the threats escalated to serious violence, and at one point one of the defendants punched the complainant in the face.

Drabkin allegedly told the victim to “do a deal” and demanded that he register a licensed business in Drabkin’s name. Fearing the threats, the complainant agreed to cooperate.

After the complainant filed a police complaint, Drabkin allegedly used a mutual acquaintance to send a message saying that if the complaint were withdrawn, “everything will be fine.” The prosecution has asked that the defendants remain in custody until the end of the proceedings.