Five Indicted for Extortion in Southern Israel's Food Delivery Sector
Translated & summarized from Hamal by baba
Israeli police have indicted five suspects, including brothers Shi and Michael Benamo, for allegedly running an extortion ring in the food delivery sector of Kiryat Gat. The suspects are accused of using threats to control the market and pressure businesses. The investigation involved undercover agents and culminated in arrests in August 2026. This indictment is part of a broader crackdown on similar activities, with two other individuals previously indicted for extortion in Ashdod.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Five individuals, including Shi and Michael Benamo, were indicted for extortion in Kiryat Gat's food delivery industry.
- The suspects allegedly used threats and intimidation to control the local delivery market.
- Undercover police agents infiltrated the operation during a secret investigation from December 2025 to August 2026.
- The indictment follows earlier charges against Eyal Nagar and Maor Azriel for similar extortion in Ashdod.
- The charges include conspiracy to commit a crime and extortion by threats.
Israeli authorities have indicted five individuals, including brothers Shi and Michael Benamo, on charges of extortion and conspiracy to commit a crime. The charges stem from an alleged criminal network that sought to control the food delivery industry in Kiryat Gat through threats and intimidation. The investigation, conducted by the Lahish District's Central Unit in cooperation with the National Guard of the Israel Border Police, spanned from December 2025 to August 2026. During this period, undercover police agents infiltrated the suspected operation, posing as delivery drivers and business owners, and even established a fictitious company called "Delivery World" to gather evidence.
According to the indictments, the Benamo brothers and three others are accused of operating a criminal enterprise aimed at dominating the city's delivery market. They allegedly used threats and fear tactics to pressure business owners and delivery personnel, intending to eliminate competition. In some instances, businesses were reportedly pressured to contract with the "On Time" delivery company or refrain from terminating existing contracts. Other businesses and independent drivers allegedly faced threats and livelihood disruptions if they did not cease independent operations.
The investigation moved into its public phase in August 2026, leading to police raids and arrests. The Southern District Prosecutor's Office (Criminal) subsequently filed indictments against the five suspects at the Be'er Sheva District Court. This indictment follows a previous one filed two weeks prior against Eyal Nagar and Maor Azriel, who were allegedly involved in a similar extortion scheme targeting delivery businesses in Ashdod.
The indictments include charges of conspiracy to commit a crime, extortion by threats, and other offenses, depending on each individual's alleged role.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Centre 2Right 2Haredi 1Other 1
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
