Brothers Charged in Kiryat Gat Food Delivery Market Takeover
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
Five Kiryat Gat residents, including brothers Shai and Michael Benamo, have been indicted for allegedly taking over the city's food delivery market through extortion and intimidation. The "Benamo gang" is accused of forcing businesses to submit, demanding payments, and eliminating competition between 2016 and 2018. The prosecution seeks to keep the defendants in custody pending trial due to their influence and the damage caused.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Brothers Shai and Michael Benamo, along with three others, were indicted for controlling Kiryat Gat's food delivery market.
- The "Benamo gang" allegedly used extortion, threats, and intimidation to eliminate competition.
- The group reportedly forced business owners to operate under their patronage or abandon their ventures.
- One competitor was forced to pay a monthly fee and later banned from making deliveries.
- The prosecution seeks to detain the defendants until the trial concludes.
The State Prosecutor's Office has filed two indictments at the Beersheba District Court against five Kiryat Gat residents, including brothers Shai and Michael Benamo, for allegedly orchestrating a criminal enterprise that seized control of the city's food delivery market. The group is accused of extortion, threats, intimidation of entrepreneurs and couriers, and eliminating competition.
According to the indictment, the Benamo brothers led a violent criminal organization known as the "Benamo gang." Shai Benamo, nicknamed "The Fat One" (A-Shamen), reportedly directed the group's activities, while his brother Michael assisted in its management. Together, they were known as "The Fats Ones."
Prosecutors allege that in 2016, the Benamo brothers, with the help of Roi Ozen, began intimidating food delivery business owners to force them into submission. Ozen allegedly informed two owners that the Benamo brothers intended to take over the market and that they must operate under their patronage. Fearing reprisal, the owners were compelled to abandon their businesses. In another instance, Ozen demanded 4,000 shekels monthly from a competing delivery service owner for the right to continue operating, eventually prohibiting the entrepreneur from making deliveries altogether. The entrepreneur's motorcycle tires were later slashed, forcing him to significantly reduce his operations.
To solidify their control and mask their involvement, the Benamo brothers brought Maimon Atadgi into the operation in 2018. Atadgi, who had prior experience in delivery services, was officially listed as the owner and manager, while Aviel Marziano, also indicted, managed operations behind the scenes. Oren Dahan, a trusted associate of Shai Benamo, was responsible for relaying orders and collecting profits.
The gang allegedly established a surveillance system where couriers reported any independent or competitive activities. Those attempting to work with other companies faced threats, and couriers were tasked with identifying competitors, gathering phone numbers, reporting independent delivery personnel, and collecting money. Marziano and Atadgi are also accused of threatening a fellow inmate in detention, warning him against cooperating with law enforcement.
Shai Yehoshua Benamo and Michael Benamo face charges including conspiracy, extortion with threats, threats, property damage, and obtaining benefits by deception. Oren Aaron Dahan is charged with conspiracy, extortion with threats, and obtaining benefits by deception. Aviel Marziano and Maimon Atadgi face additional charges of aggravated robbery, attempted aggravated assault, and obstruction of justice. The prosecution is seeking to detain the accused until the trial concludes, citing their significant influence and the substantial damage caused by their criminal activities.
Mentioned
