Gang Accused of Decade-Long Food Delivery Extortion Ring in Kiryat Gat

Israeli authorities have dismantled an alleged criminal organization that reportedly controlled the food delivery market in Kiryat Gat for nearly a decade. The prosecution claims the "Benmo Gang," led by brothers Shai and Michael Benmo, known as "The Fat Ones," used threats, violence, and intimidation to eliminate competition and establish a near-monopoly.

According to the indictment filed in the Beer Sheva District Court, the gang coerced business owners into relinquishing their companies, threatened independent couriers, and subjected those who resisted to violence. The investigation, conducted by the Lachish district police and the National Guard, involved undercover agents posing as delivery personnel and employees of a fabricated delivery service to gather evidence.

Prosecutors allege that around ten years ago, the Benmo brothers began their takeover by threatening existing delivery business owners. Some were forced to operate under the Benmos' control and terms, while others were compelled to abandon their businesses entirely. In one instance, a competitor was allegedly forced to pay 4,000 shekels monthly from his profits and later faced threats and vandalism, including slashed tires on his delivery motorcycle, forcing him to curtail operations.

To conceal their involvement, the gang reportedly restructured its business operations in 2018, with Maimon Etadegi allegedly becoming the nominal owner and manager, though the Benmo brothers maintained actual control. Other alleged members include Oren Aaron Dahan and Aviel Marchiano, who are accused of relaying instructions and collecting profits, and Maimon Etadegi, who allegedly managed operations and intimidated competitors.

The gang allegedly maintained control by monitoring competitors, requiring couriers to report on independent services, and gathering information on rival entrepreneurs. Couriers were reportedly kept dependent on the group, forced to participate in gathering funds and overseeing other companies under threat of dismissal. The indictment details instances of threats, including alleged threats of physical harm and even murder, particularly in a May 2026 incident where a courier demanding owed money was allegedly attacked while Etadegi displayed a pistol.

Even after the suspects' arrest, pressure on the courier allegedly continued, with Marchiano and Etadegi reportedly threatening him and his family while in custody to prevent cooperation with law enforcement. The prosecution is pursuing charges including criminal conspiracy, extortion, property damage, and fraud against the Benmo brothers, with additional charges for others involving aggravated robbery, attempted assault, and obstruction of justice.