Complex Plot and Forensic Clues Unraveled Deadly Hit in Central Israel
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
A complex investigation into the 2021 murder of Shimi Dadon in Rishon LeZion revealed a meticulously planned assassination attempt targeting brothers Avi and Noam Kahlon. The operation, dubbed "Red Riding Hood," involved multiple vehicle and clothing changes, decoy messages, and sophisticated planning by a group of criminals. Key forensic evidence, including a power drill and distinctive clothing, helped police identify and convict the perpetrators, with sentences ranging up to 25 years.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- A sophisticated assassination plot targeting the Kahlon brothers resulted in the death of Shimi Dadon in Rishon LeZion.
- The operation, "Red Riding Hood," involved elaborate planning, including changing scooters and using decoy messages.
- Key forensic evidence, such as a power drill and distinctive clothing, was crucial in solving the case.
- Perpetrators Ronen Yirmiyahu and Ran Yechazkel received 25 and 18-year sentences respectively.
- The murder significantly impacted the balance of power within the criminal underworld.
- Investigators described the operation's complexity as "closest to intelligence agencies."
Five years after the murder of Shimi Dadon in Rishon LeZion, a senior detective from the Tel Aviv Major Crimes Unit revealed the intricate details of "Operation Red Riding Hood," a complex operation designed to target brothers Avi and Noam Kahlon. The investigation, described by Detective Chief Inspector Gil Adri as "the case of my life," involved a sophisticated plan that included changing scooters, using decoy messages, and planting evidence like a power drill to piece together the crime.
The operation began hours before the shooting with a meeting in a Tel Aviv port cafe, followed by a series of movements across cities, including scooter and clothing changes, and license plate swaps. The "Red Riding Hood" maneuver aimed to lure the Kahlon brothers to a location where assassins awaited. Ultimately, Dadon, who had been released from prison just three days prior, became the victim.
"They ran loan sharking operations," explained Adri, noting the violent collection methods used by the Kahlon brothers, who operated as a relatively small group rather than a large crime syndicate. Dadon was apparently connected to the Kahlon group, with their ties strengthening even during their time in prison.
The hit squad included Ronen Yirmiyahu and Ran Yechazkel as the executors, with Dor Yosef and Yaakov Samuel involved in the planning and logistics. Gal Shoshani was tasked with luring the targets. The perpetrators meticulously planned their movements, changing scooters, clothes, and disguises, and even burning the murder weapon and scooter to destroy evidence. A key piece of evidence was a power drill found in the wreckage of the burned scooter, matching a case found in a parking garage used for the operation, which yielded crucial forensic evidence like fingerprints and DNA.
Investigators also tracked Yirmiyahu's distinctive Palm Angels t-shirt through various surveillance footage, helping to connect him to the crime scene and subsequent events. Despite the elaborate attempts to cover their tracks, including diverting police attention, the meticulous work of the investigators led to the arrest and conviction of several individuals. Yirmiyahu received a 25-year sentence, Yechazkel 18 years, and Shoshani, Yosef, and Samuel received nine years each. The case significantly impacted the balance of power in the criminal underworld, and Adri noted that even after such violence, alliances in the criminal world can shift, citing a later reconciliation between the Kahlon and Cassentini brothers.