Suspect in Multi-Million Shekel Money Laundering Case Extradited from Bulgaria to Israel After Five Years

Boris Elyushin, wanted in Israel for money laundering and other financial crimes, was extradited from Bulgaria to Israel on July 9, 2026, five years after fleeing the country. Elyushin faces charges filed by the Economic Department of the State Prosecutor's Office, including laundering approximately 20 million shekels, tax evasion of about 9 million shekels, organizing illegal gambling, and aggravated fraud.

Elyushin was investigated by the National Economic Crime Prevention Unit (Lahav 433) as part of the "Russian Illusion" case that began in 2019. Despite being aware of the ongoing criminal proceedings, he left Israel in July 2021 and remained abroad until his arrest. Following his flight, legal proceedings were suspended, and both local and international arrest warrants were issued against him.

On May 7, 2026, Elyushin was detained at the border crossing between Turkey and Bulgaria and held in custody there until his extradition. The extradition process was coordinated by an Interpol operational coordination team and an Israeli representative in Romania. Upon arrival in Israel, Elyushin was brought before the District Court by Lahav 433 officers, and the court ordered the resumption of legal proceedings against him.