Extortion Scheme Paralyzes Shufersal Delivery Network, Leading to Prison Sentence

A major extortion case disrupted the delivery operations of Shufersal, one of Israel's largest supermarket chains, from July 2023 to November 2024. Karim Mousa, the central defendant, was convicted of two counts of extortion by threats and sentenced to three years in prison by the Central District Court in Lod. The court detailed how Mousa and his associates terrorized warehouse workers, drivers, contractors, and subcontractors, halting deliveries and causing significant delays.

The extortion involved threats against various layers of the delivery network, including senior managers and primary contractors, as well as subcontractors. The intimidation tactics escalated to violent acts, including the throwing of a fragmentation grenade into a contractor's yard and blocking shipments at Shufersal branches. Victims received threatening messages, and some deliveries were forcibly stopped by individuals dressed in black.

Attorney Luza Tzabari from the State Attorney's Office's Economic Department, who led the investigation, described the complexity of the case. Victims were often reluctant to cooperate due to fear of retaliation and economic repercussions. Some individuals were both victims and suspects, complicating the investigation. The extortion was part of a broader struggle for control over the lucrative delivery sector, with strong criminal elements reportedly involved behind the scenes.

Despite the severity of the offenses, many victims avoided giving formal statements, fearing further harm. Tzabari recounted conversations with a deeply affected religious businessman who said, "I lived in hell for two years," highlighting the psychological toll. The court accepted a plea deal with Mousa, citing the difficulty in securing victim testimonies and the defendant's lack of prior criminal record. Mousa was also fined 20,000 shekels and ordered to pay compensation to the victims.

The case underscores how even large, publicly traded companies like Shufersal can be vulnerable when criminal intimidation targets the operational workforce. The prolonged fear experienced by victims remains a significant concern, with many still afraid to speak openly years after the events.