Barak Abramov's Japanika Restaurant Chain Faces Criminal Attacks Amid Protection Dispute

Barak Abramov's Japanika restaurant chain has recently been targeted in multiple criminal attacks. Overnight, stun grenades were thrown at branches in Netanya and Afula, followed by gunfire at the Herzliya location on Tuesday morning. Authorities suspect that some franchisees of the chain became embroiled in a conflict between the Mosli and Jarushi crime families, whose members purchased franchises from Abramov.

Abramov has remained silent publicly but told close associates that the incidents stem from a protection racket. He stated, "I refused to pay protection money, and this is the result. I could have paid and ended it in two minutes, but I do not intend to be extorted." The attack caused damage to the Afula branch.

These violent events have drawn attention within the business community, especially after Japanika's parent company, Landora Group, recently secured a major investment from Leumi Partners, the investment arm of Bank Leumi. Leumi Partners invested approximately 200 million shekels for a 20% stake in Landora, which was founded 20 years ago and operates over 40 Japanika branches nationwide.

Victor Wakart, CEO of Leumi Partners, expressed confidence in Abramov and his business model, highlighting plans to expand the group’s operations through new branches, delivery and digital services, and production and distribution development. Leumi Partners has not commented on the attacks but is expected to continue the investment unless evidence emerges linking Abramov or his business directly to criminal activity. However, market analysts suggest that the company’s planned public offering next year may be postponed due to the current situation.