Two Major Israeli Crime Families Clash in Violent Dispute Over Billions
Barak Abramov's Japnika chain has recently been targeted in repeated criminal attacks, believed to be linked to extortion attempts. These violent incidents are reportedly part of a broader conflict between two of Israel's largest crime families, the Musli and Jarushi clans, with related violent events occurring across central Israel in recent days.
The Musli family, one of the country's oldest and wealthiest crime organizations, is led by brothers Eli, Yossi, and Shay Musli. Originating from wholesale fruit and vegetable businesses and gambling clubs in the 1980s, they expanded into sports betting and amassed hundreds of millions of shekels through illegal loans, extortion, and debt collection. Yossi Musli was previously imprisoned for 11 months on extortion charges related to cryptocurrency investors but was released with reduced charges.
The Jarushi family, a prominent Arab crime syndicate operating in Ramla, Lod, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Lachish, is estimated to handle hundreds of millions of shekels. Ismail Jarushi, recently released from detention, is considered the family's leader, with his brother Issam also active. Various factions within the Jarushi family reportedly act as enforcers in extortion and threats against companies. Their organization allegedly includes over 1,500 members involved in cocaine and weapons trafficking, currency forgery, stolen vehicle trade, and extortion.
Sources suggest a third group, the Hayya crime organization, is also involved in the dispute. Initially allied with the Musli family, Hayya became embroiled in a conflict with them in 2022, escalating in 2023 with mutual attacks. Hayya maintains ties with Ismail Jarushi, linking the three groups. Israeli police view both Musli and Hayya as extensive criminal networks operating domestically and internationally.
The root of the conflict appears financial, tied to large-scale criminal activities including cryptocurrency and forex scams that defrauded investors of hundreds of millions of shekels. Journalist Amir Zohar explains that many forex schemes are backed by crime organizations to control illicit funds, with profits shared among criminal patrons. The dispute has escalated into violent confrontations involving firearms and hired enforcers, reflecting the high stakes of the criminal enterprises involved.
