Israeli Police Charge Abu Ghanem Family with Extortion and Illegal Property Takeover in Ramla

The Central District Prosecutor's Office filed charges against 10 members of a criminal ring led by Ismail Abu Ghanem and six of his relatives and associates. The indictment alleges that over four years, the group used threats, violence, and extortion to seize control of five apartments near their home in Ramla, Israel. The accused pressured property owners, tenants, and real estate agents to sell their homes at prices dictated by Abu Ghanem, often resorting to intimidation and physical attacks.

According to the indictment, Abu Ghanem orchestrated a sophisticated scheme to acquire properties on Katznelson and Motzkin streets by threatening owners with force and preventing them from living in their homes. One incident in 2021 involved Abu Ghanem and his son Isa threatening a homeowner with shooting if he did not vacate and sell. The victim was later physically assaulted and forced to sell. Another case involved an 82-year-old woman who was repeatedly prevented from selling her home except to Abu Ghanem, who intimidated brokers and allegedly orchestrated violent acts in the neighborhood to instill fear.

The indictment also details a complex financial operation to launder millions of shekels. Abu Ghanem reportedly held large sums of cash and used a restaurant owner, Yitzhak Meir, to funnel money through bank loans and repayments, creating the appearance of legitimate income. Properties were registered under the names of Abu Ghanem’s wife and children to conceal his ownership, and false documents were submitted to banks to secure mortgages. The accused also evaded purchase tax by falsifying ownership records and collected protection money from victims.

The prosecution has requested the confiscation of the five apartments, tens of thousands of euros, $25,000, and other funds seized during the investigation. The case is currently before the Central District Court in Lod.