Crime boss Kotair Odeh faces a Sh20 million tax debt while in prison

Kotair Odeh, who is serving an 18-year prison sentence, is still entangled in major legal and financial troubles behind bars. According to the report, he faces three ongoing criminal proceedings and a tax debt of 20 million shekels, which the state says was calculated from the revenues of his crime organization.

Odeh was once a leading figure in Israeli organized crime, heading a network that operated in the Triangle area and Gush Dan. The group was involved in debt collection, extortion, high-interest black-market lending, illegal gambling, and arms trafficking. He was also said to have allies such as Eran Haya and Yossi Musli. A criminal source said, “Whoever did not seal an alliance with Odeh automatically became his enemy.”

His downfall began with the central investigation unit’s “Arab Spring” operation in Tel Aviv district, which recruited a state witness from inside the organization. That testimony led to mass arrests and a severe indictment alleging involvement in several murders and attempted murders. After years of proceedings, the sides reached a plea deal, and Odeh was convicted of attempted murder, avoiding convictions on three murder charges. His associates received different sentences.

Since entering prison, Odeh has remained a central figure inside the prison system. He allegedly enjoyed unusually lenient conditions for long periods, including access to a mobile phone and personal items, but under new prison commissioner Major General Kobi Yaakobi, restrictions were tightened, family and lawyer visits were limited, and phone calls were stopped except for attorneys. Odeh has challenged those measures, but most petitions were rejected. On the tax debt, his lawyer said he cannot properly deal with it because he lacks enough time with his defense team, while a source familiar with the case said there is likely nothing to seize because no assets or property are registered in his name.