Israeli Lawyer Indicted for Extortion Over Unpaid Debt Using Threats and Intimidation

The Central District Prosecutor's Office filed an indictment on Sunday against a 52-year-old Israeli lawyer accused of extorting money through threats. The lawyer allegedly lent approximately 50,000 shekels in cash to the complainant during 2025, of which about 30,000 shekels were repaid. Additionally, a relative of the lawyer, who is also a friend of the complainant, lent another 20,000 shekels that remain unpaid.

According to the indictment, after the complainant failed to repay the loans, the lawyer began threatening him via text messages and voice notes. The messages included warnings such as "Don't worry, last night you already had a talk with some guys, say hello," and "They will come to your house within an hour." In a voice message, the lawyer stated, "When they are at your door, I am with them on camera and giving instructions."

The indictment further alleges that when the complainant did not return the money, the lawyer contacted two other individuals and asked them to visit the complainant's home to intimidate him into repaying the debt. The two men arrived while the complainant's nine-year-old son was at home, knocked on the door, and left after receiving no response.

Attorney Inbar Riger from the prosecution emphasized the severity of the case, noting the lawyer's audacity and the significant risk posed by his actions. She highlighted the added gravity given that the accused is a criminal defense lawyer by profession.