Israeli Police Bust Gambling Syndicate Led by Inmate Running Operation from Prison
Israeli authorities uncovered a major illegal gambling and loan sharking ring centered in Migdal HaEmek, led by inmate Assaf Buskila, known as "Yossi," who managed the operation from a prison phone. Buskila, 30, was previously convicted and sentenced to eight years in prison in 2020 but continued to direct his criminal enterprise from the "Sheta" prison rehabilitation wing since 2022. Using coded language and handwritten ledgers, he oversaw a network that ran an illicit casino from a residential apartment, operated online sports betting, and issued high-interest loans with monthly rates between 5% and 15% to hundreds of addicted gamblers in the area, both Jewish and Arab.
The syndicate trapped many residents in cycles of debt, intimidation, and violence, including threats involving stun grenades, arson, and a trained attack dog named Max used to terrorize debtors. Buskila's wife and mother helped manage finances and bank accounts. His right-hand man outside prison, 23-year-old Adir Ben Hamo, executed orders and debt collections. Police investigations, led by a special economic enforcement team and involving the Migdal HaEmek police and tax authorities, spanned six months and included wiretaps on prison phones and covert surveillance.
The inquiry revealed that the gambling operation manipulated roulette outcomes using magnets and controlled online betting servers located abroad, making it difficult to reach the top operators. Authorities arrested 10 suspects, including Buskila, and charged them with extortion, aggravated assault, illegal gambling, usury, money laundering, and tax offenses. Police seized assets worth approximately 13 million shekels, including real estate, bank accounts, cryptocurrency, and cash. Victims described severe financial and emotional distress, with some losing family assets or quitting jobs to repay debts. Investigators emphasized the syndicate's ruthless control over the community and the relief brought by dismantling the network.
The defense denies the charges and plans to respond in court. The case highlights the challenges of combating organized crime that exploits addiction and operates across legal and technological boundaries in Israel's northern region.
