Notorious Israeli Crime Boss Eitan Chaya Arrested in Tel Aviv

Eitan Chaya, a prominent Israeli crime boss known as "The Godfather," was arrested by investigators from the Jerusalem District Police (YAMAR) on suspicion of assaulting an individual over an alleged debt. Chaya's arrest occurred yesterday in Tel Aviv while he was in traffic, and according to his associates, he was subjected to excessive force, resulting in facial injuries. Police claim Chaya attacked officers during the arrest. Video footage shows officers removing Chaya from his vehicle. Chaya, who was released from prison in March after serving 12 years for extortion, money laundering, and other offenses, is suspected of involvement in the assault. He had previously served time for two murder convictions in Israel and the United States. His criminal history dates back to age 17, with a murder conviction in 1970. After his release from a life sentence, he moved to the U.S., where he became a leader in the "Israeli Mafia" in New York. He was later extradited to Israel in 2004 after serving a 15-year sentence for the murder of rival Yehuda "Johnny" Attias. In 2018, his sentence was reduced to 12 years for charges including extortion and money laundering related to high-interest loans and violent debt collection. Also arrested was another individual suspected of involvement in a 2023 murder in East Jerusalem. His arrest followed a period on the run, and authorities are seeking to extend his detention.