developing· Security· Updated 07:38

Northern Israel Council Head Among 50 Arrested in Protection Racket Bust

Israeli police arrested 50 suspects, including a local council head from northern Israel, in a massive nationwide operation targeting a sophisticated protection and extortion racket. The operation, codenamed "Guardians of the Shadow", concluded a covert 10-month investigation led by the Central Unit of the Coastal District and the Northern Protection Unit of Lahav 433, in cooperation with the State Attorney's Office.

4 newsrooms · 2 languages · since 07:29

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What happened

01Israeli police arrested 50 suspects, including a northern local council head, in a nationwide sweep against a protection racket.
02The 10-month covert investigation was conducted by the Coastal District Central Unit and Lahav 433 with the State Attorney's Office.
03Approximately 500 police officers, Border Police, and special forces participated in the raids under "Operation Guardians of the Shadow".
04The suspects allegedly extorted tens of thousands of shekels per site from construction contractors for fake security services.
05Investigators uncovered 13 separate extortion incidents where contractors were threatened with property damage if they refused to pay.
06The suspects will appear in court, including the Haifa Central Court, for detention extension hearings as the investigation continues.

Approximately 500 police officers, Border Police, and special forces participated in coordinated raids across multiple locations. The suspects allegedly targeted construction contractors, forcing them to pay tens of thousands of shekels per site for fictitious security services. Investigators uncovered at least 13 separate extortion incidents where contractors were pressured to pay under threats of property damage and vandalism.

According to Alarab, the operation transitioned to its public phase on Tuesday. The suspects were taken for interrogation at the Coastal District and Lahav 433, and they will appear in court, including the Haifa Central Court, for detention extension hearings. Police expect further arrests as the investigation into the criminal network continues.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 4 newsrooms. Updated 07:51

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