In recent months, a covert investigation was conducted by the Northern District Police into multiple incidents of shootings, threats, and extortion targeting victims, including a businessman. When the investigation became overt, officers, including undercover Border Police units, carried out raids in January, arrested suspects, and seized more than one million NIS in cash.
As the investigation progressed, it became clear that the extortion was carried out by a group that referred to itself as “Shabab al-Jabal.” The group operated to collect protection payments and, when their demands were not met, carried out shootings at the victim’s business branches and threw a grenade at a residence in order to intimidate.
Among the threats sent to the victim was the following message: “What will happen with you? I swear I will behead your son and your brother, even though their heads are worth more than the amount you owe.”
The investigation further revealed that damage exceeding one million NIS was caused to a facility of a national company shortly after it ended its contract with a private security company providing legitimate services. Investigators also established the involvement of the security company’s manager, who was arrested together with the suspects.
It was also found that after the damage to the infrastructure, the contractor was forced to renew the security contract with the company. Within months, he resumed payments exceeding 50,000 NIS, despite not receiving security services in practice.
Upon completion of the investigation, an indictment was filed at the District Court in Haifa against residents of Tamra and Rumat al-Heib (ages 32, 28, 22, and 23), along with a request to extend their detention until the end of legal proceedings.
Northern District officers continue extensive operations against organized crime using all available tools. The israel police will continue to act decisively to bring offenders to justice and safeguard public safety and order.
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