In a massive police operation following years of undercover investigation, Israeli authorities arrested 36 individuals linked to the Abu Latif criminal organization on suspicion of fraudulently taking over state tenders worth hundreds of millions of shekels, according to The Press Service of Israel (TPS-IL).
About 1,000 police officers and Tax Authority investigators participated in the raids on the homes of key suspects and accomplices.
Originally involved in extortion and the takeover of businesses through fear and intimidation, the Abu Latif 6006 organization expanded its operations in recent years to control public tenders generating billions of shekels annually. Authorities allege the group manipulated tender processes to establish a monopoly, using its reputation for violence to eliminate competition. The crimes under investigation include extortion by threats, extortion by force, violent acts, and the use of firearms.
According to investigators, the organization employed a range of methods to maintain its control over tenders and funnel funds into its operations. Suspects allegedly threatened contractors to prevent them from bidding on tenders, resorting to shootings, grenade attacks, and other violent means to reinforce their dominance. Large contractors who managed to secure tenders were allegedly coerced into subcontracting work to firms affiliated with or controlled by the organization’s senior members. Those who resisted reportedly faced severe retaliatory actions.
As the investigation moved into its public phase, police forces launched simultaneous raids across multiple locations, arresting dozens of suspects and seizing substantial assets. Officers confiscated luxury vehicles, large sums of cash, and property valued in the millions. Additionally, they raided a company owned by a senior figure in the organization, which is suspected of being used to launder criminal proceeds through fictitious invoices and fraudulent financial transactions.
During the operation, authorities also seized dozens of pieces of engineering mechanical equipment believed to have been acquired through illicit means.
