In the North Lahav 433 Unit, in cooperation with the Tax Authority, an investigation is underway on suspicion of offenses of extortion by threats, protection money collection, money laundering, Fair Credit Law, and income tax offenses against residents of Kisra-Sumi.
According to suspicion, the suspects are engaged in providing loans at prohibited interest rates to residents of the village and the surrounding area, and when the borrowers do not meet their debt repayments, the suspects employ enforcers who act to collect the debt through shooting and violence.
The investigation also reveals that the suspects are working to launder part of the loan money by purchasing smuggled tobacco products from the territories.
Yesterday (Tuesday), as the investigation moved to public view, seven suspects were arrested and searches were conducted in their homes and businesses.
During the searches, mobile phones, approximately NIS 270,000 in cash, an airsoft pistol with a magazine, and notebooks and records indicating debt repayments were seized. In addition, about half a million shekels were frozen in the suspects' bank accounts.
In addition, a joint operation was conducted at the suspects' businesses, during which cigarettes and tobacco products smuggled from the Authority's territories were seized.
The suspects were transferred for investigation at the North Lahav offices.