Quietly, Without Anyone Noticing: The Protection Racket Took Over the Council

An indictment was filed against three guards from 'Mag 58' company on suspicion of extorting protection money from the Al-Kasum Council. The security officer noticed the guards were not showing up for work but was forced to approve invoices. Police and prosecutors believe this is the tip of the iceberg of a wider phenomenon.

An indictment was filed with the Be'er Sheva District Court against three guards, Hani Alatrash (30), Sufian Atresh (24), and Salem Alkshahar (55), for extortion by threats. They are accused of extorting protection money from the Al-Kasum Council while receiving payments for work they did not perform. The council's security officer noticed the guards were not reporting for duty but was forced to approve invoices. He reported to his superiors, and after not being answered, filed a complaint with the police. The investigation revealed that the guards were transferred 'by inheritance' from company to company, and that managers at 'Mag 58' were forced to employ them out of fear. The prosecution requested to detain the three until the end of proceedings, citing their dangerousness. Police and prosecutors believe this is the tip of the iceberg of a wider phenomenon.