Structure torched, grenade thrown at home: Suspected protection racket in Be'er Sheva

An extortion case in Be'er Sheva: A structure belonging to a business owner was set on fire, and later a grenade was thrown at his home. Police suspect the incidents are linked to demands for protection money. Four suspects have been arrested, and their remand was extended at the Magistrate's Court in the city.

An extortion case is being investigated by the Negev Police, centering on suspicions of demanding protection money from a business owner in Be'er Sheva. According to the suspicion, a structure used by the business owner in the industrial zone was set on fire by unknown individuals in mid-September. Earlier this week, three young men from the Bedouin diaspora were arrested on suspicion of throwing a grenade at the business owner's home. The remand of four suspects was extended at the Be'er Sheva Magistrate's Court. The judge ruled that there is reasonable suspicion that the suspects committed the offenses attributed to them, including arson and extortion. However, he did not grant the police's request for full remand extension and extended the remand by only seven days. The suspects' lawyers argued that the connection between the evidence and the suspects is tenuous.