Suspicion of protection racket in the Negev: contractors threatened competitors to take over construction work
A contractor and an employee were arrested on suspicion of trying to take over construction and land preparation work in the Negev by threatening competing contractors. According to complaints, the two arrived at construction sites and demanded that work stop, claiming only they would perform it. The suspects denied the allegations, but investigators noted inconsistencies in their accounts. The judge extended their remand by three days, rejecting the unit's request for nine days.
A contractor and an employee were arrested on suspicion of trying to take over construction and land preparation work in the Negev by threatening competing contractors. According to complaints received by the investigating unit, the two arrived at construction sites, contacted contractors or site managers, and demanded they stop work, claiming only they would perform it. The suspects denied the allegations in their interrogation, claiming they only went to the site to talk, but investigators noted inconsistencies in their versions. During remand hearings, their attorneys argued there was no danger and that they could be released to house arrest. Judge Eran Tzabari extended their remand by only three days, contrary to the unit's request for nine days, ruling that there was reasonable suspicion of committing the offenses.