Israeli law enforcement agencies have conducted large-scale operations against organized criminal networks run by Chinese nationals operating in the country.
Two underground casinos operating illegally in Tel Aviv were discovered and shut down following two operations conducted in the city over the past week. During raids carried out by police, significant amounts of cash and weapons were seized.
Details of the operations
The first raid took place in a residential building located in the southeast of Tel Aviv. Gambling equipment and tens of thousands of shekels in cash were confiscated from the scene. In the operation, three Chinese nationals were detained, two of whom were found to be residing illegally in the country.
The second and more extensive operation was conducted against a casino located in a residential building in southern Tel Aviv. More than 1 million shekels in cash and a loaded Glock pistol were discovered there. According to preliminary investigation findings, the weapon was kept to protect the casino from possible raids. As a result of this raid, eight Chinese nationals were detained, six of whom were found to be residing illegally in the country.
Closed criminal network
According to preliminary investigation data, the group has been operating in Israel for many years, but is now run by individuals who joined the criminal underworld after their visas expired. Network members operate in a closed manner and, to avoid leaving a digital trail, apparently do not use messengers.
Dangerous business model
The group's main sources of income are illegal gambling, forced collection of gambling debts, and high-interest informal loans. According to information, mafia members lend money at high interest rates to compatriots facing financial difficulties or struggling to transfer funds to China, and when payments are delayed, they subject debtors to physical violence, threats, and extortion. The criminals are also reported to have pressured family members of debtors living in China.
Law enforcement agencies continue their investigations related to individuals for whom deportation procedures have been initiated.