US authorities seek Itzhak Abargil's extradition
Police arrest members of crime family in connection with Margarita Lautin's murder; Itzhak Abargil to face extradition, as US authorities intend to charge him with accessory to murder, money laundering
The police arrested Itzhak and Meir Abargil, as well as several other men affiliated with the Abargil crime family Sunday, as part of an ongoing investigation against them by US law enforcement authorities.
Itzhak Abargil, believe to be the head of one of Israel's largest crime families, is said to face extradition proceedings, as the American authorities wish to try him for accessory to murder and money laundering.
Abargil was arrested by the International Crimes Unit two weeks ago, in connection to the Margarita Lautin murder case. The police suspect that Lautin was gunned down by mistake, as part of retaliation killings between the Abargils and other known criminals.
The police arrested two additional suspects in the shooting, Shimon Sabah and Ronen Ben Adi, who were found in the vicinity of the crime scene.
The Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court remanded Abargil for an additional four days on Saturday night. The judge noted that though the police have "reasonable suspicion" indicating his involvement in the case, they still lack the hard evidence connecting him to the crime.
Should the investigation stall, concluded the judge, "the court may have no choice but to free Mr. Abargil." The Police then told the court much of the case is still confidential.
