Suspicion: Crime group chief involved in double homicide
Crime boss arrested on suspicion of being involved in double homicide in July. Suspect's attorney claims police 'showcase false arrests'
A known criminal from central Israel,
who is considered the head of an organized crime group,
was arrested Monday on suspicion of being involved in a double murder two months ago. He was arrested along with another suspect, who heads a smaller criminal organization. The two, who have denied all allegations, will be brought to a remand hearing in the Ramla Magistrate's Court.
Apparently there is no connection between the recent series of assassinations in the south, however since Sunday, in light of a fierce public discourse regarding the helplessness of the fight against crime, the police are conducting an arrests operation in order to calm the streets and ease public criticism.
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Attorney Kobi Ben Shaya, who represents one of the suspects, said: "My client denies the allegations. He had no hand in it. The police rush to make quick arrests without based suspicions against my client. This is a showcase arrest." The other suspect's attorney, Yarom HaLevy, said: "It is a failed attempt by the police to show the public that it can solve murder cases. It is a false arrest that will end with (his) release."
One of the suspects said: "This entire arrest is a sham. I am not linked to any organization. My organization has seven members: My children."
On July 25, explosives planted in a car detonated near Petah Tikva. The two car passengers were critically wounded and their death was determined shortly after. The police said the explosives were very powerful and the two did not stand a chance. The investigation into the event was transferred to the Central District Police Central Unit.
The two victims were on their way to a wedding in the area of Petah Tikva. Their friends said they were supposed to pick up another friend. "He took too much time and they didn't wait for him and drove off. His tardiness saved his life and there is no doubt that if he had been in the vehicle – he would've been killed as well."
During the investigation a suspicion was raised that the explosives were intended to harm one of the victims, who is known to the police and in the past was a member of the crime organization headed by one of the suspects arrested Monday. The police claim evidence was gathered against both detainees.
A police source told Ynet: "If the evidence indeed brings to the suspect's conviction, his crime organization will be significantly harmed."
Itay Blumenthal contributed to this report
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