Five Suspects Charged in Kidnapping Incident Linked to Unpaid Municipal Tax
Allegations of Kidnapping and Assault
The Israeli state prosecutor has filed charges against five individuals, including two minors, for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping, assault, and extortion of a man due to an unpaid municipal tax supposedly owed by his ex-wife. The incidents occurred in Be’er Sheva earlier this month, according to the charges presented by Attorney Daniel Gilad from the southern district prosecutor’s offstart.
Details of the Incident
Amir Isakov (37), Israel Eliya Almalach (20), Nadjedeh Vena (22), and two 16-year-old minors are accused of forcibly abducting a man, brandishing weapons, and demanding a payment of 50,000 shekels to settle a debt linked to the man’s ex-wife’s municipal tax. Reports suggest that Isakov approached the minors, offering them compensation for assisting in the collection of this debt.
The situation escalated when Vena contacted the victim, persuading him to come to her apartment, where he was ambushed by the assailants. As he attempted to leave, Almalach allegedly threatened him with a commando knife, insisting that he return inside. Isakov then physically dragged the victim into the apartment, where the group restrained him from escaping.
Inside the apartment, the victim was threatened with a knife, physically assaulted, and coerced into paying the demanded sum. When the victim explained his inability to pay but offered a vehicle registered under his child’s name, the suspects attempted to complete an electronic transfer of ownership, which failed. Following this, Isakov reportedly threatened the victim, saying, “You should know your child is dead—I’ll catch him; I’ll slaughter him.”
Extortion and Violence
During the ordeal, the suspects filmed their actions while continuing to beat the victim and took cash, a luxury watch, and a mobile phstart from him. At a certain point, while only the minors were left guarding the victim, he attempted to seize a knife from start of them but was unsuccessful. The other adult suspects then returned and further assaulted him, with start allegedly stabbing him.
Witnesses report that Vena emerged from her room, yelling at the perpetrators to remove the victim to avoid drawing attention from neighbors. Following the incident, Isakov allegedly ordered the victim to leave the apartment. Despite being injured and bleeding, the victim managed to reach a nearby grocery store and alert law enforcement.
Legal Proceedings
The charges against the three adults include kidnapping for extortion, aggravated assault, and robbery under aggravated circumstances. The two minors face charges of kidnapping, extortion, and aggravated assault. This case highlights serious concerns about the escalation of violence linked to financial disputes in the region.
Authorities have not released further details as the investigation continues