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Commander of Israel’s elite Lahav 433 national crime unit, Assistant-Chief Meni Benjamin, is under investigation on suspicion of acting in a conflict of interest during a major organized crime probe, Israeli police confirmed on Wednesday after a court lifted a long-standing gag order.
The allegations emerged from the high-profile “Maze of Money” investigation, which focuses on suspected money laundering, extortion, and corruption tied to the Bakri crime organization operating in northern Israel, particularly in Nazareth.
According to investigators, Benjamin allegedly maintained undisclosed personal contact with Nazareth Mayor Ali Salam while the investigation was ongoing. Police suspect that the relationship was not reported through official channels, as required by protocol for senior officers overseeing sensitive cases.
Investigators further allege that Benjamin shared confidential police information connected to the probe, raising concerns about potential interference and compromised operational integrity within one of Israel’s most prominent anti-corruption units.
Sources familiar with the case say that after learning evidence had been collected against him, Benjamin allegedly contacted senior officials in the Northern District. He is suspected of attempting to influence the handling of investigative materials related to his own conduct.
Specifically, police believe he sought to have documents and evidence concerning his involvement transferred from one investigative body to another, a move authorities view as a possible effort to obstruct or manipulate the inquiry.
Benjamin is currently being questioned under caution on suspicion of breach of trust and abuse of office. The Police Investigation Department has imposed strict restrictions, including a ban on contacting other individuals involved in the case.
The investigation is being led by a dedicated exposure team specializing in internal police misconduct. Authorities stressed that the case remains active and that no conclusions have yet been drawn regarding criminal responsibility.
The allegations against Benjamin surfaced as Israeli police conducted a large-scale overnight operation in Nazareth, targeting senior members of the Bakri crime organization alongside business figures and municipal officials.
The raids form part of the broader “Maze of Money” case, which investigators describe as one of the most complex financial crime probes undertaken in the Northern District in recent years.
According to police statements, suspects are believed to have funneled large sums of illicit money through businesses and municipal channels, causing significant financial harm to the city and undermining public trust in local governance.
Investigators say evidence suggests the Bakri organization exerted pressure on municipal employees to facilitate illegal transfers, effectively embedding criminal activity within local administrative structures.
The operation was led by the Northern District Central Unit, known as YAMAR, and involved hundreds of district police officers and Border Police fighters. Additional operational forces provided logistical and intelligence support.
Northern District Commander Commissioner Meir Eliyahu described the raids as part of a broader campaign against organized crime networks entrenched in the region.
“Today we are settling accounts with another crime organization operating in the Northern District,” Eliyahu said in a video released by police. “We are determined to bring security back to our communities.”
Eliyahu alleged that the Bakri group was involved in violent crimes, extortion of businesses, and attempts to seize control of municipal mechanisms for financial gain.
“This is an organization that tried to squeeze a municipal authority to its last drop,” he said, warning criminal groups to stay away from civilians and public institutions.
Police have linked the Bakri organization to extortion schemes, manipulation of public tenders, and multiple violent incidents, including murders, across northern Israel.
Authorities said they intend to request extended remand for the main suspects during hearings at the Nazareth–Nof Hagalil Magistrate’s Court in the coming days.
As both investigations unfold, the case has intensified public scrutiny of internal oversight within Israel’s law enforcement agencies, particularly when senior officials are implicated in high-stakes criminal probes.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members