Israel - January 13, 2026 Nine suspects were arrested during coordinated police raids in northern Israel as part of a wide-ranging investigation into an alleged protection money extortion scheme. The arrests followed a covert investigation conducted over recent months by the Northern District Police. According to investigators, the case involves numerous extortion incidents, including gunfire directed at several buildings owned by a northern Israeli businessman. In addition, damage exceeding one million shekels was caused to property belonging to a public corporation after it ended its contract with a company providing legitimate security services. As the investigation progressed, authorities determined that the extortion activities were carried out by a group whose members referred to themselves as “Shabab al-Jabal.” The group allegedly demanded payments and carried out shootings at properties of individuals who refused to comply. On Tuesday morning, officers from the Northern District, assisted by the Border Police, including undercover units from the tactical unit, raided multiple locations across northern Israel and detained nine suspects for questioning. Among those arrested were owners of the security company allegedly involved in the case, who are expected to be brought before a court later in the day. During the operation, police seized six vehicles, one of which is suspected to be stolen and bearing cloned license plates, as well as more than one million shekels in cash. The investigation is ongoing.