The State Attorney's Office has filed an indictment against Sami Abu Galbin (47) and Muhammad Abu Galbin (29), residents of Rahat, charging them with extortion and reckless driving. According to the indictment, as reported by Walla, the defendants systematically targeted a business competitor operating in the marketing of food and consumer goods for migrant workers in the Gaza Envelope and Western Negev.
The indictment alleges that Sami Abu Galbin, who operates in the same business niche, had a prior acquaintance with the complainant. It describes a prolonged campaign of threats directed at the complainant, his son, and his employees. It is alleged that Sami threatened physical harm and property damage when the competitors arrived at villages in the region to sell their produce. In one instance, he allegedly attempted to force open locked vehicle doors while brandishing an iron rod. Another incident involved dangerous driving, where Sami allegedly blocked the complainant on the road to prevent safe passing.
Muhammad Abu Galbin is also charged with extortion. According to the indictment, he contacted the complainant, threatened him with severe actions such as planting an explosive device in his vehicle, and warned that the Eshkol Park area was off-limits for his business. In a separate conversation, he told the complainant it was not in his best interest to continue operating in the region. Due to these threats, the complainant and his employees were forced to alter their business practices, avoid certain locations, or coordinate their activities based on the defendants' presence, out of fear for their safety.
It should be emphasized that these are allegations contained within an indictment, and no responses have yet been provided by the defendants or their counsel. The case was investigated by the Negev Central Unit, which works to eradicate extortion of business owners in the region. For business owners in the periphery and the Gaza Envelope, this serves as a reminder of the ongoing legal and police battle against criminal patterns aimed at controlling markets through force, threats, and intimidation of legitimate entrepreneurs.