A 52-year-old criminal defense attorney in Israel was released to electronic monitoring house arrest after being indicted for extortion and threats. Prosecutors allege he threatened a debtor via WhatsApp and sent associates to the victim’s home while his nine-year-old son was present.
The case centres on a financial dispute involving a 52-year-old criminal defence lawyer, Alon Kriti, and an acquaintance who had previously retained him for legal representation. According to court filings submitted by the Central District Attorney’s Office, Kriti loaned the victim funds in cash during 2025. While the borrower returned a portion of that amount, a separate loan from Kriti’s relative and friend remained unpaid.
The charges stem from an investigation conducted by the Kiryat Malachi police station in the Lachish region, with the indictment formally lodged at the Rishon LeZion Magistrates’ Court by prosecutor Einbar Rieger.
Escalating Threats and Voice Notes on WhatsApp
As the debt remained unsettled, the messages sent to the victim escalated sharply in tone. Court documents cite multiple instances of intimidation, including a text declaring, Don’t worry, yesterday evening you already came up in a conversation with some guys, go in peace and Within an hour guys at your house.
Further voice recordings recovered by investigators revealed direct admissions of real-time surveillance during confrontations at the victim’s property.
When they are knocking on your door I am on video chat with them… Alon Kriti, criminal defence lawyer
Additional messages retrieved from the correspondence included insults and persistent warnings, with the sender telling the victim, How much of a motherf**r and a piece of st can you be? alongside assurances that I’m not leaving you alone and Next time I’ll come.
The Visit to the Victim’s Home
The investigation first uncovered by Mako details how the dispute moved from digital messaging to physical intimidation. Following the unpaid balances, Kriti contacted two individuals and instructed them to visit the debtor’s residence to frighten him into repaying the money.
The two emissaries arrived at the victim’s home at a time when his nine-year-old son was inside with him. They knocked on the front door and subsequently departed after receiving no answer. Following this incident, the victim filed an official complaint with law enforcement, leading to the attorney’s arrest.
During initial police questioning, the suspect claimed he sent individuals solely to check on the victim’s mental state rather than to extort him.
Court Proceedings and Release Conditions
The suspect’s name was shielded by a gag order for approximately a month while investigations proceeded. The Rishon LeZion Magistrates’ Court lifted the restriction after prosecutors requested permission to publish his identity. In the detention hearing, prosecutor Einbar Rieger argued for detention until the conclusion of legal proceedings, emphasizing the gravity of the offence.
An audacity like this teaches us about the great risk posed by the defendant and the fact that he does not hesitate to use means for the sake of achieving his goals, Rieger noted in the detention request, adding that the severity of the case is heightened because the accused works professionally as a criminal lawyer.
Despite the state’s request to keep him behind bars through the duration of the trial, the court ruled to release Kriti to house arrest monitored by electronic tagging.
