Criminal8/20/2026

How Cryptocurrencies Are Changing Organized Crime and the Work of the Israel Police

According to Ynet, a dispute between two criminal organizations over a cryptocurrency venture was behind the grenade and firearm attacks against branches of the Japanika chain. The report also describes how the spread of digital currencies is changing the Israel Police’s methods of operation.

Key facts

•Source: Ynet News
•Publication date: 21.08.26
•Two criminal organizations are mentioned
•Targets of the attacks — Japanika branches
•Subject of the dispute — a cryptocurrency venture
•No judicial decision or case number was specified

What Happened

Ynet links the series of attacks against Japanika branches, which shocked Israel, to a dispute between two criminal organizations. According to the allegations in the report, the dispute was caused by a criminal venture involving digital currencies. The names of those involved, the estimated amount of revenue, and the procedural status of the suspects are not specified in the material provided.

The Role of Cryptocurrencies

According to Ynet’s account, cryptocurrencies have become a new way for organized crime in Israel to generate and transfer large amounts of revenue. The material mentions criminals earning millions in Bitcoin, but no specific sums or verified transactions were provided.

How the Police Are Responding

To investigate this type of crime, the police are recruiting experts in cyber technologies. A representative of the Intelligence Unit describes them as a new generation of police officers with the skills required to combat complex digital schemes.

What Does Not Appear in the Source

The excerpt provided does not include information about the opening of a criminal case, a proceeding number, the filing of indictments, or a judicial decision. It also does not specify the applicable statutory provisions or provide the final outcome of the investigation.

What this means for you

For residents of Israel, this means that investigations into organized crime may increasingly involve analysis of digital wallets, blockchain transactions, and other electronic traces. However, the material presented does not in itself establish the guilt of any specific individuals and does not report a court decision or a change in legislation.

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