Two Israelis and two accomplices have been arrested in Antwerp in connection with a series of bombings and arson attacks believed aimed at blackmailing an important Jewish diamond merchant and his associates.
According to press reports, the two Israelis, age 25 and 27, are members of a ring of thugs who are paid to commit attacks and blackmail people in exchange for large amounts of money.
They are reportedly already active in Greece, Switzerland, Britain and Israel itself, especially in diamond circles, and are internationally wanted by police.
The mysterious attacks, none against people, began last June in Antwerp against the properties of diamond merchant Amnon Rachminov, his associate and members of his family.
Police found what they called a “real arsenal” of explosive materiel and arms in the Israelis’ apartment in the center of Antwerp.
Police believe the two Israelis were also planning to kidnap someone belonging to Rachminov’s entourage.
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