Major Israeli gang leader arrested in Thailand, expected to be extradited to Israel
Arviv left Israel several months ago and had reportedly been in Thailand for about three months, amid ongoing speculation about his whereabouts.
Matan Arviv, 28, of Hadera, was arrested on Wednesday on the Thai island of Koh Samui following an Interpol warrant and a request from Israel Police. Arviv is wanted for questioning in several cases, the details of which have not been made public.
He left Israel several months ago and had reportedly been in Thailand for about three months, amid ongoing speculation about his whereabouts.
Thai police located Arviv in a luxury apartment where he was staying with several other Israelis. Officers arrested him and transferred him to Bangkok, from where he is expected to be deported to Israel. He has not yet been informed of the exact charges against him.
“We are working with all authorities to bring about his swift deportation, in order to avoid my client remaining in detention in a Thai prison,” Arviv’s attorneys told Maariv.
In the Sharon region north of Tel Aviv, Arviv’s gang is considered one of the largest criminal organizations. However, his former associate, Gal Zuaretz, has become a rival, and the two are reportedly engaged in a violent conflict.
Bangkok, Thailand. (credit: SHUTTERSTOCK)
Arviv also allegedly sought to expand his influence into Netanya, where Zuaretz is believed to hold significant power. According to reports, Arviv receives backing from crime boss Shalom Domrani.
Because of the conflict with Zuaretz, Arviv fled to Thailand, according to reports.
Zuaretz avoids assassination, arrest
About a year ago, he survived an apparent assassination attempt when police arrested suspects carrying weapons on their way to the hotel where he was staying.
Recently, Israeli citizens were also arrested on suspicion of operating drug networks at tourist parties on Koh Pha Ngan, as part of a broader crackdown on cross-border crime.
Thai authorities have recently signaled a tougher approach toward foreigners involved in criminal activity, moving quickly to remove them from the country to maintain security in tourist areas.
