Head of “Caucasian Mafia” Executed in Israel, Cameras Capture Assassination

Yanis Yusayev, considered the leader of the so-called “Caucasian mafia” in Israel, was shot dead on Sunday near a gas station in Caesarea. The serious incident was captured by security cameras.

The video shows the moment Yusayev leaves a restaurant inside the gas station, accompanied by two people. An individual wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt, black trousers and a white baseball cap approaches from behind.

When he is very close to the target, the assailant pulls out a gun and shoots Yusayev in the head. The victim remains lying on the ground and is rushed to hospital in critical condition, but doctors are unable to keep him alive.

Immediately after the attack, numerous police officers arrive at the scene, cordon off the area and begin examining the evidence. A helicopter is also involved in the operation to capture the perpetrator, while the suspect’s identity has yet to be established.

Investigators are analysing Yusayev’s background and his relationships with organised crime circles in an effort to determine the motive for the killing and the individuals who may have ordered or organised the assassination.

Police sources and people familiar with criminal activity in Hadera and Or Akiva say that over the years, Yusayev had built an extensive network of ties with well-known figures in Israel’s criminal underworld.

This circle includes Patrick Krasnopolsky, described as Yusayev’s closest associate and “right-hand man”, as well as Oser Smilov.

Yusayev and Krasnopolsky were arrested in June 2025 after being suspected of involvement in shootings and grenade attacks against businesses in Or Akiva. Both were later released without being charged.

In March 2026, Krasnopolsky and Smilov were arrested again. This time, the suspicions were linked to an attempted murder of a rival involved in organised crime.

Israeli police are also verifying reports of Yusayev’s connections to Eli and Matan Arbiv, who are believed to have wielded influence over criminal activities in the Hadera area.

Authorities assess that these individuals may have been part of the same criminal group, which operated in Hadera, Or Akiva, Caesarea and other areas of the Sharon region.

As the investigation continues, police are trying to establish whether the murder was the result of a clash between rival organised crime groups and determine who ordered or carried out the assassination.