Japanika saga: Police arrest 28-year-old suspected of attempted arson on sushi chain's Haifa branch

Israeli police have arrested a 28-year-old man from Kiryat Ata in connection with the attempted arson of a Japanika restaurant branch in Haifa. The arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into a wave of attacks targeting branches of the popular sushi chain, owned by businessman Barak Abramov.

Over a short period, police reported multiple incidents, including two grenade explosions, a pipe bomb attack, and an attempted arson, with three of these targeting Japanika locations. A shooting incident at a Japanika restaurant in Herzliya marked the fourth such attack. One incident in Netanya involved the use of a stolen IDF grenade, underscoring the severity of the methods employed.

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The investigation has become international. The police are not operating only in Israel. Police agencies around the world are involved, including the FBI and Romanian police.

The investigation has gained international traction, with the FBI and Romanian police now involved. According to legal analyst Guy Peleg, the police are collaborating with international agencies, believing that Eran Haya, the head of a crime organization held in Brooklyn, may be connected to the attacks. The FBI reportedly searched Haya's cell and found hidden cellphones.

Additionally, the Romanian security service has questioned Eli Musli, the brother of alleged crime boss Yossi Musli, based on information provided by Israeli police. Romanian authorities have warned Musli that continued involvement could lead to the shutdown of businesses in Romania. The involvement of international law enforcement suggests a complex criminal network potentially operating across borders.

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The Romanian authorities made it clear to Musli that if this continues, they will shut down the businesses in Romania.