Notorious mob boss’s nephew gunned down in northern Israel

A senior figure in organized crime was shot dead Sunday in the northern city of Tirat Carmel, in an apparent underworld hit.

Rafi Ben Shalom, 37, was the nephew of notorious mob boss Michael Mor, and is believed by police to have been a key field operative for him.

Mor is currently in jail for his role in the murder of a state witness.

The Magen David Adom ambulance service said paramedics found Ben Shalom unconscious with severe gunshot wounds in the courtyard of a building. Paramedics took Ben Shalom to Rambam Medical Center in Haifa while attempting to resuscitate him, but doctors declared him dead shortly after his arrival.

Police said they had opened an investigation into the shooting and confirmed that the nature of the incident was criminal.

According to a preliminary investigation, the alleged gunman drove up beside Ben Shalom as he left his house, got out of the car, shot him, and then drove off.

Suspected crime boss Michael Mor, seen in the Nazareth Magistrate court, on September 24, 2017. (Basel Awidat/FLASH90/File)

Ben Shalom was arrested seven years ago, suspected of twice attempting to kill men loyal to Shmulik Harush, Mor’s former ally turned bitter rival. He was released from custody due to a lack of evidence.