Israeli crime figure Yanis Yushvaev was shot and killed at a gas station in Caesarea, with security footage appearing to show a gunman approaching him from behind and firing at close range.

Yushvaev, described by Israeli police as the head of a criminal gang involved in violent feuds, had previously survived an assassination attempt about a decade ago.

He had been arrested multiple times over alleged involvement in shootings, arson, grenade attacks and other crimes, but often avoided prosecution or was released without charges.

Yushvaev was indicted in 2021 for allegedly threatening a businessman over a $1.1 million payment and was arrested again in 2025 over alleged shootings, though he was released without charge, the New York Post has reported.

Police are investigating the killing and searching for the gunman, who reportedly disguised his appearance and fled the scene.