Urgent: Israeli Mobster Charged in Hollywood Poker Blackmail Scheme

UPDATE: Federal authorities have just announced serious extortion charges against alleged Israeli mobster Assaf “Ace” Waknine, linked to a string of high-stakes poker games in Los Angeles. The investigation reveals a chilling connection to the unsolved murder of Emil Lahaziel, 39, who was fatally shot in May 2023 during a night of gambling.

According to an affidavit filed in federal court last week, Waknine, believed to be living in Mexico after his deportation from the U.S. in 2011, attempted to extort a poker game host by demanding $5,000 in “protection” fees for games where the stakes start at $20,000 per entry. Players can reportedly win or lose millions in a single night.

The affidavit details a threatening text from Waknine following the host’s refusal to comply: “I guess you really want to end up like your other b**** a** poker buddy.” The host, shaken by the exchange, ended the call, stating, “I don’t know who you are and I’m in a meeting.” Waknine’s chilling reply was, “F*** your meeting.”

Homeland Security Investigations special agent Matthew Hernandez highlights a “cottage industry” of illegal high-stakes poker games that flourished during the COVID-19 pandemic, featuring players from various high-profile backgrounds, including celebrities and entrepreneurs. The games often come with a heavy entourage of cocktail waitresses, chefs, and private security, generating profits exceeding $100,000 per night for the hosts.

However, the glamorous façade of these gatherings has turned deadly. A series of violent incidents began to plague the poker community in May 2023, including a Beverly Hills home set ablaze and multiple shootings. The most alarming incident was the murder of Lahaziel, an Israeli national with a criminal history tied to Waknine. He was shot outside a poker game venue, prompting fears of escalating violence in this underground gambling scene.

Prior to his death, Lahaziel had been sending threatening messages to the Waknine brothers, escalating tensions within the group. The alleged gunmen, Ricardo Corral and Jose Martinez Sanchez, have been charged but maintain their innocence.

The Waknine brothers are known for their connections with the Mexican Mafia and various gangs, including the Crips, utilizing them as enforcers in their extortion schemes. Despite the serious allegations, Hai Waknine has not faced charges in this case.

In a shocking twist, the intended victim of Waknine’s extortion reportedly canceled the poker game and chose to prioritize his safety, stating, “I just don’t want to deal with that s***.”

As investigations continue, the impact of these high-stakes games on the Los Angeles community is becoming increasingly concerning. With the potential for violence looming over the poker scene, officials are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Stay tuned for more developments on this urgent case as authorities work to unravel the dangerous ties of organized crime in Hollywood.