Israeli Crime Boss Charged with Extortion in L.A. Poker Scene
UPDATE: A federal court has charged Israeli crime figure Assaf “Ace” Waknine with attempting to extort a high-stakes poker game host in Los Angeles. This alarming case highlights the dark underbelly of the city’s elite gambling scene, with threats linked to past violence casting a chilling shadow over these exclusive gatherings.
Authorities confirm that Waknine, aged 52, sought $5,000 in “protection money” from a poker organizer. The threats escalated, invoking the 2023 murder of fellow poker player Emil Lahaziel, who was shot outside a game in Hollywood Hills. Investigators report that Waknine, currently a fugitive likely residing in Mexico, uses his notorious reputation and gang connections to intimidate others in the underground poker network.
According to Homeland Security, Waknine has maintained his influence from abroad, sending menacing messages through text and WhatsApp. One message warned the host they could “end up like” Lahaziel, who had previously communicated with Waknine and was linked to organized crime. Court documents reveal that Lahaziel had sent angry messages to Waknine before his tragic death.
The affidavit filed by Special Agent Matthew Hernandez uncovers a web of high-stakes poker games that surged in popularity during and after the pandemic, attracting celebrities and seasoned gamblers. With buy-ins starting at $20,000 and profits sometimes reaching six figures, these private events have become prime targets for criminal elements.
Prosecutors allege that when the poker organizer refused to pay Waknine, threats intensified, correlating with a series of violent incidents in 2023. These include multiple fires at homes associated with poker organizers and the burning of a luxury Bentley in Benedict Canyon.
Waknine’s legal representative, Brett Greenfield, has denied the allegations, asserting that his client does not engage in threats or extortion. However, the situation has sent shockwaves through LA’s poker community, transforming what was once a glamorous pastime into a cautionary tale about the risks of illegal gambling.
As Waknine remains at large, authorities continue to investigate the connections between organized crime and high-stakes poker in Los Angeles. The repercussions of this case serve as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking beneath the glitz of the gambling world.
Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds.
