Police arrested a professional soccer player Sunday on suspicion of gambling, fixing games and other financial crimes as part of his alleged ties to a gang in northern Israel.

His arrest was part of a larger investigation into a violent gang based in Migdal Ha’emek, whose members are suspected of taking orders from a mob boss currently behind bars.

The probe is being conducted by investigators in the Lahav 433 major crimes unit.

“The arrest this morning joins arrests that were carried out last week, in full cooperation with the Israel Football Association,” police said in a statement.

The detained suspect plays in the National League, Israel’s second division.

Law enforcement said they suspected the athlete of “gambling in a systemic, illegal manner that is not appropriate for one who is an active soccer player in a senior league.”

Police said that investigators planned to interrogate others suspected of involvement in the gang’s activity.

Lahav 433 officers went public with the investigation into the gang last Wednesday, shortly after arresting dozens of suspects during a string of morning raids in Migdal Ha’emek. Police did not disclose how many were detained in........

© The Times of Israel