DEVELOPING: An alleged Israeli mobster, Assaf “Ace” Waknine, faces federal extortion charges linked to a series of high-stakes poker games in Los Angeles. This shocking case involves blackmail, murder, and a network of elite poker players, according to new reports from federal authorities.
Waknine, who has reportedly been living in Mexico since his deportation from the U.S. in 2011, is accused of attempting to extort a poker game host by demanding $5,000 per game in so-called “protection” fees. The situation escalated when Waknine referenced the 2023 murder of Emil Lahaziel, a victim linked to Waknine’s criminal network, during an alleged blackmail attempt, as detailed in a federal affidavit filed last week.
According to the affidavit, the poker games, known for their astronomical buy-ins starting at $20,000, have attracted players ranging from A-list celebrities to affluent entrepreneurs. The stakes are incredibly high, with players potentially winning or losing millions in a single night. The victim, who hosts one of these exclusive games, reportedly faced threats after refusing to comply with Waknine’s demands.
“I guess you really want to end up like your other b**** a** poker buddy,” the affidavit claims Waknine texted the host after his refusal to pay.
In a chilling response, the unnamed victim hung up after asserting he was in a meeting, to which Waknine retorted, “F*** your meeting.” The intense atmosphere surrounding these games has raised serious concerns, particularly after a series of violent incidents linked to them.
Violence erupted in May 2023, with multiple arsons reported outside high-stakes games. A Beverly Hills home hosting one such game was set ablaze on May 21, while a Bentley SUV parked outside was torched shortly thereafter. Just days later, shots were fired at a residence associated with these gambling activities. The situation further deteriorated when Lahaziel, who had a lengthy criminal history and connections to the Waknine brothers, was fatally shot outside a home where he had been playing poker.
Authorities believe that Waknine and his brother, Hai Waknine, have established deep connections with various criminal organizations, including the Mexican Mafia and the Crips, which they allegedly employ as enforcers in their extortion schemes.
As the investigation unfolds, the federal authorities are keenly focused on the connections between the Waknine brothers and the recent surge in violence surrounding these poker games. Special Agent Matthew Hernandez reported that the victim of Waknine’s extortion attempts never paid the demanded fees and ultimately canceled the poker game, stating, “I just don’t want to deal with that s***.”
As this case continues to develop, the implications for high-stakes gambling in Los Angeles are profound, raising questions about safety and the increasing influence of organized crime in the world of high-dollar poker. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as they work to dismantle this dangerous network.
What’s Next: Watch for updates on Waknine’s legal proceedings and any further developments regarding the ongoing investigation into the violent incidents linked to these poker games.