(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

In this case according to Jerusalem police, victims paid protection money for parking spaces. According to this police spokesman report, the case deals with visitors and tourists who were advised to pay protection money to make sure nothing happened to their cars while parked.

Undercover police operated in East Jerusalem on Monday, during which time they gathered evidence against the suspect. According to police suspect would arrive at the Dung Gate where free parking is available. He demanded a sizable fee from visitors and tourists parking their vehicles there, explaining to them he would make certain that nothing happened to their vehicle while they were gone.

Police add that in cases where the visitors did not agree to pay the sum for protection, they found thousands of shekels of damage to the vehicles upon their return. The suspect was apprehended in the act and according to police will face a multi-count indictment. Suspect was arraigned the local court on Tuesday, at which time police asked to hold him without bail.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem/Photo Credit: Police Spokesman Unit)