BREAKING: Federal authorities have just announced serious extortion charges against alleged Israeli mobster Assaf “Ace” Waknine, linked to a deadly poker game scandal in Hollywood Hills. Waknine, who has been living in Mexico since his deportation in 2011, is accused of attempting to blackmail a poker game host while invoking the recent murder of Emil Lahaziel, a 39-year-old tied to the high-stakes gambling scene.
According to an affidavit filed last week by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Waknine demanded $5,000 per game in “protection” fees from the host of a weekly poker gathering where players buy in for a minimum of $20,000 and can win or lose millions in a single night. In a chilling text message, Waknine threatened, “I guess you really want to end up like your other b**** a** poker buddy,” following the host’s refusal to comply.
The host, who remains unnamed, reported the threats to authorities, stating, “I just don’t want to deal with that s***.” The HSI special agent, Matthew Hernandez, highlighted the alarming rise in violence associated with these poker games, including multiple arson incidents leading up to Lahaziel’s murder.
Just last year, a Beverly Hills residence that hosted these games was set ablaze on May 21, 2023. Days later, gunfire erupted outside another location, following a Molotov cocktail attack on a vehicle linked to the poker scene. The situation escalated dramatically with the shooting death of Lahaziel, who was reportedly involved in a feud with Waknine prior to his death.
Officials report that Lahaziel had a lengthy criminal history and had been sending threatening messages to the Waknine brothers shortly before he was fatally shot in the neck and face. Two men, Ricardo Corral and Jose Martinez Sanchez, have been charged in connection with the murder but have pleaded not guilty.
The Waknine brothers, both with multiple felony convictions, are suspected of having ties to the Mexican Mafia and the Crips, using these connections to enforce their extortion schemes within the high-stakes poker community. As of now, Waknine is not in custody, and authorities have not charged his brother, Hai Waknine, in this extortion case.
With the poker games growing in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, the underground scene has reportedly attracted a mix of A-list celebrities, wealthy entrepreneurs, and amateur players, creating a dangerous combination of high stakes and criminal elements. The poker host reportedly profited significantly, earning up to $100,000 in a single night by taxing staff tips.
NEXT STEPS: As investigations continue, the public is urged to stay informed about potential developments in this case. Authorities are cracking down on violent crime linked to illegal gambling, and further arrests may follow as the situation unfolds.
This developing story highlights the intricate and often dangerous world of high-stakes gambling in Los Angeles, raising serious questions about the safety of those involved. Stay tuned for more updates as they become available.
