Federal investigators are targeting a career criminal with charges of extortion
Federal investigators have filed a criminal complaint against 52-year-old Assaf Waknine, an Israeli national with a long criminal history, accusing him of threatening the host of a high-stakes poker game in Beverly Hills. Court documents allege that Waknine, who also goes by “Ace,” attempted to extort protection money from the organizer through violent WhatsApp messages. Authorities believe he currently resides in Mexico and maintains ties with both the Mexican Mafia and members of the Crips.
The threats reportedly began in January 2024, when Waknine demanded payment to “protect” the private poker game, which attracted celebrities, poker professionals, and wealthy businesspeople. When the host, identified as Victim-1, refused, Waknine allegedly referenced the murder of Israeli citizen Emil Lahaziel, who was killed outside another Los Angeles-area poker game seven months earlier. Federal agents say the messages were designed to intimidate the host into surrendering a portion of the game’s profits.
In one exchange, Waknine allegedly warned, “You hang up me one more time and then your will f***ing understand,” followed by additional insults and threats implying the host could meet the same fate as Lahaziel. Investigators say the poker games often involved buy-ins ranging from $20,000 to over $1 million, creating lucrative targets for extortion schemes.
The affidavit details how Waknine and his brother Hai, both convicted felons, have long-standing relationships with organized crime groups in Southern California. These connections reportedly allowed them to use gang members as “muscle” to collect debts or enforce threats.
Prosecutors claim Waknine demanded $5,000 per game as a “protection fee,” though Victim-1 never complied.
Federal authorities continue to search for Waknine, who remains at large. The case highlights the dangers surrounding underground poker in Los Angeles, where vast sums of cash and elite clientele often attract criminal involvement and extortion attempts.
