Indictment filed against Tsanani for extortion, conspiracy

According to indictment filed in TA court, "Margol," Michael Hazan acted jointly, committed extortion against singer's manager, Asaf Atagadi.

By JOANNA PARASZCZUK
Margalit Tzanani in court311 (photo credit: Yossi Zeliger)
Margalit Tzanani in court311
(photo credit: Yossi Zeliger)
The Tel Aviv District Prosecutor's Office filed an indictment in the Tel Aviv District Court on Sunday morning against Margalit Tsanani and Michael Hazan on charges of extortion and conspiracy.
Police suspect that Tsanani asked mobsters to extort an unpaid debt from her manager, Assaf Atadegi.
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According to the indictment, Tsanani and Hazan acted jointly and committed extortion against Tsanani's manager, Asaf Atagadi, following a dispute that arose between the singer and Atagadi.
Using threats, they forced Atagadi to accede to their various demands.
During that time, Tsanani was assisted by various criminal elements, in order to promote her personal and business affairs.
To show gratitude for the extortion they carried out for her, Tsanani used her connections and her professional role to give these elements a foothold in the heart of the entertainment industry.
The Tel Aviv district prosecution is also asking the court to remand Tsanani and Hazan for the duration of the legal proceedings against them.
Last week, Tsanani’s defense attorney Sassi Gaz argued that he has not seen details of the charges against the singer, and alleged that Tsanani did not know why she was being investigated.
“We have not seen the facts, we don’t know who, when and what the level of extortion was,” said Gaz. “My client keeps asking me why she is here.”
Tsanani’s defense team also alleged that the police had misinterpreted wiretapped conversations Tsanani had made about threatening Atadegi.