Police arrest alleged Jerusalem gangster armed with bomb

Police on Sunday uncovered an explosive device believed to have been planted by a criminal gang calling itself "the Jerusalemite mob."

On Sunday, police arrested Kobi Levi, a 24-year-old "soldier" belonging to a crime syndicate allegedly headed by Itzik Bar-Moha and Yossi Malka, near the Atarot checkpoint in Jerusalem.

At the same time as the arrest, police discovered a 2.5-kilogram explosive device underneath the seat of Levi's vespa. The bomb was found to have a trigger device attached to it, ready for detonation.

Levi has no prior criminal records, though information which reached police indicates that he is working for the Jerusalemite mob. After his arrest, Levi refused to cooperate with investigators and said he was exercising his right to remain silent.

Police also arrested Shimi Deri, another known activist in the group. Deri is alleged to have delivered the bomb to Levi.

Both men will appear before the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court. Police have thus far refused to say if they know the intended target of the bomb.