‘Israeli’ Submarine Affair: Former IOF General Arrested

Local Editor

An ‘Israeli' major-general in reserves became latest suspect to be taken for questioning in ongoing investigation into corruption surrounding the procurement of ‘Israeli' submarines and patrol ships from German conglomerate ThyssenKrupp.

Police detained a former ‘Israeli' Occupation Forces [IOF] major general for questioning on Tuesday as part of investigations into corruption surrounding the procurement of submarines and patrol ships from German conglomerate ThyssenKrupp- dubbed the Case 3000.

Police suspect a series of crimes was committed surrounding the two deals, including bribery and money laundering.

"We've discovered a very concerning conduct with regards to security procurement deals in ‘Israel' that are worth billions," a police representative said in court Monday. "The findings [of the investigation] raise a real suspicion of ethical offenses, breach of trust, bribery, money laundering, and tax offenses."

There was a series of development in the case on Monday, with police arresting six other suspects.

Also on Monday, a court extended until Thursday the remand of three of the main suspects in the case: Miki Ganor, a close associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a representative of ThyssenKrupp in ‘Israel'; Avriel Bar-Yosef, who served as the acting-national security advisor; and attorney Ronen Shemer, who works in Ganor's office.

In addition, police froze the bank account of former Navy commander Maj. Gen. Eli Marom, who is suspected of having pushed to replace then-ThyssenKrupp representative in ‘Israel', Shaike Bareket, with Ganor.

Police also collected testimony from the former director of the Prime Minister's Office, Eyal Gabbay.

Finally, a lawyer with close ties to Netanyahu was questioned on Monday and then put on a three-day house arrest. Police sources said the lawyer was put on house arrest as part of an "investigative ploy" to put pressure on the other suspects. He was brought in for questioning again on Tuesday.

The case came to light in November 2016, when it was reported police were investigating suspicions of tender bias in the procurement of submarines and patrol ships from ThyssenKrupp, bribery and a conflict of interest.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team