Israel Police detained six persons for question in the case known as 3000, connected to Israel’s purchase of submarines. Police suspect bribery and money laundering in connection with the case.

One of the suspects question is reportedly a very close associate of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and another is a prominent businessman who has held a senior position in the security establishment in the past.

After the six were detained for question, Israel police released a statement, “In the framework of a joint investigation involving the Tax Authority, the Prohibition of Money Laundering & Terrorism Finance Authority and the State Attorney’s Office for Taxation & Economics, six persons were detained this morning (16 Tammuz) for questioning ‘under warning’ on suspicion of bribery, fraud, tax fraud, and money laundering in matters relating to the defense procurement in the context of case 3000”.

Police add that when the alleged crimes were committed, some of the suspects were public servants and others in the private sector. The investigation is being handled by the Lahav 433 National Unit for Combating Economic Crimes in cooperation with the Prohibition of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Authority, as well as the supervision of the State Attorney.

The case blew up after it was revealed that attorney David Shomron, a cousin and close confident of the prime minister also represented businessman Miki Ganor, who represented manufacturer ThyssenKrupp in Israel and was involved in discussion on the purchase of three new submarines and the provision of maintenance services. Persons involved report PM Netanyahu was unaware of the connection, which may be an obvious conflict of interests.

About two months ago, using Facebook to get his word out, former Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon announced “I did everything possible to block the deal while in his post and it only began advancing again after I left as Defense Minister. Everything I knew and know was given to police in my statements. I await the completion of the investigation. I have nothing to add publicly regarding details that I know to avoid interfering with the ongoing investigation. I believe that criminal indictments will follow. This case involves billions that I as Minister of Defense did not request nor did the IDF Chief of Staff or head of the Israel Navy”.

Ya’alon has made it clear that he opposed the acquisition of the new submarines.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)