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Israeli police recommend charging 6 suspects in submarine sale scandal
The Israel Police have asked the state prosecutor to indict six high profile figures after an investigation into the purchase of submarines, also known as ‘Case 3000’.
The investigation focused on a $2bn deal to purchase submarines and boats from the German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp. It is alleged that the purchase was not conducted through proper procurement processes and that larger more expensive boats were purchased in order that the suspects could benefit financially. One of the most high profile suspects the Police have recommended charging is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s attorney, advisor and second cousin David Shimron, who is suspected of receiving payments that were defined as a “reward for success”.
Police also recommended charging Netanyahu’s Chief of Staff David Sharan, former Navy commander Vice Admiral (Res.) Eli Marom, former deputy head of the National Security Council Brig. Gen. (Res.) Avriel Bar Yosef, businessman Brig. Gen. (Res.) Shay Brosh, and former Minister Mody Zandberg. They are accused of bribery, fraud, breach of trust and money laundering.
The Police said there was insufficient evidence to recommend indicting Netanyahu’s attorney and former adviser Yitzhak Molcho, who had also been linked to the case. State prosecutors will now decide whether to prosecute based on the police recommendation.
Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit said it was a “significant case” that needed to be “investigated thoroughly and it’s good it was”. Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked said: “I suggest we wait for the prosecution. We must be patient. This is sad to see but I don’t like to condemn people before there’s a final decision by the attorney general or state prosecutor.”
Avi Gabbay, chairman of the Zionist Union, said the charges are “akin to betraying our soldiers” and that if the Prime Minister was aware of what was going on then he must resign. “And if he didn’t know, he should resign because he’s clearly incompetent to manage our security apparatus” he added. Netanyahu is not a suspect in the case, but has been questioned as a witness by the police.