Israeli Official Investigated for Fraud, Breach of Trust

The National Fraud Investigations Unit of Lahav 433 is investigating a senior official at a government-owned company on suspicion of fraud, breach of trust, forgery, using a forged document, and submitting a false affidavit. The official was detained on Thursday for questioning. Police searched his home and office, seizing documents and digital media relevant to the investigation. He was later released under restrictive conditions, and the investigation is ongoing.

Separately, the Committee for Examining Appointments decided earlier this week to revoke the approval for Idan David's appointment as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Netivei Ayalon, following new information. This decision came after the Head of the Police Investigations and Intelligence Department, Superintendent Boaz Balt, ordered an investigation into David on suspicion of forgery and other offenses, prompted by a Channel 12 investigative report.

The committee's decision focused on details David provided about his experience at Migdalit during his appointment process. David presented figures indicating that during his tenure as deputy CEO, the company's revenues were approximately 800 million shekels, its balance sheet about 1 billion shekels, and it employed around 400 people. However, a subsequent audited financial report showed significantly lower figures: revenues of about 16.9 million shekels in 2015 and 16.8 million shekels in 2014.

The committee also examined documents submitted to prove the scope of activity. CPA Yoram Barzani, whose name and signature allegedly appeared on an approval document, disavowed it, calling it a complete forgery not prepared or signed by him, and stated the logo was incorrect. The committee's decision also noted that Migdalit CEO Sasson Revie denied signing approvals attributed to him.

David rejected the claims, asserting his extensive professional experience speaks for itself. He argued he was not given sufficient time for a full response and expressed concern that the Companies Authority's inquiry might be biased and related to his role at Netivei Ayalon.