Israeli Transport Ministry Officials Under Investigation for Conflict of Interest
Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba
Israel's Lahav 433 unit is investigating Ministry of Transport officials, including Avraham "Afri" Cohen and Dvir Rubinstein, for suspected conflicts of interest due to their work with foreign airlines like Flydubai. The probe follows concerns raised after an incident involving a Flydubai flight and focuses on whether officials had proper approval for outside employment. Cohen and Rubinstein are specifically being examined for undeclared or improperly approved work with airlines.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli police are investigating transport ministry officials for conflicts of interest.
- The probe involves allegations of working for foreign airlines, including Flydubai.
- Key figures under scrutiny are Avraham "Afri" Cohen and Dvir Rubinstein.
- The investigation follows concerns about aviation security after a Flydubai flight incident.
- Officials' outside employment and approvals are central to the conflict of interest allegations.
Israel's national fraud investigation unit, Lahav 433, has launched an inquiry into suspected conflicts of interest among officials in the Ministry of Transport. The probe centers on allegations that these officials, while holding sensitive positions related to aviation security and the screening of pilots entering Israel, also worked for foreign airlines, including Flydubai. The investigation reportedly began after complaints were filed by parties within the Ministry of Transport.
Currently, the focus is on Avraham "Afri" Cohen, the head of the Ministry's Security Department, and Dvir Rubinstein, the director of the Aviation Security Operations Center, along with other ministry employees. Investigators are examining Cohen's alleged second job and whether he obtained official approval, as the Civil Service Commission reportedly did not grant permission. Cohen stated he received approval from the Ministry's Director-General in 2018 when he took office.
Rubinstein is being investigated for potentially working independently for foreign airlines without the required approvals. A previous report indicated he received payments from Flydubai for consulting and training, which is now being scrutinized for potential conflicts of interest given his role.
These developments follow a case involving an attempted targeting of a Flydubai flight, which raised questions about aviation security procedures and the screening of foreign airline crews. The Ministry of Transport's Security Department oversees security for air, sea, and land transport, established as part of a governmental reform following repeated warnings from the State Comptroller about gaps in transport infrastructure protection.
Additionally, Cohen is reportedly paid to work within the "Ofek" aviation security system, a government entity tasked by the Shin Bet to secure Israeli airline passengers abroad, with its personnel managing security checks at various international airports.
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