Aviation Security Chief Accused of Conflict of Interest, Accepting Payments from Regulated Companies
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Dvir Rubinstein, Israel's Director of Aviation Security for 19 years, is under criminal investigation for alleged conflicts of interest. He is accused of operating as an external contractor providing private advice to foreign airlines he is meant to regulate, including Flydubai. The investigation follows a near-disaster on a Flydubai flight and raises concerns about thousands of pilots landing in Israel without adequate vetting. Rubinstein allegedly received payments from these companies while overseeing their security.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Dvir Rubinstein, Israel's Director of Aviation Security, is under criminal investigation for conflicts of interest.
- Rubinstein allegedly provided private consulting to foreign airlines he was responsible for regulating.
- Flydubai, which was involved in a recent near-disaster, was among Rubinstein's private clients.
- Thousands of pilots from countries without diplomatic ties landed in Israel without proper vetting.
- The police have opened a criminal investigation into Rubinstein's conduct.
- Rubinstein is an external contractor, not a state employee, despite his critical role.
A recent investigation by Israel's Channel 12 News has revealed serious allegations against Dvir Rubinstein, who has held the sensitive position of Director of Aviation Security at the Ministry of Transport for 19 years. Contrary to expectations, Rubinstein is not a state employee but an external contractor who provides private consulting services to the very foreign airlines he is supposed to regulate. This arrangement has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and lax oversight.
Rubinstein's role involves ensuring that pilots landing in Israel are not from enemy states and verifying the security credentials of aircrews. He has previously spoken publicly about the importance of background checks for foreign pilots. However, the investigation suggests that thousands of pilots from countries with no diplomatic ties to Israel have landed without proper vetting, posing a potential security risk.
The report highlights that Rubinstein, through his private company, advises foreign airlines, including Flydubai, which was involved in a recent incident where a plane carrying 174 Israelis experienced a dangerous dive. He allegedly receives significant payments from these companies while simultaneously being responsible for their security oversight. Evidence, including certificates of appreciation, suggests a close working relationship with Flydubai and Emirates.
Further allegations point to a system where Rubinstein allegedly uses his public position to benefit himself and associates. Testimonies suggest that charter companies needing approval from the Aviation Security Operations Center (MAMLAT) are often steered towards a specific security coordinator, Itay Levin. Levin, who also runs a consulting firm and has ties to Rubinstein through a training college, reportedly offers his services immediately after MAMLAT issues a demand, implying a coordinated effort.
Following the revelations, the police have opened a criminal investigation into Rubinstein, which is expected to become a formal inquiry. The Ministry of Transport has stated it cannot comment on the specifics of the case. The situation underscores a broader issue of outsourcing critical security functions, with critics arguing that private interests should not be entrusted with such vital responsibilities.
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