Shas MK Chaim Biton Investigated for Alleged Misuse of Public Funds

Shas party Member of Knesset Chaim Biton was questioned under warning by the Lahav 433 police unit on suspicion of misusing public funds intended for educational purposes. The investigation, revealed on Monday, focuses on Biton's tenure as CEO of the Maayan Hachinuch Hatorani network from 2018 to 2021. Authorities suspect that funds allocated to the network were improperly used to finance the publication and distribution of the children's supplement "Avivim," which was attached to the Shas party newspaper. Additionally, employees and suppliers of the network allegedly provided services or were employed to support the newspaper.

The police have charged the suspects with fraud, breach of trust, false corporate documentation, and money laundering. Sources within the police indicated that the investigation is nearing completion and the case will soon be transferred to the prosecution. Biton was initially summoned for questioning in March after a covert investigation by the National Fraud Investigations Unit (Yahch"a) at Lahav 433. Alongside Biton, three other individuals were detained for questioning, and searches were conducted at their offices to seize documents related to the offenses.