Bank Branch Manager in Umm al-Fahm Arrested for Defrauding Customers of 800,000 Shekels

A branch manager of Masad Bank in Umm al-Fahm was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of defrauding bank customers and laundering approximately 800,000 shekels. The investigation, conducted over recent months by the Haifa District Fraud Unit, moved into its public phase with her arrest following a complaint filed by the bank.

According to the allegations, the manager collected money from customers under false pretenses, claiming payments were necessary to secure loan approvals. Reports indicate she arranged deals with clients, telling them, "Pay me and the loan will be approved." The investigation uncovered multiple customers and loans linked to this scheme.

Evidence shows that over several years, she collected thousands of shekels in cash from loan applicants, transferring the funds into her own accounts, totaling around 800,000 shekels. After the case became public, fraud unit forces located and detained her for questioning. Police stated that following the investigation, a decision will be made whether to request an extension of her detention from the court.