Former MK and Contractor Detained Over Multi-Million Shekel Real Estate Fraud in Israel

Israeli authorities detained a well-known contractor and a former member of the Knesset, who holds a significant position in the Likud party, on suspicion of concealing millions of shekels in real estate transactions. The contractor, currently undergoing bankruptcy proceedings since 2012, denied any sales since that year during his interrogation, stating, "I did not conduct any sales since 2012. Check. There is nothing. Stop chasing me." He expressed frustration with investigators throughout the lengthy questioning at Lahav 433, Israel's national crime unit.

The investigation also involved two additional businessmen and focused on allegations that the suspects systematically hid ownership rights in various real estate assets valued at tens of millions of shekels. The contractor is accused of transferring properties to associates at significantly undervalued prices, who then sold them at market or higher prices, funneling the proceeds back to him. This activity allegedly violated his legal obligation to disclose assets during bankruptcy.

Following hours of interrogation, all suspects were released. The contractor's lawyer, Effi Damari, emphasized that the case is old, having been investigated about 14 years ago, and questioned why enforcement agencies are revisiting the matter and "persecuting" his client after the legal process was concluded.

Police stated that the suspects operated in a sophisticated and systematic manner to conceal their rights and amass large sums illegally. With the transition to an open investigation and the suspects' detention, authorities seized substantial assets for potential confiscation in ongoing legal proceedings. This case is part of a broader crackdown involving dozens of indictments related to large-scale fraud and money laundering in the real estate sector.