Investigation Into Former Shas MK Haim Biton Concludes with Evidence Found

The National Fraud Investigations Unit (Yahaha) at Lahav 433 announced on Wednesday the completion of the investigation into the "Haderech" newspaper case, centered on former Shas minister and MK Haim Biton. The investigation file has been forwarded to the Tax and Economic Prosecution for review and decision-making. The probe focused on suspicions that Ministry of Education funds allocated to the Maayan Hachinuch Hatorani network were improperly used without authorization to finance a children's supplement published in the privately owned "Haderech" newspaper, affiliated with the Shas party.

Haim Biton, who served as the network's CEO from 2018 to 2021, is suspected alongside Moshe Avitan, the network's procurement manager, and other officials at the newspaper. The investigation began covertly and became public in March last year when Biton was first summoned for questioning. Allegations examined include fraud, breach of trust, receiving property by deception, theft or attempted theft, false corporate documentation, and offenses under the Prohibition on Money Laundering Law.

According to suspicions, Biton used funds intended for the network to finance the publication and distribution of the "Avivim" children's supplement attached to the Shas newspaper. Additionally, employees and suppliers of the network allegedly worked or provided services for the newspaper. After completing all investigative actions and approval of the case summary by Lahav 433 Chief Meni Benyamin and Head of Investigations and Intelligence Boaz Balat, the file was transferred to the prosecution to decide on filing indictments against those involved.