Israeli Prosecutors to Decide on Charges Against Shas MK Chaim Biton in Party Newspaper Fraud Case

The Israeli police have transferred the investigation file concerning the Shas party newspaper "Haderech" to the Economic and Taxation Prosecution for a decision on whether to indict Shas MK Chaim Biton and others. The case, handled by the National Fraud Investigations Unit (YAHa"H) within Lahav 433, involves allegations of fraud and misuse of public funds. Biton, who previously served as CEO of the Maayan Torah Education Network affiliated with Shas, is suspected of illegally diverting Ministry of Education funds intended for the network to finance a children's supplement published by the privately owned party newspaper "Haderech."

The police investigation, which began covertly and became public in March 2025 with summonses issued to Biton and others, uncovered evidence suggesting that funds were used without proper authorization. The suspicions include offenses such as fraud, breach of trust, receiving property by deception, false corporate documentation, and money laundering violations. Alongside Biton, Moshe Avitan, the procurement manager of the Maayan network, and other officials connected to the newspaper are also under investigation for improper use of public money.

Investigators found that an employee of the Maayan network was employed to edit the children's supplement "Avivim," published by "Haderech," and received payments that covered her salary and those of other staff involved in the supplement's production. The police stated that after completing all investigative actions and receiving approval from senior Lahav 433 commanders, the case file was handed over to the prosecution for review and a charging decision.