Branching investigation of Orthodox network art forgery and money laundering • Senior Attorney Wanted

The investigation of the Orthodox network forge artwork is branching.

The arrest of two suspects in the money laundering affair and operating a sophisticated network of high-quality counterfeit works of art extended this afternoon (Sunday) at the Rishon Lezion Magistrate's Court. More suspects will be brought for a remand on Tuesday. The rest were released with the consent of the police.

B'Chadrei Charedim also learned that the name of a senior and well-known lawyer is connected to the case, but is currently staying in a European country. The lawyer knows that he is wanted for questioning, but is in no hurry to return home. It is estimated that more business people are suspected of involvement in the affair, staying abroad.

The name of the son of one of Israel's prominent Orthodox rabbis is connected to the case but apparently is staying abroad.

During one session last week, police discovered that the suspects were arrested in Germany by the local police. The name of another lawyer who was arrested on Wednesday Israel imposed the gag order.

Meanwhile, the court today extended the arrest of Lior Yosef Gilboa from Ramat Gan suspected of involvement in the case. His attorneys argued that the fact that the hearing be held in custody for three more days for questioning attracted harm, "after not sleeping five nights he will struggle to cooperate."

Even the arrest of a well known businessman from Bnei Brak was extended until Tuesday. His lawyer, Ron Dror told the hearing: "This is a respectable businessman, suspected of being part of the case, the unit should be allowed a few days in detention for interrogation but not to trample his dignity."

The suspect Yitzchak Gabso was released to house arrest for a week in Givatayim. He is forbidden to make contact with all those involved, including those living abroad. Suspect Yehiel Michael Hochberg was released to house arrest for 15 days in a hotel and was banned from contacting his family who one of them is also involved in the case. Another suspect who the discussion takes place behind closed doors and on whose name today a gag order was made - released to house arrest for a week.

Other suspects will be brought for a second remand hearing on Tuesday, some will be released.

Long-standing activities

As reported this morning, the Tax Authority last week raided the offices and homes of 18 people, including Orthodox businessmen suspected of money laundering and operating a sophisticated network of counterfeit works of art.

The findings of the investigation show that in many cases forged artifacts and paintings in a professional and sophisticated was, using raw materials and purchased specially developed for the purpose of forgery.

In addition, it is suspected that with laboratories and other professionals, prepared documents allegedly gave legal cover works. Money launderers and art specialists joined together, allegedly, spread the pieces in galleries in Israel and Europe, while laundering the money from the sale.

The investigation suspected many years of activity of a sophisticated money laundering and tax evasion.

This includes, through the provision of office and currency services using factors whom are lawyers by profession. The suspicion is that in many cases made the transfer of money for customers wishing to transfer them from Israel and avoiding legal reporting, this is an exchange of financial remuneration for the fraud suspects.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!