Three haredim arrested in 'National Treasure' affair

Today (Wednesday) was cleared for publication: researchers at the central unit of the Jerusalem District, in cooperation with Jerusalem branch of the National Fraud Social Security, arrested earlier this month three ultra-Orthodox residents of Jerusalem, suspected that during the past two years worked as a network defrauded state agencies.

Network faked and supplied to haredi young people and adults certificates indicating mental disability and medical committees for national insurance, to receive monthly insurance, and certifications for young haredim seeking to evade military service.

Mental disability approvals provided a number of psychiatrists.

The three were arrested, remand extended, and police intends to recommend that they be prosecuted.

The story began in the wake of intelligence information received at the central unit. Consequently, a joint investigation team was set up at the central unit, National Insurance and IDF officials.

Special investigation team began an undercover investigation and traced the footsteps of the three. Undercover investigation revealed that the three offered (word of mouth) Orthodox young people released from military service under Section mind, after receiving approval from psychiatrist confirming that they are suffering from mental disability.

For each approval all network heads were given ₪ 1,500. Network members would draw young psychiatrists, which would give them the same fictitious certificates were presented to the IDF authorities.

In addition to the approval, the evader's were allegedly given, psychiatric sedative permits which they were supposed to receive from nurses at Kupat Cholim. Network members were replacing the psychiatric drug ampoules 12B; nurses would come up with HMOs, and after injection was submitted would present the nurses approval, in order to avoid military service.

One admitted, two deny

Network members also suggested Orthodox adults all over the country psychiatrist's fictitious certificates in respect of mental disability, for a onetime fee which varies from 1500-50000 ₪.

The approval from psychiatrists was introduced to the National Insurance Committee and are approved monthly pension ranging from 4500-7000 ₪. National Insurance indicates that these monthly payments would come to tens of millions of shekels in coming years.

Money received by network heads suspected of being laundered by them in straw investments. The three were arrested as the beginning of the month. One of the suspects admitted to the allegations against him, while the other maintains the right to silence and deny.

Investigation revealed that over sixty young people and adults have turned to the three suspects in order to get the permits and almost all admit to the allegations against them. During the investigation, seven psychiatrists were summoned. They were released with conditions. All have denied the allegations.

Furthermore, the investigation was that the network members used the name of a psychiatrist who died long ago for fictitious permits.

The investigation is continuing and more arrests are expected.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!