Fictitious organization Affair: extended detention of suspects

Ministry of Education scam case becomes more complicated: for the third time today (Thursday) the Jerusalem Magistrates Court extended the arrest of two suspects of fraud through a fictitious organization.

Judge Dov Pollack stated that there is a basis to extend the detention as police evidence is increasingly based, and there is concern about obstruction of justice, or evasion of the law if released.

The detainees are suspected of misleading the Ministry of Education by tens of millions of shekels in recent years through a fictitious organization called Bnot Yerushalayim – Keren Moshe.

Allegedly, they sought the support of the Ministry of Education for an educational institution which is anti - Zionist and had never asked for government support. They also noted fictitious names of other students who are not learning in the institution and asked for their support.

The hearing which took place today is the third since the affair was exposed a week and a half ago.

"The investigation material shows that one of the suspects enjoyed the funds on hand as means of money laundering and for Heaven's sake," said state representative, Warrant Officer Eyal Aharon.

Due to suspicions and evidence which is increasing against the suspects the police asked to extend their detention by 11 days.
The court did not reject the request despite the words of the judge earlier this week that he would consider an alternative to detention.

"The claims made today are identical to what we have heard last time," said Attorney Ariel Atari, representing the main suspect. "In the past, the court held that there is sufficient evidence established against the respondents. The fact that the police added evidence today is an immaterial thing. "

Attorney Shimon Kokosh, representing another suspect said that there should be a distinction made between the two suspects and one should not include them together.

Kokosh offered an alternative to detention for his client - but this was rejected.

The court extended the detention of the two men until Monday, at 13:00 when another hearing in their case will be held.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!