7 feb 2017
The Tax Authority believes there is enough evidence demonstrating that Bar and Tzipi Refaeli committed tax evasion; the investigation began in 2015 and centers around undeclared income and benefits.
The tax evasion investigation against Bar Refaeli and her mother, Tzipi Refaeli, has reached its final stages and Tax Authority investigators believe they have enough evidence warranting criminal tax evasion charges.
The investigation into Bar Refaeli began in 2015 and since then, her mother and her have since been questioned six times and have categorically denied all allegations.
As opposed to the police who recommend whether or not to indict, the Tax Authority forwards the reports and evidence to the State Attorney without making a recommendation. If the State Attorney decides to indict the two, they may exercise their right to a hearing, which the State Attorney will participate in.
Refaeli's attorney, Udi Barzily, told Yedioth Ahronoth that his client has committed no crime. "There is nothing in this case that warrants an indictment. This is all a civil matter and therefore, there will be no indictment. There won't be anything because there was nothing."
The investigation is focusing on the years 2005, 2007-2009 and 2009-2012. According to Refaeli's lawyer, she was not a resident of the country because she was in Israel less than 183 days a year during that period and as such, was exempt from paying taxes for work abroad.
Refaeli is also suspected of receiving benefits and discounts due to her celebrity status in the form of luxury residential apartments and vehicles. The value of the benefits exceed NIS 1 million, which are supposed to be reported as taxable income.
Tzipi Refaeli is also suspected of providing false tax reports to authorities, especially in regards to living arrangements for her daughter. Refaeli lived at the YOO Towers in a rented apartment, but the contract was signed by her brother in order to make it appear she has no ties to Israel.
Later, Refaeli moved to the nearby W Towers where she lived for three years. The contract for that apartment was signed by her mother in the same manner, even though it was the model who lived in the apartment.
The tax evasion investigation against Bar Refaeli and her mother, Tzipi Refaeli, has reached its final stages and Tax Authority investigators believe they have enough evidence warranting criminal tax evasion charges.
The investigation into Bar Refaeli began in 2015 and since then, her mother and her have since been questioned six times and have categorically denied all allegations.
As opposed to the police who recommend whether or not to indict, the Tax Authority forwards the reports and evidence to the State Attorney without making a recommendation. If the State Attorney decides to indict the two, they may exercise their right to a hearing, which the State Attorney will participate in.
Refaeli's attorney, Udi Barzily, told Yedioth Ahronoth that his client has committed no crime. "There is nothing in this case that warrants an indictment. This is all a civil matter and therefore, there will be no indictment. There won't be anything because there was nothing."
The investigation is focusing on the years 2005, 2007-2009 and 2009-2012. According to Refaeli's lawyer, she was not a resident of the country because she was in Israel less than 183 days a year during that period and as such, was exempt from paying taxes for work abroad.
Refaeli is also suspected of receiving benefits and discounts due to her celebrity status in the form of luxury residential apartments and vehicles. The value of the benefits exceed NIS 1 million, which are supposed to be reported as taxable income.
Tzipi Refaeli is also suspected of providing false tax reports to authorities, especially in regards to living arrangements for her daughter. Refaeli lived at the YOO Towers in a rented apartment, but the contract was signed by her brother in order to make it appear she has no ties to Israel.
Later, Refaeli moved to the nearby W Towers where she lived for three years. The contract for that apartment was signed by her mother in the same manner, even though it was the model who lived in the apartment.
Police arrived at Shohat's home at 6:00 in the morning where they seized documents, computers and cell phones as part of investigation into fraud, bribery, corruption and theft.
Mayor of Safed, Ilan Shohat, 44, was arrested by police Monday morning on charges of bribery, theft, corruption, fraud and other crimes. By the afternoon, the Haifa District Court had already decided to extend Shohat's remand by three days.
Police arrived at Shohat's home at 6:00 in the morning where they seized documents, computers and cell phones. Shohat is accused of accepting bribes worth hundreds of thousands of shekels.
In addition to Shohat, several other suspects including city employees and businessmen are expected to have their remand extended.
Superintendent Ze'ev Hakim, from an anti-corruption police taskforce, said that Shohat is involved in six different cases, the first of which is already several years old and the others being more recent.
Hakim also added that there is cause for concern with Shohat being the mayor of a small city due to his standing and the effect it can have on witnesses and the possibility Shohat may even be able to disrupt the investigation.
"We are at the stage where the court has to examine whether there is reasonable suspicion that he can. For us there is reasonable suspicion and beyond", said Hakim. "Everywhere except in custody, the suspect could have a serious effect on witnesses."
Shohat's lawyer, Ruth Litvak, questioned whether police checked Shohat's bank accounts and she noted that he took out a mortgage to finance his house. She further requested that the judge consider alternatives to detention at this point.
"The charges are bloated and so are the number of activities they're alleging. Mr. Shohat has been cooperating from the moment investigators got to home. Due to the nature of his job, he is exposed to criticism and not everyone loves everything he does. This detention is meant to break his spirit and nothing more. He is not only the mayor, but a family man with no criminal record. The only reason is because it is the most convenient for the police. Detention is a lifelong companion. He is cooperating and will continue to do so, he wants to present his side."
Judge Ziv Arieli responded that he believes there is a reasonable suspicion that Shohat can influence the proceedings, saying, "There is definitely concern for it due passing bribes and receiving bribes behind closed doors, which blurs coverage. In the case of this suspect, it would appear that he has engaged in activities he has deliberately attempted to conceal and camouflage. The threat is real because the witnesses who need to be investigated can't ignore the extent of the suspect's potential impact on them."
Mayor of Safed, Ilan Shohat, 44, was arrested by police Monday morning on charges of bribery, theft, corruption, fraud and other crimes. By the afternoon, the Haifa District Court had already decided to extend Shohat's remand by three days.
Police arrived at Shohat's home at 6:00 in the morning where they seized documents, computers and cell phones. Shohat is accused of accepting bribes worth hundreds of thousands of shekels.
In addition to Shohat, several other suspects including city employees and businessmen are expected to have their remand extended.
Superintendent Ze'ev Hakim, from an anti-corruption police taskforce, said that Shohat is involved in six different cases, the first of which is already several years old and the others being more recent.
Hakim also added that there is cause for concern with Shohat being the mayor of a small city due to his standing and the effect it can have on witnesses and the possibility Shohat may even be able to disrupt the investigation.
"We are at the stage where the court has to examine whether there is reasonable suspicion that he can. For us there is reasonable suspicion and beyond", said Hakim. "Everywhere except in custody, the suspect could have a serious effect on witnesses."
Shohat's lawyer, Ruth Litvak, questioned whether police checked Shohat's bank accounts and she noted that he took out a mortgage to finance his house. She further requested that the judge consider alternatives to detention at this point.
"The charges are bloated and so are the number of activities they're alleging. Mr. Shohat has been cooperating from the moment investigators got to home. Due to the nature of his job, he is exposed to criticism and not everyone loves everything he does. This detention is meant to break his spirit and nothing more. He is not only the mayor, but a family man with no criminal record. The only reason is because it is the most convenient for the police. Detention is a lifelong companion. He is cooperating and will continue to do so, he wants to present his side."
Judge Ziv Arieli responded that he believes there is a reasonable suspicion that Shohat can influence the proceedings, saying, "There is definitely concern for it due passing bribes and receiving bribes behind closed doors, which blurs coverage. In the case of this suspect, it would appear that he has engaged in activities he has deliberately attempted to conceal and camouflage. The threat is real because the witnesses who need to be investigated can't ignore the extent of the suspect's potential impact on them."
30 jan 2017
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Israeli Haaretz newspaper on Monday reported that Israeli Attorney General has reached a deal with Israeli soldier Ben Derry who admitted killing a Palestinian minor at Baitonya military checkpoint west of Ramallah in 2014.
The newspaper revealed that the agreement stipulates Derry’s admission of negligence and stated that it has not been submitted to court yet because the family of the Palestinian martyr announced their intention to appeal to the Israeli Supreme Court. The Israeli soldier who is a member of the border guards claimed that he did not know that his gun contained live bullets besides the rubber ones in an attempt to justify his murder of the Palestinian teen. |
The family of the Palestinian slain Nadim Nawara announced in December 2016 their objection to the deal and accused Israelis of trying to impact the court by the use of deceit.
24 jan 2017
Rabbi Yona Metzger signed a plea agreement in which he admitted to accepting millions of shekels in bribes and committing fraud while serving as Israel's chief rabbi; Metzger will serve three and a half years and pay a fine of NIS 5 million.
Former Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel Yona Metzger signed a plea agreement with the Jerusalem district attorney Tuesday evening in which the rabbi pleaded guilty to charges of bribery and fraud and will serve three and a half years in prison. Metzger was also fined NIS 5 million by the court.
The prosecution issued an indictment against Metzger for committing bribery, fraud and tax crimes during his tenure as chief rabbi.
The Jerusalem District Attorney's Office said, "The prosecution insists upon a longer sentence and a higher fine, especially for someone who committed crimes while in such a senior position when he should have been serving as an example. He used his position to rake in money for his own pocket."
Metzger's defense team, lead by Tal Gabai and Yehuda Freid, will reportedly seek a sentence of two years as opposed to three and a half. Additionally, the defense has reported that one of the rabbi's apartments will be forfeited.
Metzger was charged in October 2015 with bribery, fraud and brach of trust. According to the indictment, Metzger received a bribe of NIS 10 million, NIS 7 million of which made it into his pocket.
"This is the place to reiterate that even though the indictment says bribery, this is not classic bribery," said Metzger's defense team.
"Whoever reads the details understands these are brokerage fees between donors and NGOs, and were it not for the rabbi, there would be no contributions at all; there was no malicious intent on his part."
In one case, the two raised funds for a yeshiva operating in Metzger's synagogue. According to suspicions, the driver received a $28,000 donation, handed it over to Metzger, and it was divided between the two of them without being transferred to the yeshiva. Another donation of NIS 72,000 was given by an Israeli businessman to an association providing food to the needy. After receiving the funds, the association's director allegedly gave Metzger 30 percent of the donation, about NIS 22,500, without informing the donor. According to the indictment, this was repeated many times.
During Metzger's term as chief rabbi from 2003 to 2013, he allegedly received financial benefits from private people for activities related to his position. These benefits were received on many opportunities, both during private events and as a payment for the rabbi's participation in events held by the people who provided the benefits.
Former Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel Yona Metzger signed a plea agreement with the Jerusalem district attorney Tuesday evening in which the rabbi pleaded guilty to charges of bribery and fraud and will serve three and a half years in prison. Metzger was also fined NIS 5 million by the court.
The prosecution issued an indictment against Metzger for committing bribery, fraud and tax crimes during his tenure as chief rabbi.
The Jerusalem District Attorney's Office said, "The prosecution insists upon a longer sentence and a higher fine, especially for someone who committed crimes while in such a senior position when he should have been serving as an example. He used his position to rake in money for his own pocket."
Metzger's defense team, lead by Tal Gabai and Yehuda Freid, will reportedly seek a sentence of two years as opposed to three and a half. Additionally, the defense has reported that one of the rabbi's apartments will be forfeited.
Metzger was charged in October 2015 with bribery, fraud and brach of trust. According to the indictment, Metzger received a bribe of NIS 10 million, NIS 7 million of which made it into his pocket.
"This is the place to reiterate that even though the indictment says bribery, this is not classic bribery," said Metzger's defense team.
"Whoever reads the details understands these are brokerage fees between donors and NGOs, and were it not for the rabbi, there would be no contributions at all; there was no malicious intent on his part."
In one case, the two raised funds for a yeshiva operating in Metzger's synagogue. According to suspicions, the driver received a $28,000 donation, handed it over to Metzger, and it was divided between the two of them without being transferred to the yeshiva. Another donation of NIS 72,000 was given by an Israeli businessman to an association providing food to the needy. After receiving the funds, the association's director allegedly gave Metzger 30 percent of the donation, about NIS 22,500, without informing the donor. According to the indictment, this was repeated many times.
During Metzger's term as chief rabbi from 2003 to 2013, he allegedly received financial benefits from private people for activities related to his position. These benefits were received on many opportunities, both during private events and as a payment for the rabbi's participation in events held by the people who provided the benefits.
23 jan 2017
Israeli police said on Monday that it had extended the remand of four Israeli settlers suspected of assaulting Palestinian farmers in the village of Turmusayya north of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, adding that the settlers were indicted in a Jerusalem court over charges of "racially-motivated assault with intention to harm."
Al-Samri said that Israeli police officers had arrested the settlers on Jan. 16 from the illegal Israeli settlement of Geolat Zion near Turmusayya, after police officers saw a number of masked settlers waving clubs and hurling stones at Palestinian farmers in the area.
Police officers chased the settlers, arresting four of them, three of whom were minors, according to the statement.
Two days later, Israeli settlers damaged 12 olive trees belonging to Palestinians near Turmusayya, al-Samri said at the time, in a statement that did not mention the assault case. She said that Israeli police had opened an investigation into the case.
Settlers often carry out attacks on Palestinians and their property, known as “price tag attacks.”
Many Palestinian activists and rights groups have accused Israel of fostering a “culture of impunity” for Israeli settlers and soldiers committing violent acts against Palestinians, who are rarely held accountable for their actions.
According to Israeli NGO Yesh Din, over 85 percent of investigations into violence committed by Israeli settlers against Palestinians are closed without indictments and only 1.9 percent of complaints submitted by Palestinians against Israeli settler attacks result in a conviction.
Yesh Din spokesperson Gilad Grossman told Ma’an in May, ahead of the release of a Jewish extremist arrested for a deadly arson attack that killed three members of the Palestinian Dawabsha family in the occupied West Bank, that the dearth of adequate policing by Israeli forces in the West Bank was largely due to a lack of ability as well as an unwillingness to address ideologically motivated crimes against Palestinians.
Attacks by settlers are often carried out under the armed protection of Israeli forces, who rarely make efforts to protect Palestinians from such attacks.
Between 500,000 and 600,000 Israelis live in Jewish-only settlements across occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank in violation of international law, with recent announcements of settlement expansion provoking condemnation from the international community.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), there were a total of 107 reported settler attacks against Palestinians and their properties in the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem in 2016.
Al-Samri said that Israeli police officers had arrested the settlers on Jan. 16 from the illegal Israeli settlement of Geolat Zion near Turmusayya, after police officers saw a number of masked settlers waving clubs and hurling stones at Palestinian farmers in the area.
Police officers chased the settlers, arresting four of them, three of whom were minors, according to the statement.
Two days later, Israeli settlers damaged 12 olive trees belonging to Palestinians near Turmusayya, al-Samri said at the time, in a statement that did not mention the assault case. She said that Israeli police had opened an investigation into the case.
Settlers often carry out attacks on Palestinians and their property, known as “price tag attacks.”
Many Palestinian activists and rights groups have accused Israel of fostering a “culture of impunity” for Israeli settlers and soldiers committing violent acts against Palestinians, who are rarely held accountable for their actions.
According to Israeli NGO Yesh Din, over 85 percent of investigations into violence committed by Israeli settlers against Palestinians are closed without indictments and only 1.9 percent of complaints submitted by Palestinians against Israeli settler attacks result in a conviction.
Yesh Din spokesperson Gilad Grossman told Ma’an in May, ahead of the release of a Jewish extremist arrested for a deadly arson attack that killed three members of the Palestinian Dawabsha family in the occupied West Bank, that the dearth of adequate policing by Israeli forces in the West Bank was largely due to a lack of ability as well as an unwillingness to address ideologically motivated crimes against Palestinians.
Attacks by settlers are often carried out under the armed protection of Israeli forces, who rarely make efforts to protect Palestinians from such attacks.
Between 500,000 and 600,000 Israelis live in Jewish-only settlements across occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank in violation of international law, with recent announcements of settlement expansion provoking condemnation from the international community.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), there were a total of 107 reported settler attacks against Palestinians and their properties in the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem in 2016.
