Evidentiary infrastructure found: Investigation into the affair of MK Haim Biton concluded
The National Fraud Investigation Unit (YAHA) has concluded its investigation into the 'Ha-Derech' newspaper affair, involving MK Haim Biton. The case file has been referred to the prosecution.
The National Fraud Investigation Unit (YAHA) of Lahav 433 announced this morning (Wednesday) the conclusion of the investigation into the 'Ha-Derech' newspaper affair, which centers on former minister from Shas, MK Haim Biton. The investigation file has been transferred to the Tax and Economic Prosecution for review and a decision.
At the heart of the investigation is the suspicion that Ministry of Education budgets, transferred to the 'Ma'ayan Ha-Hinuch Ha-Torani' network for its operations, were used illegally and without the approval of authorized bodies to fund the production of a children's supplement distributed through the 'Ha-Derech' newspaper — a privately owned newspaper affiliated with the Shas party. In addition to MK Biton, who served as the network's CEO between 2018 and 2021, other suspects include Moshe Avitan, the network's procurement manager, and other officials at the newspaper.
The investigation began covertly and became overt last March when MK Biton was summoned for questioning for the first time. The investigation examined suspicions of fraud and breach of trust, obtaining benefits by deception, theft or embezzlement, false registration in corporate documents, and offenses under the Prohibition of Money Laundering Law.
According to the suspicion, MK Biton used funds intended for the network to finance the publication and distribution of the 'Avivim' children's supplement, which was attached to the Shas newspaper. Furthermore, according to the suspicion, employees and suppliers of the network were employed or provided services for the benefit of the newspaper.
Following the completion of all investigative actions and the approval of the case summary by the head of Lahav 433, Nitzav Mani Benjamin, and the head of the Investigations and Intelligence Division, Nitzav Boaz Blat, the file was transferred to the prosecution, which will decide whether there is a basis to file indictments against those involved.
