Prominent Negev Real Estate Lawyer Arrested Over 1.5 Million Shekel Fraud
Negev real estate lawyer Miri Stoler-Hidukovsky has been placed under house arrest and suspended from practice over suspicions of defrauding clients of 1.5 million shekels.
A 45-year-old real estate lawyer residing in the Negev has been arrested on suspicion of defrauding clients of approximately 1.5 million shekels. The suspect, Miri Stoler-Hidukovsky, a prominent figure in the legal community and a former deputy head of the Southern District of the Israel Bar Association, was taken into custody following a covert investigation.
The investigation was conducted by the fraud unit of the Southern District Police in cooperation with the Israel Tax Authority's Diamond Unit, following complaints from clients who reported failing to receive their funds. According to investigators, Stoler-Hidukovsky handled numerous real estate projects and received client funds into trust accounts meant to secure transactions and tax payments. Investigators suspect the money was instead diverted to her personal account.
The arrest sent shockwaves through the legal community, where she was widely regarded as an inspiring and highly professional figure. During the investigation, police raided her home, seizing computers, documents, and phones, and examined financial transfers. She faces serious allegations including aggravated fraud, forgery, theft by an agent, and tax and money laundering offenses.
Her detention was initially extended by six days at the Beersheba Magistrate's Court, though a temporary gag order previously barred the publication of her name. She was later released to house arrest—briefly leaving to vote in the Knesset elections—and must remain under house arrest for 20 days. Judge Eran Sabag ordered her suspended from practicing law for two months, and she is barred from leaving the country.
