Suspicion: Employee Stole Packages Worth Tens of Thousands of Shekels After 22 Years on the Job

The Magistrate's Court in Rishon LeZion today extended by three days the detention of an Israel Airports Authority employee of 22 years, who is suspected of theft by an employee from his employer and conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor.

According to the police, the investigation began following a complaint received about ten days ago, during which evidence was collected, including video footage and other documentation. During the hearing, the police claimed the case involves the theft of packages worth tens of thousands of shekels and later revealed they are investigating another incident that occurred less than a month ago. However, the representative of the investigative unit confirmed that regarding the additional incident, it has not yet been clarified what exactly was stolen or the extent of the alleged damage.

Defense attorney Eyal Ohayon pointed out that the police already possess video footage allegedly documenting the incident and showed part of it to the suspect during interrogation. He further claimed that the suspect was not told what property was allegedly stolen, questioning how it is possible to request a seven-day detention extension when:

"A man is sitting here and does not know what he stole."

The police representative confirmed that the suspect was not informed of the specific stolen items during interrogation but replied that the investigative actions are intended to clarify the full picture and that there are further developments in the case. The attorney added that a search had already been conducted at the suspect's workplace warehouse, meaning there is no longer a risk of destroying evidence, though the police representative replied that the investigative unit had no record of such a search.

In his closing arguments, attorney Ohayon emphasized that his client has worked at Ben Gurion Airport for 22 years with no prior record, arguing that a suspicion of a property crime does not in itself justify detention. He noted that since the main evidence consists of videos and documents already in police possession, no real action the suspect could disrupt was presented. He also recalled that at the start of the investigation, an arrest warrant was not requested, only a search warrant.

Judge Eyal Cohen ruled that the investigation material reveals a reasonable suspicion of the offenses attributed to the suspect and that there is a reasonable basis for fearing interference with the investigation and potential harm to public safety. However, he noted there was no justification for granting the police's full seven-day request, as the investigative actions can be carried out in a shorter period.