Senior Member of Shabak Accused of Earning 6.5 Million Shekels from Smuggling Goods to Gaza

Translation by SadaNews: Channel 13 reported that an indictment was filed this morning (Thursday) against four individuals, including an officer in the Israel Security Agency (Shabak) who holds a sensitive position, for smuggling goods into the Gaza Strip. Estimates indicate that the accused have earned millions of shekels from selling these goods, as translated by SadaNews. 

Meanwhile, Yedioth Ahronoth reported, which was followed by SadaNews, that a senior member of the Israel Security Agency (Shabak) was involved in smuggling goods into the Gaza Strip and received millions of shekels in return. According to a published report, the same member received approximately 6.5 million shekels.

An indictment was filed against the Shabak officer, whose identity has not been disclosed, and no comment has been issued by the agency regarding the incident so far. A report on the case developments was published on i24News.

According to sources involved in the investigation conducted by Lahav 433, this case is much larger than the previous smuggling case involving Betzalel Zini, the brother of the head of the Israel Security Agency (Shabak).

Channel 13 added that the Be'er Sheva Central Court examined yesterday the extension of the detention of ten suspects in the case of smuggling goods to Gaza. 

It continued: "At the beginning of the month, 12 defendants were charged in the case, including Betzalel Zini, the brother of the head of the Israel Security Agency (Shabak) David Zini. They are accused of assisting the enemy in war, receiving and giving bribes, dealing in prohibited terrorist property, and tax evasion. The prosecution has sought to confiscate the properties of those involved, which include real estate, vehicles, and bank accounts".

The indictments indicate that the accused allegedly operated an organized network for smuggling cigarettes, iPhones, batteries, and spare parts into Gaza for financial gain, while circumventing security restrictions. According to Channel 13.