Cleared for publication: More than 20 Israeli citizens, including those from the defense industries, have been investigated in recent months on suspicion of committing offenses against state security, offenses under the Defense Export Control Law, money laundering and other economic offenses.
This is part of a joint investigation by the Shin Bet, the national unit for the investigation of serious and international crime (Yahaval) in Lahav 433 in the police andMLAMB (in charge of security in the defense system), and accompanied by the Economic Department of the State Attorney’s Office.
The investigation revealed that the suspects illegally engaged in the development, production, experimentation and sale of roaming missiles for a country in Asia. During the investigation it emerged that the suspects had received instructions for action from entities related to that foreign country, in exchange for receiving large-scale funds and additional benefits.
Documentation: Rocket fire experiment carried out by the suspects in the center of the country near residential neighborhoods // Photo: Police spokeswoman
The investigation shows that the connection between the suspects and elements in the same country in Asia was conducted in secret, while trying to disguise the factor for which the missiles are intended.
According to the police and the GSS, the investigation revealed a great deal of information about the methods of action of those foreign bodies vis-à-vis Israelis, including the use of concealment and secrecy techniques in carrying out transactions and transferring the proceeds to them.
““This case illustrates the potential damage to national security, inherent in transactions carried out by Israeli citizens vis-à-vis foreign parties, including the fear that this technology may spill over into countries hostile to Israel,” the police and the GSS said.
The material of the investigation has recently been submitted for examination to the Economic Department of the State Attorney’s Office. A restraining order was imposed on the rest of the details of the affair.