Israel police: Interior minister should be charged for fraud

In a statement, police said it found sufficient evidence to indict Aryeh Deri -- the interior minister -- for fraud and breach of trust over his links with business people. "The findings of the investigation are that there is an evidentiary basis against Deri that he committed fraud and breach of trust in connection with his conduct while serving as a minister," the statement said. Police said the investigation focused on money transfers to the interior minister, who is the leader of the ultraorthodox Shas party, linked to land sales.

Anadolu Agency & AP WORLD

Published November 20,2018

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ISRAEL POLICE: INTERIOR MINISTER SHOULD BE CHARGED FOR FRAUD

Israeli police are recommending charges be brought against the country's interior minister in a major corruption case.

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said Tuesday there is "evidentiary basis" against Aryeh Deri that he committed fraud and breach of trust, as well as for the commission of millions of shekels in tax offenses, money laundering and the disruption of court proceedings.

Police have questioned Deri and his wife on suspicion of receiving illicit payments from businessmen. They deny any crimes were committed.

Police also suggested the indictment of Deri's brother, Shlomo Deri, for tax offenses amounting to millions of shekels.

"There's sufficient evidence to charge other suspects with money laundering and tax offenses," police said.

Deri was previously sentenced to three years in prison for bribery, fraud and breach of trust in 2000 during his previous stint as interior minister in the 1990s. He served 22 months in prison but made a political comeback and retook the reins of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party in 2013.