Israel announced that it will likely indict seven high-ranking former Israeli officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s former attorney David Shimron, with bribery and money laundering in connection with the $2 billion submarine bribery scandal.
Among those facing charges in the case, known as Case 3000, are former chief of the Israeli Navy, Eliezer Marom, David Sharan – a former Netanyahu adviser who once headed Netanyahu’s office – and former minister Eliezer Sandberg.
Netanyahu's personal lawyer and confidante, David Shimron, is being indicted for money laundering in a corruption case dubbed "The Submarine Affair"… fmr Navy chief + others are being charged with bribery [all, pending hearing]. https://t.co/h4qTTTTxE0
— Marian Houk (@Marianhouk) December 5, 2019
The case involves the decision to acquire submarines and boats from German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp Corporation in 2016, which led to an inquiry followed by a criminal investigation.
It involves two deals signed by Israel and the German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp, one involving the purchase of three submarines for €1.5 billion ($1.67 billion), the other involving the purchase of missile boats for protecting gas drilling platforms, a deal worth €430 million ($477 million).
Prosecutors allege Israeli officials were bribed to push the massive deals.
"The investigation centers on the actions of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's lawyer, David Shimron, who allegedly worked as a paid agent for ThyssenKrupp during deliberations on a contract for three new submarines from the German defense contractor."https://t.co/P1GfM0ySte
— Robin Middel (@navycomms) November 10, 2019
Israeli police announced in November 2018 it had enough evidence to charge a number of suspects, including Shimron, who is also Netanyahu’s cousin.
Shimron represented the German firm involved and was suspected of using his influence over the prime minister in return for a major cut in the deal.
The indictments will be handed down pending a hearing, according to the Times of Israel.
(Middle East Monitor, PC, Social Media)
