Police investigators allege the heads of Israel�s four largest bakeries teamed up to create a cartel, arresting a number of senior officials as the case develops. Questioned in the case are senior officials of the four bakeries, Angel�s, Berman�s, Duduvitch and Merchavit.� The four firms are accused of illegal practices in their effort to control the industry which amounts to NIS 2.1 billion annual.

Some of the suspects were brought before a Tel Aviv Magistrate�s Court remand hearing, with police requesting to extend their remand. Two suspects, from Angel�s and Berman�s were remanded on Monday for two additional days.

Officials explain the case is viewed as a most serious one, not just because a cartel is a violation of the law, but because in this case we are dealing with bread, a basic staple, a product that is invaluable in day-to-day life.

(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)