Four men and a woman were arrested in connection to an ongoing police investigation into funding for yeshivos and kollels. The detainees are residents of Yerushalayim, Betar Illit, and Tel Aviv. They are suspected of defrauding the Ministry of Education in the amount of NIS 4 million.

The clandestine investigation was taking place for four months before police moved in and publicized their actions by making the arrests. During the raids in the offices and homes of the detainees, police confiscated documents and relevant evidence.

It is alleged the persons arrested were involved in submitting fraudulent records, seeking funding for non-existing students. The persons arrested were operating a fictitious nonprofit called “Tikvat HaGeula” (‘תקוות הגאולה’ ), the vehicle used to receive the government funding. When the government funding arrived, it was placed in the organization’s bank account. The suspects then allegedly then issued checks that were cashed with a money changer in Jerusalem.

At least 15 people have been questioned in the case in addition to those arrested as well as the court issuing warrants permitting a search of their homes and offices as well as investigators continue collecting evidence.

A court extended the remand of three of the suspects for an additional five days while the court is still weighing the case against the others. Additional arrests are expected in the case.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)