According to a report by N12, the investigation into MK Haim Biton (Shas) is focusing on the period 2018–2021 when he served as director-general of the Ma'ayan HaChinuch HaTorani education network. The suspicions include using education funds for political purposes, and he faces allegations of fraud, breach of trust, false registration, and money laundering. A source familiar with the probe said it is at significant stages, nearing transfer to the prosecution for a decision.
The investigation into MK Haim Biton (Shas) has reached a significant stage, with a source familiar with the probe telling N12 that it is nearing the transfer of materials to the prosecution for a charging decision. The suspicions now focus on Biton’s tenure as director-general of the Ma'ayan HaChinuch HaTorani education network from 2018 to 2021, and include allegations of fraud, breach of trust, false registration, and money laundering. The source said the probe centers on the diversion of education funds for political purposes.
This development follows a series of reports earlier today (Monday). At 09:51 Jerusalem, ynet first reported that Biton was questioned under caution on suspicion of misusing public funds allocated for education. Shortly afterward, at the same time, N12 reported that the specific suspicion involved using funds to finance the Shas party newspaper 'Haderech'. Further reports from N12 added that the investigation also covered the children's supplement 'Avivim' and confirmed that the case is being handled by the Lahav 433 police unit. The source quality evolved from a single outlet (ynet) to multiple corroborating reports, with N12 providing increasingly detailed allegations.
The Ma'ayan HaChinuch HaTorani network is a religious educational system affiliated with the Shas party. The allegations involve diverting public funds intended for education to political purposes, including party publications. The investigation is being conducted by Lahav 433, the national fraud unit.
The investigation remains ongoing. While the probe is described as at significant stages, no charges have been filed, and the decision to indict rests with the prosecution. The full scope of the alleged financial misconduct and the exact amounts involved have not been publicly disclosed.
9 developments
Source and signal
- Internal intake