JPOST: Police recommend charging ex-head of Israeli Bar

I just saw this article from the JPost. It's never good when the head of the Bar Association is being charged with corruption.

I remember reading an article discussing whether the high rate of corruption in Israel is indicative of a rotting legal/political system or a strong press corps and government willingness to end corruption. Could it be both?

Police recommend charging ex-head of Israeli Bar

By YAAKOV LAPPIN 15/11/2011

Attorney Guy-Ron, senior Meuhedet Health Fund officials are suspected of fraud, corruption.

Police said evidence exists to charge senior officials from the Meuhedet Health Fund with corruption following the completion of an extensive investigation, and recommended that the former head of the Israel Bar Association, attorney Yuri Guy-Ron, also be charged in connection with the affair.

Guy-Ron, who owns a marketing company together with his wife, is suspected of receiving hundreds of thousands of shekels from Meuhedet without providing a  service in return. 

"We found evidence that Mr. Guy-Ron committed offenses [while head of the IBA] relating to corruption, conspiracy to commit a crime, and aggravated fraud," police said in an official statement.

The funds were sent to Guy-Ron's company by Yehuda Aliash, former deputy marketing director of the Meuhedet Health Fund. "The two men are friends. The transfer of large funds was not reciprocated by any service," a police source close to the investigation told The Jerusalem Post.

Responding to the allegations, Guy-Ron told Channel 2 News, "I received the news with surprise and shock. I can't understands the police's recommendation. The decision will rest with the prosecution, and I am convinced that it will find that I did not commit any offense."

The National Fraud Unit launched its inquiry following a report by the State Comptroller on the Meuhedet Health Fund, which raised concern over major irregularities.

Aliash is suspected diverting tens of millions of shekels from the advertising budgets towards marketing companies that employed his associates and relatives.

He is also suspected of paying bribes, money laundering, and fraud. "A basis of evidence exists to back up these suspicions," a police spokesman said on Tuesday.

Another suspect in the investigation is former Fund director-general Uzi Salant, who police suspect of illegally attempting to recruit new members to the fund. 

Police told state prosecutors on Tuesday that he too should be charged.