CEO accused of funding terror
Photo: Ofer Amram
Israeli accused of selling goods to terror organization
Rishon Lezion resident indicted of selling food products worth millions to group aiding Hamas, Islamic Jihad
A Rishon Lezion resident was indicted Thursday of importing food products, selling and transferring them to a terror organization located in the Gaza Strip, for over NIS 2 million (about $588,203). He was accused of multiple counts of trafficking in contrabands and performing services for an illegal organization.
The accused, 59-year-old Shalom Hatuka, served as the CEO of Shintraco, a company importing and marketing food products such as lentils and rice, as well as other products.
According to the indictment, in April 2006 and February 2007 Hatuka held trade relations with the Abu Ahar company from Gaza, a firm importing food products which was defined by Israel as an illegal union at the end of 2005; later being declared a terror organization, for its affiliation with Hamas and the Islamic Jihad.
According to the indictment, filed at the Tel Aviv District Court, Hatuka was aware of the fact that he was dealing with a terror organization, but continued to conduct his business with the company, transferring food products via land passages to Abu Ahar's people in Gaza, concealing the identity of the godds' receivers the entire time.
Hatuka also allegedly laundered money by depositing the funds - regarded as terror assets - into existing accounts. He also had contact with the company by phone, fax and internet despite the prohibitions.
The State asked the court to confiscate two cars owned by Hatuka, NIS 6,600 ($1,939) in cash, as well as the bank guarantee of NIS 1.6 million ($470,239) deposited following his release from detention.
