IDF tracker indicted for aiding smugglers on southern border
NCO Yasser Ataika indicted for alleged involvement in smuggling of tens of thousands of dollars worth of goods on Israel-Egypt border; tracker charged with endangering national security, fraud, breach of trust. Defense attorney: He will fight to clear his name just as he fought for his country
An IDF tracker, who serves on the Israel-Egypt border, was indicted Tuesday on suspicion of being involved in the smuggling of tens of thousands of dollars worth of goods.
Additionally, the tracker, Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Yasser Ataika, was accused of endangering national security by transferring information about troop locations. His trial is expected to begin in the upcoming weeks.
According to the indictment, filed by Military Prosecutor Major Ofira Elkabetz with the Southern Command Military Court, Ataika received hundreds of dollars for each smuggling attempt he assisted in, adding that between May and December of 2007 the tracker received the information on troop locations along the southern border from another NCO.
The indictment detailed an incident in late December in which Ataika inquired as to IDF activity in a particular area in order to coordinate a smuggling attempt. Eighteen cartons of cigarettes and a camel carrying an additional six cartons were discovered in the area around that same time.
'Best years of his life'
Evidence obtained by Military Investigative Police, some by tapping the suspect's cellular phone, revealed that prior to the smuggling attempts the tracker would check whether the IDF had installed cameras or other surveillance devices before giving the smugglers the go-ahead.
The NCO is also being charged with breach of trust, fraud and behavior unbecoming an officer. IDF officials said the charges were severe, adding that endangering national security was punishable by up to five years in prison.
"The Israeli-Egyptian border is fertile ground for criminal elements and terror organizations have been attempting to launch attacks in Israel from the border region," a military source said. "Any information regarding the border that is leaked may help the terror groups carry out their plans; this is why the tracker's actions were so severe."
The suspect is considered a well-known figure in the Southern Command, and served as a tracker in various regions for 20 years. He has thwarted many terror attacks and killed quite a few terrorists during his extensive career.
"Ataika gave the best years of his life and risked his life for Israel's security," defense attorney Kobi Sudri said in response to the indictment.
"He will fight to clear his name just as he fought for his country."
