'Crime figure employed illegal Palestinian aliens'

Police arrested crime figure Francois Abutbul on Thursday for allegedly employing three Palestinians residing in Israel illegally. He was later released by police following an investigation. It is suspected the three Palestinians were performing renovation work in a Netanyah restaurant owned by Abutbul, who was released from prison less than three months ago.

Police found Abutbul and the three Palestinians in the restaurant during routine patrols. A check revealed they had no work or stay permits. The three were turned over for questioning together with two other Israelis found in the site claiming to be responsible for employing the workers.

Francois Abutbul (Photo: Dudu Azoulay)

Abutbul's attorney claimed his client hired a refurbishing contractor and had now knowledge that the contractor employed illegal Palestinian aliens.

During the interrogation, officers started suspecting Abutbul was the direct employer and that the two suspects tried to take the blame.

The crime boss was then summoned for questioning and was later arrested for allegedly employing illegal aliens. He is currently choosing to remain silent. The three Palestinians were remanded and the two other suspects were later released under restrictions.

A police source said that Abutbul has stated several times he plans to reopen some of his businesses and therefore cannot claim he does not own the restaurant.

• Follow Ynetnews on Facebook