'Our smallest client pays $10,000'
Tape exposes Hadrei Haredim website's extortion methods. 'We aim to create a positive atmosphere for our clients,' website's CEO seen saying
A tape supporting the allegations against the Hadrei Haradim website managers has been obtained by Ynet. "The aim is to create a positive public atmosphere for the client, and not just prevent a negative one," the site's CEO is seen saying during a meeting with a haredi businessman.
Earlier this week, the CEO and two other site officials were arrested on suspicion of extortion. On Monday, their remand was extended by four days.
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The tape obtained by Ynet serves as key evidence in the case against the website. Last month, web surfers posted a rumor on the site's message board suggesting that an act of fornication had taken place during a family event held by haredi businessman Yaakov Berger.
Meeting between Berger and suspect as caught on tape
Berger met with the site's director that same night. While three wires planted by Berger failed to document the conversation, a video camera placed in the office's wall captured the exchange.
"I have a very limited number of clients, whom I keep happy," the CEO said. "They have nothing to worry about. The smallest client pays $10,000 a month."
Later in the conversation, the suspect explained one of the website's services. "The aim is to create a positive public atmosphere for the client, not just prevent a negative one but to create a positive atmosphere, whether it be politicians, businessmen or institutions financed by donations."
Berger, as a result, has become a hero in the haredi community. Dozens of haredi celebrities thanked him for his courage and confessed they were also in the suspect's black list, he said.
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