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MK Yakov Litzman
Photo: Gil Yohanan

MK Litzman questioned on suspicion of fraud

Police suspect former deputy health minister granted disabled person a vehicle against regulations

Former Deputy Health Minister Yakov Litzman was questioned Thursday on suspicion of fraud and breach of trust as part of a police investigation into National Insurance Institute fraud relating to disability and mobility aids.

 

It is suspected Litzman was involved in a decision to grant a disabled person a vehicle contrary to a decision by the road safety medical institute.

 

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Litzman was questioned under caution for more than two hours but was not arrested. Police believe he did not receive any benefits for his intervention and therefore do not suspect him of bribery.

 

The questioning came following the testimony of Professor Joseph Ribak, head of the road safety medical institute.

 

Ribak had sent a letter to the Civil Service Office in protest of Litzman's behavior in which he claimed that the former deputy health minister intervened in the institute's decision regarding the provision of a vehicle for a disabled man.

 

According to Ribak, Litzman scolded him and yelled at him to change the decision and grant the person a larger car.

 

The probe is part of a larger police investigation into suspicions of NII fraud. Eight suspects have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in a scheme that rolled millions of shekels.

 

It is suspected some employees of mobility aid companies advised disabled people on how to qualify for increased disability benefits and more expensive aids than they require.

 

A Health Ministry official has also been arrested. Police have thus far questioned dozens of suspects, conducted searches in homes and offices and seized documents.

 

Litzman's office said in response he has no connection to the affair.  

 

Litzman, 64, has been a Knesset member on behalf of the United Torah Judaism since 1999. He has served as chairman of the Knesset's Finance Committee, where he is still a member. He is also member of the Labor, Welfare and Health Committee.

 

 

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פרסום ראשון: 05.17.13, 08:57
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