Former police officer's alleged crimes revealed
Former very high-ranking police officer accused in major corruption probe released on house arrest; said to have received free vacations and a promise to head a public company.
The former top police officer questioned about alleged corruption by attorney Ronel Fisher and former police superintendent Eran Malka was on late Monday night released for three days of house arrest, following a lengthy interrogation.
Malka previously accused the police officer of taking a bribe from Fisher in return for information on police investigations pertaining to its clients.
New allegations claim that the officer also received free vacations abroad and a promise to be appointed director at a public company.
According to statements by Malka, former lawyer Ruth David, who until now was accused of facilitating bribes and obstruction of justice, was a dominant figure in the Alon Hassan affair. According to Malka, David pushed Fisher to go through with a deal with Hassan, the chairman of the Ashdod port workers union.
Hassan was responsible for Fisher's arrest in a sting operation led by the Police Investigation Department.
Malka himself is suspected of providing Fisher with information on investigations involving his clients in return for money. The Police Internal Investigations Department is expected to seek a prison sentence of between seven to ten years for Malka.
The police officer accused by Malka is suspected of receiving illegal perks from Fisher, including funding of flights and vacations abroad, sometimes with Fisher and another senior law enforcement official.
Fisher is also suspected of having suggested appointing the officer as director of B. Yair, a public construction owned by Yair Biton, a client of Fisher's, who was also indicted last month.
The alleged acts are said to have occurred when the officer held the rank of deputy commissioner. Fisher allegedly boasted about his ties to the officer repeatedly when speaking to clients or potential clients.
Besides details about the police officer, Malka also provided information about Ruth David's supposed involvement.
According to his statements, during a meeting that took place at Fisher's office in the presence of Malka, Fisher, and David regarding the Alon Hassan case, Fisher raised a concern that Hassan might be uncooperative.
But Malka says that David, who was once district attorney, insisted, saying it was "good money". Hassan indeed eventually turned to the police.
Malka signed a state witness agreement on Thursday. The information provided by Malka bolsters the case against David and Yair Biton.
