The Torah scrolls. Origins are unclear (Photo: Police spokesperson)
צילום: חטיבת דובר המשטרה
The Torah scroll scam: Stolen, then re-sold
Over 40 Torah scrolls of 'unclear' origin found in an office in Jerusalem after thieves from northern Israel were captured.
Over 40 torah scrolls of unknown origin, several of them stolen, were recently found at an office in Jerusalem.
The scrolls were found in the office of a Sofer, a person who makes Torah scrolls, as well as scrolls that go inside mezuzahs and tefillin, writing them by hand.
Some of the scrolls in question (Photo: Police spokesperson) (צילום: חטיבת דובר המשטרה)
At least seven of the scrolls are known to be stolen. The police is attempting to find the owners of the others.
The Sofer is accused of purchasing the stolen scrolls and selling them for a handsome profit. Last weekend, the affair reached the Nazareth Magistrate Court. Following a wide-ranging investigation by the Israeli police, two brothers from Tiberias were indicted with stealing the scrolls.
