Former Finance Minister Abraham Hirchson is to be indicted, Attorney General Menachem Mazuz decided Monday.
Three weeks ago, police investigators recommended Hirchson be put on trial for fraud, theft, falsifying corporate documents, breach of trust and money laundering.
Hirchson announced his resignation at the beginning of July, and explained he was resigning due to the suspicions raised against him. The former finance minister initially suspended himself from duty at the end of April, when evidence against him began to accumulate.
Hirchson told Prime Minister Ehud Olmert his suspension would last three months.
Investigators have said in the past that there was enough evidence to prosecute the former finance minister. On August 9, police investigators sent numerous boxes containing material on Hirchson to the Tel Aviv District Prosecutor's Office.
Upon completion of the investigation, Mazuz convened several hearings with senior officials in the State Prosecutor’s Office.
In a statement, the Justice Ministry emphasized that “before making a final decision, a hearing will be held – as is customary – before the Attorney General”.
The purpose of the hearing is to give Hirchson and his lawyers the opportunity to persuade the Attorney General not to indict.
According to the statement, a date would be set for the hearing within the next few days in coordination with Hirchson’s representatives.