Jerusalem police investigators have concluded their investigation into the 'Hadrei Haredim' websiteextortion case and recommended that the State Prosecutor's Office file an indictment against five suspects. Police say they have sufficient evidence against the suspects.
The affair was exposed on April 1 when police raided the website's Tel Aviv offices and arrested the CEO.
Related stories:
According to suspicions, the website would erase unflattering articles about people or organizations in exchange for a monthly or annual payment of tens of thousands of shekels. Another method used to blackmail the victims was by claiming the money was meant to "protect" the reputation of the victim – for money.
Hadrei Haredim CEO in court (Photo: Gil Yohanan)
A few days after the arrests Ynet published a tape supporting the allegations against the Hadrei Haradim website managers. "I have a very limited number of clients, whom I keep happy," the site's CEO said.
"They have nothing to worry about. The smallest client pays $10,000 a month."
Police noted that substantial evidence against the suspects was discovered following a comprehensive investigation that took months and has now concluded. They added that the case files were recently transferred to the prosecution.