Shas MK Haim Biton was questioned Sunday night by Lahav 433 as part of supplementary investigative proceedings into his alleged misconduct and use of public funds to finance a haredi (ultra-Orthodox) newspaper.
He is suspected of using funds from the Ma'ayan HaChinuch HaTorani education network to finance a private Shas-affiliated newspaper while serving as the network’s director general about seven years ago.
N12 news site reported that the investigation was focused on the years 2018-2021, when Biton is suspected of publishing and promoting the children's supplement Avivim, which was attached to Shas's official newspaper, using the network's funds.
N12 also reported that Biton was formally being investigated for fraud, breach of trust, falsifying information in corporate documentation, and money laundering.
The case has been handled by Lahav 443 over the past year and is expected to be transferred soon to the state attorney and attorney general for a decision on whether to file an indictment in the affair.
This is a developing story.