Defense official suspected of stealing millions

Police have carried out a covert investigation of a defense official on suspicions of stealing millions of shekels from the Defense Ministry.

A gag order on the investigation was lifted Wednesday night, although information on the identity of the official — including not only his position but even the ministry or department within which he works — remains undisclosed.

What has been released for publication is that the police’s Serious and International Crimes Investigations Unit received intelligence several months ago about a systematic withdrawal of large sums of money from the Defense Ministry’s budget. The unit then carried out a covert investigation, amassing enough evidence to present to the State Attorney’s Office. A decision on whether to indict the suspect is expected in the coming days.