Police find diamond merchant’s body in Modiin Forest in suspected murder
56-year-old Boris Botashvilli believed killed over business dispute with an unnamed 49-year-old suspect
Police investigators in Modi'in Forest on Friday, June 1, 2018, at the site where the body of diamond merchant Boris Botashvilli was found in what officials said was a suspected murder. (Courtesy Israel Police)
Police said Friday they had located the body of Boris Botashvilli, a 56-year-old Lod diamond merchant who went missing on Wednesday.
His body was found in the Modiin Forest outside the central Israeli city and showed signs of violent assault.
A 49-year-old Modiin resident was apprehended Friday on suspicion of murdering Botashvilli, police said. His remand was extended for seven days.
Investigators said Friday that preliminary findings suggested a business dispute may have been the motive for the alleged killing.
Botashvilli was reported missing by his wife on Thursday, leading police to launch a search in the Modiin area.
A court-ordered gag order on the details of the investigation prevents the publication of any more information on the case.