Former chief rabbi among three probed for bribery, extortion in rabbinical courts

During the investigation, Lahav 433 learned that the three officials used their positions within the rabbinical court system to blackmail a fourth official into advancing their personal interests.

A former chief rabbi of Israel is one of three senior rabbinical court officials currently being investigated for extortion, bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, the Israel Police said on Tuesday.

The investigation, being conducted by Lahav 433, Israel’s National Crime Unit, found that the three officials used their positions within the rabbinical court system to blackmail a fourth official into advancing their own personal interests.

The case, which was originally handled by the Economic Department of the State Attorney’s Office, has been transferred to the Israel Police pending a final decision from the Attorney-General.

This is a developing story.