The Tel Aviv District Prosecutor (Taxes and Economics) today filed an indictment with the Tel Aviv District Court against Israel Tax Authority National Field Intelligence and Investigations director David Vanunu on charges of extortion with threats, accepting bribes, conspiracy to commit crimes, fraud and breach of trust, obstruction of justice, and use of fraud, cunning and deceit.
The 27-page indictment cites cases in which Vanunu abused his position as a senior Tax Authority official and access to other tax and public officials and connections over the years to promote his own interests out of greed to finance a lavish lifestyle.
The prosecutor charges that Vanunu used one or more of the following methods to achieve his goals: use of classified information about proceedings against taxpayers to threaten them; demand bribes to handle taxpayers' cases or promote their interests; use his senior position, power, and connections to promote the interests of taxpayers at the Tax Authority; and mislead taxpayers' expectations with promises or creation of a façade that he would use his senior position, power, and connections to promote their interests.
The indictment lists five main cases: Yochai Yaish (the agent of singer Kobi Peretz); businessman Kobi Maimon; Kadima director general Moshe Shachori; Hanoch Milo; and Udi Reuven.
In case of Kobi Maimon, the indictment states that, in August 2010, when Vanunu learned that Kadima legal counsel Yoel Mogami was a close friend of Maimon, Vanunu told Mogami to tell Maimon that he had income tax problems, and that there was a court order preventing Maimon from leaving the country. Vanunu's goal was to scare and threaten Maimon. Vanunu also told Mogami that if he Maimon wanted, he could take care of Maimon's case for $125,000. Vanunu said that Maimon was rich, and would have no trouble paying the amount. Maimon rejected Vanunu's attempt at extortion.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on March 10, 2011
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