6 IDF soldiers arrested in alleged West Bank smuggling ring

Soldiers accused of allegedly allowing entry of contraband in return for tens of thousands of shekels while on duty; 8 Israeli, 8 Palestinian civilians also arrested
Elisha Ben Kimon|
Police arrested on Monday 22 suspects - including six IDF soldiers, eight Israeli civilians and eight Palestinians - on suspicion of operating a smuggling network from the West Bank into Israel.
  • Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter
  • The group was arrested after Shin Bet security agency and police officers raided their homes in Israel and the West Bank.
    3 View gallery
    נחשפה רשת הבחרות אמל"ח משטחי יו"ש- עשרות עצורים בהם 6 חיילים ששרתו במחסומים
    נחשפה רשת הבחרות אמל"ח משטחי יו"ש- עשרות עצורים בהם 6 חיילים ששרתו במחסומים
    Police special ops officers searching suspect's home
    (Photo: Israel Police)
    A police spokesperson said that the soldiers are accused of allegedly allowing entry of contraband into Israel in return for tens of thousands of shekels while on duty.
    The investigation began several months ago after suspicions rose that arms, tobacco products and other goods were smuggled in private and commercial vehicles through passageways connecting Israel to the West Bank, the police said.
    3 View gallery
    נחשפה רשת הבחרות אמל"ח משטחי יו"ש- עשרות עצורים בהם 6 חיילים ששרתו במחסומים
    נחשפה רשת הבחרות אמל"ח משטחי יו"ש- עשרות עצורים בהם 6 חיילים ששרתו במחסומים
    Weaponry uncovered during search
    (Photo: Israel Police)
    The suspects will be brought in front of the Jerusalem Magistrates Court and the Jaffa Military Court for hearings on their case.
    IDF's Spokesperson Unit released a statement, saying the IDF will act harshly against those found guilty.
    "During the night, in a joint operation of Israeli police and the IDF Unit for Internal Investigations, six soldiers serving at border crossings in the West Bank were arrested for knowingly refraining from conducting security checks as required, with some even taking bribe for their actions," read the statement.
    3 View gallery
    נחשפה רשת הבחרות אמל"ח משטחי יו"ש- עשרות עצורים בהם 6 חיילים ששרתו במחסומים
    נחשפה רשת הבחרות אמל"ח משטחי יו"ש- עשרות עצורים בהם 6 חיילים ששרתו במחסומים
    Weaponry uncovered during search
    (Photo: Israel Police)
    "The IDF considers this type of offenses to be very serious and will act against those found guilty.
    We would like to note that this is an unusual event with only a few soldiers suspected to be involved and it does not represent the spirit and conduct of soldiers serving at the border crossings, which deal daily with the security of Israeli citizens and preventing smuggling and terrorist actions.
    Comments
    The commenter agrees to the privacy policy of Ynet News and agrees not to submit comments that violate the terms of use, including incitement, libel and expressions that exceed the accepted norms of freedom of speech.
    ""