'Israeli FBI' inaugurated in opening ceremony
Police christen new umbrella organization that will consolidate five national units designated to fight crime and corruption. 'Israeli FBI' to be called: Lahav 433
The new office, dubbed Lahav 433, will focus police efforts to battle national crime and corruption into one bureau to more effectively conduct investigations and exchange information and to combat organized crime with a united front.
The inauguration ceremony attracted many important figures within the Israeli crime fighting bureaucracy. Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter, Police Commissioner Dudi Cohen, Attorney General Menachem Mazuz as well as State Prosecutor Moshe Lador attended the event among others.
During the opening ceremony, Danino said that "we talk about corruption as a strategic threat without exaggerating. With this step, we will accomplish the objectives to improve the quality of life of (Israeli) citizens. From this day on, the burden of proof is on us."
The new bureau will be headed by Major-General Yoav Segalovich and will incorporate five separate police units including the Etgar Vehicle Theft Prevention Unit, the National Serious International Crimes Unit, the National Fraud Unit, the Economic Crimes Unit, and the Police Gidonim unit.
Minister Dichter gave his blessing to the new office but expressed surprise at the choice of name. "Lahav ('tongue of flame' in Hebrew) 433? Is it going to stay that way? It'll require another dentist in the police."
