4 more ex-soldiers linked to Turkish ship looting

Discharged troops charged with purchasing laptops that were allegedly stolen from ship raided by commandoes in 2010 as it was making its way to Gaza

Yoav Zitun |Published: 01.01.12 , 08:35

Four former IDF soldiers were charged last week with involvement in the theft of laptop computers from the Mavi Marmara – a Turkish vessel which was seized by Israeli commandoes on May 31, 2010 as it was making its way to Gaza along with five other vessels in an attempt to breach a naval blockade of the Hamas-ruled territory.

Nine of the ship's passengers were killed and a number of IDF soldiers were wounded during the raid.

An IDF officer and soldier who were tasked with unloading equipment from the Marmara at the Ashdod Port were charged with looting more than a year ago. Their trial is still ongoing.

The Military Prosecution alleges that the four ex-soldiers had purchased the laptops, knowing they had been stolen, for NIS 1,000-1,500 ($260-390).

אחד החיילים המואשמים ברכישת המחשבים הגנובים (צילום: אבישג שאר-ישוב )

Soldier suspected of buying stolen laptops (Photo: Avisag Shear Yeshuv)

According to the prosecution, two of the former soldiers had purchased the computers with the help of a comrade who served on the same base with the troops who were charged with looting.

The comrade refused to testify and denied the allegations, saying he was not aware the computers were stolen. The former soldiers, who were still in the service when the alleged theft took place, have been charged with being in possession of equipment that is believed to be stolen and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Attorney Benny Kuznitz, who is representing the alleged mediator, said "it is regretful that the Military Prosecution has decided to bring charges against a soldier who did not want to testify a year and a half after the incident."

The IDF Spokesperson's Unit said, "Indictments have been filed against four discharged soldiers for purchasing equipment from an officer and soldier who are suspected of stealing equipment from the Marmara vessel."