Indictment against two Border Police officers and a civilian who smuggled illegal residents through a checkpoint - in exchange for cash
The Police Internal Investigations Department filed an indictment against two Border Police officers and a civilian, who according to the indictment smuggled illegal residents through the Al-Jib checkpoint in exchange for cash, meals, and drinks. The officers also passed on operational and intelligence information to facilitate the smuggling. One officer is charged with deleting messages from his phone to obstruct legal proceedings.
The Police Internal Investigations Department (Mahash) filed an indictment today (Tuesday) with the Jerusalem District Court against two Border Police officers and a civilian. According to the indictment, the two smuggled illegal residents from the Judea and Samaria areas into Israeli territory through the Al-Jib checkpoint, near Givat Ze'ev. The officers, who served at the checkpoint, established personal ties with local Palestinian residents and allowed unauthorized vehicles and passengers to pass from Area C to the sovereign territory of Israel, without security screening. It is further alleged that the defendants passed on operational and intelligence information regarding activities at the checkpoint and work arrangements there, thereby helping to facilitate the smuggling of illegal residents. The transfers were made in exchange for cash sums as well as meals and drinks. One officer is also charged with deleting messages from his mobile phone in order to obstruct legal proceedings. Additionally, one officer attempted to persuade other officers to assist in the smuggling. The two officers are charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust, obstruction of justice, and dereliction of duty. The civilian is charged with bribery, illegal transportation, and driving without a license.