Prinok Affair: The Suspect Stole the Product, Injected Anesthetics, and Returned It to the Shelves

An investigation into the Prinok affair has revealed that the suspect, Yan Shmela, entered branches of the "Zol VeGadol" supermarket chain, stole products, injected them with anesthetics, and returned them to the shelves. Police possess video documentation of the acts. A prosecutor's statement will be filed today, with an indictment expected in the coming days. Shmela is suspected of intentionally poisoning baby and toddler food, using poison to endanger life, theft, and negligent handling of medications. A psychiatric background was raised in court.

The investigation into the Prinok affair has uncovered new details about the modus operandi of the suspect, Yan Shmela. According to reports, Shmela entered branches of the "Zol VeGadol" supermarket chain, stole products from the shelves, injected them with anesthetics, and returned them to the shelves. Police have video documentation of the acts. The motive for Shmela's actions remains unclear. Today (Tuesday), a prosecutor's statement will be filed at the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court, and the prosecution intends to file an indictment against him in the coming days. Shmela, a resident of southern Israel in his 40s, is suspected of a series of serious offenses, including intentional poisoning of baby and toddler food, using poison to endanger life, theft, and negligent handling of medications. He was arrested last week following a breakthrough in the investigation of the affair, which was first reported by Kan News about two and a half months ago. According to the protocol of the hearing on extending his detention, Shmela has a psychiatric background, and his defense attorney claimed he suffers from bipolar disorder. However, according to the police, shortly before his arrest, the suspect was referred for an examination at the "Itanim" psychiatric hospital and was found fit for detention.