Israel Police and National Insurance Institute (NII) investigators detained dozens of Israeli soccer players for questioning on Wednesday on suspicion of fraud and embezzlement of public funds.
A doctor, lawyer, NII staff member were also detained and questioned, the police said.
The suspects are under investigation for bribery, fraud, breach of trust, fraudulently receiving goods and services, and forgery by a public servant.
Some of the senior soccer players allegedly lied about their true home address to get access to the doctor, who was part of the operation connected to the NII branch in Beersheba, Ynet reported.
The soccer players are from different teams, including the Israeli Premier League.
Soccer players expected to be summoned for questioning soon
The investigation was made public on Wednesday when the suspects’ homes were raided, and four cars were repossessed. The police said they had discovered hundreds of thousands of shekels and relevant documents.
The police said they were optimistic the questioning would lead to more suspects. They said they intended to request extending the suspects’ detentions, and other soccer players are expected to be summoned for questioning soon. The investigation is expected to continue for a few weeks, the police said.
The NII said this was the “most severe fraud case so far within the Israeli soccer world. Stipends should be allotted to those eligible and those who need help. The fact that people are able and willing to harm those who are already weak in society is wholly unacceptable.”
The NII said it would apprehend those who break the law, and the funds will be returned to their rightful owners.