A deputy director-general at the Israel Tax Authority was questioned by Lahav 433 on multiple suspicions — including invasion of privacy and unlawful detention — after an alleged incident in which he locked an employee in his office and seized their phone. Separately, Lahav 433's cyber unit traced an online link tied to one of its officers to a suspected foreign agent possibly connected to Iran, prompting the Department of Internal Police Investigations to open an inquiry. Both matters remain under investigation and no charges have been announced.
Israel Tax Authority Deputy Director-General Questioned Over Alleged Phone Seizure; Cyber Probe Links Officer To Foreign Agent
An Israel Police officer standing outside the headquarters of Lahav 433 - The National Crime Unit; illustrative. (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)
A deputy director-general at the Israel Tax Authority was questioned by Lahav 433 investigators on Sunday amid allegations that he invaded an employee's privacy, unlawfully detained the worker, obstructed justice, committed fraud and breached public trust.
According to investigators, the probe stems from an incident several months ago in which the senior official allegedly locked his office door while an employee was inside, confiscated the employee's mobile phone and attempted to view recordings stored on the device. The allegations remain unproven and the investigation is ongoing.
General view of the Lahav 443 police unit headquarters in the city of Lod on November 4, 2019. (credit: FLASH90)
Separate Cyber Tip Spurs Inquiry
Separately, on Wednesday the Department of Internal Police Investigations questioned a Lahav 433 officer after the unit's cyber team identified an online link associated with the officer that, on further inspection, was traced to a suspected foreign agent possibly connected to Iran.
Lahav 433's cyber unit forwarded its findings to the Department of Internal Police Investigations, which has opened a formal inquiry to clarify the circumstances and any potential national-security implications.
'If there was something significant here, he would be in custody,' a source familiar with the case told Maariv. 'It may be coincidental, which is why the matter is under investigation.'
No arrests or charges have been publicly announced in either matter. Authorities say both probes aim to establish the full facts before deciding on next steps.
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