Israel Police have completed their investigation into an organized network working to bring illegal immigrants into Israel, the police announced on Monday.
According to the police, hundreds of illegal immigrants were allowed into the State of Israel by five security guards working for an independent security company at a road barrier in Givat Ze'ev, sidestepping all inspection and security protocols.
On November 30, seven suspects (consisting of the five security guards and two residents of the territories) were brought in for interrogation by Israel Police detectives in cooperation with Border Police officers.
Security guards allow 'free passage' for illegal residents
During the interrogation, it was revealed that Palestinians had come in contact with the security guards, and they had collaborated to allow "free passage" for the illegal immigrants, completely bypassing the security checkpoint. It is thought that the suspects accepted tens of thousands of shekels in bribes in exchange for their collaboration.
On Monday, the police officially completed the interrogation process, and the Attorney-General's Office issued indictments against all seven of the suspects.
"Aid towards illegal immigrants, especially by those who are entrusted with the public's security, poses a direct, severe danger to the safety of Israeli citizens," the police stated. "These are acts that may allow criminal elements to infiltrate the country, harm the public's sense of security, and endanger human lives, all for the sake of money."