A former minister was questioned Monday in relation to the Lahav 433 Major Crimes Unit's investigation into the defense establishment's contested 2015 submarine deal, the Israel Police said. Apart from the former minister, a former senior National Security Council official and an advisor to an incumbent minister were also questioned Monday. Sunday saw the police detain six people for questioning over the corruption scandal known as "Case 3,000." One of the most high-profile figures arrested was David Sharan, who served as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bureau chief between late 2014 and mid-2016, as well as in other senior positions. Sharan is suspected of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. On Sunday afternoon, he and four other suspects were remanded to police custody. Case 3,000 centers on possible conflicts of interests surrounding Israel's 2015 decision to procure three submarines and other vessels from German conglomerate ThyssenKrupp. Police believe those involved in the procurement negotiations tainted the bidding process in a way that favored ThyssenKrupp and themselves personally. The illicit action allegedly involved bribery, fraud and other offenses. The deal was suspended in the wake of the scandal. Two former senior Israel Defense Forces officers were among those arrested Sunday: former Israeli Navy Commander Vice Adm. (ret.) Eliezer Marom, who was arrested several weeks ago in the case as well, and the former commander of the naval commando unit Shayetet 13. The latter remained in custody and police said he may have served as an intermediary in the alleged bribery scheme. Tzachi Lieber and Natan Mor, two strategic advisers, were also among those arrested Sunday. Both are suspected of having facilitated the alleged bribes by issuing invoices that obscured the funds earmarked for Sharan. Others who have been implicated in the case in the past include Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's attorney and cousin David Shimron, and Avriel Bar-Yosef, former deputy head of the National Security Council. Sunday's development in the case was a direct result of information provided by Miki Ganor, the businessman turned state's witness. Investigators believed that Ganor, while serving as ThyssenKrupp's representative in Israel, bribed various officials and engaged in other improprieties in order to help finalize a deal with the German company. Ganor is accused of fraud, money laundering and conspiracy to commit a crime, and he no longer serves as ThyssenKrupp's representative in Israel. As part of his deal with the State Attorney's Office, he is expected to serve a year in prison and pay a 10 million shekel ($2.8 million) fine. The Israel Tax Authority is expected to pursue various charges against him over tax evasion.
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