Israel's former chief rabbi arrested on suspicion of corruption

Israeli police arrested Yona Metzger, a former chief rabbi of Israel, on Monday morning on suspicion of money laundering and taking bribes, according to police spokesperson Luba Alsemary.

Alsemary said that the investigation of Metzger started several months ago on suspicions of crimes related to bribery, money laundering, fraud, obtaining testimony under duress and tax evasion worth millions of shekels during Metzger’s term as chief Ashkenazi rabbi.

Metzger is scheduled to be brought before the Rishon Lezion Magistrate’s Court today to decide whether or not to extend his remand in police custody in connection to the ongoing investigations.