Russian Billionaire Who Kidnapped Dad Ensnared In Israel Corruption Probe
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
Another Israeli corruption scandal has honed in on another billionaire.
According to Haaretz, an inquiry into Interior Minister Arye Deri’s finances by police has led to the questioning of Michael Mirilashvili, a Russian-Israeli billionaire. Mirilashvili funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars to Mifalot Simha, a charity suspected to have siphoned off funds to Deri, who has previously served time in prison for corruption.
Mirilashvili and his family have made a fortune through a diversified portfolio that has included stakes in Israeli energy companies, the Russian social media site VKontakte and an international diamond venture. He also owns Israel’s Channel 20, which focuses on “Jewish heritage” programming.
This isn’t Mirilashvili’s first brush with trouble. He previously served eight years in prison for the kidnapping of his father, a prominent leader of Georgia’s Jews, an event that roiled the international Jewish press.
Contact Daniel J. Solomon at [email protected] or on Twitter @DanielJSolomon
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
