The Defense Ministry is probing a suspicion that Dr. Avigdor Shafferman, the director of the Israel Institute for Biological Research (IIBR) in Nes Tziona, has committed offenses involving conflict of interests and disorders. Defense Ministry sources confirmed an examination is being conducted but refused to provide details.

The investigation was opened following anonymous complaints submitted by IIBR workers regarding announcements made to the Canadian and American stock markets by companies developing medication and vaccines against Anthrax and nerve gas. According to the announcements, Shafferman served as scientific adviser to those companies and is eligible to receive options.

The IIBR is considered one of Israel's secret institutions. It was founded in 1952 and belongs to the Prime Minister's Office although Yehiel Horev, in charge of security at the Defense Ministry, is in charge of its security. Shafferman is on sabbatical in the U.S. and is due to return in six months. Haaretz asked for his comment but did not receive a response.

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The Defense Ministry is checking whether Shafferman, a civil servant, reported being employed as an adviser to a foreign company; whether he received the required permits; and whether he reported his eligibility for options. Shafferman's advising a foreign company developing medicines against Anthrax and nerve gas raises apparent suspicions of a conflict of interests, because IIBR researches and develops similar products.