Biological institute head suspected of advising foreign companies
Defense Ministry checking complaints, including whether Dr. Avigdor Shafferman reported being employed as adviser to foreign company.
By Yossi MelmanThe 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.
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.
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Decades later nothing changed in Israel's capacity to not learning of it mistakes. Firs Yehiel was the man who overlooked the great Israeli scientist who was a Soviet Spy living agood life in Paris with his daughter. And then there is the Wannunu Dimona case where the same Horev was the security man. Like any other institution in Israel; now a days, everithing is for sale to the highest bidder. Why wouldn't people invited to the late President Weizman's palace in Kesarya-Cesares-have their desire to get to the same place, in spite of their low moral values thathad they been stronger would have prevent them from any conscientious compaction. Back to Horev, he is the main culprit for lot more unreleased security failures. Please, let him go.
The "good life" has gone to our heads. We'd sell our grandmother for the lucre.
one more......