Reports out of Israel say that the acting chairman of telco Bezeq, David Granot, has been detained for questioning by Israel’s Police National Fraud Unit over alleged bribery and money laundering.

The problems are additional to those already underway which include investigations by the local Securities regulator, and in particular into Bezeq’s controlling shareholder Shaul Elovitch.

Bezeq has confirmed the detention of Granot, but has not given further details of the alleged offence.

Granot has reportedly held appointments as CEO of the Israel Discount Bank, the Union Bank of Israel and First National Bank of Israel. He was released after questioning, and Bezeq say he has resumed his duties at the company.

Israeli police say Granot was one of 5 individuals detained for questioning on August 14th. A police statement said they were investigating money laundering, fraudulent filing of documents, fraud, breaches of trust, obstruction of justice and bribery.

Amongst those allegedly detained is billionaire ‘diamond mogul’ Beny Steinmetz who is described by the police as the prime suspect in the case.

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