The Hon. Arun Hemachandra

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, two points. First, the Israel recruitment process itself, as it began in the past, shows irregularities. Certain lists and documents indicate that some, including a former Minister, were involved in malpractices; the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption is conducting a thorough investigation, now in its final phase. We will apprise the House shortly regarding legal action on past incidents.

¶ 02 Second, regarding the present, we receive information that money is being collected and third parties are intervening. Recruitment is through G2G—Government to Government. We have now established a joint operation with the Criminal Investigation Department and with Israel’s Population, Immigration and Border Authority (PIBA). I recently held discussions with PIBA. We reached an understanding to act jointly—our Government and theirs—against third parties acting illegally and unethically and involved in bribery and corruption. We are ready to proceed accordingly, Mr. Speaker.