Report Links Leviev to Diamond-Smuggling Arrests

RAPAPORT… Lev Leviev’s businesses are embroiled in allegations of a diamond-smuggling ring involving relatives and employees of the tycoon.



Six people were arrested on Monday, including Leviev’s son and brother, after an undercover investigation, according to Israeli media.



A staff member at one of the diamond mogul’s businesses in Russia allegedly brought large quantities of the stones in suitcases when he moved to Israel six years ago, the report said.

 

The six people are also suspected of money laundering, customs and
income-tax violations, conspiring to commit a crime, fraud, and making false assertions in company documents, a police spokesperson noted. Authorities plan to apprehend further suspects in Israel and elsewhere, the spokesperson added.



The spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment on
Leviev’s connection to the case. Leviev’s company was not immediately available
for comment.



Image: Lev Leviev. (Avner Leviev)