Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Dispute resolution: white-collar crime, investigation and fraud

Gornitzky & Co. ’s white-collar practice intersects criminal, administrative and compliance matters. Erez Harel is a key contact.
Herzog Fox & Neeman’s white-collar crime practice grew exponentially during 2023. In January, Elad Pinchas joined from the State’s Attorney Office. In May, the addition of 14-lawyer litigation group from Balter, Guth, Aloni & Co added further white-collar firepower.

Dispute resolution: white-collar crime, investigation and fraud in Israel

FISCHER (FBC & Co.)

FISCHER (FBC & Co.) ranks among the leading teams for white-collar crime litigation in Israel due to its ‘many years of experience working on large and very complex cases’. Frequently engaged by prominent political and business figures, as well as companies, the group is well versed in proceedings before all governmental and regulatory authorities and judicial tribunals. As a former senior prosecutor in the State Attorney's Office, department head Dror Matatyahu contributes invaluable hands-on experience. Senior associate Omer Aviram is also recommended for his focus on white-collar cases.

Practice head(s):

Dror Matatyahu


Other key lawyers:

Omer Aviram; Garance Seroussi


Testimonials

‘The white-collar team at FBC, headed by Dror Matatyahu, is excellent. The team is very skilled and experienced in a wide variety of financial crimes. The team works in full synchronisation and extraordinary cooperation. In addition, it is a team with a pleasant and welcoming character.’

‘Dror Matatyahu is a former senior attorney at the state Attorney’s Office. He is an inspiring litigator. He is highly valued, by court judges and by senior members of the legal system, as a thorough, creative, reliable, and honest lawyer. He has won large and complex cases in recent years.’

‘The team stands out for its top-class professionals, top-class politeness, top-class teamwork. The best in Israel and secures great results!’

‘The best white-collar team I know. The team has many years of experience working on large and very complex cases, local and international. The team uses all innovative technological means to optimize the legal treatment and its results. The team is very attentive and available.’

‘Dror Matatyahu, who heads the white collar practice at FBC, is one of the most recognized lawyers in the field. Matatyahu has vast experience in litigation on both sides of the fence – as a senior prosecutor in the past and a senior defense attorney subsequently.’

Key clients

MK David Bitan


Mayor Yossi Bachar


The Tidhar Group


Mr. Isaac Hamo, former CEO of Femi Premium


The Israeli Ambassador to Morocco, Mr. David Govrin


Ashtrom Group


Mr. Tamir Zuman


Accountant Yuval Kidron


Mr. David Vardi


Mr. Avishai Ziv, CEO of the Singulariteam Group


Mr. Eli Tobol


Mr. Hanania Isacharov


Mr. Yitzhak Rever


Ms. Reut Benodis


Uricoms


Giltech Ltd.


Mr. Yuri Shaklover


Mr. Chen Shaklover


Mr. Or Elovitch


Adv. Uri (Uriel) Messer


Waxman Govrin


Eurocoms


Mr. Golan Davidi


The Israel Brothers


Mr. Yoel Israel (owners of The Israel Brothers)


Mr. Yehoshua (Shuki) Gabay


Mr. Shuki Sagis


Elul Diamond Co and its owners, Mr. Amos Fouzailov and Mr. Eitan Musioff


Royalty Diamonds and its owner, Mr. David Patish


SH&A and its owner, Mr. Avishai Orkabi


Yahali Diamonds company and its owner, Mr. Rafi Chen


Mr. Moshe Rachmut


Mr. Raz Besserglik


Work highlights


  • Representing Knesset Member and former head of the coalition, David Bitan, in Israel’s most substantial public corruption case in recent years.
  • Representing Or Elovitch, a director and son of the former controlling shareholder of Bezeq, in one of the largest cases ever initiated by the Israel Securities Authority.
  • Representing the Israeli ambassador to Morocco, David Govrin, in an investigation into claims related to alleged improper conduct, following a labour dispute with an embassy employee.

Hadad, Roth & Co

White-collar litigation is a mainstay at full-service practice Hadad, Roth & Co, with the firm widely recognised for is longstanding and ongoing representation of reappointed Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Other well-known political figures on its roster include the Mayor of Hadera, Zvi Gendelman, and the assistant to the former health minister, Mordechai Bebchik. The team has also recently undertaken work on behalf of business figures, celebrities and corporate clients. High-profile managing partner Amit Hadad co-leads the department alongside Noa Milstein, who often works alongside Hadad on key cases, and Eli Perry.

Practice head(s):

Amit Hadad; Noa Milstein; Eli Perry


Testimonials

‘The team provides fast turnaround for the review and drafting of documents.’

‘Noa Milstein and Amit Hadad have a very hands-on approach. They are always available and proactive. They both show personal interest and involvement, leaving a strong impression that the matter is handled in the best way possible.’

Key clients

Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu


Hadera’s Mayor, Zvika Gendelman


Yonatan Orich and Ofer Golan


Adv. David Shimron


Etty Kreif


Mordechai (Moti) Babchik


Bittech Company and Its Owners


Avisar Weisman


Ronel Fisher


Yoram Katzav


Gabriel Magnezi


Nidal Abu-Latif


Timor Rochlin


Shimon Azulai


Gil Eisenberg


Aharon Asayag


Oren Kobi


Dekel Be-Lulu


Michael Binyamini


Moshe Hogeg


Rony Morad


Work highlights


  • Represented Benjamin Netanyahu in indictments of bribery, as well as on charges of fraud and breach of trust.
  • Represented the advisors of the Prime Minister, who were investigated under suspicion of harassing a state witness.
  • Successfully represented David Shimron in a hearing before the District Attorney’s Office related to an investigation into the ‘Submarine Affair’.

Kosteliz & Co., Law Office

Boutique firm Kosteliz & Co., Law Office has a marked focus on white-collar crime cases, where it is noted for its ‘incredibly sharp and very well-researched’ advice. One of the largest teams in the market, fielding three partners and a senior counsel, the group is particularly sought after for cases with a high public profile. Firm founder Yaron Kosteliz is a former senior assistant to the Chief Military Prosecutor and is widely recognised as a go-to specialist for white-collar criminal defence work. Seasoned counsel Yoav Segal and associate Daniel Rosenblum are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Yaron Kosteliz


Other key lawyers:

Yoav Segal; Aviad Shaulson; Simcha Albachari; Daniel Rosenblum


Testimonials

‘We value the personal involvement of Yaron Kosteliz in the details. He is available and responsive.’

‘Yaron Kosteliz is a bright and extremely experienced lawyer, yet also a soft-speaking, calm and humble individual.’

‘I think the firm is one of the most professional in this area of practice. The arguments are incredibly sharp and very well-researched. The arguments also show deep understanding of criminal law in general and white-collar crime specifically, an area of law which is growing in Israel.’

Key clients

Mr. Amikam Schorer


Mr. Eliezer Zandberg, former Minister of Science and Technology


Ms. Julie Shama, former Compliance Officer, and VP Legal of Gibui Holdings Ltd.


Senior Partner at EY Israel


A partner at EY Israel


Mr. Meir Turgeman, former Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem


Mr. Benjamin Arbit, former East Africa Regional Manager for Shikun & Binui


Mr. Avigdor Liberman, former Minister of Finance, current member of parliament and Chair of Yisrael Beiteinu Party


Adv. Dr. Harel Arnon


Mr. Ilan Carmit, former acting chief of the Standards Institution of Israel


Mr. Avi Hovav, Deputy Manager for the Jerusalem Region with Magen David Adom


Messer’s Uri Frish and Roi Marsiano, office holders of CityR Group Holdings


Mr. Yosef Shabtay and his company, Aviv Shabtay Yosef


Mr. Avraham Nanekashvili


Mr. Yigal Yanai, former CEO of the Rosh Haayin Municipality


Work highlights


  • Representing Eliezer Zandberg, former Minister of Science and Technology, in relation to the case dubbed ‘Case 3000’ or the ‘Submarine Affair’; which ended in a plea bargain.
  • Representing a senior partner at EY Israel in an investigation by the Israeli Securities Authority in connection with the Unet Credit affair, which also involves former Minister of Finance, Moshe Kahlon.
  • Representing Yosef Shabtay and his company, Aviv Shabtay Yosef, in connection with charges of bribery payments in cash and gift vouchers, and money laundering offences for alleged profits gained in projects obtained from the Or Akiva municipality, and its mayor, against the bribery payments.

Meitar Law Offices

The internationally oriented group at Meitar Law Offices stands out for its expertise in multi-jurisdictional matters, including cross-border investigations and extradition cases. It has also advised foreign governments on constitutional and legislative frameworks for criminal enforcement and anti-money laundering (AML) reforms. A former Deputy to Israel’s State Attorney, Yuval Sasson brings to bear extensive experience in white-collar crime cases, homeland security, and compliance issues. Other key contacts include Eyal Rosovsky, who is representing Bezeq in the criminal proceedings dubbed the ‘4000 file’; senior litigator Nadav Weisman; and Eithan Kidron, who specialises in white-collar criminal law and regulatory enforcement.

Practice head(s):

Yuval Sasson; Eyal Rosovsky; Nadav Weisman


Other key lawyers:

Eithan Kidron; Nachshon Shohat


Testimonials

‘We work with Meitar Law Offices on several high-profile criminal cases, pending with high-ranked courts of law and the prosecutors’ office. The team has extensive knowledge of the applicable international legislation and can easily understand the complex schemes specific to white-collar crimes.’

‘We are working mainly with Yuval Sasson and Eithan Kidron. Both individuals are very professional and dedicated.’

‘Yuval Sasson is a brilliant strategist and can see the broader picture of an investigation, whilst conceiving very creative strategies.’

‘Eithan Kidron has a sound attention to detail and is able to carry out a very large workload, while maintaining the best professional standards.’

Key clients

Reciplia, Tal Silberstein


Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch – Representation before State Committee of Inquiry on into the Meron Disaster


Vice Admiral (retired) Eliezer Marom (aka “Chayni”) – “Case 3000 – the Submarine Affair”


David Bar-El


Bezeq Ltd. and Walla – the “4000 file”


Avraham Benkalifa


Geva Zur


Municipality of Jerusalem


Mikhail Bulatov


Erez Gilhar and “Policy”


Ravit Zemach, Law Office

Ravit Zemach, Law Office’s signature focus on white-collar crime cases translates into a specialist practice that routinely represents major public figures, including political, business and academic leaders, in complex investigations and criminal proceedings. Less frequently, the group also acts for companies. Department head Ravit Zemach is noted for her experience in cross-border cases, including appearances before international regulatory and judicial bodies.

Practice head(s):

Ravit Zemach


Other key lawyers:

Amit Nir


Key clients

Mr Michael Ganor


Mr Yosi Stelkol


8 Israeli Nobel Prizes Laureates, Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities members


Adv. Mr Tomer Nave


Mr Ronen Moshe (media advisor to former and presiding prime ministers)


Mr Yaacov (Kobi) Karata, CPA (former assistant of Managing Director of the Tax Authority)


Rabbi Mr Ofer Elmaliach, Chief Rabbi of Israel’s Prison Services


Mr Nathan Grossman (Editor of the Ultra-Orthodox Hapeles Newspaper)


Mr Rafi Rotem, former Senior Investigative Officer at the Israeli Tax Authority


Ms. Ronit Rosenzweig, V.P. Finance at Shikun & Binui


Mr Aviv Issat


Sollel Boneh (a subsidiary company of Shikun & Binui)


We! Ankor (Company) and Former CEO Mr Oshri Sharon


Mr. Ofer Kotler, former CEO of Shikun & Binui and Seperately Shikun & Binui (The biggest Construction company in Israel)


Chief Security Officer at Shikun & Binui


Work highlights


  • Representing Michael Ganor as a key suspect in the ‘Submarine Affair’.
  • Representing eight Israeli Nobel Prize Laureates in a petition seeking to join other appeals opposing an amendment to the Basic Law: The Judiciary.
  • Representing Ofer Kotler in investigations alleging bribes to foreign civil servants in Africa.

AYR – Amar Reiter Jeanne Shochatovitch & Co

AYR – Amar Reiter Jeanne Shochatovitch & Co’s white-collar crime practice is recognised for its experience in representing clients at the civil, criminal and administrative levels. The team is particularly active in cases involving administrative corruption, tax offences, securities and money laundering, where it acts for a wide range of politicians, business figures and corporate entities. Drawing on her previous experience as a senior prosecutor at the Tel Aviv District Attorney’s Office, department head Sharon Kohane is highly specialised in the field.

Practice head(s):

Sharon Kohane


Other key lawyers:

Yonatan Basch


Key clients

Doron Arbeli


Shufersal


Unet Credit Financial Services’ directors, Roee Cohen and Orli Sarusi.


Faiz and Hanna Shufani


Rami Tayeb


MalamTeam


Moshe Hava


MaxStock


Sadot


David Bitan


Lev Leviev and the LLD Diamonds Company


Albar


Albar CEO, Oren Elezra, and the chairman of Albar group, Eli Elezra


Leverate


Work highlights


  • Represented Albar Company, and its officials, in a wide-ranging investigation into suspected tax crimes, deception, forgery of documents and fraud.
  • Represented Rami Tayeb in a case regarding bribes, money laundering, tax evasion and fraud.
  • Represented MK David Bitan in the criminal proceedings pending against him for allegedly committing economic offenses while serving as deputy mayor of Rishon LeZion, Knesset member and coalition chairman.

Goldfarb Gross Seligman & Co.

Lawyers at Goldfarb Gross Seligman & Co. are commended for providing advice that demonstrates ‘a great understanding of both the legal system and the commercial environment’. The group is particularly noted for its experience in representing corporate clients, including business figures and major companies, in investigations and white-collar crime litigation — it also acts for political figures, senior military personnel and other high-profile individuals. Moshe Mazor spearheads the administrative and white-collar litigation department and ‘fights for his clients' rights with a passion’. Senior counsel Reut Rahman is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Moshe Mazor


Other key lawyers:

Reut Rahman


Testimonials

‘The team is highly professional, very knowledgeable and possesses meticulous attention to detail. Lawyers provide top-notch client service with a great understanding of both the legal system and the commercial environment in which we operate.’

‘Moshe Mazor is an outstanding white-collar attorney. He’s a highly intelligent lawyer who combines an innovative approach with deep understanding of law and legal procedure in order to formulate well-rounded strategies that are incredibly effective. He fights for his clients’ rights with a passion.’

Key clients

Shapir Civil and Marine Engineering


Siemens Israel


Former senior officials of Shikun & Binui


Magen David Adom


Mr. Guy Caspi


Dor Chemicals


Aeronautics


BST Group


Yaron-Shimoni-Shacham Consulting Engineers


Mr. Gadi Reichman, CEO of the Alltrade Group


Mr. and Mrs. Erdman


Mr. Guy Rodnicki


Mr. Imad Dakhla, former head of the Tur’an Local Council


Rabdion


Amir Marketing and Investments in Agriculture


Gibui Eitan


Work highlights


  • Representing Israeli non-banking financing entity, Gibui Eitan, as well as its CEO and one of its directors, in a criminal investigation by the Israel Securities Authority.
  • Representing Oded Ein-Dor, former executive of Solaer Renewable Energies, in an Israel Securities Authority investigation, a criminal investigation and a claim filed against him by Solaer.
  • Representing Yaron-Shimoni-Shacham Consulting Engineers, and its owner, in a criminal negligence case arising from the collapse of a parking garage under construction.

Ilan Sofer & Co.

White-collar crime cases are a core pillar of Ilan Sofer & Co.’s firm-wide offering, with the boutique specialising exclusively in commercial and white-collar litigation. The team is equipped to represent high-profile individuals and corporations at all stages of criminal proceedings, from initial investigations through to trial and appeals. Firm founder Ilan Sofer has an impressively broad track record, with extensive experience in cases involving securities, antitrust and tax-related matters, among others. The team also draws on litigators Elad Beker, Guy Wilf and Jonathan Dori.

Practice head(s):

Ilan Sofer


Other key lawyers:

Elad Beker; Guy Wilf; Jonathan Dori


Key clients

Nir Hefetz


Eihab Hir


Tnuva Group


Shufersal


Dor Alon


The Farber Tray Company


Y.A.L.H Enterprise Projects


Work highlights


  • Representing state witness Nir Hefetz in three cases forming part of the criminal indictment against Benjamin Netanyahu for charges of bribery and more.
  • Representing senior executives in Tnuva in an investigation regarding suspicions of bribery and fraud.
  • Representing Eihab Hir, a shareholder and a director in companies belonging to the Morya Group, in matters before the law enforcement authorities following his arrest for money laundering and tax evasion.

S. Horowitz & Co

S. Horowitz & Co houses a full-service white-collar crime practice, which defends Israeli and international corporations, government entities, financial institutions and high-ranking officials in regulatory and criminal proceedings. With experience in cases concerning competition, tax, securities law, corruption and planning violations, the group covers the full gamut of cases. Pnina Sheffer-Emmanuelgets right to the point every time’ and co-heads the department together with newly appointed Chairman of the Israeli Bar Association, Amit Becher, who is a former division head at the Tel Aviv District Attorney’s Office.

Practice head(s):

Pnina Sheffer Emmanuel; Amit Becher


Testimonials

‘A very professional, fair and focused team.’

‘Pnina Sheffer Emmanuel is an excellent lawyer, who gets right to the point every time.’

Key clients

KONE


David Katz and “Bereshit group”


Uri Luzon


Ori Nagar


Leshem Akrish


Magnezi Group – Kobi Magnezi


Yehezkel Abrahamof


Yaakov Yehezkali


Israel Electric Corporation


Yon Kasia Sulami


Paz Group


Mr. Solomon Zaslevsky


Work highlights


  • Representing KONE in a criminal case before the Central District Court concerning the elevator cartel affair.
  • Representing Uri Luzon in a criminal case before the Tel-Aviv District Court concerning alleged fraud, tax and anti-money laundering offences.
  • Representing David Katz, and the Bereshit group, in investigation proceedings initiated by the Israel Securities Authority (in collaboration with the Israel Tax Authority).

Vardi Leshem Ron, Law Office

According to sources, Vardi Leshem Ron, Law Office’s ‘professionalism and belief in the mission’ sets it apart from other white-collar crime practices in Israel. The group demonstrates adept handling of the full scope of related matters, with its recent experience encompassing cases concerning fraud, bribery, securities law violations, cyber law offences, tax crimes and cartels, among others. Firm co-founder Alon Ron is widely recognised as a specialist in his field. The team also draws on Ayelet Leshem, who handles criminal and civil litigation.

Practice head(s):

Alon Ron


Other key lawyers:

Ayelet Leshem


Testimonials

‘I received a very professional service with a lot of attention; exactly what I wanted and needed.’

‘Lawyers maintain a high professional level and are available when needed.’

‘The firm consists of lawyers with very high professional skills, who are knowledgeable, intelligent and demonstrate rare emotional capacity. The thoroughness and professionalism and belief in the mission sets the team apart from all other law firms in Israel.’

‘The team’s thoroughness and professionalism in the strategic planning and tactical execution is the difference that sets it apart from others.’

Key clients

Mr. Ran Kairi, former CEO of Gibui Holdings


Mr. Shaul Elovitch


Mr. Zvulun Leviev


Mr. Reuven Shamalov, former CEO of LLD Diamonds


PWC Israel


Mr. Azaria Levi, the Manager for Central America operations in SBI, the international subsidiary of Shikun & Binui


Two senior employees in S. Noufi & Sons


Mr. Dani Gaoni


3 office holders of Shikun & Binui


Senior executives and office holders in Danya Cebus


Work highlights


  • Represented Shaul Elovitch, the controlling shareholder of Bezeq, in criminal proceedings connected to the transaction to acquire control in YES by Bezeq.
  • Successfully represented Zvulun Leviev in an investigation into his alleged involvement in the illegal smuggling of diamonds from Russia into Israel, which saw the state withdraw all criminal charges against him.
  • Represented Ran Kairi, former CEO of Gibui Holdings, in the investigation into his alleged involvement in an embezzlement affair concerning the company.

Barnea Jaffa Lande & Co.

Barnea Jaffa Lande & Co.’s white-collar crime practice added nine new clients over the past year. Most notably, it was engaged by Unet Credit Finance Services, and several of its board members, in a high-profile case concerning allegations of embezzlement and fraudulent conduct committed by the CEO. Practice head Zvi Gabbay leads the Unet Credit case and is highly regarded for his experience in securities-related cases. Hadar Israeli, who is dual-qualified in Israel and New York, brings experience in cross-border matters.

Practice head(s):

Zvi Gabbay; Hadar Israeli


Testimonials

‘Hadar Israeli and the team are excellent professionals.’

‘Hadar Israeli is very good, she is very knowledgeable, works hard, and is responsive and professional.’

‘The team are experts, with a lot of experience. Lawyers give clients their full attention and personal care. All matters are discussed and you get comprehensive advice.’

‘Zvi Gabay and Hadar Israeli have significant experience in matters of commercial and securities law, which is relevant for directors and officers of public entities.’

Key clients

Unet Credit Finance Services


Co-owner of the Keren Or Fund


The owner of a security company in the construction field


Netivei Israel


Nano-X


The CFO of Inter Industries Plus


Schindler Nechushtan Elevators


Edri-El Israel Assets


Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF)


Financial manager of Ahisamach


Work highlights


  • Representing Unet Credit Finance Services, and several of its independent board members, in a crisis that came to light following a whistleblower complaint.
  • Representing Amir Birman as the co-owner of Keren Or Fund, which was accused of defrauding hundreds of investors.
  • Representing a suspect in criminal fraud and money laundering proceedings estimated at NIS235m.

Krispin Rubinstein Blecher Law Offices

Alongside its work in traditional white-collar crime cases, Krispin Rubinstein Blecher Law Offices stands out for its experience in representing clients before military commissions of inquiry and national security hearings. Department head Roy Blecher handles an array of administrative, criminal and disciplinary litigation, with his classified security clearance standing as a key asset in sensitive matters. Up-and-coming litigator Guy Zeevi is also recommended for his focus on criminal litigation.

Practice head(s):

Roy Blecher


Other key lawyers:

Guy Zeevi


Key clients

Mr. Ari Harow


Mr. Amir Levi


Mr. Musa Nakhla


Mr. Asher Neeman


Mrs. Ayelet Youngster


Mrs. Ester Keren


Mr. Gal Fishman