David Appel, Michael Kleiner named as suspects in alleged multimillion-shekel real estate fraud

Contractor Dudi Appel and former Likud MK Michael Kleiner were questioned this week by the Lahav 433 National Economic Crime Unit in an investigation into alleged real estate fraud. Appel, in bankruptcy since 2012, is suspected of concealing property rights and transferring assets worth tens of millions of shekels, while Kleiner is suspected of assisting him. Investigators allege the suspects systematically hid interests to obtain large sums, with Appel reportedly selling properties below market value to associates who then resold them at higher prices, returning proceeds to him. Appel denied wrongdoing, stating he had not sold anything since 2012 and accusing authorities of persecution, adding that unnamed individuals would “pay a heavy price.” His attorney, Efraim Dimri, claimed the case was previously investigated 14 years ago, stating, “My client finds it difficult to understand why law enforcement authorities have chosen to revisit the same events.”