'Israeli FBI' focused on corruption

JERUSALEM, Jan. 1 (UPI) -- Police in Israel marked the creation Tuesday of a federal investigative unit that some have dubbed "the Israeli FBI."

Lahav 443 is the result of a merger of four previously separate federal bureaus, The Jerusalem Post reported Tuesday. The new unit will be responsible for rooting out organized crime and corruption.

"We are speaking here about corruption which poses a strategic threat, and this is not an exaggeration," Intelligence and Investigation Division Chief Cmdr. Yohanan Danino said during the inauguration ceremony in Modi'in. "During this process, we will succeed in achieving our objectives, and we will improve the quality of life of Israeli citizens.

"From this day on, the burden of proof is on us," he said.

Lahav 443 was born from the combination of the National Fraud Squad, the Security-Economic Unit, the Serious and International Crimes Unit, and Etgar, the anti-car theft unit.

"The key word here is 'intimidation,'" said the agency's chief, Lt. Cmdr. Yoav Segelovich. "Clearly organized crime is widespread, and threatens the stability of the government, and the economy."