Eliezer Berland is an Israeli ultra-Orthodox rabbi and leader of the Shuvu Bonim sect. He was previously convicted in Israel of sexual offenses in a separate case and served a prison sentence prior to the events described in this report.
On February 9, 2020, Israeli police arrested Berland in Jerusalem on suspicion of fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering. The arrest was carried out alongside several associates as part of an investigation into alleged financial crimes linked to his religious organization and its activities.
According to Israeli authorities, the investigation focused on claims that Berland and others solicited large sums of money from followers under the guise of religious guidance, blessings, and healing services. Police also alleged that funds were not properly reported and were moved through complex financial arrangements involving multiple jurisdictions.
Berland and additional suspects were brought before the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court for detention hearings. The case involved allegations of financial misconduct worth hundreds of millions of shekels, and the investigation continued following the initial arrests.
