The amended indictment, filed by Adv. Daniel Gilad from the Southern District Attorney’s Office, to which the defendants confessed, states that over a period of time, the two operated a systematic network to obtain matriculation exam questionnaires in real-time and distribute solutions to hundreds of examinees, in approximately 20 different matriculation exams, for a fee.
To this end, they used social networks under pseudonyms, recruited an exam proctor who photographed and transmitted the questionnaires to them during the exams, operated a collection system designed to disguise the source of the funds, and even instructed students on how to smuggle electronic devices into the exam rooms. In total, the defendants generated profits amounting to approximately ₪600,000.
In accordance with their confession, the defendants were convicted of offenses of obtaining something by fraud under aggravated circumstances, tax offenses, and money laundering.
During the sentencing arguments, Adv. Gilad argued that the defendants severely harmed the integrity of the exams, public order, the principle of equality, and public trust in the education system.
It was further argued that their actions harmed the education of youth and moral and integrity values, as they provided fraudulent services to minors and school students.
In the verdict, Judge Alon Gabizon stated: “Since the defendants called upon minors and high school students to cheat on matriculation exams, their actions also constitute harm to the values of education and integrity. The message of copying in exams and illegal ‘shortcuts’ is worthy of condemnation, and even more so when it is conveyed to young people.”
The judge further noted: “The defendants’ great audacity highlights the severity of their actions. The defendants, as well as the other conspirators, did not hesitate to use social networks and digital media to reach a large number of students, turning the internet space into an accessible and convenient platform for criminal activity… The defendants did not hesitate to distribute a TikTok video in which they offered fraudulent services.” And that the defendants’ actions indicate a blatant disregard for state institutions and norms of law observance.
In light of the foregoing, the court sentenced Shorouk Tzaluk to 44 months of actual imprisonment, a suspended sentence, and a fine of ₪300,000; and Wafa Tzaluk was sentenced to 36 months of actual imprisonment, a suspended sentence, and a fine of ₪250,000.
The third defendant, Majd Suad, who worked as a matriculation exam proctor, was convicted in accordance with his confession of the offense of aiding in obtaining something by fraud, and was sentenced to 400 hours of community service and a suspended sentence.