Controversial Israeli businessman Beny Steinmetz has been granted a conditional release from house arrest, according to reports from Israel on Thursday morning.
The diamond trader was placed under house arrest by Israeli police on December 19 on suspicion of bribing government officials in Guinea, and just days after Mr Steinmetz made explosive allegations against mining giant Rio Tinto.
In a statement issued by Mr Steinmetz’s mining company, BSG Resources, the company claimed the “period of restriction” on Mr Steinmetz had now ended.
“Mr Steinmetz is free of all legal restrictions, with no charges relating to any criminal activities, including bribery and corruption, being laid against him,” the statement said. “Mr Steinmetz has fully co-operated with the Israeli authorities, and will continue to do so if and when required.”
Reuters reported Israeli police had said Mr Steinmetz’s release was conditional, however, on his agreeing not to leave Israel for 180 days and on his depositing a guarantee of 100 million Israeli shekels ($35.6 million).
Read the full article by Peter Ker at The Australian Financial Review.