Photo: depositphotos.
The state of Israel is demanding that Moldova extradite Elad Ferman, the winner of the 2006 Mr Israel contest, who is suspected of manufacturing and internationally trafficking in steroids and growth hormones, as well as money laundering and tax evasion. Ferman, a well-known bodybuilder who has been the subject of a large-scale investigation, is currently hiding in Moldova, where he is trying to claim his property, which was frozen during the investigation, Time Ukraine Israel reported, citing Israelinfo.
Detention and charges
Ferman was arrested six years ago as a result of a joint raid by the Israeli police, the Jerusalem prosecutor’s office and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). They raided a bodybuilding steroid factory in Bat Yam, which he was suspected of running. Following the investigation, his property, including real estate and expensive cars, was frozen.
Escape to Moldova
After his release from custody, Ferman left Israel and moved to Moldova, where he obtained a temporary residence visa. Since then, he has been trying to avoid extradition. The Moldovan court, having considered Israel’s request, ruled in favour of extradition in March 2024, but Ferman appealed and the process was postponed.
Appeal against frozen property
In addition, Ferman has filed an appeal against the freezing of his property, which has been in place for over six years. He claims that this violates his rights, as such a decision is usually made only after a trial. According to him, this is a unique case where all of the suspect’s property was seized without a trial for such a long period.
Joint activities with Lior Shapiro
Last year, Ferman’s accomplice, Lior Shapira, was indicted. According to the case file, the two manufactured steroids and growth hormones to increase muscle mass and drugs to restore the body after steroid use, without medical training and without a licence from the Ministry of Health. The criminals sold these drugs through a website to athletes in Israel and abroad, smuggling them under the guise of cosmetic products.
It is noted that through international transfer systems, such as Western Union and MoneyGram, Ferman and Shapira received more than NIS 17 million from their foreign clients by 2018.
A look at further development
In this case, it is important not only to fight for Ferman’s extradition, but also to preserve the rule of law in relations between states, as this case may become a precedent for similar investigations in the future. While Ferman is trying to defend his rights and regain control of his property, Israeli prosecutors insist that he is responsible for serious crimes that violate international laws and norms.
