UAE Authorities Identify Suspects in Rabbi Tsvi Kogan's Murder Amid Growing Tensions
November 25, 2024, 11:18 am

Tsvi Kogan

On Monday, UAE authorities revealed the identities of the perpetrators involved in the murder of Rabbi Tsvi Kogan, which occurred days earlier. The UAE Ministry of Interior announced that relevant security forces had commenced preliminary investigations with the three arrested suspects in preparation for their transfer to the public prosecution for further inquiries.

The security authorities disclosed that the suspects, who hold Uzbek citizenship, are: Olombi Tohirovich (28 years old), Mahmoud Jon Abdul Rahim (28 years old), and Azizbek Kamlovich (33 years old).

The ministry emphasized its commitment to swiftly uncovering details surrounding the incident, including its circumstances and motivations. They stressed their readiness to leverage their human and technical resources, which played a crucial role in apprehending the suspects. The ministry commended the vigilance of security agencies and their expedited procedures that enabled the prompt identification and arrest of the offenders.

In a separate development, the Iranian embassy in Abu Dhabi categorically denied allegations of Iran's involvement in the murder of the Jewish rabbi. In response to an inquiry from Reuters, the embassy stated, "We firmly reject claims suggesting Iran's involvement in the death of this individual."

Earlier on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office condemned the murder of Rabbi Tsvi Kogan, labeling it a "heinous anti-Semitic terrorist act." The office asserted that Israel would employ all available means to bring those responsible for his death to justice.

Local authorities reported that Kogan, who resided in the UAE, also held Moldovan citizenship and was a representative of the Chabad religious movement based in New York. He was first reported missing on Thursday, with his body discovered on Sunday.

UAE Ambassador to Washington, Yousef Al-Otaiba, stated that Kogan's murder constituted a crime against the UAE and an "attack on our nation, values, and vision." He added in a statement: "We embrace peaceful coexistence and reject extremism and bigotry in all its forms."

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that all Israeli agencies are participating in the investigation, with reports suggesting that Kogan was last seen at a kosher food store in Dubai.

Former Israeli politician Ayoob Kara informed Reuters in Dubai that Kogan's body was found in Al Ain city, although it remains unclear whether he was killed there or elsewhere.

In response to the incident, Israeli authorities reiterated their advisory against non-essential travel to the UAE, recommending that visitors limit their movements, stay in safe areas, and avoid locations associated with Israel and Jewish communities.

Syrian Interim Government Accuses Regime and SDF of War Crimes in Al-Bab Shelling the Red Sea Announce Finding Some Survivors from the Sinking of the Tourist Boat "Sea Story"

BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.