Warden Leviev? Diamond Tycoon Wins Private Jail Bid

Israel’s best known diamantaire, Lev Leviev, will soon own a private jail. His Africa-Israel real estate firm won a bid to build and operate Israel’s first private jail.

Leviev and Minrav, another Israeli real estate firm, will build the 200 million NIS ($42.25 million) and operate it for 25 years before turning it over to the state. The state will pay the jail according to the number of prisoners being held at any one time..

In a release, the companies said they “consider themselves financial organizations with a social mission.” The successful bidders will operate rehabilitation projects, though they might not include diamond polishing.

Leviev privately owns the LLD Group, which incorporates all his diamond related enterprises – mining, polishing plants, and various wholesaling and retailing joint ventures.

Africa-Israel, a publicly traded company which Leviev controls, owns real estate in Israel and Eastern Europe, a large 7-Eleven franchise, an Israeli toll road, energy projects, fashion companies and several media operations.