Victoria Police to probe how convicted sex offender Malka Leifer fled the country

Police will investigate the board of ultra-orthodox Adass Israel School over allegations it helped convicted sex offender Malka Leifer flee Australia – by arranging her flights.

Malka Leifer was found guilty of 18 counts of rape and indecent assault. Picture: Paul Tyquin

Victoria Police have resumed an investigation into the board of the ultra-orthodox Adass Israel School over allegations it helped convicted sex offender Malka Leifer flee Australia.

The probe will examine allegations senior members at the school arranged flights for the former principal to Israel in March 2008, hours after she was accused of sexual abuse by former students.

Leifer, who was found guilty of 18 counts of rape and indecent assault, was able to evade Australian courts for more than a decade as a result.

Malka Leifer is taken from the North Melbourne police station after a hearing in 2021. Picture: David Crosling

The Australian reported Chief Commissioner Shane Patton had written to former Victorian premier Ted Baillieu – who advocated for the former students abused by Leifer – on Friday confirming police had reopened the investigation into the school’s board.

Victoria Police confirmed an investigation into those linked to the Elsternwick school was suspended while criminal proceedings were underway but the probe was “currently ongoing”.

“As such, and given matters linked to this remain before the court, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time,” a spokesperson said.

Sisters Nicole Meyer, Dassi Erlich and Elly Sapper were the former students who accused Malka Leifer of sexual abuse. Picture: David Geraghty

Dassi Erlich, a former student who was abused by Leifer, welcomed the decision to recommence the investigation.

“Very encouraged by decision of police to reopen the case against the school board,” she said on Twitter.

“Crucial the board’s role is addressed to send a clear message to those that aid & abet perpetrators – they will not escape scrutiny.”

In a civil case against the school in 2015, Supreme Court Justice Jack Rush said it was “deplorable” that the board failed to report allegations to police prior to arranging Leifer’s “urgent departure”.

Leifer is awaiting sentencing.