Ephraim Bracha, Israel’s highest ranking detective, has taken his own life amid claims of bribery and corruption.

The 55-year-old, who headed the Israel Police’s National Fraud Unit, was found dead early on Sunday morning near his home in the city of Modi’in.

His death followed recent reports that the father-of-four had provided suspects with information about their cases.

Most recently, Mr Bracha came under fire in the Israeli press after fraud convict Rabbi Yoshiyahu Pinto confessed to bribing the detective in exchange for information about other investigations. Mr Bracha denied accepting any money.

Following his death, the Israeli police said in a statement: “We announce with great sorrow the death of Brigadier General Ephraim Bracha.

“The Israeli police force bows its head and extents its condolences to the family.”