German prosecutors investigating Israel submarine deal

German prosecutors have launched their own investigation into the sale of submarines to Israel, where several former aides to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ex-officials already face corruption-related charges.

Bochum prosecutors told the dpa news agency Tuesday they had opened the case against persons unknown based upon media reports of the ongoing probe in Israel.

Netanyahu was questioned in the case last summer but isn't a suspect. Israeli police have recommended his personal attorney, David Shimron, who is also his cousin, be indicted on charges of bribery and money laundering.

Several involved in the $2 billion purchase of the submarines from Germany's ThyssenKrupp are alleged to have been part of a massive bribery scheme.

ThyssenKrupp declined to comment on the new probe, saying the company is not under investigation.