Jerusalem-area council head questioned over suspected corruption, tax offenses and zoning violations

Israel Police’s Lahav 433 anti-fraud unit questioned a local council head from the Jerusalem area on Monday morning after a long covert investigation. Investigators also searched his home, municipal offices and other locations, and summoned additional senior officials for questioning.

Police said the case began with information received by the national fraud investigations unit and later moved into an open investigation. The suspect is being examined for breach of trust, tax offenses and misuse of public office.

Among the allegations being checked are construction violations in properties he owns, including apartments allegedly built or held without the required permits, and an events hall he owns, parts of which are suspected of operating without proper approvals. Investigators are also examining whether he or associates signaled or acted in ways that led to enforcement being avoided against his properties despite the apparent violations.

Police are trying to determine whether public authority was used to advance private interests. He is being questioned at Lahav 433, and no request to extend his detention is expected at this stage. Investigators said the case is only at its beginning and that the suspicions have not yet been proven in court.