Police Conclude Investigation into Ousted Acre Mayor Over Vote Buying Allegations

Israel's Lahav 433 Major Crimes Unit has announced the conclusion of its investigation into Amichai Ben Shlush, the ousted mayor of Acre, and other individuals implicated in alleged vote-buying during the municipal elections. The suspects face charges including bribery, election bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. According to police, evidence suggests that Ben Shlush and associates transferred payments to voters shortly before the local elections to secure his victory. The investigation revealed that Ben Shlush allegedly offered favors, promised public positions, and committed to various benefits for associates in exchange for help in mobilizing supporters.

The investigation, overseen by the Haifa District Prosecutor's Office, has been forwarded for their review and decision. Law enforcement sources indicated that there is sufficient evidence to indict the former mayor, stemming from an investigative report by "HaMevaker" (The Critic). The "HaMevaker" report from January 2025 detailed irregularities surrounding the election, which followed the retirement of Mayor Shimon Lanker after 20 years. Ben Shlush, a social activist, unexpectedly defeated the leading candidate, Ovad Shagav, by a narrow margin of 837 votes.

The report further alleged that on election day, an individual identified as Rami (a pseudonym), who allegedly financed Ben Shlush's campaign secretly, organized the purchase of votes with cash. This operation also involved providing cars and drivers to transport voters to polling stations, with activities coordinated through a WhatsApp group named "Election Drivers Group." Rami claims to have raised hundreds of thousands of shekels from friends, businessmen, and his own pocket, all in cash and undeclared, promising him positions within the municipality under Ben Shlush's leadership, such as CEO or advisor.

According to Rami's internal conversations, the operation focused on the Old City and neighborhoods with large Arab families. He stated that some individuals opted for municipal jobs instead of cash payments. Rami also alleged that Itamar Sunino, who ran alongside Ben Shlush and is now the Deputy Mayor, was also involved in the alleged vote-buying scheme.