Israel Police Conclude Investigation into Ousted Acre Mayor Over Vote Buying

Israel Police's National Fraud Unit in Lahav 433 announced the conclusion of its investigation into Amihai Ben Shlush, the ousted mayor of Acre, and other individuals involved in a vote-buying scheme during the municipal elections. Ben Shlush and his associates are suspected of bribery, election bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.

According to police, evidence suggests that shortly before the local elections, Ben Shlush and others transferred payments to voters to secure their votes. He allegedly offered favors, promised public positions, and committed to various benefits for associates in exchange for help in mobilizing supporters. The investigation file was overseen by the Haifa District Prosecutor's Office, which will now review the findings to decide on potential indictments.

Investigative sources indicated that there is sufficient evidence to file charges against the former mayor, stemming from an investigative report by "HaMevaker" (The Critic). The report revealed that after 20 years in office, former mayor Shimon Lanker retired, and the election was expected to be between leading candidate Ohad Segev and Ben Shlush, a local activist. Despite being a lesser-known candidate, Ben Shlush surprisingly defeated Segev by a narrow margin of 837 votes.

The "HaMevaker" report detailed how on election day, an individual identified as Rami (a pseudonym), who allegedly financed Ben Shlush's campaign, along with others, used cash to buy votes. They also reportedly used cars and drivers to transport voters to polling stations, coordinating their activities through a WhatsApp group named "Election Drivers Group." Rami claimed to have raised hundreds of thousands of shekels from friends, businessmen, and his own pocket, all in untracked cash for Ben Shlush's campaign. In return, he was promised positions within the municipality, such as CEO or advisor to the mayor. The operation reportedly focused on the Old City and neighborhoods with large Arab families. Rami also stated that Itamar Sunino, who ran alongside Ben Shlush and is now the deputy mayor, was also involved in the alleged vote-buying scheme.