Police Recommend Indictment for Former Acre Mayor in Bribery Case

Israel Police have concluded their bribery investigation into former Acre Mayor Amihai Ben Shlush and his deputy Itamar Sunino, forwarding the findings to the State Prosecutor's Office for a decision on whether to file indictments. Investigators at the National Fraud Unit (IAH) of Lahav 433 believe there is sufficient evidence to prosecute Ben Shlush and other suspects in the case. Ben Shlush is suspected of paying voters shortly before the February 2024 mayoral elections in Acre to secure his victory. The police allege he offered benefits, promised public positions, and made various commitments to associates in exchange for election assistance.

The investigation, which began covertly in late 2024 following a Channel 12 report, focused on suspicions of bribery, election bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. In March 2025, IAH arrested Ben Shlush, Sunino, and about ten other suspects, including local contractors and businessmen. They are accused of using vote brokers to "buy votes in exchange for promises of municipal positions and assistance in winning city tenders."

In September 2025, the Haifa District Court nullified the election results based on these suspicions and ordered a rerun within 90 days. Ben Shlush's appeal to the Supreme Court was rejected, and a repeat election was held in March 2026, which he lost to current Mayor Ohed Shegev.

The police announced that their investigation revealed evidence suggesting Ben Shlush and others transferred payments to voters before the February 27, 2024, local elections to influence the outcome. The investigation was supervised from its inception by the Haifa District Prosecutor's Office, which has now received the case file to review and decide on potential indictments against Ben Shlush and the other suspects. Ben Shlush has denied the allegations, stating his belief in his innocence and trust in the justice system.