Acre's Former Mayor Investigated for Vote Buying and Bribery

Israel's National Fraud Investigation Unit (LAHAV 433) has concluded its investigation into the former mayor of Acre, Amichai Ben Shlush, and Deputy Mayor Itamar Sunino. They are suspected of serious offenses including bribery, election bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The case file has been transferred to the Haifa District Prosecutor's Office for a decision.

The investigation revealed that leading up to the local elections on February 27, 2024, Ben Shlush and others allegedly transferred payments to voters to secure his election. Ben Shlush is also suspected of providing benefits and promising public positions and other advantages to associates in exchange for help in mobilizing supporters for his campaign.

Ben Shlush's attorney, Uriel Korb, stated that they welcome the conclusion of the investigation and hope the prosecutor's office will quickly close the case. Korb described his client as a well-known lawyer and law-abiding citizen who refused to yield to criminal elements attempting to take over Acre. He further alleged that these elements influenced witnesses to change their testimonies and sign false affidavits, promising that these matters would be clarified. Korb added that his client fully cooperated with the investigation and provided evidence of criminal actions against him and the infiltration of these elements into the municipality after the recent elections.