Kfar Saba Mayor and Wife Arrested in Major Corruption Scandal
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar and his wife Meital Benadai were arrested on October 12 as part of a year-long investigation into municipal corruption. They are suspected of bribery, fraud, and money laundering related to city infrastructure contracts worth tens of millions of shekels. Seventeen people were arrested in the operation, which also uncovered alleged ties to organized crime. The investigation into the extensive corruption scheme is ongoing.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar and his wife Meital Benadai were arrested on October 12 for alleged large-scale municipal corruption.
- The investigation by Lahav 433 involves bribery, fraud, and money laundering related to city contracts worth tens of millions of shekels.
- Seventeen people were arrested, and seven others were questioned in the operation.
- The mayor's wife is accused of coordinating bribe exchanges for guaranteed tender wins.
- Authorities are also investigating potential links between the mayor and organized crime figures.
- The couple allegedly used illicit funds for a lavish lifestyle.
Israeli authorities have arrested the mayor of Kfar Saba, Rafi Saar, and his wife, Meital Benadai, in connection with a sweeping corruption investigation. The arrests, which occurred on Monday, October 12, are part of a year-long secret investigation by the Lahav 433 anti-fraud unit. The couple is suspected of large-scale fraud involving municipal infrastructure projects.
Investigators allege that Saar and Benadai engaged in bribery, fraud, abuse of power, money laundering, and tax offenses. The scheme reportedly involved awarding lucrative municipal contracts in exchange for substantial bribes. The total value of projects under scrutiny amounts to tens of millions of shekels and covers various city services, including school renovations, street lighting, transportation, and sanitation.
Benadai is believed to have played a key role in coordinating the illicit activities, acting as a conduit for bribes from businesspeople and criminal elements seeking guaranteed tender wins. The head of a municipal economic company is also implicated, accused of creating artificial barriers for independent businesses to eliminate competition. The couple allegedly used the illicit funds for a lavish lifestyle, including purchasing luxury items and traveling abroad. Police have reportedly documented at least one instance of bribe money being exchanged.
Authorities are also examining potential links between Mayor Saar and organized crime, suspecting that criminal figures may have assisted him in securing votes and pressuring reluctant businesspeople to withdraw from bids. In total, 17 people were arrested, and seven others were brought in for questioning as part of the operation, which also involved searches of homes and offices, leading to the seizure of significant cash and assets.
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