Kfar Saba Mayor Arrested in Major Corruption Probe

The Lahav 433 National Fraud Unit arrested 18 suspects and detained six others on Monday as part of a wide-ranging public corruption investigation. Among those apprehended were Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Sa'ar, his wife, and the CEO of the municipality's Economic Company. Police revealed footage from the raid on the mayor's home and office, showcasing a significant haul of seized items, including cash, luxury watches, and bags.

The operation followed a covert investigation spanning over a year, during which police utilized extensive resources, technology, and intelligence gathering to build a case against suspects accused of bribery, fraud, breach of trust, money laundering, and tax offenses.

Investigators suspect that the mayor and the Economic Company CEO, with significant involvement from the mayor's wife, acted to benefit various parties in exchange for bribes, primarily in cash. These bribes allegedly led to the manipulation of lucrative tenders to ensure the winning bids of those providing the illicit payments.

The investigation also uncovered the involvement of known criminal figures from central Israel, who are believed to have been directly or indirectly involved in the bribery mechanism for securing municipal contracts over time. Additionally, authorities are examining suspicions of violent offenses connected to the case.

Alongside the arrests, extensive searches were conducted at the suspects' homes, municipal offices, and businesses, resulting in the seizure of assets for confiscation. The investigation is being overseen by the State Prosecutor's Economic Department. The suspects were taken for questioning, and authorities plan to request extensions of the detention for the main suspects from the Rishon LeZion Magistrate's Court.

In a statement, Mayor Sa'ar expressed his intention to cooperate fully with investigators and provide all necessary explanations, believing the inquiry will clarify the full picture. He requested that conclusions not be drawn before the facts are established and assured residents that municipal operations and services would continue uninterrupted, with his deputies managing affairs during his absence.