Kfar Saba Mayor and Wife Arrested in Corruption Probe
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Sa'ar and his wife Meital were arrested and their detention extended for eight days as part of a large-scale corruption investigation. They are suspected of accepting bribes from contractors in exchange for manipulating tenders for municipal projects valued at tens of millions of shekels. The investigation, which lasted 18 months, also involves the CEO of the city's Economic Company and potentially criminal elements. Deputy Mayor Dani Harosh will temporarily fill Sa'ar's role.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Sa'ar and his wife Meital were arrested and their detention extended for eight days.
- They are suspected of accepting bribes from contractors to manipulate tenders for municipal projects.
- The investigation involves 17 arrested suspects and seven others detained, including the Economic Company CEO.
- The total value of the tenders and projects under investigation is estimated in the tens of millions of shekels.
- Meital Sa'ar is described as a dominant figure who allegedly received cash bribes directly from contractors.
- Deputy Mayor Dani Harosh will temporarily assume the mayor's duties.
A Rishon LeZion Magistrate's Court extended the arrest of Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Sa'ar and his wife Meital for eight days as part of a public corruption investigation. The couple was arrested earlier today on suspicion of accepting bribes from contractors and businessmen in exchange for manipulating tenders. In total, 17 suspects were arrested, including the CEO of Kfar Saba's Economic Company, municipal employees, and businessmen, with seven others detained. The investigation, conducted covertly by Lahav 433's Yahab for about 18 months, gathered extensive evidence of suspected bribery, fraud, breach of trust, money laundering, and tax offenses.
Authorities allege that in return for cash bribes, Sa'ar, with his wife Meital's significant involvement and the cooperation of the Economic Company's CEO, acted to benefit those offering bribes, ensuring their success in lucrative tenders for services including cleaning, educational facility renovations, food trucks, urban infrastructure, and urban renewal. Police described Meital as a "dominant figure" who, despite lacking public office, was deeply involved, with contractors allegedly approaching her directly with cash to advance their business interests. The CEO of the Economic Company is suspected of collaborating with this bribery mechanism, leading to municipal projects and tenders being awarded under his purview. The investigation also uncovered suspicions of involvement by criminal elements who allegedly issued threatening messages to tender competitors to withdraw.
A police source colorfully described the affair as "a city that was sold." As the investigation moved to its public phase, police raided approximately 30 locations, searched the municipality and suspects' homes, and seized cash and assets, including luxury watches, designer bags, and luxury cars. The total value of the tenders and projects at the heart of the investigation is estimated by police to be in the tens of millions of shekels. Sa'ar, who is serving his second term as mayor since being elected in 2018, released a statement pledging full cooperation with investigators and requesting that conclusions not be drawn before facts are established. He also assured that municipal operations and services to residents would continue uninterrupted, with Deputy Mayor Dani Harosh temporarily assuming his duties.
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