Kfar Saba Mayor, Wife Remain in Custody Amid Corruption Probe
Translated & summarized from Bizportal by baba
A judge extended the arrest of Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar and his wife, Meital Saar, by seven days as they are investigated for bribery and financial crimes. Meital is accused of acting as an intermediary for bribes related to municipal tenders. The judge found strong suspicion justifying their continued detention. The arrests of three other individuals involved in the alleged bribery and fraud scheme were also extended.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar and his wife Meital Saar had their arrests extended by seven days.
- They are suspected of receiving bribes in exchange for manipulating municipal tenders.
- Meital Saar allegedly served as the intermediary between bribe-givers and her husband.
- The judge found a strong reasonable suspicion justifying their continued detention.
- The arrests of three other individuals connected to the tender manipulation were also extended.
A judge at the Rishon LeZion Magistrate's Court has extended the arrest of Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar and his wife, Meital Saar, by seven days as they are investigated for corruption and financial offenses. The police had requested a nine-day extension. The couple is suspected of receiving bribes in exchange for manipulating numerous significant municipal tenders, with Meital allegedly acting as the intermediary between the bribe-givers and her husband.
Authorities have charged Rafi Saar with receiving bribes, fraud, breach of trust, money laundering, income concealment, and conspiracy to commit a crime. Meital Saar faces charges including receiving bribes, mediating bribes, money laundering, income concealment, conspiracy to commit a crime, extortion, and obstruction of justice. Her attorney argued for her release, stating there is a complete financial separation between her and her husband and that Meital claims Rafi had no knowledge of the funds she possessed. The prosecution countered that this separation was a deliberate attempt to distance the mayor from the alleged illicit activities.
Judge Yoval Kedar found a strong reasonable suspicion justifying the continued detention of both suspects. He requested the police expedite the investigation to potentially release Saar earlier if possible. The defense for Meital Saar requested an alternative to detention, citing her status as a young mother, but the judge denied this, emphasizing the severity of the charges against her and indications of her deep involvement in municipal affairs despite not holding an official position.
In related developments, the arrests of three other individuals were also extended. Eliran Dustan, suspected of mediating bribes, money laundering, tax offenses, and fraud related to municipal tenders, had his arrest extended by a week. The judge noted strong evidence of Dustan transferring funds to Meital Saar. Yinir Sudai, suspected of bribery and fraud, had his arrest extended by two days, and Ephraim Kahalon, suspected of bribery and money laundering, had his arrest extended by three days.
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