Kfar Saba Mayor Denies Bribery, Says Wife May Have Taken Money in His Name
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar denied taking bribes during his interrogation, stating he was unaware if his wife received money on his behalf. Investigators claim to have evidence of at least seven bribery incidents, some recorded in real-time. His wife initially denied involvement but later invoked her right to silence. The investigation, ongoing for over a year, focuses on alleged cash payments for municipal tenders, with authorities seeking state witnesses.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar denied taking bribes but said his wife might have received money in his name.
- Investigators possess evidence of at least seven bribery incidents, some documented in real-time.
- The mayor's wife initially denied involvement but later invoked her right to silence.
- Authorities are working to recruit three potential suspects as state witnesses.
- The investigation centers on alleged cash payments for municipal tenders.
Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar, whose arrest and that of his wife were extended for eight days, denied in his interrogation that he took bribes. He claimed he does not know if his wife received money in his name or for any action of his. "I am answering all your questions," Saar told investigators. "I am telling you that I did not receive any money for any action within my role as mayor. I also do not know if my wife received money in my name or in the name of any action of mine. I did not take any bribes."
Saar is attempting to distance himself from the receipt of funds, while not ruling out the possibility that his wife received money without his knowledge. His wife, who was arrested at their home in front of their children, initially stated, "I don't know what you want from me, I have no connection." Later, apparently on her lawyers' advice, she invoked her right to remain silent.
A senior source in the investigation stated that investigators possess evidence of at least seven instances of bribery, some of which were documented in real-time. "We are very strong in this affair, backed by a lot of evidence," the source said. "We are certain of at least 7 cases of classic bribery - giving and receiving cash." Some of these cases, he added, were recorded in real-time via video and audio.
Investigators are currently working to enlist three potential suspects as state witnesses. The investigation, which lasted over a year in secret, became public on Monday morning. The suspicion is that cash was transferred in exchange for advancing wins in municipal tenders, including in urban renewal, transportation, lighting, and cleaning.
According to the suspicions, the mayor's wife received cash envelopes. The investigation is also examining suspicions of involvement by criminal elements and threats against tender participants to withdraw their bids. At least five state prosecutors are involved in the case.
