Kfar Saba Mayor, Wife Arrested in Major Corruption Probe; Cash Found at Mother-in-Law's Home
Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba
Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar and his wife have been arrested as part of a major corruption investigation into municipal officials. Approximately 200,000 shekels in cash were found hidden in the home of the mayor's mother-in-law. Investigators suspect the couple received bribes from businessmen and criminals, using the funds for a lavish lifestyle. The mayor's lawyer denies personal enrichment, while his wife's defense criticizes the arrest process.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar and his wife were arrested in a large corruption probe.
- About 200,000 shekels in cash were found hidden in the mayor's mother-in-law's home.
- The couple is suspected of taking bribes for advancing business interests and falsifying tenders.
- Investigators believe the mayor's wife was the main channel for cash transfers.
- The funds allegedly financed the couple's luxury lifestyle, including expensive purchases.
- The mayor's lawyer denies personal enrichment, while the wife's defense criticizes the search.
Authorities discovered approximately 200,000 shekels in cash hidden in a closet at the home of the mother of Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar's wife. The money, bundled with rubber bands, was found during a search of the residence. The mother claimed the cash represented savings from housework she has done since age 12, but could not specify the exact amount. A court extended her detention until Thursday.
In a related development, both Mayor Saar and his wife were ordered held for eight days by the Rishon LeZion court as part of a large-scale corruption investigation into municipal officials. Investigators suspect the couple received money from businessmen and criminal elements in exchange for advancing interests and falsifying tenders. The probe, codenamed "On the Way to the Village," has involved searches at about 30 locations and the arrest of 17 suspects.
Law enforcement sources indicated that the mayor's wife allegedly served as the primary conduit for the cash transfers. According to investigators, the illicit funds were used to finance the couple's lavish lifestyle, including purchases of expensive watches, clothing, and vehicles. The mayor's lawyer, Micha Patman, stated that the prosecution lacks evidence of the mayor personally pocketing any funds. The defense for the mayor's wife denied all allegations, citing her distressed emotional state and criticizing the early morning search of a home with minors present. The investigation is ongoing.
