Cash, Luxury Goods Found in Mayor's Home Amid Bribery Probe
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
An investigation into alleged bribery in Kfar Saba has uncovered cash and luxury goods at the home of Mayor Rafi Saar and his wife, Meital Saar. Suspect Gil Menashe is accused of transferring millions of shekels to Meital Saar since 2019, allegedly as bribes for food businesses. Both Menashe and Meital Saar deny or are silent on the accusations, which include threats against rivals. The probe also examines the couple's spending on travel and luxury items.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Suspect Gil Menashe allegedly transferred millions of shekels to Mayor Rafi Saar's wife, Meital Saar, since 2019.
- Investigators found bundles of cash and luxury items from brands like Prada and Rolex at the mayor's home.
- The bribery probe is examining alleged payments for food businesses and threats against rival entrepreneurs.
- Meital Saar has invoked her right to remain silent, while Menashe denies involvement in tenders.
- The investigation includes 18 months of police wiretaps and estimates the bribery scale at millions of shekels.
An investigation into alleged bribery in the Kfar Saba municipality has revealed that Gil Menashe, a suspect in the case, is accused of twice transferring cash to Meital Saar, the wife of Mayor Rafi Saar. These transfers were reportedly intended as bribes for food businesses with which Menashe is secretly involved. Authorities also suspect Menashe of threatening rival entrepreneurs to clear the way for his associates, according to Kan News. The alleged bribery mechanism may have also involved Meital Saar. Menashe has denied the accusations, stating he has no connection to municipal tenders, while Meital Saar has invoked her right to remain silent. The investigation, which included 18 months of police wiretaps, uncovered recordings of conversations about money transfers and the mayor and his wife expressing fear of being caught. Investigators found bundles of cash at the couple's home, in their vehicles, and at the residences of associates. The scale of the alleged bribery is estimated to be in the millions of shekels, with activities potentially beginning in 2019, a year after Rafi Saar was elected mayor. The probe is also examining the financing of the couple's purchases and expenses, including foreign travel, jewelry, and clothing, with large sums of cash found at their home alongside luxury items from brands like Prada and Rolex. Menashe has a prior conviction for a large scam case, alongside Arbel Aloni, who was convicted of murdering taxi driver Derek Roth.
