Kfar Saba Corruption Probe: Police Eye State's Witness, Mayor and Wife Detained
Translated & summarized from Hamal by baba
Police are investigating corruption in Kfar Saba, considering a state's witness to implicate Mayor Rafi Saar and his wife Mital, who are both detained. New evidence reportedly strengthens bribery and bid-rigging suspicions. Businessman Ephraim Kahlon, linked to a questionable NIS 2.5 million loan document, had his detention extended. Mital Saar is reportedly in severe distress and remains silent, while the Mayor denies knowledge of wrongdoing. The investigation continues with further hearings to determine detention conditions.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Police are considering a state's witness in the Kfar Saba corruption investigation involving Mayor Rafi Saar and his wife.
- Mayor Rafi Saar and his wife Mital Saar have had their detentions extended by the court.
- Investigators claim new evidence strengthens suspicions of bribery and bid-rigging in the municipality.
- Businessman Ephraim Kahlon, a suspect, is being pressured to cooperate regarding a NIS 2.5 million loan document.
- Mital Saar is reportedly in severe psychological distress and has invoked her right to remain silent.
- A former senior municipal official criticized the alleged corruption, calling it "stolen" and "like a crime organization."
Police are investigating corruption allegations in the Kfar Saba municipality, focusing on a NIS 2.5 million loan document and seeking a state's witness to implicate Mayor Rafi Saar and his wife, Mital. Investigators claim new evidence strengthens suspicions of bribery and bid rigging. Businessman Ephraim Kahlon, a suspect, is being pressured to cooperate. He is linked to a document showing he was supposed to lend Mital Saar NIS 2.5 million, though the money was allegedly never transferred. Kahlon claims he doesn't recall the document's circumstances and questions the logic of such a loan given his reported NIS 6,000 monthly income. His detention was extended by five days, with a shorter travel ban than other suspects. His attorney expressed hope for his release.
Mital Saar's detention was also extended until Thursday. The court indicated her detention would likely be extended, citing the circumstances and alleged obstruction offenses. Her attorney described her as being in severe psychological distress, having lost five kilograms since her arrest. Mital Saar is currently invoking her right to remain silent. Her attorney stated their focus is on securing her release, emphasizing her age, lack of prior offenses, and her role as a mother of two.
Rafi Saar, whose detention was also extended until Thursday, maintains he was unaware of any illicit activities within the municipality or his wife's dealings with those under investigation. The investigation is being conducted by the National Fraud Investigations Unit of Lahav 433. Meanwhile, a former senior municipal official expressed strong criticism, stating the city was "stolen" and behaved like a "crime organization," hoping the truth will emerge.
Investigators will continue efforts to secure testimony from within the suspect circle and clarify the loan document's background. The upcoming court hearings will determine the conditions for continued detention or release, with the investigation expected to proceed.
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