Israeli Minister Meyrav Golan Investigated in Corruption Case
Translated & summarized from Haaretz by baba
Israeli Minister Meyrav Golan is being investigated at Lahav 433 for alleged corruption, including bribery and fraud, following a year-old report. Golan had not previously appeared for questioning, exercising her right to silence. The investigation stems from allegations of misuse of NGO funds and improper dealings with associates and family members. Additional charges of obstruction of justice were added after an incident involving her mother's police interrogation.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Minister Meyrav Golan is under investigation for corruption charges including bribery and fraud.
- Police are investigating alleged misuse of funds from Golan's NGO, "Ha'Ir Ha'Ivrit."
- Golan and her associates are accused of systematic fraudulent activities and improper job placements.
- Additional charges of obstruction of justice were added following an incident with her mother.
- Golan had not appeared for questioning, exercising her right to remain silent.
Meyrav Golan, Israel's Minister for Social Equality and Women's Advancement, was investigated on Wednesday at Lahav 433, a special police unit, in connection with a corruption case. In June, police announced the conclusion of their investigation into Golan, who is suspected of offenses including bribery, fraud, breach of trust, obtaining property by deception under aggravated circumstances, forgery with intent to gain, obstruction of justice, and hindering a police officer. Golan had not appeared for questioning throughout the investigation, similar to her Likud party colleague Tali Gottlieb. Police proceeded with the investigation without Golan, treating her absence as an exercise of her right to remain silent.
A Channel 12 investigation a year prior revealed alleged systematic fraudulent activities by Golan and her associates. The report claimed Golan misused funds from "Ha'Ir Ha'Ivrit," an NGO she founded to combat the presence of refugees in southern Tel Aviv, and mistreated her staff. The NGO reportedly received substantial donations without using them for local activities. Golan allegedly received a salary from the NGO, contrary to law, while serving on its board. Furthermore, her associates allegedly secured government jobs for their relatives. One associate, Ehud Gabai, served on Golan's NGO board and received payments from the Knesset and the NGO, partly for legal advice concerning a lawsuit that was never filed.
Golan denied the report, asserting it was false and that audio recordings used were AI-generated. Following the report, an investigation was launched, leading to the arrest of several of Golan's associates. One associate agreed to a state witness deal, but reportedly withdrew at the last minute after Golan appeared at his detention extension hearing. In September of the previous year, Golan's mother was investigated by Lahav 433 on suspicion of fraud and misuse of public funds. During the mother's interrogation, Golan arrived at the station, and the two women allegedly began shouting at officers before leaving together, with Golan escorting her mother out in a wheelchair. This incident led to additional charges against Golan, including obstruction of investigation, hindering a police officer, and breach of trust.
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