Minister Mei Golan Questioned Over Alleged Misuse of $22,000 in Donations
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Minister Mei Golan was interrogated for a second day by Lahav 433 investigators over allegations of misusing $22,000 in donations for personal expenses. She denied the claims, presenting documents to support her innocence, while investigators cited testimonies and recordings from her associates and office. The investigation, prompted by a news report, is ongoing, with Golan expected to undergo further questioning before the case is sent to the prosecution.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Minister Mei Golan is suspected of misusing approximately $22,000 in donations for personal use.
- Investigators presented testimonies from associates and recordings from her office as evidence.
- Golan denied all allegations, calling them a lie and a fabrication.
- The investigation was initiated following a news report and is being conducted by Lahav 433.
- Golan is expected to be questioned again before the case goes to the prosecution.
Israeli Minister Mei Golan was questioned for a second day by Lahav 433 investigators regarding suspicions she allegedly diverted approximately $22,000 in public funds and donations intended for a non-profit she founded for personal use. During the ten-hour interrogation on Thursday, investigators confronted Golan with testimonies from her associates and recordings from within her office, which they claim prove the misuse of funds. Golan vehemently denied all allegations, stating, "Everything is a lie, a fabrication," and presented documents she believes prove her innocence. She asserted her readiness to confront any witness and stated she was not invoking her right to silence.
Investigators presented evidence, including a witness statement alleging Golan personally pocketed the donation money meant for her "Hebrew City" non-profit, which was intended for food packages for the needy in South Tel Aviv. They also claimed to have recordings and evidence from individuals within her ministry demonstrating her alleged use of public funds for personal needs. Golan countered that the money was used for charitable activities and demanded to see the recordings.
The investigation, which began as a covert inquiry following a "HaMevaker" report on Channel 12, became public in September of last year with the approval of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. Dozens of suspects and witnesses have been questioned. A senior Lahav 433 official indicated that Golan would likely be required for another day of questioning before the case is transferred to the prosecution. The official also warned that if Golan is not a Knesset member after the upcoming elections, investigators would "knock on her door."
