Minister May Golan Questioned for Third Time Amid Embezzlement Probe
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Minister May Golan was interrogated for the third time this week as part of an investigation into the "Hebrew City" association, with suspicions of embezzlement and misuse of public funds. Her lawyers claim she has provided evidence of her innocence, but investigators state they possess contrary evidence. The probe is nearing completion as Golan's immunity is set to expire.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Minister May Golan underwent her third interrogation regarding alleged embezzlement from the "Hebrew City" association.
- Investigators claim to have evidence contradicting Golan's assertions of innocence.
- Golan's legal team presented documents they say prove her innocence.
- The investigation includes suspicions of misuse of public funds for personal expenses.
- The probe is intensifying as Minister Golan's immunity is nearing its expiration.
Minister May Golan was questioned for the third time on Sunday at the Lahav 433 National Fraud Unit, following two previous interrogations earlier in the week. The investigation centers on the "Hebrew City" association, which Golan founded in 2014, with suspicions that she embezzled thousands of dollars from its funds. Additional allegations suggest the misuse of public funds for personal expenses.
Golan's legal team stated that she answered all questions and presented documents purportedly proving her innocence, asserting that the investigation should be concluded. However, investigators claim to possess evidence contradicting her statements. A senior source involved in the investigation told N12 that Golan appeared prepared, suggesting she had rehearsed with her lawyers, but insisted that their evidence tells a different story.
Investigators confronted Golan with testimony from an associate claiming she personally benefited around $22,000 from the association's donations. Golan denied this, presenting documents allegedly showing the funds were used to aid the needy and homeless in southern Tel Aviv. The probe also includes allegations of false reporting in her ministerial diary.
Lahav 433 believes its evidence is sufficient and noted that Golan's immunity is nearing its end. They stated they had repeatedly requested her testimony. The case file is already with the State Prosecutor's Office, and Sub-Commander Eli Makmel received approval from the State Attorney to conduct further investigation to build the case, following Golan's lawyers' recent statement of her readiness to be questioned.
