New Evidence in Kfar Saba Corruption Probe Complicates Case Against Mayor and Wife
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Investigators have uncovered new evidence, including proof of money transfers, strengthening suspicions against Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar and his wife Mital Saar in a corruption probe. The suspected bribes total hundreds of thousands of shekels, while related projects are valued in the millions. Investigators confirmed an actual money transfer related to a 2.5 million shekel loan document involving Mital Saar and businessman Ephraim Kahlon. Access to a key mobile phone is pending a court decision, and further testimonies are being collected.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- New evidence, including proof of money transfers, strengthens corruption suspicions against Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar and his wife.
- Suspected bribery amounts are in the hundreds of thousands of shekels, with related projects valued in the millions.
- Investigators confirmed an actual money transfer related to a 2.5 million shekel loan involving Mital Saar and businessman Ephraim Kahlon.
- Access to a key mobile phone is stalled pending a court ruling on a search warrant.
- Restrictive conditions for suspects, including removal from the municipality, may be extended.
- The prosecution will decide on indictments after reviewing all investigation materials.
Investigators from Lahav 433's Yaha unit have gathered new evidence that reportedly strengthens suspicions against Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar and his wife, Mital Saar, in a corruption investigation. Sources close to the investigation indicate the new evidence includes proof of money transfers, bolstering the case that the mayor and his wife were involved in bribery.
The suspected bribery amounts are estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of shekels, while the value of the projects and benefits allegedly provided in exchange for these bribes reaches millions of shekels. This distinction between the alleged bribe amounts and the project values is a key focus for investigators.
A significant development concerns a loan document for 2.5 million shekels, which is being examined in relation to Mital Saar's connections with businessman Ephraim Kahlon. While the existence of the loan document was known, investigators have now confirmed they have evidence of an actual money transfer, though details on the amount, method, and connection to a digital credit card under review remain undisclosed.
Investigators are also facing challenges accessing the mobile phone of the CEO of the economic company, as a court ruling is pending on whether a search of the device is permissible. Without the password, investigators are unable to proceed with examining the phone's contents.
Authorities plan to continue gathering testimonies and reviewing collected materials. No further arrests have been announced, and a command-level consultation is expected regarding the potential extension of restrictive conditions for the suspects, including their removal from the municipality, as current limitations expire on October 27. A decision on whether to file indictments will be made by the prosecution after reviewing all investigation materials.