Full coverage· Security· Updated 12 Oct, 20:38

Kfar Saba Mayor's Wife Suspected of Obstructing Investigation

Police in central Israel arrested the head of a local authority, his wife and other suspects in a year-long corruption probe over allegedly rigged tenders. The investigation centers on cash bribes, fraud and money laundering tied to lucrative municipal contracts.

30 newsrooms · 4 languages · since 12 Oct, 04:23

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What happened

01Police arrested the head of a central Israel local authority, his wife and other suspects on Monday in a public corruption probe led by Lahav 433.
02The National Fraud Unit said 17 suspects were arrested and seven others detained for questioning, for a total of 24.
03Investigators suspect cash bribes were paid to secure lucrative tenders under the local authority’s jurisdiction.
04The authority head and the CEO of an economic company are suspected of acting together, with significant involvement from the authority head’s wife.
05Police said the investigation, which has lasted over a year, includes allegations of bribery, fraud, breach of trust, money laundering and tax offenses.
06Police also said the probe uncovered suspected involvement by known criminal elements from central Israel in the bribery scheme.
07Searches of offices and businesses led to the seizure of cash and property, and police are expected to seek detention extensions.

The arrests were made Monday by Lahav 433’s National Fraud Unit, which said 17 suspects were arrested and seven others detained for questioning, for a total of 24. The suspects include the authority head, the CEO of an economic company, businessmen and other public officials.

Investigators suspect the authority head and the company CEO, with significant involvement from the authority head’s wife, steered tenders to favored businesses in exchange for cash payments. Several outlets said the authority is in central Israel, and Srugim identified the mayor as Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar.

Police also said the probe uncovered suspected involvement by known criminal elements from central Israel. Searches of offices and businesses led to the seizure of cash and property, and some outlets said luxury items were also taken. Police expect to seek detention extensions as the case moves forward.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 14 newsrooms. Updated 12 Oct, 21:08