not everywhere· Security· Updated 12 Oct, 22:54

Kfar Saba Mayor, Wife Arrested in Corruption Probe

The Rishon LeZion Magistrate's Court extended the detention of Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar and his wife, Meital Saar, by eight days on Monday. The couple was arrested alongside several other suspects, including Sagi Hen, the General Director of the Municipal Economic Company, following a secret investigation by the Lahav 433 fraud unit that has been ongoing for over a year.

9 newsrooms · 3 languages · since 12 Oct, 16:51

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What happened

01A Rishon LeZion court extended the detention of Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar and his wife Meital by eight days.
02The Lahav 433 fraud unit has been conducting a secret investigation into the case for over a year.
03The operation led to 17 arrests, including Sagi Hen, the General Director of the Municipal Economic Company.
04Investigators suspect a bribery mechanism funneled hundreds of thousands of shekels in cash and luxury goods to the couple.
05Police allege Meital Saar received bribes to rig lucrative municipal tenders and influence appointments and dismissals.
06During searches at the couple's home and other locations, police seized large sums of cash and documented luxury items.
07Mayor Saar and his wife deny the allegations, with his lawyer arguing they maintain financial separation.

Police allege that the mayor and his wife operated a bribery mechanism that funneled hundreds of thousands of shekels in cash, luxury items, and shopping trips to the couple. Investigators believe Meital Saar acted as a central figure, receiving cash bribes from entrepreneurs to manipulate municipal tenders and influence decisions, such as school renovations, street lighting, and transport projects. The police also suspect the involvement of criminal elements who allegedly threatened competitors in tenders.

During a search of the couple's home, police seized large sums of cash and documented luxury items, including designer bags, watches, and jewelry. The court ruled that there is a high-intensity reasonable suspicion against the suspects, noting that the mayor was allegedly aware of the money and assisted his wife by manipulating tenders and advancing projects.

Mayor Saar and his wife deny the allegations. The mayor's attorney, Micah Patman, argued that the couple maintains financial separation and that the mayor was unaware of the source of the funds held by his wife. The investigation is ongoing.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 7 newsrooms. Updated 12 Oct, 18:51

Latest report: Kipa. Read Kipa’s original