not everywhere· Security· Updated 21 Oct, 22:45

Minister May Golan Questioned in Corruption Probe

Minister for Social Equality and the Advancement of the Status of Women, May Golan, was interrogated under caution for approximately ten hours on Wednesday by the Lahav 433 national fraud investigation unit. The questioning, which took place at the unit's offices, is part of an ongoing corruption probe known as the "funds affair" or "Money Affair."

4 newsrooms · 3 languages · since 21 Oct, 14:08

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Minister May Golan Questioned in Corruption Probe — Illustration by baba

What happened

01Minister May Golan was interrogated for ten hours by the Lahav 433 unit on Wednesday.
02Golan faces suspicions of aggravated bribery, fraud, breach of trust, and submitting a false affidavit.
03The corruption probe began after a Channel 12 investigation into the misuse of public funds.
04Six of Golan's associates were arrested in September as part of the ongoing investigation.
05Police sources believe the gathered evidence is sufficient to support an indictment against Golan.
06Golan denied the allegations, calling the corruption investigation a "witch hunt."
07A senior police official noted Golan was advised to appear before the elections to avoid losing immunity.
08Further questioning of the minister is expected as the Lahav 433 investigation continues.

Golan faces suspicions of aggravated bribery, fraud, breach of trust, submitting a false affidavit, obstruction of justice, and hindering a police officer. The investigation was initiated following a Channel 12 investigative report that alleged the misuse of public funds for personal gain, the hiring of associates for fictitious positions, and irregularities in transferring funds to non-governmental organizations.

The probe became public in September, leading to the arrest of six of Golan's associates and the questioning of dozens of suspects and witnesses. Although police concluded the primary investigation in June and transferred the file to the State Prosecutor's Office, Golan had avoided interrogation for months. The prosecution recently requested further investigation, and negotiations for her appearance concluded last week.

A senior Lahav 433 official noted that Golan was advised to appear before the upcoming elections to avoid losing her parliamentary immunity, which would allow police to knock on her door if she is no longer a Knesset member. Golan denies all charges, calling the investigation a "witch hunt," and stated she has nothing to hide. Police sources believe there is sufficient evidence to support an indictment, and further questioning is expected.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 4 newsrooms. Updated 21 Oct, 23:28