The National Fraud Investigation Unit at Lahav 433 arrested 18 suspects and detained six others Monday morning in a sweeping public corruption case. Among those arrested: Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar, his wife, and the CEO of the city's economic company. Police have now released footage from the raids on the mayor's home and office, showing the large haul of items seized.
Major corruption investigation
Kfar Saba mayor arrested in bribery probe
Police arrest 18 suspects including Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar, his wife and the city's economic company CEO in sweeping public corruption case; raids on mayor's home and office yield large cash sums, designer handbags and luxury watches
The overt raids follow an undercover investigation that lasted more than a year. During that period, police deployed extensive resources, technological tools and complex intelligence gathering that established suspicions against those involved in serious offenses of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, money laundering and tax violations.
Investigation findings point to heavy suspicion that the mayor and the economic company CEO, with unusual and prominent involvement by the mayor's wife, acted to benefit various parties in exchange for bribes paid primarily in cash. In return for the cash envelopes, the suspects allegedly rigged lucrative tenders and ensured the bribe-payers won contracts in various fields under the municipality's jurisdiction.
A further development uncovered during the covert investigation is the involvement of known criminal elements from central Israel. According to police data, the criminals were involved, directly or indirectly and over an extended period — in the mechanism for channeling bribes in exchange for winning municipal tenders. In addition, police are examining suspicions that violent offenses were also committed as part of the affair.
Alongside the arrests, extensive searches were conducted at the suspects' homes, municipal offices and various businesses, during which police seized cash and property for potential forfeiture.
Police noted that the investigation is being supervised by the Economic Division of the State Attorney's Office. All suspects were transferred for questioning at the Lahav 433 headquarters, and later in the day police will ask the Rishon Lezion Magistrate's Court to extend the detention of the main suspects.
A statement on behalf of Rafi Saar said:
"Dear residents of Kfar Saba,
I understand the concern and the questions following this morning's publications. I intend to cooperate fully with the investigating authorities and provide all necessary explanations. I believe the clarification will allow the full picture to be presented. Due to the ongoing investigation, I cannot address details at this time. I ask that you refrain from drawing conclusions before the facts have been clarified. Kfar Saba and its residents are dear to me. The municipality's work and services to residents must continue as usual, with responsibility and professionalism.
Deputy Mayor Dani Harosh will fill my position during these days.
Thank you for your trust and support at this difficult time."
Items seized from the Kfar Saba mayor's home| צילום: Photo: Israel Police Spokesperson
