Israel Police will press fraud charges against Ramat Gan mayor Yisrael Zinger - after concluding his questioning under caution.
Zinger will be charged along with the deputy head of the municipality’s cultural department, Amnon Botz, as well as a yet-unnamed official from the inspection department.
As part of the police probe into the affair, dozens of relevant figures were questioned, some under caution, and officers conducted several searches and seized a wide array of documents. The investigation showed Zinger promised activists and some service providers a variety of benefits during the municipal elections in 2013, in return for discounted or gratis services.
Zinger allegedly promised the activists positions at the municipality or a related institution, or that they will be selected to perform various projects for the city and its institutions. Police allege Zinger and Botz his right-hand man worked together to keep those promises and locate positions for them.
Adv. Yinon Sartel, who represents Zinger, said: “The mayor welcomes the conclusion of the investigation, which began a year and a half ago and was accompanied by wrongful reports and empty accusations over alleged bribery, money laundering, and fraud. The announcement by the police spokesperson shows these accusations were proven to be unfounded during the investigation.
“When it comes to violations like breach of trust, it is important to remember the only body authorized to rule on that question is the prosecutor - not the police - and we believe that after it examines the evidence, it will decide to close the case.
“The mayor will continue to assure the quality of life of Ramat Gan residents, as befitting the mandate provided him by its electorate.”
Liad Ilani, the Ramat Gan council member who led the campaign against Zinger in recent months, said: “I am not surprised to hear of the development. It is a sad day for Ramat Gan residents, but it provides us an opportunity to rid the city of the corruption plaguing it in the past few years. I have faith in the justice department finding the proper sentence. I will continue to fight for these residents and for the rule of law. Ramat Gan deserves better, much, much better.”
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on April 14, 2016
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