Kfar Saba Mayor and wife arrested in massive bribery scandal

Israeli police have arrested the Mayor of Kfar Saba, Rafi Sa'ar, along with his wife, Meital Sa'ar, and 15 other suspects in a massive corruption and bribery investigation. The operation, conducted by the Lahav 433 anti-corruption unit, follows a year-long undercover investigation into the manipulation of municipal tenders.

Investigators allege that the suspects rigged contracts worth tens of millions of shekels across various sectors, including sanitation, school renovations, infrastructure, and urban redevelopment. Meital Sa'ar is accused of acting as a central intermediary, receiving large cash payments from businessmen and organized crime figures to ensure they secured lucrative municipal projects.

Police reports indicate that the corruption involved organized crime elements and included threats against competing businesses. The investigation involved searches at approximately 30 locations, including municipal offices and private residences. The mayor and his wife have been ordered held in custody.