A senior Netanya City Hall official and member of a chareidi community is among those being probed by police in a corruption probe involving the city’s religious mayor, Miriam Fierberg.

Four of the suspects in the case were arraigned on Tuesday, 3 Elul and their remand was extended as police presented sufficient evidence of law-breaking to the court. An additional four suspects were taken into custody by police on Wednesday morning 4 Elul as Mayor Fierberg is questioned ‘under warming’, signaling police are likely to recommend a criminal indictment against her. The case is being handled by the 433 Lahav Unit of Israel Police, which is compared to America’s FBI.

Among those arrested is a senior administration official and member of the chareidi community, two contractors and a fourth suspect. The suspects are alleged to be involved in money laundering, tax fraud and other white collar charges.

It is alleged senior officials in the Netanya administration advanced projects for certain contractors in exchange for bribe money and favors.

One of the suspects in custody is a son of the mayor, who has been remanded for five days. A chareidi man who established a local yeshiva is also under lock and key in connection to the case. His remand has also been extended for five days as investigators continue the probe.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)