PM's ex-bureau chief questioned on Cremieux affair

Investigators question Shula Zaken on alleged illicit discount Olmert received during purchase of Jerusalem flat
Efrat Weiss

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's former bureau chief, Shula Zaken was questioned by the National Fraud Unit Monday morning in relation to the Cremieux affair, in which the prime minister is suspected to have received an illicit discount on Jerusalem real estate.

Zaken, who has yet to be interrogated on this affair, was last questioned by police on Friday in the framework of the "cash envelopes" investigation involving Olmert's relations with US businessman Morris Talansky, but she reserved the right to remain silent.

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Law enforcement official reported of progress in the Cremieux investigation, saying it is expected to be concluded following the "cash envelopes" and "Olmertours" probes.

Olmert is suspected of purchasing a garden apartment on Cremieux Street in Jerusalem from a friend for a price $320,000 cheaper than the property's market value in return for helping the construction firm that refurbished the apartment block gain illegal building permits.

The PM is expected to be questioned further by police on the affair.