Court extends Talansky hold-departure order
New evidence cleared for publication after gag order fully removed indicates Talansky cash used to fund private trips abroad for PM. Court orders Talansky to remain in Israel till Monday
The plot thickens: Some of the money allegedly transferred to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert by Morris Talansky funded several of his trips abroad – evidence to that effect were acquired through documents confiscated by the police and released for publication on Wednesday, after the gag order placed on the investigation was officially lifted.
Also on Wednesday, the Tel Aviv Magistrates' Court extended Talansky's hold-departure to Monday at 11pm.
Police have confiscated the journals of Former Prime Minister's Office Bureau Chief Shula Zaken, in which the dates of meetings between Olmert and Talansky in Israel and the US were recorded.
Protected by the comprehensive gag order placed on the investigation, the existence of the journals has only recently become known to the press.
National Fraud Unit investigators raided the offices of the Jerusalem Municipality and the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Labor over the last few weeks, and seized documents related to the probe; according to which Olmert received cash-filled envelopes from Talansky. The police are currently investigating what Talansky may have received in return.The prime minister has claimed that Talansky worked as a fundraiser for both his campaign for the position of mayor of Jerusalem, and his campaign for the position of chairman of the Likud. Olmert also claimed that the funds were handled by his attorney, Uri Messer, but the police claim they have evidence showing the prime minister received cash sums for his own personal use, some of which may have funded trips abroad.
National Fraud Unit investigators have also uncovered documents supporting the claim that Olmert and Talansky held several meetings over the years, during which money allegedly changed hands.
Incriminating files seized. (Photo: Ata Awisat)
According to law enforcement sources, Zaken knew about the alleged money transfers, and the police have computer records – entered by Zaken – proving Olmert had received money from Talansky. The sources claim the transfers halted when Olmert became prime minister.
During his first interrogation, Olmert claimed that money matters had been Messer's responsibility, and did not explain in what way he used the money allegedly given to him. This testimony contradicts that of Messer's, who claimed he never received any money from Talansky – only from Olmert and Zaken. A legal source told Ynet that "Messer's testimony incriminates the prime minister and confirms that of Talansky."
The investigation is expected to include a team which will leave for the US in the next few days in order to collect material from banks, New York hotels, and Talansky's offices; where he and Olmert allegedly met.
The prime minister is scheduled to be interrogated in regards to the case once more, on Monday.
