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Photo: Shlomi Cohen
Deputy Jerusalem Mayor Kobi Kahlon
Photo: Shlomi Cohen

Brother of rising star politician Kahlon suspected of corruption

Moshe Kahlon's brother, Kobi Kahlon, who works as deputy mayor of Jerusalem, has been under investigation for past 3 years for alleged corruption; police recommend indictment, while Kobi denies report.

Deputy Jerusalem Mayor Kobi Kahlon, the brother of Kulanu chairman Moshe Kahlon, is suspected of fraud and breach of trust in a case which has been under investigation for the past three years, unveiled in a report that was made public on Thursday.

 

 

Moshe Kahlon electioneering in Jerusalem (Phoo: AFP)
Moshe Kahlon electioneering in Jerusalem (Phoo: AFP)

 

The looming elections cast the timing of the story's publication in a suspicious light, as the investigation has been in the works for some time and no decision has been reached whether to indict Kobi Kahlon. Kahlon claims that case was closed; however, police documents reveal otherwise.

 

Kobi Kahlon (Photo: Shlomi Cohen)
Kobi Kahlon (Photo: Shlomi Cohen)

 

According to the investigation run by the police's anti-fraud unit, Lahav 433, Kahlon and several others are allegedly involved in an affair that casts a shadow on his time as chairman of the Municipal Committee on Planning and Construction.

 

According to suspicions, he helped entrepreneurs profit from urban development projects posing a conflict of interest with his responsibilities to the Municipal Construction Plan.

 

Police suspect fake documents, allegedly from the Israel Land Authority, were filed with the committee pertaining to a restaurant in Jerusalem.

 

Some of the entrepreneurs were detained for questioning - Kahlon was questioned and later released.

 

Since the completion of the investigation over a year ago, the case has been pending the State Prosecution's decision in order to move forward.

 

Police sources said the case was transferred to the State Prosecution, however, the police did recommend that Kahlon be indicated, in contradiction to his brother's claims.

 

Kulanu said in a statement responding to the publication of the investigation: “Two years ago Kobi was the victim of a  an attempted blackmail by a police officer, during the Ronel Fisher investigation.

 

"Since then Kobi has been serving as a main witness in a different affair regarding the conduct of that same corrupt officer.

 

"Kobi was notified that police had closed the case and now we are waiting for the state attorney for the formal closing of the case. Sadly, there are those with vested interests who try to make political use of this in order to hurt the Kulanu party,” the statement said

 

However, the police recommendation to indict Kobi Kahlon stated otherwise, saying that "Kobi Kahlon indeed acted in conflict of interest to promote the interests of family members and in contradiction of professional recommendations."

 


פרסום ראשון: 01.23.15, 09:11
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