Rachel Risbi
Photo: Guy Asyag
Olmert staff member may be indicted in Rishon Tours affair
State Prosecutor's Office informs Rachel Risbi, PM's former travel coordinator that she may face charges of fraud, breach of trust, falsifying corporate documents, pending hearing
Rachel Risbi, a former staff member in Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's Office, was informed Monday that the State Prosecutor's Office may file criminal charges against her in the Rishon Tours double-billing affair. The decision pends a judicial hearing.
The double-billing case centers on suspicions that while Olmert was Industry, Trade and Labor minister, he double billed trips abroad to Jewish institutions, pocketing the difference or financing trips for relatives.
Under Investigation
Aviad Glickman
(Video) Senior sources in State Prosecutor's Office insist they have sufficient evidence to indict, convict PM on Rishon Tours double-billing case. Gravest offence on docket carries seven year prison term
Risbi, who served as the PM's travel coordinator, faces charges of fraud, breach of trust, falsifying corporate documents and receiving illegal benefits, to which an aggravated circumstances clause apply.
According to suspicion, Risbi was an accessory to various fraudulent acts portrayed against both the State and various Jewish groups in the form of double and triple billing of trips overseas.
Risbi's attorney, Yair Golan, confirmed that that State has informed his client of its intent.
Attorney General Menachem Mazuz informed Olmert that he intends to file criminal charges against him in the case in late November. Sources in the State Prosecutor's Office later said that the prosecution has a solid case against the prime minister, and more than enough evidence to secure a conviction.
