Channels

Avigdor Lieberman. Ongoing investigation
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Michal Lieberman questioned again
Photo: Yaron Brener

7 Lieberman associates questioned

With two weeks left before Knesset elections, police detain Yisrael Beiteinu chairman's daughter, six other aides as part of investigation into bribery, fraud allegations

The police's National Fraud Investigations Unit on Sunday morning detained for questioning seven people associated with Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman, including his daughter and a lawyer.

 

The seven were detained two and a half weeks before the Knesset elections, as part of an investigation launched against Lieberman on suspicion of taking a bribe, fraud and money laundering. Their homes were searched.

 

Recent public opinion polls have shown that Lieberman's party is expected to grow stronger in the February 10 elections.

 

Lieberman's daughter, Michal, was questioned by the National Fraud Investigations Unit in January 2008, several days after her father resigned from the Olmert government.

 

A state comptroller's report from 1999 pointed to alleged violations of the election campaign law by the Yisrael Beiteinu party. A police investigation was launched into the matter in February 2001, and Lieberman was among the people questioned.

 

In May 2005, the police turned the case over to the State Prosecutor's Office for a review and decision. Following the receipt of additional material from investigations abroad, the attorney general instructed the police to reopen the case. The investigation was resumed in April 2006.

 

In April 2007, Lieberman was questioned under caution at the National Fraud Investigations Unit's offices on suspicion of receiving illegal funds from business tycoon Martin Schlaf. The Yisrael Beiteinu chairman was suspected of receiving money transferred to him via fictitious accounts registered in Cyprus.

 

During the first coalition negotiations between Kadima and Yisrael Beiteinu following the 2006 election, Lieberman asked for the Internal Security portfolio, but Attorney General Menachem Mazuz ruled that he could not be in charge of the police as long as the criminal investigation against him is still going on.

 


פרסום ראשון: 01.25.09, 10:40
 new comment
Warning:
This will delete your current comment