Bitan accused of taking bribe to keep building inspectors away
Developer Doron Glazer, a state's witness, told police he gave the former coalition head $55,000 in cash as bribe for his help in keeping building inspectors away from his construction sites; Bitan denies allegations in police questioning.
The testimony from Glazer, a state's witness, was apparently corroborated by Bitan's close associate Moshe Yosef.
Bitan, who kept silent in his questioning for a long period of time, told investigators the money constituted payment for his services.
"I did provide services to Glazer, and it was part of legal advice given. I had permission to deal with that matter," the MK told police.
Bitan, who was surprised by the testimony, asked to be confronted with Yosef and Glazer in person, but investigators decided not to hold such a confrontation at this time.
Glazer told police that Bitan's services included keeping building inspectors away from Glazer's construction sites.
The money, according to Glazer, was transferred to Bitan in cash through businessman Moshe Yosef.
Bitan, however, told police that "Moshe Yosef hoodwinked me. I didn't get the money that was agreed on from Glazer, and he still owes me the money."
However, he denied Glazer's claims on the building inspectors, arguing, "How would I have connections in the Tel Aviv municipality to stop inspectors?"
Bitan's lawyer, Effi Dimri, told Ynet that "MK Bitan provided investigators with a full version and answered any question he was asked. His answers are good and satisfactory. I don't intend to address the content of the investigation."
Police suspect that construction company Danya Cebus and supermarket chain Hatzi Hinam transferred bribe money to Bitan through his close associate Moshe Yosef.
According to the police, Danya Cebus passed on NIS 300,000 to Yosef in return for issuing a fictive tax invoice, and this money was allegedly transferred to Bitan's bank account. Police suspect the money was meant to promote one of the company's projects in Rishon LeZion, where Bitan was a member of the city council.
Officials in the Rishon LeZion municipality as well as contractors and businessmen were detained for questioning in the case.
In addition, police suspect Yosef has further information about additional bribery deals.
