Nat'l Crime Unit arrests six on suspicion of bribery in raid on Tel Aviv municipality offices

The suspects will be brought to a hearing regarding the extension of their detention at the Rishon LeZion Magistrate's Court today.

 The water fountain at the bottom of the Tel Aviv Municipality building at Rabin Square on July 5, 2015. (photo credit: Matt Hechter/Flash90)
The water fountain at the bottom of the Tel Aviv Municipality building at Rabin Square on July 5, 2015.
(photo credit: Matt Hechter/Flash90)

Six employees of "Ezra and Bitzaron," a company that is owned by the Tel Aviv Municipality, including a senior official of the company, were arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of accepting bribes, Walla reported.

Ezra and Bitzaron is the municipal arm of the Tel Aviv Municipality involved in urban renewal.

The Rishon LeZion Magistrate's Court moved to extend the detention of the suspects on Wednesday evening to five days, Walla reported.

Investigators from the Lahav 433 - National Crime Unit arrested the employees following a morning raid on the office and the suspects' homes, during which they also seized documentation.

At this time, the suspects are being questioned at the unit’s offices in Lod, on suspicion of accepting bribes from suppliers and companies that were franchisees of Ezra and Bitzaron.

Male hands arrested with handcuffs in Criminal concept (illustrative) (credit: INGIMAGE)
Male hands arrested with handcuffs in Criminal concept (illustrative) (credit: INGIMAGE)

According to the police, an undercover investigation was opened to look into the case a few weeks ago.

Sources familiar with the investigation noted that, at this stage, no suspicions have arisen against Tel Aviv Municipality employees.