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| By Ynetnews February 26, 2007 |
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Business mogul Arcadi Gaydamak was investigated by the National Fraud Unit Monday following suspicion he gave perks to the prime minister's bureau chief Shula Zaken.
Zaken was suspended for six months at the beginning of February, due to suspicions against her in the alleged bribery affair at the Tax Authority.
During a search of Zaken's house police found tickets to the VIP box at the Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem. According to suspicions, Zaken purchased the tickets from Gaydamak at a discounted price.
Gaydamak is the owner of the Beitar Yerushalayim Soccer Club.
At the beginning of the investigation, Gaydamak asked his interrogators to allow him to leave early so that he can attend an event Monday noon.
The police decided to comply with his request and continue the investigation Tuesday.
On Sunday, the Israeli-Russian tycoon was interrogated for four hours by the Fraud Unit, as part of an investigation into the alleged forgery of an official document signed by the Justice Ministry's supervisor of international affairs.
The document in question, which said Gaydamak poses a threat due to his repeated statements against senior Israeli police, government and legal officials, was sent to Interpol in Russia and demanded details on the business mogul.
The police decided to probe the incident following a letter sent by State Prosecutor Eran Shendar, which revealed beyond any doubt that the document did not leave the Justice Ministry.
Gaydamak said the document clearly illustrates that he is being politically persecuted by the Israeli law enforcement authorities.
"The letter contains slanderous remarks against me," Gaydamak said, "They'll probably find something else to question me about."
"What wrong have I done? I am only trying to do things for the benefit of the Israeli citizens. I merely criticized the government and spoke my mind -- this is the right of every citizen," he said.
The billionaire recently wrote a letter slamming Israel Police and accusing the force of launching investigations against him "at the citizens' expense."
Ynetnews contributed to this report. |
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