Identity revealed of ex-MK detained for alleged bribery and fraud

The suspect, Amnon Cohen, was an MK from 1999 to 2015. At the time, the MK denied the allegations.

DECEMBER 8, 2016 00:23

Updated: DECEMBER 8, 2016 17:15

The Knesset building in Givat Ram, Jerusalem (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM) — The Knesset building in Givat Ram, Jerusalem

(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)

A gag order protecting the identity of a former MK detained for investigation earlier this week for suspicion of taking financial and sexual bribes was removed Thursday evening.

According to the police’s Lahav 433 anticorruption unit, former Shas MK Amnon Cohen is being investigated for allegedly receiving bribes from an Israeli businessman during his long legislative tenure.

The Rishon Lezion Magistrate’s Court later extended until Sunday Cohen's remand, who was arrested on Wednesday.

Some of the bribes were of a sexual nature. In return, the former MK is suspected of promoting the businessman’s agenda in several areas.

The case against Cohen was advanced by the testimony of a women from abroad who claimed to have been part of the sexual bribes. Cohen was confronted with the woman’s testimony during his interrogation on Wednesday.

Police said they were guided by “substantial suspicions” that the former Knesset member was involved in bribery, fraud and breach of trust felonies.

They also cited the investigative television series Uvda, which published incriminating evidence regarding financial bribery of the former MK early this year.

The investigation is being monitored by the Tel Aviv District Attorney’s Office, which will decide if the case will be prosecuted.

Cohen was an MK from 1999 to 2015. At the time, the MK denied the allegations.