Report: Police investigating Netanyahu on money laundering allegations

Netanyahu denied any wrongdoing, according to Channel 10.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Updated: JULY 8, 2016 23:04
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Knesset cabinet meeting (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Knesset cabinet meeting
(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
Channel 10 on Friday reported for the first time that Israel authorities are investigating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on suspected money laundering allegations stemming from 2009. 
The report posited that Netanyahu or one of his family members were the recipients of an alleged transfer of "large sums" of money that is not linked to any political or campaign funding, according to Channel 2.
In response, Netanyahu denied involvement in any of the allegations, according to Channel 10.
This new revelation comes just days after another Channel 2 report claimed that the prime minister is being investigated by police for illegally receiving funds from foreign business people during his current tenure as premier, which began in 2009.

According to Channel 2 report which aired Monday,  the reported investigation has already begun in Israel and authorities are seeking to carry out judicial inquiries abroad.

Police and the State Attorney's Office have reportedly been carrying out the investigating.

Netanyahu has charged back that "there is no basis to the claims."

In June, Netanyahu's office rejected allegations that French billionaire Arno Mimran transferred millions of unreported funds for the premier's 2009  election campaign.

The PMO called Mimran's testimony an "absolute lie that has no basis," and said that Netanyahu did not receive any money from Mimran to finance his campaign.

Netanyahu's office admitted to receiving $40,000 from Mimran in 2001 that went toward Netanyahu's fund for public affairs, while he was a "private citizen." The PMO said that the money went toward Netanyahu's public diplomacy efforts for Israel, and its handling was conducted in accordance with the law.

Herb Kenion contributed to this article.