Sara Netanyahu, wife of Israeli PM, charged with fraud

Source: NBC News::

June 21, 2018 at 09:51

Sara Netanyahu, Wife of Israeli Prime Minister, to Face Fraud ChargesSara Netanyahu, Wife of Israeli Prime Minister, to Face Fraud Charges

In February, police recommended Benjamin Netanyahu be indicted on charges of corruption and bribery.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's wife, Sara, was charged on Thursday with fraud for allegedly misusing over $100,000 in public funds to order lavish meals from some of the country's most famous chefs, a court spokesperson said.

The indictment charged that Netanyahu, along with a government employee, fraudulently obtained more than $100,000 for hundreds of meals supplied by restaurants, bypassing regulations prohibiting the practice if a cook is employed at the home.

She was charged with aggravated fraud and breach of trust, according to the indictment released by the Justice Ministry to the media.

If convicted, she could face a maximum sentence of five years behind bars, though that seemed unlikely. It was unclear when her trial would begin.

A former deputy director of the prime minister's residence is also charged in the case.

Sara's indictment marks the latest development in a series of scandals embroiling the Netanyahu family. In February, police recommended her husband be indicted on charges of corruption and bribery.