Subscribe to Print Edition | Fri., May 23, 2008 Iyyar 18, 5768 | | Israel Time: 09:20 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Peres Conference Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

Last update - 19:43 22/05/2008 Sources: Not enough evidence to indict Olmert for bribery By Jonathan Lis, Haaretz Correspondent Tags: Moshe Talansky, Shula Zaken  Despite significant disclosures in the investigation of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's alleged acceptance of large sums from American businessman Morris Talansky, there still may not be enough evidence to indict him for bribery, say sources close to the probe. At this point Olmert is suspected of obtaining money by fraud, breach of trust, money laundering and tax offenses, but it is too early to see where the investigation is heading, they said. Meanwhile, police sources said Wednesday that they now have evidence that Talansky financed a number of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's private trips overseas. Advertisement Talansky told the police that he knew the money he had given Olmert was not used merely to finance election campaigns but for private expenses as well. The investigating team has not yet established how much money Talansky gave Olmert, but believes it was hundreds of thousands of dollars. Israeli detectives will go to New York in the next few weeks to examine Talansky's bank accounts and check whether the dates on which he reported withdrawing money at Olmert's request correspond to the withdrawal dates in his accounts. The detectives will also try to verify Talansky's testimony that he had met Olmert in New York hotels where Olmert had stayed, and question associates and employees in Talansky's office to corroborate his testimony. Police have evidence that Talansky stopped giving Olmert money soon before Olmert became prime minister, and that since then Olmert has not taken or spent any of Talansky's money. The detectives have been trying to find what Olmert gave Talansky for the large sums of money he allegedly received from him over the years. They examined Olmert's involvement in installing speed bumps on the street Talansky's son lives on, in Jerusalem. They also looked into recommendation letters Olmert had sent to his associate billionaire Sheldon Edelson, recommending to purchase mini bars from a plant in which Talansky had invested. Police learned in the last few days that Olmert has allegedly given Talansky something more significant regarding one of the latter's businesses abroad. The computer file in which Olmert's former office chief Shula Zaken documented the money transfers from Talansky to Attorney Uri Messer is seen as significant evidence in the case. The file corresponds to a relatively short period, but lists dates and accurate sums of money, which detectives can compare with the details of Talansky's bank documents and his testimony. Because the investigation is still in its initial stages, the sources said, it is too early to say whether Olmert will ultimately be indicted, despite the grave findings so far. The investigation is expected to continue for several months. Olmert's close associate, attorney Uri Messer, was questioned Thursday at the National Fraud Investigative Unit office in relation to the Talansky affair. Police will question Olmert for a second time at 10 A.M. on Friday in his residence in Jerusalem Bookmark to del.icio.us   Say what you want French court: Claim that Al-Dura tape doctored isn`t libelous. Peace in our time Olmert: Peace talks with Syria are a 'national duty'.   1.   Result expected but the damage is done 08:29  |  Ulf 22/05/08   2.   Spinmeisters for the crook at work? 09:13  |  Clickfool 22/05/08   3.   Special Investigator required 10:14  |  Motic 22/05/08   4.   What a travesty! 10:16  |  Joe 22/05/08   5.   Poor Israelis, they are worried about couple of hundred thousands 13:39  |  El-Birawi 22/05/08   6.   Palestinian versus Israeli corruption! 14:48  |  sandra chitayat 22/05/08   7.   #5 El-Birawi, I am not a fun of Olmert.He should have been sent 14:57  |  Max Horoskopski 22/05/08   8.   Another WINOGRAD......? 15:14  |  Dagma 22/05/08   9.   To El-Birawi # 5 - Poor Israelis ...... 15:32  |  Dolly 22/05/08   10.   the trusted maneuver 15:37  |  progressive reader 22/05/08   11.   clikfool is rigt ...but what are the reasons forthe leakNOW?? 15:41  |  gabriel 22/05/08   12.   Olmert and bribery 16:19  |  Joshua 22/05/08   13.   I am sure, Olmert 16:58  |  Keops 22/05/08   14.   bribe 17:14  |  eli 22/05/08   15.   Spinmeisters indeed 17:52  |  Yankee 22/05/08   16.   Olmert needs to resign because its a trust issue 18:49  |  Shepherd 22/05/08   17.   Bottom Line Is Olmert Received Illicit Funds,& Must Resign NOW 18:52  |  Shepherd 22/05/08   18.   Clickfool we Jews hope Olmert is indicted 18:55  |  Avi 22/05/08   19.   Good, now he has no choice, back to work. 20:57  |  Stephen. 22/05/08   20.   What a game 23:48  |  Andrew 22/05/08

Read & React Bradley Burston: The Palestinians' time is running out Responses: 90 West backs Lebanese gov't capitulation to Hezbollah Responses: 45 Obama promises 'unshakable commitment' to Israel if elected Responses: 20 McCain rejects pastor's support after 'God sent Hitler' remark Responses: 15 Yossi Sarid: Applauding Bush while the peace process fades away Send response Rosner's Domain Poll: Peace between Israel & Syria? Rosner's Guests: Peace with Syria now? not very likely 8 short comments on the Israel-Syria peace talks Pastor Hagee withdrawals McCain endorsement (WTR) Why Obama needs Florida Jews? (WTR) More Headlines 09:19 Israel-Syria talks put the 'Iranians in shock' 09:13 Olmert questioning Fri. to focus on close friend's testimony 08:57 IDF soldier moderately hurt by anti-tank missile in south Gaza 09:16 Obama promises 'unshakable commitment' to Israel if elected 09:15 Bill would require Golan referendum 04:27 Israeli Arab driver critically hurt by guard at W. Bank settlement 09:14 McCain rejects pastor's support after 'God sent Hitler' comment 07:43 West backs Lebanese gov't capitulation to Hezbollah 06:18 Turkey hoping Syria talks will ease domestic turmoil 06:04 Grant's wife accuses British media: They're hungry for Avram's raw flesh 04:04 Dollar at 11-year low vs. shekel 05:15 Prosecutor: Seattle Jewish center shooter 'used murder' to get out message Previous Editions Select Day 22 may 21 may 20 may 19 may 18 may 16 may 15 may 14 may 13 may 12 may 11 may 09 may

Special Offers Advertisement Dead Sea Products Buy Dead Sea mineral skin care and beauty products. Coupon code Haaretz for 10% off. Your vacation starts here Israel Travel Center Guaranteed Lowest Rates Istudy Learn Hebrew in 3 months The Terraces Your Ultimate Coastal Address On Nitza Boulevard, North Netanya Together Celebrating Israel's 60th The Jewish Agency and You - together making history Pardes Institute Summer Sessions http://www.pardes.org.il/ Free the Palestinians from: Corrupt Kleptocracy, Tyrannical Theocracy, Abysmal Anarchy Fattal Hotel Chain Perfectly located hotels on best resorts of Israel. ISRAEL BONDS Build Israel Israel bonds - a multi-purpose way to celebrate Israel's 60th Eldan Rent a Car Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on all online reservations Junkyard Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt

Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | Underground | Site rules |

Real Estate in Israel

Haaretz.com, the online edition of Haaretz Newspaper in Israel, offers real-time breaking news, opinions and analysis from Israel and the Middle East. Haaretz.com provides extensive and in-depth coverage of Israel, the Jewish World and the Middle East, including defense, diplomacy, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the peace process, Israeli politics, Jerusalem affairs, international relations, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Israeli business world and Jewish life in Israel and the Diaspora.

© Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved