Suspicion in Lahav 433: PM Residence Employees Used Residence Credit Card Without Authorization

Lahav 433 is investigating a suspicion that the house manager of the Prime Minister's residence, Efi Azoulay, and another employee regularly used the residence's credit card for personal needs, purchasing food and products totaling tens of thousands of shekels without authorization. At least two employees were allegedly witnesses to the embezzlement; one of them, Y., claims he reported it in advance to the PMO's deputy director general. Azoulay denies and stated that every purchase is made under strict supervision.

The Lahav 433 unit is conducting an investigation into suspicions that the house manager of the Prime Minister's residence, Efi Azoulay, and another employee regularly used the residence's credit card for their personal needs. According to the suspicion, the two cumulatively purchased food and various products for their private homes in amounts reaching tens of thousands of shekels, without authorization. The investigation was first revealed this evening (Saturday) on 'Weekend News'. About a month and a half ago, Lahav 433 investigators summoned employee L. to give testimony, and he was questioned with a series of questions. L. is not the only employee who was allegedly a witness to the embezzlement. In a lawsuit filed by another employee, Y., against the Prime Minister's Office, his lawyer Ayla Honigman noted that Y. had updated in detail the PMO's deputy director general, Sigalit Gabai, about the suspicion of embezzlement several months ago. Y. told News 12: 'Azoulay would tell me: What you see stays between us.' This incident joins a series of issues previously examined regarding Azoulay: about two years ago he was convicted of making prohibited purchases at the residence, and about seven months ago it was published that the police are investigating a suspicion that he received benefits from a computer supplier. Despite this, he was returned to the position of house manager as an external employee. Azoulay responded: 'Azoulay never used the residence's credit card for his personal needs. Every purchase is made under strict, transparent, and controlled supervision of the accountants in the PMO.' The police and the PMO chose not to comment.