The corruption affair in Kfar Saba: Wedding envelopes or bribe money?

The CEO of the Kfar Saba Economic Company, attorney Sagi Chen, was arrested on suspicion of accepting bribes and acting as the operative arm of the mayor's wife. Envelopes found in his home were described by him as wedding envelopes from a friend who asked him to keep them. The police suspect the funds are linked to a broader corruption scandal involving the promotion of municipal tenders in exchange for bribes.

The CEO of the Kfar Saba Economic Company, attorney Sagi Chen, was arrested on suspicion of accepting bribes and acting as the operative arm of Meital, the wife of Mayor Rafi Saar. The envelopes found in his home were described by him as wedding envelopes from a friend who asked him to keep them until he returned from vacation. The police suspect the funds are linked to a broader corruption scandal involving the promotion of municipal tenders in exchange for bribes. Chen denies the allegations. The investigation, which began in May 2025, became public with the arrest of 17 suspects. The tenders under scrutiny cover areas such as food trucks, renovations, education, cleaning, transportation, and lighting. Investigators estimate that the Saar couple received hundreds of thousands of shekels. Chen is also suspected of conspiracy to commit a crime, breach of trust, and obtaining something by deception. His remand was extended until October 15.