MK May Golan was questioned by police for 10 hours on Thursday over allegations that she pocketed donations intended for a nonprofit she founded.
During questioning at Lahav 433, Israel Police’s national crime investigation unit, Golan denied the allegations and said she had documents showing where the money had gone. When investigators cited evidence provided by employees in her ministry, she asked to hear the recordings herself.
One part of the investigation focuses on whether Golan used funds from the nonprofit she founded and managed for personal expenses. Investigators told her they had a witness who alleged she had taken approximately $22,000 in donations for herself.
Investigators say Golan’s employees provided documents and recordings
Golan called the claims lies and said she had documentation supporting her account. “I have documents that can show that all the money was donated to activities providing food baskets and helping homeless people in south Tel Aviv," she said.
Investigators also questioned Golan about allegations that she used public funds for personal purposes. One investigator told her that employees in her ministry had provided evidence supporting that allegation.
Golan asked to examine the evidence. “Play me the recordings. I am prepared to confront them," she said, according to Walla.
The questioning ended for the day after 10 hours. Investigators say they have documents and recordings, some provided by Golan’s employees. Golan maintains that her own documents will show the donations were used to help people in need.
The investigation is ongoing, and Golan denies the allegations against her.