Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, whose campaign fundraising practices in 1999 resulted in a police probe, received funds three years ago from a convicted money launderer. The donor, Uri David, is named as a donor on a list obtained last week by State Comptroller and Ombudsman Micha Lindenstrauss. Spokesmen for Barak said that the contributions were legal.
In the 1999 general election race, the State Comptroller declared that Barak's aides set up 23 fictitious groups to funnel illegal contributions into his campaign treasure chest. Barak said at the time he was not involved in fundraising activities. However, it was reported in the United States in 1999 that Barak appeared at a $10,000 a plate dinner sponsored by Israeli industrialist Haim Saban and that Barak personally solicited funds.
A government prosecutor recommended that his campaign advisor be indicted, but no indictment was filed.
In the 1999 general election race, the State Comptroller declared that Barak's aides set up 23 fictitious groups to funnel illegal contributions into his campaign treasure chest. Barak said at the time he was not involved in fundraising activities. However, it was reported in the United States in 1999 that Barak appeared at a $10,000 a plate dinner sponsored by Israeli industrialist Haim Saban and that Barak personally solicited funds.
A government prosecutor recommended that his campaign advisor be indicted, but no indictment was filed.