Israel police recommend Ehud Olmert's indictment over corruption

Israel police has recommended the indictment of disgraced former prime minister Ehud Olmert, who had to quit after a string of graft charges, including a property deal described as the nation's biggest scandal.

Police recommended to indict him over corruption charges surrounding the Holyland apartment project in Jerusalem.

Olmert, 64, is likely be charged with taking bribe. The police is also recommending indictments against his former bureau chief, Shula Zaken, businessman Hillel Charni and former Jerusalem mayor Uri Lupolianski.

Olmert was questioned under caution three times in June and July over suspicions that he accepted around a million shekels in bribes from real estate developers in exchange for supporting the Holyland construction project in southern Jerusalem.

The bribes were allegedly funnelled through Olmert's office manager Shula Zaken and his close associate and attorney Uri Messer.

During questioning, Olmert was shown a series of documents allegedly linking him to bribery, fraud and abusing public office during his tenures as Jerusalem mayor and minister of trade, industry and labour.

He has denied all of the suspicions against him.

The former prime minister's media adviser, Amir Dan, confirmed that the police had informed him of their decision.