Austria’s ruling party fires Israeli political consultant after fraud sting

Austria’s Social Democratic Party announces that it is severing business relations with their Israeli political consultant Tal Silberstein after he was arrested on suspicion of money laundering, obstruction of justice, bribery and related crimes.

Silberstein was one of five suspects arrested earlier today in Israel following a joint investigation with Swiss and American authorities.

Social Democratic Party official Georg Niedermuhlbicher says his party’s move is a result of “the legal accusations that have been made known from Israel.” The party is the senior partner in the coalition now ruling Austria.

The development comes ahead of October national elections and could hurt the Social Democrats, who are trailing behind center-right and right-wing rivals in polls. The other parties are criticizing the Social Democrats for choosing Silberstein as a consultant.

— AP