Israeli authorities probe James Packer over ‘illegal benefits’

Israeli authorities are investi­gating allegations James Packer gave Mariah Carey show tickets to Mossad’s head.

Mariah Carey and James Packer in New York City last year.

Israeli authorities are investi­gating allegations James Packer gave expensive tickets to a Mariah Carey performance to the head of intelligence agency Mossad, ­Israeli media reports said.

According to these reports, the Israeli Civil Service Commission has launched an investigation into claims Mossad head Yossi Cohen had also spent time, or been given free use of, Mr Packer’s Tel Aviv apartment.

“The commission is investi­gating whether Packer’s gift amounted to receipt of an illegal benefit or favour,” Haaretz newspaper reported, citing TV reports.

The allegations were first made public last month, but the claimed involvement of the Israeli Civil Service Commission, an arm of the nation’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, appears to have added weight to the claims.

Haaretz reported Mr Cohen had been interviewed by the agency, which was preparing a ­report to be published soon.

A spokesman for Mr Packer declined to comment yesterday.

Mr Packer has had a tumultuous year, recently breaking up with singer Carey, to whom he proposed in January.

In October, at least 18 employees of his Crown Resorts were ­detained by Chinese police after raids of their homes.

China said the employees were detained on suspicion of committing “gambling crimes”; gambling is ­illegal in China and the group was marketing Mr Packer’s ­foreign casinos.

Last month, it was reported Carey had rejected a $US30 million ($40.4m) pre-nuptial agreement as “tacky” early in their relationship, but is pushing for a $US50m “inconvenience fee” after he ended the relationship.

According to reports, Israeli police are also looking into alle­gations Mr Packer gave Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s family gifts and benefits.