James Packer interviewed in Netanyahu investigation

James Packer was interviewed in Australia yesterday as part of a corruption investigation of Benjamin Netanyahu.

James Packer in Melbourne in October.

Australian federal police interviewed casino billionaire James Packer yesterday as part of a corruption probe of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.·

“The AFP can confirm Mr Packer participated in an interview conducted by the AFP, in consultation with Israel,” an AFP spokeswoman said.

“Mr Packer participated in the interview on a voluntary basis as a witness for an investigation being conducted by Israeli authorities.

“Mr Packer is not suspected of criminal conduct in either Israel or Australia with respect to this investigation.

“Mr Packer and his legal representatives provided their full cooperation to the AFP.”

It is understood the interview took place in Melbourne. The Australian is not suggesting that Mr Packer is being investigated or engaged in any wrongdoing.

The Times of Israel today reported that according to a Hadashot TV report, Mr Packer answered the questions of Australian investigators who had been briefed by Israeli police officials, as the Israelis listened in.

A spokesman for Mr Packer confirmed today that the report was correct.

“Mr Packer was interviewed by the AFP yesterday as a potential witness in an investigation in Israel,” the spokesman said. “The interview was voluntary and in accordance with the request for assistance by the AFP.”

Mr Packer’s testimony was needed in connection with the investigation known as Case 1000, involving suspicions that Mr Netanyahu received illegal gifts and favours from businessmen in exchange for advancing their business interests.

Police are reportedly looking into whether Mr Netanyahu tried to help Mr Packer gain residency in Israel.

Mr Netanyahu was grilled by police last week in connection with the investigations into his affairs. He faces two separate criminal investigations, known as Case 1000 and Case 2000. He has denied wrongdoing in both cases.

Israeli police have also questioned one of Mr Packer’s business partners, Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan, over the affair.

Part of the investigation centres on gifts Mr Milchan gave Mr Netanyahu. Israeli police suspect Mr Milchan split the cost with Mr Packer, according to a Haaretz report.

Mr Milchan is reportedly also not a suspect in the inquiry.

Israeli media has previously reported that Mr Packer paid for luxury hotel accommodation enjoyed by Mr Netanyahu’s son, Yair, during a visit to the UN General Assembly in New York.

Mr Packer also reportedly gave Mr Netanyahu’s wife, Sara, 10 tickets to a concert performance by his then-girlfriend, pop singer Mariah Carey.

James Packer, right, in a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left.