Olmert suspected of corruption

FORMER Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is suspected of taking bribes in a growing Jerusalem corruption case, police said yesterday.

The 63-year-old Olmert returned to Israel from Europe yesterday amid reports of his involvement in the case then police confirmed he was a suspect, after a court-issued gag order was eased.

Olmert has denied any connection.

Last week, a long-time Olmert associate and five others were arrested in the affair.

Police suspect sums of money changed hands to promote land projects.