An associate of embattled Social Equality Minister May Golan reportedly backed out after being close to turning state witness in a major fraud investigation that has engulfed her office.

The Israel Hayom daily and Channel 13 news reported that Golan’s former parliamentary adviser, attorney Ehud Gabay — who was among six people arrested in a raid of Golan’s office on Monday — was close to signing a deal with prosecutors that would see him testify against the minister as part of a plea deal.

Channel 12 news and the Ynet news outlet said that state witness deals with two people were on the table, without naming the individuals.

Hours later, however, the Kan public broadcaster said that Gabay had since had second thoughts and did not sign the agreement, without elaborating on his reasoning.

Golan is suspected of fraud, misusing public funds for private purposes, creating fictitious positions in the Social Equality Ministry, and concealing sources of funding.

She was accused of enabling widespread nepotism and of dubious fundraising activities in a TV report

© The Times of Israel