Accountant from Rosh HaAyin Suspected of Embezzlement and Tax Fraud

Ohad Ratzon, an accountant from Rosh HaAyin, is under investigation for allegedly stealing from his clients and committing tax evasion, according to a decision by the Magistrate's Court in Rishon Lezion. The investigation began in June when tax authorities questioned Ratzon on suspicions that he fraudulently reduced his tax liability by reporting false expenses totaling approximately 1.41 million shekels without supporting documentation. He was initially released under restrictive conditions with a gag order on his name.

In early August, a joint investigation by Jerusalem Customs and VAT authorities and the Jerusalem District Anti-Crime Unit uncovered further evidence suggesting that Ratzon stole money from several clients, helped others evade taxes, omitted transactions from tax reports, unlawfully deducted input VAT, and violated anti-money laundering laws. Following these findings, the Tax Authority requested lifting the gag order and issued a travel ban against Ratzon.

Judge Rivka Arad approved the publication of Ratzon's details, noting the significant strengthening of the suspicions against him and stating that publicizing his identity could lead to uncovering additional victims. A 180-day travel restriction was imposed. Ratzon's lawyers, Boaz Hamami and Avi Aharak, argued that he had rectified errors by paying over 1.4 million shekels and addressing VAT concerns for clients. They also claimed that Ratzon cooperated fully during questioning and criticized the timing of the request to lift the gag order.