Israeli Authorities Arrest Man in Alleged Multi-Million Dollar Crypto Tax Evasion Scheme

Israeli tax authorities and police have uncovered a large-scale tax evasion and money laundering scheme involving cryptocurrency trading, leading to the arrest of Adiel Mayost, 43. Mayost is suspected of trading digital currencies on various exchanges without reporting his activities to the Tax Authority, thereby evading taxes on tens of millions of dollars in income. The investigation, a joint effort by the Haifa Tax Investigations Unit and the Economic Enforcement Unit of Lahav 433, also revealed suspicions that Mayost held undeclared foreign bank accounts and used another person's bank account to conceal his operations and funds.

During searches conducted as part of the investigation, authorities seized significant amounts of foreign currency and a luxury vehicle that was allegedly registered in someone else's name to hide Mayost's assets. Police and the Tax Authority requested an extension of Mayost's detention, citing concerns about obstruction of justice and the need for further investigative actions that require his custody.

At the Haifa Magistrate's Court, both the prosecution and Mayost's defense attorney, Uri Goldman, agreed to extend his detention until Sunday. Deputy President of the court, Judge Michal Davidy, ordered the extension, stating that there was reasonable suspicion and grounds for detention, and accepting the parties' agreement.