Israeli Mother and Daughter Detained in Namibia Over Suspected Fake Passports

Mali and Liel the mother, an Israeli mother and daughter whose disappearance from Vienna earlier this year triggered extensive searches, have been detained in Namibia on suspicion of using forged passports. The arrests occurred on Wednesday, October 7. Israeli police have been informed of the incident but have not yet joined the investigation, which is being conducted by Namibian authorities. This latest development comes less than two months after the pair were found in Argentina. The mother and daughter initially disappeared during a European trip in August. Following a large-scale search, they were located on a bus in South America. An Israeli police representative met with them, confirmed they were safe and unharmed, and then released them. Investigations at that time suggested the women had planned their departure and taken steps to hinder the search, including acquiring new phones, deleting data, and traveling through multiple countries. Israeli police found no evidence of abduction or other crimes against them. Reports later emerged that the mother's decision to leave Israel may have been influenced by significant financial problems, with debts reportedly exceeding 200,000 shekels and growing due to interest. Despite efforts to improve her financial situation, including further education and a promotion at her bank job, she was unable to resolve her debt. The focus of the investigation has now shifted to Namibia, where the detention is reportedly due to the discovery of fake documents. Israeli police stated it is unclear why the mother and daughter entered Namibia with forged passports. "We are examining the details," a source told Channel 14. "At this stage, we will not participate in the investigation unless questions arise related to actions committed in Israel." The ongoing saga raises new questions about the origin of the fake passports, how they reached Namibia, and the purpose behind their use.