Israeli Mother and Daughter Arrested in Namibia on Forged Passport Charges

An Israeli mother and daughter, Mali and Lial Yahalomi, were arrested in Namibia, West Africa, on suspicion of using forged passports. The pair had disappeared in August during a vacation in Vienna, Austria, and were located days later in Argentina. They were questioned by South American police representatives and subsequently released. Upon their arrival in Buenos Aires in August, they were met by representatives of the Israeli Police, Buenos Aires Police, and Interpol. According to a police source, the investigation revealed that the two had left Israel voluntarily with the intention of disappearing and "starting a new life." A police source stated that their departure was motivated by debts incurred due to family circumstances. The source added that before their flight, they withdrew 10,000 euros from their account and purchased new phones. Neither mother nor daughter was suspected of any criminal offense prior to their disappearance. Their family expressed immense relief that Mali and Lial were found alive. After their disappearance in Vienna, their phones, which were tracked near a public park and train station on a recent Saturday, were located. An Israeli police representative joined local police in the search. Reports indicate the two filmed videos in Vienna intended for their family, sending them only after traveling to another country to create the false impression they were still in Austria. They reportedly continued to Frankfurt, Germany, before boarding a Lufthansa flight to Buenos Aires. Police suspect the mother and daughter planned to travel to another country in South America. A gag order was issued on the investigation by the National Economic Crime Unit of Lahav 433. Amidst rumors linking Mali Yahalomi to Bank Jerusalem, the bank's stock price dropped at one point, though a subsequent investigation ruled out any criminal activity.