Couple Arrested in Ashdod for Alleged Multi-Million Shekel Medical Aesthetics Fraud
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Police and the Ministry of Health arrested a couple in Ashdod suspected of defrauding pharmaceutical companies of hundreds of thousands of shekels using bounced checks for medical aesthetic products. The suspects allegedly created a false impression of legitimate business activity to obtain goods, which were then diverted. The investigation began after a tip and complaints from companies, leading to the couple's arrest and the seizure of fraudulent materials.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- A couple from Ashdod was arrested for allegedly defrauding pharmaceutical companies of hundreds of thousands of shekels.
- The suspects allegedly used bounced checks to obtain medical aesthetic products like Botox and hyaluronic acid.
- The scheme involved creating a false impression of legitimate business activity and diverting deliveries.
- The investigation was prompted by a tip and complaints from defrauded pharmaceutical companies.
- Police seized numerous aesthetic products, documents, and the suspects' phones during the arrest.
Police and the Ministry of Health have arrested a couple from Ashdod suspected of defrauding pharmaceutical companies out of hundreds of thousands of shekels by obtaining medical aesthetic products like Botox and hyaluronic acid through fraudulent means and paying with bounced checks. The investigation, which began covertly last week by the Southern District's Fraud Unit in cooperation with the Ministry of Health's Enforcement and Supervision Division, moved into the open Sunday with officers raiding the suspects' home.
Investigators believe the female suspect orchestrated a sophisticated scheme, allegedly deceiving a doctor into signing a document indicating professional cooperation, which she then used to create a false impression of legitimate business activity with pharmaceutical companies. This allowed her to order large quantities of expensive products. The scheme allegedly involved directing delivery drivers to alternate addresses upon arrival, where the male suspect would receive the goods in exchange for checks that were later found to be without sufficient funds.
The investigation was initiated following a tip from a Ministry of Health representative and subsequent official complaints from defrauded pharmaceutical companies. During the search of the couple's home, officers seized numerous boxes of Botox and hyaluronic acid, invoices, shipping documents, empty packaging, items allegedly used to simulate an active clinic, and the suspects' mobile phones, which were reportedly used for placing orders. The couple was arrested and taken for questioning.
Both the Israel Police and the Ministry of Health stated their commitment to vigorously combating fraud and deception to protect the public and ensure the proper functioning of commercial businesses.
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