Massive Cigarette Smuggling Ring Worth $55 Million Busted at Ashdod Port
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Israeli customs at Ashdod Port seized smuggled cigarettes worth 200 million shekels, hidden in containers from Egypt declared as wheat flour. Authorities suspect the operation, involving hundreds of thousands of cigarette boxes, may be linked to funding terrorism and potentially supplying Gaza. One suspect's arrest was extended as the investigation into this large-scale smuggling operation continues.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Customs officials at Ashdod Port uncovered smuggled cigarettes worth 200 million shekels.
- The cigarettes were hidden in containers from Egypt, disguised as wheat flour shipments.
- Authorities fear the smuggling operation may be linked to funding terrorism.
- A portion of the smuggled cigarettes may have been intended for the Gaza Strip.
- One suspect's arrest has been extended as the investigation continues.
Israeli customs officials at Ashdod Port have uncovered a massive smuggling operation involving cigarettes valued at approximately 200 million shekels (about $55 million USD). Three shipments arriving from Egypt contained shipping containers that were declared to be carrying wheat flour but were found to be filled with hundreds of thousands of cigarette boxes, hidden among the flour sacks.
Customs authorities estimate the scale of the smuggling to be exceptional and are concerned that a portion of the contraband may have been intended for the Gaza Strip. This raises fears that the operation could be linked to funding terrorism through money laundering.
One suspect in the case, Rami Shani, had his arrest extended by two days by the Ashkelon Magistrate's Court on Tuesday to allow for further evidence gathering and the identification of additional accomplices. The investigation is ongoing and may expand.
The suspect reportedly told investigators that two individuals approached him to help import goods, claiming he was unaware of the contents and not responsible for payment. His defense attorney argued that the evidence against his client was weak, based primarily on import documents and records, and that Shani was merely a platform for import services. However, the judge found sufficient reasonable suspicion to believe the offenses were committed, citing the complexity of the investigation, the number of potential involved parties, and the risk of evidence tampering. The suspect's detention was extended until Thursday afternoon.
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