Israeli Tax Authority Employees Arrested Over $23 Million Bribery Scheme

Israeli police from the National Fraud Investigation Unit (Yahala) and Lahav 433, together with tax authority investigators, arrested and detained several current and former employees of the Israeli Tax Authority on suspicion of a major bribery scandal. The suspects allegedly accepted bribes in exchange for approving fictitious tax refunds totaling approximately 80 million shekels (about $23 million).

The investigation followed a prolonged covert intelligence operation conducted by the fraud unit in close cooperation with the tax authority. Authorities believe the suspects exploited their official positions to receive financial benefits and facilitated the submission and approval of false tax reports and refunds over several years.

Following the decision to move to an open investigation, police and tax investigators conducted extensive raids on the suspects' homes and offices, searching for evidence and documents. Later in the day, police planned to bring key detainees before the Ramla Magistrate's Court to request an extension of their detention.