Israeli Police Uncover Half-Billion Shekel Money Laundering Scheme Using Real Estate Vouchers

Israeli police and tax authorities have exposed a major money laundering and tax evasion operation involving approximately 500 million shekels. The investigation, which lasted over a year, was conducted by the Jerusalem District Central Unit and the Income Tax Investigations Department. It targeted three main suspects accused of fraud, money laundering, and tax offenses through a complex network of fictitious companies and nonprofits operating both in Israel and abroad.

The suspects allegedly used real estate payment vouchers extensively as part of their scheme, which involved receiving cash, issuing false invoices, and concealing funds through bank transfers and family members' accounts. The operation also included smuggling money into Israel and laundering it for local companies. The case was dubbed "Payment Voucher" due to the central role these vouchers played.

On July 14, the investigation moved into its public phase with raids on the homes of 16 suspects, resulting in several arrests and the seizure of dozens of assets believed to have been acquired fraudulently. Dozens more individuals have been questioned for allegedly using the suspects' services to launder money and evade taxes. Two of the main suspects, aged 48 from Kiryat Yearim and 56 from Tel Aviv, had their detention extended by court order until the following day.