Israeli Police Raid Illegal Gas Station and Uncover Tunnel for Housing Undocumented Workers
On Thursday morning, Israeli police conducted a large-scale operation targeting an illegal gas station, supermarket, and wholesale business in the Negev region. The raid resulted in the arrest of two undocumented workers from the West Bank, one suspect for assaulting a police officer, and three others detained for questioning. The operation was a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies including the Real Estate Enforcement Unit, Fuel and Gas Administration, Tax Authority, Consumer Protection Ministry, Green Police, Labor Ministry, Electricity Company, Fire and Rescue Services, and the Intellectual Property Enforcement Federation.
At the illegal gas station, a father and son were detained on suspicion of operating without a business license. Authorities confiscated approximately 6,500 liters of diesel fuel, disconnected an illegal electricity connection, and demolished the entire station. The Green Police fined the site owners 3,000 shekels for soil pollution, while the Safety Administration issued a safety order prohibiting further operation.
In the supermarket, the Intellectual Property Enforcement Unit seized around 25 packs of counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes and 14 kilograms of tobacco. At the wholesale business, police discovered underground sleeping quarters and a tunnel allegedly used to house undocumented workers. A tax audit revealed suspected cash violations totaling about 3.2 million shekels, unregistered income, and other significant irregularities. Counterfeit goods were also found.
Eli Cohen, commander of the Segev Shalom police station, emphasized the importance of joint enforcement efforts, stating, "Our fight against crime is not limited to criminal enforcement alone. Today's combined operation demonstrates the strength of cooperation between the Israel Police and all enforcement and regulatory bodies. We will continue to act decisively against anyone operating illegally to uphold law, personal security, and residents' quality of life."
