Israeli Authorities Shut Down Illegal Gas Station in South Over Millions in Violations

Israeli enforcement agencies uncovered and dismantled an illegal gas station in the southern community of Segev Shalom, seizing approximately 6,500 liters of diesel fuel. The operation, targeting businesses violating multiple laws, led to the arrest of three suspects, including two illegal residents from the West Bank. An additional three suspects were detained for questioning.

The crackdown was a coordinated effort involving the Segev Shalom police station, the Southern District Attorney's Office, the Real Estate Enforcement Unit, the Fuel and Gas Administration, the Tax Authority, the Consumer Protection Ministry, the Environmental Police, the Labor Ministry, the Electricity Company, Fire and Rescue Services, and the Intellectual Property Enforcement Federation. The Real Estate Enforcement Unit demolished the illegal gas station, while the Safety Administration issued an order to cease its operation, and the Electricity Company disconnected an unauthorized power connection. The Environmental Police fined the site owners 3,000 shekels for soil contamination.

In a related supermarket inspection, authorities found about 25 packs of counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes and 14 kilograms of tobacco. Labor violations were also uncovered, including employing minors, failure to provide pay slips, unregistered work hours, and improper wage payments. The Tax Authority suspected unreported revenues totaling around 3.2 million shekels and identified discrepancies in cash registers, price labeling, country-of-origin markings, and fire safety violations.

Further inspections at a wholesale business revealed underground sleeping quarters and a tunnel allegedly used to harbor illegal residents. Two illegal residents were arrested there. Additional safety violations included unauthorized forklift use and lack of employee safety training.

Segev Shalom police commander Superintendent Eli Cohen emphasized the comprehensive nature of the enforcement, stating, "Our fight against crime is not limited to criminal enforcement alone. Today's joint operation demonstrates the strength of cooperation between the Israel Police and all enforcement and regulatory bodies. We will continue to act decisively against all illegal activity to uphold governance, personal security, and residents' quality of life."