Israeli Tax Authorities Arrest Man in Major Fake Invoice Fraud Case Worth Half a Billion Shekels

Israeli tax investigators uncovered a massive fraud involving a network of shell companies issuing fake invoices totaling 500 million shekels. The investigation, led by the Customs and VAT Investigation Unit in Beersheba with support from the Tax Authority's intelligence unit and Hadera police, culminated in the arrest of Dudu Ohana, a resident of Rehovot. Ohana is suspected of operating these shell companies to distribute and offset fictitious invoices, committing serious tax offenses.

Ohana evaded investigation for an extended period by renting a hotel suite in Hadera, far from his home in central Israel, from where he continued managing the shell companies and their operatives. Authorities tracked him using advanced technological means and arrested him after several days of surveillance. During a search of his hotel room, investigators seized computers, mobile phones, additional evidence, and lawyer stamps allegedly used to sign forged documents.

Further inquiry revealed that Ohana attempted to obstruct the investigation by involving his son. Weeks earlier, a search of Ohana's home showed that his son burned all documents and stamps related to the case on a barbecue and used a garden hose to destroy more evidence. The son was arrested but later released under restrictive conditions. The Beersheba Magistrate's Court extended Ohana's detention until August 13, 2026, as the investigation continues.