Couple Arrested for Massive Insurance Fraud Targeting Arab Community in Central Israel

A couple in their twenties from central Israel has been arrested on suspicion of orchestrating a large-scale insurance fraud scheme that defrauded over 50 victims of hundreds of thousands of shekels. The suspects allegedly posed as insurance company representatives during phone calls, providing accurate personal details to gain trust and promising victims access to insurance funds through a method that supposedly avoided tax payments.

The suspects primarily targeted members of the Arab community, exploiting knowledge gaps to convince victims to share withdrawal codes that allow cash access without a card. Using these codes, the couple reportedly visited bank branches, withdrew the funds swiftly, and left the premises on electric scooters to avoid detection.

Since September 2025, around 50 fraud cases have been opened, prompting a covert investigation by the Central District's Fraud and Cybercrime Unit. The investigation tracked the suspects' movements and methods, leading to their arrest. The police plan to present the couple to the Rishon Lezion Magistrate's Court to request an extension of their detention as the inquiry continues.