Albar convicted in vehicle import fraud case, fined NIS 18 million

The Tel Aviv District Court convicted Albar of fraud and tax offenses in a vehicle import scheme. According to the indictment, beginning in 2013 the company submitted false documents and agreements to the Transportation Ministry in order to obtain parallel-importer permits.

Using permits that were obtained fraudulently, Albar imported 1,828 vehicles worth more than NIS 176 million. Prosecutors said the company also filed about 1,600 false import declarations, reduced the reported costs by more than NIS 4 million, and made false entries in its books.

Under a plea bargain, the parties asked the court to impose a NIS 18 million fine on the company. Proceedings against the other defendants in the case are still continuing.