Israeli Police Officer Locates Missing Mother and Daughter in Argentina, Ensures Their Safety

Deputy Commissioner Walter Kogan, Israel Police representative in South America, spoke publicly for the first time about locating Mally Yehalomi, 50, and her daughter Liel, 23, who were found in Argentina after being reported missing in Europe. The two had disappeared from Vienna, Austria, sparking fears of foul play or terrorism. Kogan described the rapid international operation involving Israeli police units worldwide, local Argentine police, and Interpol, coordinated through Israel's Intelligence Division.

Upon learning the missing women were in Argentina, Kogan quickly investigated and tracked them traveling outside Buenos Aires. He boarded their intercity bus, identified himself, and confirmed they were unharmed and no crimes had been committed. The investigation revealed the disappearance was planned in Israel amid financial debts. The women had traveled from Israel to the Czech Republic, purchasing a phone without ID, then flew to South America, disabling tracking on their original devices.

The case involved close cooperation between Israel's Lahav 433, Intelligence Division, Europol, and Austrian police, using advanced technology to trace the new phone and locate the women. Since both were adults who left voluntarily and no crime was involved, they were released without detention. The Yehalomi family expressed great relief, thanked security forces and the public, and confirmed all funds raised in a civilian campaign would be fully returned.

Kogan emphasized the importance of global police collaboration and concluded, "In the end, a good outcome is what matters."