Israeli Security Company Owner Arrested for Supplying Drones to Weapons and Drug Smugglers

A joint investigation by Israel's Lahav 433 and the Tax Authority uncovered a serious case involving the importation of drones from China used for smuggling weapons and drugs in southern Israel. Authorities arrested three suspects, including the owner of a security company based in Ashkelon, and seized approximately 30 drones stored in the company's warehouse. The investigation is being conducted by the Economic Enforcement Division South at Lahav 433, in cooperation with the Southern District Police, the National Bomb Detection Center at Customs, Ben Gurion Airport Customs, VAT Investigations Jerusalem, and prison service officials.

The security company, which provides guarding and security services, allegedly served as a front for importing drones while committing customs and VAT offenses. The drones were then transferred to criminal elements involved in smuggling operations in the south. The suspects, including the company owner in his 30s and two employees, are suspected of acting as intermediaries and suppliers of drones to these criminal groups.

They were interrogated on suspicions of violating VAT and customs laws, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit a crime. Two suspects had their detention extended until August 25, while the third was released under restrictive conditions. The investigation is ongoing, with police anticipating further arrests in the case.