Israeli Customs Uncover Multi-Million Shekel Fraud in Oil Container Imports at Ashdod Port

Customs inspectors at Ashdod Port uncovered a major fraud involving an import company that opened 12 containers of oil shipped from Egypt. The containers were declared to contain a mixture of sunflower and soybean oil, but the customs examination revealed a different content, indicating a systematic smuggling operation. Authorities say the importer attempted to deceive customs officials through sophisticated cargo clearance maneuvers, as detailed in the arrest request filed against him. Alongside the importer, another individual from Kibbutz Mitzuba in the Western Galilee was also detained. This person is suspected of attempting to mislead customs inspectors regarding the import data declared at the time of shipment. He denies involvement in smuggling, claiming he only provided customs brokerage services. The investigation highlights a scheme that reportedly repeated multiple times, resulting in tens of millions of shekels in illicit profits. The case involves allegations of tax evasion and smuggling at one of Israel's main ports.