Investigation into Football Players’ Disability Fraud Intensifies

Background of the Investigation

The National Insurance Institute (NII) is ramping up its efforts in an ongoing investigation into a disability fraud scheme involving football players. Recently, the NII has begun sending letters to 49 players, summoning them to reappear before a medical board. This development was revealed in the “Shichat Hayom” program on start. Concurrently, the NII announced that previously granted disability determinations would be revoked, and the players are expected to repay all funds improperly received. Estimates suggest that the amounts involved could reach millions of shekels.

Discovery of the Scheme

The fraud was brought to light in May after a year and a half of covert investigations by the NII’s investigation department and internal affairs unit. Allegations indicate that prominent players, alongside lawyers and doctors, orchestrated a wide-scale scam, in which false disability percentages were assigned to players. Consequently, these players received disability benefits over many years, totaling tens of millions of shekels.

Details of the Allegations

Evidence gathered during the inquiry implies that a specific doctor allegedly coordinated with lawyers to schedule medical committee hearings and supplied forged documents. These acts contributed to establishing disability percentages that did not accurately reflect the players’ medical conditions. Many of these athletes reported a loss of work capacity, yet they continued to play fully in their teams while collecting monthly benefits amounting to thousands of shekels.

Official Statements

In a formal statement, Michaela Cohen, spokesperson for the NII, addressed the public: “Following the reports released in May, as the investigation became public by the NII and the Unit for Crimes in the Zion region, football players from the Premier League and other divisions were suspected of fraudulently receiving benefits through fictitious disabilities. The NII has reopened 49 cases involving these players, all of whom will face a reassessment by a medical board, and previous disability determinations will be annulled.”

Cohen further stressed, “Anystart found to have unlawfully taken public funds will be required to return the mstarty to the public treasury.”

Ongoing Investigation

Amir Shaharbani, head of the NII’s investigations department, added, “In collaboration with the Unit for Crimes in the Zion region and the prosecution, the investigation is ongoing, and additional individuals have been implicated. We are processing the data and continuing our investigations vigorously. This is a complex and intricate case that necessitates extensive cooperation and significant resources. I have no doubt that when the details are revealed, the public will understand the seriousness with which we regard their funds. We will not rest until all funds are rightfully returned.”