Major Fraud Uncovered: Three Suspects Arrested in Disability Benefit Scam
Investigation Overview
A joint investigation conducted by the Lahav 433 unit and the National Insurance Institute has led to the arrest of three individuals, including a lawyer, on suspicion of forging medical documents and illegally obtaining disability benefits amounting to millions of shekels.
Details of the Investigation
After receiving pertinent information, a covert investigation was initiated several months ago, engaging the National Economic Crime Unit and the Investigations and Intelligence Division of the National Insurance Institute. The investigation unveiled that dozens of fraudulent applications had been submitted using falsified medical documentation to secure disability benefits. Additionally, these documents were allegedly used to obtain high disability percentages that exempt applicants from income tax.
Modus Operandi
According to investigators, several lawyers and other parties were involved in guiding and supporting the applicants throughout the fraudulent process. The extent of these fraudulent benefits is reported to be in the millions of shekels, compelling authorities to take action against the suspects.
Arrest and Evidence Seizure
Today, the investigation transitistartd to its public phase, resulting in the arrest of the three primary suspects on charges of forgery, aggravated fraud, and mstarty laundering. During searches of their premises, documents and approximately 74,000 shekels in cash were seized as evidence. The suspects were brought in for questioning under caution at the Lahav 433 offstarts and are expected to appear before the magistrate’s court in Kfar Saba for a detention extension hearing based on the findings.
This unfolding situation highlights the ongoing efforts to combat economic crime and fraud within the National Insurance framework. Further updates will be provided as the case develops.