Weapons and drugs from the air: A network that imported drones from China for criminal organizations has been exposed
A joint investigation by Lahav 433 and the Tax Authority has led to the exposure of an infrastructure for importing drones from China, which were transferred to criminal elements. According to the suspicion, the owner of a security company from Ashkelon and two employees imported dozens of shipments while committing tax offenses and money laundering. Forces raided the warehouse, arrested the suspects, and seized a shipment of approximately 30 drones. The detention of two of the suspects was extended in court.
A complex joint investigation by the police and the Tax Authority has led to the exposure of an organized infrastructure for importing drones from China, which were allegedly used by criminal elements in the south for the smuggling of weapons and drugs. The investigation was conducted by the Southern Economic Enforcement Division of Lahav 433 and the Southern District Central Unit, in cooperation with officials from the National Cargo Inspection Center at the customs, Ben Gurion Airport customs, Jerusalem VAT investigations, and detectives and the K9 unit of the Israel Prison Service.
The security company used as a cover
At the center of the investigation is a company that provides, among other things, guarding and security services. According to the suspicion, this company served as an infrastructure for smuggling drones into Israel while committing customs and VAT offenses, with the equipment subsequently transferred to parties involved in criminal activity in the south. Police investigators suspect that the company owner, a resident of Ashkelon in his thirties, along with two other employees, acted as intermediaries and direct suppliers of the drones for those criminal elements.
The investigation reveals a disturbing picture of systematic activity. Over a long period, investigators estimate, dozens of similar shipments of drones and peripheral equipment were carried out, intended for the same criminal purposes of weapons and drug smuggling.
The raid on the warehouse and the extension of detention
Upon the arrival of another shipment to the country, which included about 30 drones and was transferred to a warehouse used by the company, security forces moved to the overt phase of the investigation. They raided the place, arrested three suspects, and seized the shipment of aerial vehicles. In addition, the forces located additional equipment in the warehouse that is suspected to be linked to the operation of the drones.
The suspects are currently being investigated for a series of offenses, including violations of the Value Added Tax Law and the Customs Ordinance, as well as suspicion of money laundering and conspiracy to commit a crime. Yesterday (Thursday), the court granted the police request and extended the detention of two of the suspects until August 25 for the continuation of the investigation. The third suspect in the case was released under restrictive conditions. The police clarify that the investigation is ongoing and that further arrests of those involved are expected.
