Suspicion of severe fraud: Accountant from Rosh HaAyin stole money from clients

The Magistrate's Court in Rishon LeZion permitted today, Thursday, the publication of the name of Ohad Ratzon, an accountant from Rosh HaAyin. He is suspected of offenses against the VAT Law, the Income Tax Ordinance, and the Prohibition of Money Laundering Law, as well as theft by an authorized person and obtaining property by fraud under aggravated circumstances.

The suspicions against Ratzon arose as part of a joint investigation by the Central District Tax Investigation Office, the Jerusalem Customs and VAT Investigations, and the Jerusalem Central Police Unit, supported by the Legal Unit of the Israel Tax Authority's Central District.

The investigation began in June 2026, when Ratzon was questioned on suspicion of attempting to fraudulently reduce his tax liability by reporting fictitious expenses totaling approximately 1.41 million shekels without providing supporting documentation. At that time, he was released under restrictive conditions, and a gag order was issued regarding his identity.

In early August, a new joint investigation by the Tax Authority and the police was opened. According to the Tax Authority, evidence and testimonies collected suggest that Ratzon stole money from several clients, assisted others in criminal tax evasion, omitted transactions from reports to tax authorities, illegally deducted input tax, and committed money laundering offenses.

Following these findings, the Tax Authority requested the cancellation of the gag order and the issuance of a travel ban. Judge Rivka Arad permitted the publication of his details, noting:

«The public interest in publishing the suspect's name outweighs the damage that may be caused to him. This is justified, in part, because the publication may lead to the discovery of additional cases where clients were victims of theft.»

A travel ban has been issued against Ratzon for 180 days. The investigation remains ongoing.