Tunnel under business: illegal aliens living underground discovered in Tel Sheva
An enforcement operation in Tel Sheva uncovered a tunnel beneath a commercial property leading to sleeping quarters for illegal aliens. Authorities also investigated violations of cash transaction laws totaling 3.2 million shekels and demolished an illegal gas station.
The owner of a business in Tel Sheva apparently believed that methods used in the Gaza Strip could be applied to his own operations. Beneath the building housing his commercial enterprise, authorities discovered a tunnel leading to sleeping quarters where illegal aliens from the West Bank were residing.
The discovery was made over the weekend during an inspection of the wholesale business. Suspicions arose that income and expense records did not match actual activity, and that the business had violated cash transaction laws by handling 3.2 million shekels in cash (the legal limit for cash payments is 11,000 shekels).
The enforcement operation involved the Planning and Construction Enforcement Unit, the Tax Authority, the Consumer Protection Authority, the Green Police, the Ministry of Labor, the Israel Electric Corporation, the Fire and Rescue Authority, and the Federation for the Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights.
The operation was launched due to concerns that operating in violation of regulations posed a danger to customers. During the search, two illegal aliens were found on the premises and taken in for questioning.
Illegal gas station, counterfeit cigarettes, and tobacco
During the operation, an unlicensed gas station was also located. Personnel from the Fuel and Gas Administration discovered approximately 6,500 liters of diesel fuel on-site. The electricity connection had been established illegally. After the Israel Electric Corporation disconnected the power, the Planning and Construction Enforcement Unit demolished the station using heavy machinery.
The Labor Safety Administration issued a closure order for the station, and the Green Police imposed a 3,000-shekel fine on the operator for soil pollution. The father and son managing the station were detained, and another individual was arrested for assaulting police officers. Another business in the town was found to be in significant violation of labor rights.
Authorities suspect the employment of minors, a lack of pay slips, failure to record working hours, and disorderly bookkeeping, which led to discrepancies between receipts and cash on hand. Additionally, 14 packages of counterfeit cigarettes and 14 kilograms of tobacco were seized.
"The fight against crime generators is not limited to criminal enforcement, but is conducted through cooperation between the police and regulatory bodies," said Superintendent Eli Cohen, commander of the Segev Shalom police station. "The police will continue to act decisively against any entity operating against the law to strengthen governance, personal security, and the quality of life for residents."
