Illegal gas station discovered in the south: "Millions of shekels involved"

An illegal gas station was demolished in Segev Shalom after enforcement authorities seized approximately 6,500 liters of diesel fuel from the site. The operation, aimed at curbing illicit business activities, was led by the Segev Shalom police station in cooperation with the Southern District Prosecutor's Office, the National Unit for Enforcement of Planning and Construction Laws, the Fuel and Gas Administration, the Tax Authority, the Ministry of Economy and Industry, 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.

At the gas station, a father and son were detained on suspicion of operating a business without a license. The National Unit for Enforcement of Planning and Construction Laws demolished the station and all its components, the Labor Safety Administration issued a closure order, and the Israel Electric Corporation disconnected an illegal grid connection. Additionally, the Green Police imposed a 3,000-shekel fine on the owners for soil pollution.

In a local supermarket, authorities found approximately 25 cartons of counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes and 14 kilograms of tobacco. Labor law violations were also identified, including the employment of minors, failure to provide pay slips, lack of working hour records, and illegal wage payments. The Tax Authority raised suspicions of failure to record receipts and cash register discrepancies, alongside deficiencies in price labeling and fire safety.

In a wholesale business, sleeping quarters and an underground tunnel were discovered, suspected of being used to house illegal residents. Two illegal residents were arrested at the scene. An audit by the Tax Authority revealed suspected violations of the Cash Law amounting to approximately 3.2 million shekels, alongside further tax irregularities. Counterfeit goods and serious safety deficiencies were also noted, including the prohibited use of forklifts and a lack of required safety training for employees.

Commander of the Segev Shalom station, Superintendent Eli Cohen, stated:

"The fight against the generators of crime is not limited to criminal enforcement alone. The combined activity we carried out today illustrates the strength of the cooperation between the Israel Police and all enforcement and regulatory bodies. We will continue to act decisively against any entity operating against the law, to exhaust all procedures available to us, and to strengthen governance, personal security, and the quality of life of the residents."