Lahav 433 and the Tax Authority have uncovered what they say is a smuggling infrastructure that imported drones from China and transferred them to criminal groups for smuggling weapons and drugs in southern Israel. Three suspects were arrested and a shipment of about 30 drones was seized at a warehouse used by a company that provides, among other services, security and guard services.
According to investigators, the company served as infrastructure for importing the drones while committing customs and VAT violations, then transferred them to groups involved in smuggling operations. The investigation revealed suspected involvement by the company’s owner, an Ashkelon resident in his 30s, as well as two other employees who allegedly served as intermediaries and suppliers of the drones.
Police and Tax Authority officials said that over an extended period, dozens of similar shipments of drones and peripheral equipment were made, allegedly intended for similar purposes. When the latest shipment arrived at the warehouse, forces moved to the overt phase of the investigation, and additional equipment related to the drone operation was found at the site.
The suspects are being questioned on suspicion of violating the Value Added Tax Law and the Customs Ordinance, as well as money laundering and conspiracy to commit a crime. The court extended the detention of two of the suspects until Tuesday, while the third suspect was released under restrictive conditions.