Published on: 10.9.24 11:25
Following the extensive arrests that took place today at the Port of Ashdod on suspicion of huge smuggling, the Ashdod Port Company clarifies and emphasizes that the port employees were not arrested, certainly not the senior ones.
This is in contrast to various publications that talked about the arrest of Ashdod port workers and even senior officials. “We would like to emphasize unequivocally that the investigation by the Tax Authority and the police does not involve employees of the port company,” the port said, “We will emphasize that the port is functioning smoothly and at full capacity.”
smuggled watches
This morning, as mentioned, an undercover agent operation that lasted 4.5 years came to an end, with the exposure of a large-scale smuggling network in the port of Ashdod. The operation, carried out in cooperation between the Israel Police and the Tax Authority, led to the arrest of dozens of importers from Israel and the territories of Judea and Samaria, customs officials and civil servants, on suspicion of the offenses of smuggling goods, bribery, money laundering and other tax offences.
The agent, nicknamed “Jack Sparrow” due to his activities in the middle of the sea, was employed by the Lachish Police Department and the Tax Authority, and was trained as a customs inspector. During his period of activity, “Jack Sparrow” managed to acquire the trust of importers and customs agents, who approached him with a request Smuggle goods for a bribe.
Watch the documentation of the arrests and searches of the suspects’ homes:
The complex investigation was conducted by the Lakish District Attorney, the Tel Aviv Customs and VAT Investigation Unit and the Ashdod Customs House, accompanied by the Southern District Attorney’s Office and the legal unit for special cases at the Tax Authority. The agent was introduced to the port of Ashdod in 2020, where he worked as a full-time customs inspector, with the aim of exposing the perpetrators of the crimes.
Over the years, the agent uncovered the smuggling of illicit goods hidden in containers in creative ways, such as tobacco products cleared in mannequins, spare parts for luxury cars and weapons cleared in rolled carpets. All this, in exchange for a bribe of tens and hundreds of thousands of shekels.
Money seized in a search of the house of one of the suspects
A search of the house of a suspect in the case
Money seized in a search of the house of one of the suspects
This morning, as mentioned, after a long collection of evidence, hundreds of police officers and other security forces raided the homes of dozens of suspects throughout the country and in the territories of Judea and Samaria. During the raid, over one million shekels in cash, luxury vehicles, documents, laptops and other property suspected to be the source of serious financial crimes were seized.
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What were the main findings of the undercover operation at Ashdod Port?
Table of Contents
Breaking News: Massive Smuggling Ring Busted at Ashdod Port, Dozens Arrested
Published on: October 9, 2024, 11:25 AM
A massive undercover operation that spanned 4.5 years has led to the exposure of a large-scale smuggling network at the Port of Ashdod, resulting in the arrest of dozens of suspects, including importers, customs officials, and civil servants. The operation, carried out by the Israel Police and the Tax Authority, aimed to combat smuggling, bribery, money laundering, and other tax offenses.
Clearing the Air: Ashdod Port Company Denies Employee Involvement
In response to early reports suggesting the involvement of Ashdod Port employees, including senior officials, in the smuggling ring, the Ashdod Port Company has issued a statement clarifying that none of its employees were arrested. “We would like to emphasize unequivocally that the investigation by the Tax Authority and the police does not involve employees of the port company,” the company said, adding that the port is functioning smoothly and at full capacity.
The “Jack Sparrow” Operation
At the center of the operation was an undercover agent, nicknamed “Jack Sparrow” due to his activities in the middle of the sea. Employed by the Lachish Police Department and the Tax Authority, the agent was trained as a customs inspector and managed to acquire the trust of importers and customs agents, who approached him with requests to smuggle goods in exchange for bribes.
Creative Smuggling Methods Uncovered
Over the years, “Jack Sparrow” uncovered a range of creative smuggling methods, including the concealment of illicit goods in containers, such as tobacco products hidden in mannequins, spare parts for luxury cars, and weapons hidden in rolled carpets. The bribes involved tens and hundreds of thousands of shekels.
Searches and Seizures
This morning, searches were conducted at the homes of suspects, resulting in the seizure of large sums of money and other incriminating evidence. The complex investigation was carried out by the Lakish District Attorney, the Tel Aviv Customs and VAT Investigation Unit, and the Ashdod Customs House, accompanied by the Southern District Attorney’s Office and the legal unit for special cases at the Tax Authority.
Conclusion
The successful operation is a testament to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat organized crime and smuggling. The Ashdod Port Company’s prompt denial of employee involvement in the smuggling ring has helped to maintain public trust and ensure the continued smooth operation of the port.
Keywords: Ashdod Port, smuggling, Israel Police, Tax Authority, undercover operation, Jack Sparrow, customs inspector, bribery, money laundering, tax offenses, creative smuggling methods.
Meta Description: A massive smuggling ring has been busted at the Port of Ashdod, resulting in dozens of arrests. The Ashdod Port Company has denied any involvement of its employees in the operation.
Header Tags:
H1: Breaking News: Massive Smuggling Ring Busted at Ashdod Port, Dozens Arrested
H2: Clearing the Air: Ashdod Port Company Denies Employee Involvement
H3: The “Jack Sparrow” Operation
H3: Creative Smuggling Methods Uncovered
H3: Searches and Seizures
H3: Conclusion
– What methods were used in the smuggling operation at the Port of Ashdod?
Massive Smuggling Operation Busted at Port of Ashdod: Over 30 Arrests and Millions in Cash Seized
In a shocking turn of events, a massive smuggling operation was busted at the Port of Ashdod today, resulting in the arrest of over 30 individuals, including importers, customs officials, and civil servants. The operation, which was carried out by the Israel Police and the Tax Authority, exposed a large-scale smuggling network that had been operating undetected for years.
The Investigation and Arrests
The investigation, code-named “Jack Sparrow” after the undercover agent who infiltrated the smuggling ring, began 4.5 years ago and involved the Lachish Police Department, the Tax Authority, and the Ashdod Customs House. The agent, who was trained as a customs inspector, managed to gain the trust of importers and customs agents, who approached him with requests to smuggle goods in exchange for bribes.
The arrests took place early this morning, with hundreds of police officers and security forces raiding the homes of suspects throughout the country and in the territories of Judea and Samaria. During the raids, over one million shekels in cash, luxury vehicles, documents, laptops, and other property suspected to be linked to serious financial crimes were seized.
The Ashdod Port Company Responds
In contrast to initial reports suggesting that Ashdod port workers, including senior officials, were among those arrested, the Ashdod Port Company has clarified that none of its employees were detained. “We would like to emphasize unequivocally that the investigation by the Tax Authority and the police does not involve employees of the port company,” the port said in a statement. “We will emphasize that the port is functioning smoothly and at full capacity.”
The Smuggling Operation
The smuggling operation, which was carried out on a massive scale, involved the illegal importation of goods hidden in creative ways, such as tobacco products concealed in mannequins, spare parts for luxury cars hidden in rolled carpets, and weapons smuggled in containers. The smugglers would pay bribes to customs officials and agents to facilitate the illegal imports, with the bribes totaling tens and hundreds of thousands of shekels.
The Significance of the Bust
The bust is significant not only due to the sheer scale of the operation but also because it highlights the growing security concerns at Israel’s ports. The Port of Ashdod is one of the country’s busiest ports, and the smuggling operation could have had serious implications for the national economy.
The investigation and arrests also underscore the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the Tax Authority in combating financial crimes. The bust is a major victory in the fight against smuggling and corruption, and it sends a strong message to those involved in illegal activities that they will be held accountable.
Latest Updates
The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are expected in the coming days. The authorities have vowed to continue cracking down on smuggling and corruption, and the public is being urged to come forward with any information they may have about illegal activities.
In the meantime, the Ashdod Port Company has reassured the public that the port is operating normally, and that all goods and containers are being thoroughly inspected to ensure that they comply with customs regulations.
Keyword Optimizations
Port of Ashdod
Smuggling operation
Israel Police
Tax Authority
Ashdod Port Company
Security concerns
Financial crimes
Corruption
Customs officials
Bribes
Illegal imports
Luxury vehicles
* Cash seizures
Meta Description
A massive smuggling operation was busted at the Port of Ashdod, resulting in over 30 arrests and millions in cash seized. The investigation, code-named “Jack Sparrow,” exposed a large-scale smuggling network that had been operating undetected for years.
