Couple arrested for human trafficking after keeping foreign worker under 'slavery conditions'

A disturbing case of alleged human trafficking and exploitation has come to light in Kiryat Gat, where Israeli police have arrested a couple in their 30s on suspicion of holding a foreign worker in 'slavery conditions' for four years. The investigation, which began in December 2025 following a report from the victim, paints a grim picture of severe deprivation of basic rights and harsh treatment. The police's subsequent raid on the suspects' property yielded a significant amount of evidence, including electronic devices, documents, and even a 3D-printed pistol with ammunition, suggesting a complex criminal operation.

From the perspective of the Government Coordination Unit for Combating Human Trafficking, Prostitution, and Polygamy, this case represents a serious instance of exploitation. The recognition of the worker as a victim of slavery conditions, following a recommendation from the Advisory Committee for the Recognition of Victims, is a crucial step. The victim is now receiving comprehensive support, including placement in a shelter under the Welfare and Social Affairs Ministry and assistance with the criminal investigation. This highlights the government's commitment to identifying and aiding victims, a process bolstered by ongoing training and awareness-raising efforts.

“

After a comprehensive examination and on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee for the Recognition of Victims, the government coordinator, Attorney Dina Dominitz, recognized the worker as a victim of slavery conditions.

This incident is particularly concerning given the scale of human trafficking in Israel. The spokesperson noted that over the past two years, 193 victims have been recognized, exploited for various purposes including prostitution, labor, and other forms of servitude. The Social Division at the Justice Ministry has emphasized the severity of this particular case, commending the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and government agencies in identifying and supporting the victim. The discovery of a 3D-printed weapon also raises questions about the broader criminal activities the couple might have been involved in.

While international coverage might focus on the legal proceedings and the statistics of human trafficking, the local perspective emphasizes the profound human cost and the importance of robust victim support systems. The successful identification and referral of this worker are a testament to the effectiveness of Israel's anti-trafficking mechanisms. However, the continued prevalence of such cases underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and proactive measures to combat modern-day slavery within our borders.

“

The Social Division at the Justice Ministry notes that this is a serious case in all that relates to the exploitation of the victim and the denial of his freedom to the point of being held in slavery, And welcomes the identification and referral of the victim for recognition, which is the result of government training and awareness-raising efforts, and the intensive investigation conducted by the Israel Police as a result.