Rehovot resident arrested for allegedly operating shell companies, tax fraud, Tax Authority says

Dudu Ohana, a resident of Rehovot, has been arrested on suspicion of orchestrating a significant tax fraud scheme involving shell companies and fictitious invoices. The Israel Tax Authority apprehended Ohana in a Hadera hotel after he allegedly evaded investigators for a considerable time.

Investigators from the Beersheba Customs and VAT Investigations Unit, along with the Tax Authority's Intelligence Unit and Hadera police, located Ohana using advanced technology. He was reportedly managing his illicit operations from a hotel suite, far from his home, utilizing straw men to act on his behalf. Surveillance preceded a raid on his hotel room, where investigators seized computers, mobile phones, and other evidence, including lawyers' stamps suspected of being used for forged documents.

The investigation also revealed alleged attempts by Ohana's son to obstruct justice. Weeks prior, during a search of the suspect's home, his son reportedly burned documents and stamps on a barbecue grill and used a garden hose to destroy additional evidence. The son was arrested for these actions but later released under restrictive conditions.

Ohana's detention has been extended until August 13, 2026, by the Beersheba Magistrate's Court. The investigation into the alleged tax offenses is ongoing.