Convicted fraudster extradited to Israel from Panama following multi-year pursuit

"Tax offenders cannot escape the threat of justice," a Tax Authority spokesperson stated. "Even those who choose to flee to the ends of the earth will be found, extradited, and brought to justice."Follow us on GoogleMale hands arrested with handcuffs in Criminal concept (illustrative)(photo credit: INGIMAGE)ByAARON GLICKJULY 26, 2026 21:57An Israeli man convicted of tax fraud was extradited to Israel from Panama on Sunday after an international manhunt lasting nearly two-and-a-half years, according to a statement by a spokesperson for the Tax Authority.The criminal, Yaniv Mualem, was convicted in one of Israel's most serious fraud cases in the country's history, involving hundreds of millions of shekels.Mualem initially fled Israel in the midst of his legal proceedings following a confession, resulting in a global pursuit involving the Tax Authority, the State Attorney's Office, and the Israel Police, as well as Interpol.He was eventually discovered in Panama in September 2024, after which he was arrested, and extradition efforts began.Interpol transferred custody of Mualem to Israeli authorities upon landing at Ben-Gurion Airport, with the Northern District Customs and VAT Legal Department filing a request to extend his detention until legal proceedings are completed.District court of Nazareth (credit: Wikimedia Commons)Prior to fleeing the country, the Nazareth District Court convicted Mualem of money laundering and using shell companies to distribute hundreds of fictitious tax invoices, which included defrauding the State Treasury of NIS 65 million.After confessing to the crimes, a plea deal was arranged where Mualem would face heavy fines and be sentenced to 10 years in prison.Court orders NIS one million asset forfeiture after escapeUpon his escape, the court ordered a forfeiture of approximately NIS one million of Mualem's assets, acting against his guarantors."Tax offenders cannot escape the threat of justice," the Tax Authority spokesperson stated. "Even those who choose to flee to the ends of the earth will be found, extradited, and brought to justice."Authorities noted that any person who assisted Mualem in his escape would face charges as well.Follow us on Google