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

ByHODAYA RANAUGUST 9, 2026 12:59A Rehovot resident suspected of operating shell companies to distribute and deduct fictitious invoices was arrested in a Hadera hotel over the weekend after allegedly evading investigators for an extended period, the Israel Tax Authority said.Investigators from the Beersheba Customs and VAT Investigations Unit, together with the Tax Authority's Intelligence Unit and with assistance from Hadera police officers, arrested Dudu Ohana, a resident of Rehovot.Ohana is suspected of managing shell companies through which he distributed and deducted fictitious invoices, thereby committing serious tax offenses. His arrest came after he allegedly attempted to evade an investigation against him for an extended period.According to the investigation's findings, Ohana rented a suite at a hotel in Hadera, far from his home in central Israel. From there, he allegedly continued managing the shell companies he had established, as well as the straw men who operated on his behalf.Tax Authority investigative teams located him using advanced technological means. After conducting surveillance on him for several days, investigators raided his hotel room and arrested him.THE ISRAEL Tax Authority is apparently interpreting ‘mail’ to include email and downloads from the Internet. (credit: OLIVIER FITOUSSI/FLASH90)During a search of the room, investigators seized computers, mobile phones, additional evidence, and lawyers' stamps suspected of being used to sign forged documents.Suspect's son burned documents, stampsThe investigation also found that the suspect allegedly used his son in an attempt to obstruct the investigation.During a search conducted at the suspect's home several weeks earlier, investigators discovered that his son had burned all the documents and stamps in his father's possession on a barbecue grill. The son also allegedly used a garden hose in an attempt to destroy additional evidence.The son was arrested following the incident and was later released under restrictive conditions.The Beersheba Magistrate's Court extended Ohana's detention until Thursday, August 13, 2026. The investigation is ongoing.Follow us on Google