This morning, an undercover investigation that has been ongoing for several months, on suspicion of a widespread counterfeiting industry led by a gang of Palestinian suspects from Yatta, at the Hebron police station in the Judea region, in cooperation with the IDF's Judea Brigade, began with high-quality intelligence that reached the police coordinator, which led, as stated, to the exposure of a widespread counterfeiting affair.
It is suspected that the members of the Palestinian gang specialized, using advanced technological equipment, in forging identity cards, driver's licenses, checks, official documents of the State of Israel, and more, all of which are of the highest level of finish.
In addition, this fake documentation was routinely provided to anyone who asked for it for a fee. In effect, through a scam that posed a major security risk, many Palestinians, some of whom were 'restricted entry' for security reasons, were able to enter Israel illegally.
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In a raid by police forces from the Hebron station, together with fighters from the IDF's Yehuda Division, early this morning, 5 suspects from Yatta were arrested for police questioning. During this arrest operation, the forces searched their homes and in the process, they were located and captured, some of whom were hidden in the wall of a building, under rocks and inside mattresses.
Among the many counterfeit documents seized in the operation were identity cards, Rav-Kav and credit cards, checks, driver's licenses, court protocols, and more. In addition, production machines and equipment for using and forging documents, telephones and laptops, 'airsoft' guns, a large amount of cash, and the main suspect's luxury vehicle were seized.
The suspects who were arrested, aged 22-43, two of whom are relatives - brothers, were taken for questioning at the Hebron police station, and the police intend to request an extension of their detention. The investigation into the incident is ongoing and it is not impossible that more will be arrested.
