In a joint operational activity of the central unit in the Lachish area, the Ashdod station, and Tax Authority investigators a counterfeiting network operating in Ashdod was exposed. The investigation began following information received from the Tax Authority, which raised suspicions of counterfeiting money bills, amounting to millions of dollars.

Lachish Metropolitan Police officers have been conducting operations in recent weeks, using overt and covert means, to collect evidence and findings that link the suspects to the commission of the offenses, and after forming the evidentiary infrastructure, the forces raided an apartment in Ashdod last night. During the search, counterfeit bills amounting to over $1.5 million were found, advanced photocopiers used for counterfeiting, raw materials for producing bills, and a large amount of additional cash.

The main suspect, an Ashdod resident in his 50s, was detained for questioning. At the same time, the Lachish Metropolitan Police's economic crime department is investigating the involvement of additional suspects, while efforts are being made to map the extent of the economic and criminal damage caused as a result of their activities.