Customs inspectors at the port opened oil containers — and were surprised by what they found: "Profit of tens of millions"

Customs inspectors at the Ashdod port uncovered a cigarette smuggling operation in containers declared as sunflower and soybean oil. A young import company attempted to ship 12 containers from Egypt, with each batch containing one container of smuggled cigarettes. Importer Shimon Davash was arrested on suspicion of smuggling goods and false registration.

Customs inspectors at the Ashdod port uncovered a sophisticated smuggling attempt: containers declared as sunflower oil mixed with soybean oil actually contained smuggled cigarettes. The import company D.D.Davash, owned by Shimon Davash, attempted to ship 12 containers from Egypt in four batches. In each batch, three containers held oil as documented, but one container contained vast quantities of cigarettes. The smuggling was expected to yield a profit of tens of millions of shekels and save a tax payment of 30 million shekels. Davash, whose main business is trading in used cars, was arrested several days ago. He linked himself to bringing the containers but denied involvement in the cigarette smuggling. The suspicions include smuggling goods, false registration in import documents, misleading customs officials, and obstruction of justice. Another suspect, a resident of Kibbutz Matzuba, was arrested on suspicion of attempting to mislead the customs inspectors. He claims he only served as a customs agent. Davash's detention was extended by five days. Judge Moshe Holtzman ruled that there is reasonable suspicion and that the suspect poses a danger, but partially accepted the police request for an extension.

Customs inspectors at the port opened oil containers — and were surprised by what they found: "Profit of tens of millions"