The Wrong Side of the Picture
The Shocking Autism Scam That Defrauded the Public of ₪10,000,000s—And Parents Were On It
Israeli authorities uncover massive fraud scheme involving forged autism disability claims worth tens of millions of shekels. Parents and operator arrested.
A joint investigation by the Jerusalem District Police Fraud Unit and the National Insurance Institute (NII) has exposed a widespread fraud scheme involving tens of millions of shekels in deceitful claims for "disabled child" benefits, authorities announced in a joint statement Thursday.
The operation centered on exploiting state support intended for children with autism, using a sophisticated network of forged documents and false representations to unlawfully secure public funds.
The Modus Operandi
The central figure in the alleged scam is a resident of southern Israel who operated through her privately owned company. According to the investigation, the company offered families "assistance" in applying for disability benefits for their children.
Investigators allege the suspect systematically recruited parents, many of whom were aware their children did not meet the strict NII eligibility criteria. She then submitted false claims on their behalf by using their personal access codes to log into the NII's computerized system.
The fraudulent claims included forged medical documents, fabricated professional opinions and falsified forms bearing the apparent signatures of recognized professionals.
For participation in this illicit activity, the main suspect allegedly charged families tens of thousands of shekels per case, diverting vast sums intended for public welfare into personal profit.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
The NII's Investigations Department first flagged suspicious claims for autism-related disability benefits, triggering a comprehensive probe into suspected fraud, forgery, and obtaining property by deception.
Following the lengthy investigation, police and NII investigators moved to arrest the primary suspect and several parents whose children were receiving benefits under false pretenses. Searches conducted at the homes of those involved resulted in the seizure of documents, large sums of cash, and other incriminating materials.
The suspects are currently being questioned on charges including aggravated deception, document forgery, fraud, and breach of trust.
Harming Public Trust
In a forceful statement, the authorities condemned the severity of the crime.
"This is a serious case in which, according to suspicions, medical documents were forged, and benefits were fraudulently claimed for personal profit, severely harming public funds and trust in state institutions," the statement emphasized.
Authorities vowed decisive action against all those involved.
"The Israeli Police and the National Insurance Institute take any attempt to deceive state authorities and harm public funds very seriously and will continue to act decisively... to expose all those involved and bring them to justice," the statement continued, adding that the NII will also pursue legal channels to ensure the collection and return of the fraudulently obtained funds.