Israel's Tax Authority and the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry prevented the smuggling of over 12 tons of beef and pork fat, worth more than NIS 1 million, according to a Tuesday statement from the Tax Authority.
The suspects pretended to be importers of pork fat for the cosmetics industry. Still, they intended to distribute a shipment containing both beef and pork fat for use in food products, despite the fat being unsafe for human consumption.
While pork fat has long been used in cosmetics, the products in the seized shipment did not meet the necessary safety standards for food-grade items, according to the statement.
The operation was led by the Tel Aviv Customs and VAT Investigation Department, with support from Ashdod customs agents and inspectors from the Central Unit for Enforcement and Investigations at the Agriculture Ministry.
The shipment included more than 12 tons of animal fat and beef, which were unsuitable for human consumption and posed a major health risk. The smuggled goods were valued at over NIS 1 million.
Smuggling through Ashdod Port
An initial investigation revealed that the 30-year-old suspect, a customs clearance service provider from southern Israel, worked with others to smuggle animal products through Ashdod Port and distribute them across Israel.
The suspect tried to deceive officials by submitting fake documents, claiming the import was for cosmetics rather than food. However, the shipment’s transponder indicated the presence of different meat products. Upon inspection, authorities discovered 13 pallets of animal fat and beef that were not fit for human consumption, which contradicted the import documents and product labels.
The suspect further attempted to conceal their involvement by registering the shipment under a third party's name, with no connection to the goods or the shipment.
A later investigation revealed that the meat and lard were produced in a Polish meat factory not approved by the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry for exports to Israel. These products posed a significant health risk.
The Rishon Lezion Magistrate’s Court released the suspect on restrictive conditions, and the investigation is ongoing.
Moshe Achrek, Director of the Central Enforcement and Investigations Unit, commented: “The illegal importation of animal products into Israel without approval from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security represents a serious threat to public health. I urge consumers to only purchase animal products from authorized suppliers, where they are stored under proper refrigeration and supervision.”
He added, “If you suspect a crime involving food products, report it to us via the ministry's hotline at *6016 or our online complaint service. We are committed to working with all enforcement agencies to ensure that the food reaching consumers is safe.”