National Insurance Institute suspends payments: illegally obtained benefits to be recovered
A 50-year-old resident of the Negev Bedouin sector is accused of concealing marriages to two women from the National Insurance Institute. By presenting them as common-law partners, he fraudulently obtained hundreds of thousands of shekels.
The Southern District Attorney's Office has filed an indictment against a 50-year-old resident of the Negev Bedouin sector, charging him with fraud under aggravating circumstances and bigamy. According to the indictment filed at the Magistrate's Court in Be'er Sheva, the man was previously married to his first wife, with whom he had 12 children. About 20 years ago, he married a second woman without reporting it to the authorities, instead registering her as a common-law partner. The couple has 9 children.
According to the indictment, about 5 years ago, the defendant married a third woman. He allegedly declared to the National Insurance Institute that she was his common-law partner rather than his wife. A source familiar with the case stated:
"He declared to the National Insurance Institute that she was his common-law partner and not his wife," referring to the second woman.
The National Insurance Institute launched a comprehensive investigation with the assistance of the Southern District Police. Investigators obtained documents from the Sharia court indicating that the defendant had married three times, in violation of polygamy laws. The investigation suggests he received hundreds of thousands of shekels in benefits through these false declarations. The prosecution is expected to seek a sentence of actual imprisonment.
This case is part of broader enforcement efforts against the illegal receipt of social benefits. Last month, the "National Justice" operation, led by the Judea and Samaria District Police in cooperation with the National Insurance Institute and the Population and Immigration Authority, resulted in the revocation of benefits for 211 residents who provided false information regarding their residency. These efforts are expected to save the state treasury tens of millions of shekels by halting illegal payments and recovering funds.
The National Insurance Institute emphasizes that eligibility for benefits is strictly determined by law and residency requirements. In cases of false declarations or misleading information, the institute will take necessary steps, including the revocation of eligibility, recovery of funds, and legal proceedings.
