The Tax Authority, through the Office of the Jerusalem and South Investigations Assessor and in cooperation with the Investigations Division of the National Insurance Institute, is currently conducting an investigation into the disappearance of income of approximately 1.5 million nis by Hatem Tamimi, a resident of the Old City who is engaged in the field of renovations and construction. The suspect was taken in for questioning and released under restrictive conditions by the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court.
The arrest request indicates that in 2020, the suspect opened a case following a bookkeeping audit, but did not submit income tax reports for the years 2020-2024, as well as a capital declaration that was required of him. In 2022, the suspect opened a case in the name of his partner. As part of the business, he performed renovation and construction work across the country for various clients, but reported only part of this income. As part of the investigation, testimonies were collected from clients who confirmed that they paid the suspect money for performing work for them. The suspect continued to perform work and did not issue invoices to clients.
The investigation indicates that the suspect did not maintain accounting books as required and did not submit annual reports other than a report for 2022 that he submitted in the name of his partner. Also, in order to hide his true income, he cashed checks at several currency service providers.
In light of the suspicions, an open investigation was opened in which searches were conducted and documents and computer materials were seized from his partner.
The investigation findings reveal evidence that the suspect did not report his income in the amount of approximately 1.5 million NIS between the years 2020-2023.
As stated, the suspect was brought before the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court, which decided to release him under restrictive conditions. The investigation is ongoing.