Massive Autism Benefits Fraud Exposed in Israel

Israeli authorities have uncovered a sweeping fraud scheme involving tens of millions of shekels in stolen public funds through forged autism-related disability claims, the National Insurance Institute (NII) and Jerusalem District Police announced Thursday. The complex operation involved falsified medical documents, deceptive applications, and the systematic abuse of benefits intended for children with disabilities.

At the center of the investigation is a resident of southern Israel who allegedly operated a private company offering fraudulent "assistance" to families applying for NII benefits. According to the Jerusalem Police Fraud Unit and NII investigators, the suspect recruited parents some knowingly complicit and submitted false claims on their behalf, often using forged professional opinions and fabricated medical records.

The fraudulent scheme targeted the NII’s “disabled child” benefit, which provides essential financial support to families of children with autism and other disabilities. Authorities allege that in dozens of cases, parents accepted tens of thousands of shekels in illegal aid, despite knowing their children did not qualify for assistance.

Using the parents' personal access codes, the suspect reportedly filed applications directly through the NII’s secure digital system, manipulating it to appear as if legitimate medical professionals had evaluated and diagnosed the children. In return, she charged families significant fees sometimes as much as tens of thousands of shekels for each fabricated claim.

The probe began after NII's internal Investigations Department flagged irregularities in a number of disability claims. Working with police, investigators launched an in-depth operation that uncovered a widespread pattern of fraud, forgery, and deception. Raids on suspects’ homes uncovered incriminating documents, forged forms, and large sums of cash.

“This is a serious case,” authorities said, “in which medical documents were forged and disability benefits fraudulently claimed for personal profit. It severely harms public funds and erodes public trust in state institutions.”

Suspects have been arrested on charges including aggravated fraud, forgery of official documents, breach of trust, and using forged documents. The investigation remains active, and more arrests are expected as evidence continues to be processed.

The NII emphasized its intent to pursue the full recovery of all misappropriated funds and prosecute all individuals involved in the deception.

This case underscores the critical importance of safeguarding public welfare systems from abuse. Every shekel stolen is a shekel denied to families genuinely in need and the State of Israel remains committed to ensuring justice and accountability.

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