Israel Arrests Egyptian Importer Smuggling Tobacco Disguised as Humanitarian Aid

Jerusalem, 7 August, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s Tax Authority is investigating Hasan Amru, an Egyptian importer, on suspicion of smuggling 1.5 tons of tobacco disguised as tomato paste into Ashdod Port and declared as humanitarian aid.

Items declared as humanitarian aid qualify for customs exemptions, but tobacco is not eligible for that designation. Authorities estimate a potential tax loss of roughly NIS 600,000 (over $175,000).