Defeated Jerusalem mayoral candidate Moshe Lion was detained for questioning at Ben-Gurion International Airport by the Israel Tax Authority Customs Department Monday after failing to declare an exceptionally large amount of clothing purchased abroad.
Lion, an accountant, was detained as part of standard procedure when he was found with an excessive quantity of clothing in his possession. He was not summoned to appear in court, and the procedures for continuing the investigation are varied. He is presumed innocent until the investigation is closed.
Lion's spokesman responded to the incident Monday night: "Following reports [of the investigation], Moshe Lion would like to clarify that the clothing is for his personal use and that of his family. In the past, when he declared clothing purchases in the red track [of the customs authority, intended for those with purchases to declare], he was specifically told that there was no need to do so -- so he reasoned that the same would apply this time. Needless to say, if it turns out that any tax payments are owed, there will be no argument and the tax will be paid immediately."
Presents -- yes, imports -- no
Each day, there are hundreds of occurrences of travelers returning from abroad and being stopped for questioning at customs stations when they are found with a seemingly excessive amount of clothing or other items. According to customs guidelines, the green track that exempts passengers from customs declarations allows travelers to return with a reasonable amount of items for personal use, including clothing, shoes and goods carried as hand luggage and not exceeding $200 in value; up to two liters of wine or liquor; and up to 250 grams of tobacco products.
A passenger traveling with an excessive or commercial quantity of clothing, shoes and other items worth more than $200, or exceeding the limits for alcohol and cigarettes, must pass through the red track and declare the items to the customs authority.
Passengers who avoid the red track and or do not declare their items according to procedure risk legal repercussions, including trial, fines and having the items confiscated.
The Customs Department declined to comment on Lion's case.
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