A scheme has been identified for the trafficking and use of women from Ukraine and Russia in the field of prostitution.

The Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court yesterday decided to extend the detention of nine suspects in a case of trafficking in women. This prostitution network was active from Gush Dan to Eilat and involved women from Ukraine and Russia. The court allowed the names of the suspects to be published.

Police, prosecutors, the IRS and Bituach Leumi conducted a year-long undercover investigation that uncovered a women trafficking ring led by ten key suspects from the same family. The business was organized and methodical, with managers, accountants, a call center and other employees.

The organization carried out marketing and advertising on dozens of websites and distributed flyers advertising sex services. The suspects had contacts with criminal elements who helped recruit women and lure them into prostitution, including bringing women from Ukraine and Russia for sex exploitation in Israel.

Police seized tens of millions of shekels, and during a search a safe containing cash was found. Following the arrests, 18 bank accounts linked to criminal activity were frozen. “Part of the money was spent on luxury cars and real estate,” police said.