References to Explosives in "Suspicious Activities Involving Israeli Art Students at DEA Facilities"
This is a reference article to the demolition/explosives experts who were identified by the DEA prior to their demolition of the World Trade Center Towers on September 11, 2001. It’s been modified to put into chronological order. The first set is those paragraphs where “explosives” experts were identified. I typed all this by hand from a .pdf, many years ago. Easier to sort and search that way. So here it is. A copy of the .pdf is here.
Here’s one paragraph from the .pdf.
3.16.01
EPA. 172. On March 16, 17, and 18, 2001, the EPA Agent spoke with several of his neighbors and determined the following information: The female described in the above incident and a male, dark skin, mid 20's contacted neighbor's houses within two blocks around the agent's residence. Both of them identified themselves as Israeli art students. No other houses in the neighborhood, or in neighborhoods next to the agent's were contacted. On March 17, 2001, the EPA Agent spoke with his uncle who was at the agent's residence in the afternoon on March 1, 2001. The agent's uncle stated that he was talking to a construction worker next door to the agent's residence when a female with long black hair and olive colored skin, mid 20's, drove up to the agent's residence and took pictures of his house. The female only took photos of the agent's residence and then let the area in a late model sedan, silver in color. She left quickly and no license plate information was obtained. 173. A neighbor of the EPA Agent was visited by the male and female and bought paintings. The check to the male was made out to Odfd WEISFELNER. The check to the female was made out to Guy KEDEM. The female left a business card stating EAG-Guy Kedem, European Art Group, Oil Paintings; Phone number (720) 581-7076; Fax number (303) 336-7006. On March 19, 2001, the EPA Agent contacted Quest Security to obtain information on these numbers. The (720) number is unlisted and the (303) number is a fax.number for Heritage Creek Apartments, 650 South Dahlia Circle, Denver, Colorado. FPS Information 174. Santa Ana FPS reported to that while at the Starbucks drinking coffee after business hours last week, one of them overheard 2 Middle Easterners sitting outside talking in Arabic, making reference to our building and apparently making diagrams of our building and discussing explosives. Local police were notified.
3.27.01
DALLAS DIVISION. 46. On March 27, 2001, at approximately 2:30 pm, three Israeli nationals arriving from Frankfurt, Germany, were admitted as non-immigrant visitors through the Dallas / Ft. Worth Airport (DFW). They were identified as Julia VAINSHTEIN, an Israeli female, DPOB: 11-12-78/Russia, Dilka BORENSTEIN, DPOB: 03-15-79/Israel, and Ofir NAVON, DPOB: 09-02-79/Israel. BORENSTEIN stated to have been recently discharged as an Israeli Military Intelligence officer. NAVON claimed to be a former Israeli Army demolition/explosive ordnance disposal specialist. The three stated they intended to tour the Dallas area for a few days, and then go to Houston, New York, and Los Angeles. They claimed not to know anyone in the Dallas area. Surveillance was maintained on the three after they left the inspection area. They were seen being picked up by an individual subsequently identified as Michael VIC, who was driving a black Jeep bearing, Texas tags L44-CVD. This tag comes back to CALMANOVIC at 3575 N. Beltline Road, Apt 316, Irving, Texas. Subsequent investigation revealed this address to be a mailbox.
5.03.01
ORLANDO DIVISION. 96. On May 3, 2001, the DEA Orlando District Office was visited by an Israeli art student at approximately 1:00 p.m. This subject was detained and identified as Peer SEGALOVITZ (DOB: 03-16-1974). SEGALOVITZ is a 27 year old male that has been in the United States since January 17, 2001. SEGALOVITZ is in the United States on a B-2 (visitation) visa which expires July 17, 2001. INS was contacted and INS requested that DEA detain SEGALOVITZ until they could arrive to take him into custody. FBI SA John Weyrauch also responded to assist with the interrogation. SEGALOVITZ was interrogated for approximately 4 hours while waiting for INS to respond. SEGALOVITZ was untruthful about his reasoning to be in the United States for approximately the first 3 hours. SEGALOVITZ finally admitted that he was one of approximately 30 Israeli art students who are currently in Florida. SEGALOVITZ would not admit what their purpose was in Florida, but did state that they were not here for legitimate means. 97. SEGALOVITZ reluctantly stated that he was an officer of the Israeli military special forces 605 battalion in Golan Heights. SEGALOVITZ has the rank of Lieutenant and his military ID number is 5087989. SEGALOVITZ stated that he commanded approximately 80 men. SEGALOVITZ stated that he had been in infantry, but as a platoon leader he and his men specialized in demolition. SEGALOVITZ then began to explain the various types of explosives that he was familiar with and stated that his main purpose was to clear mine fields for Israeli tanks and soldiers. SEGALOVITZ acknowledged he could blow up buildings, bridges, cars and anything else that he needed too. SEGALOVITZ further stated that he was very familiar with small arms and had operational knowledge of tanks and other large military machinery. SEGALOVITZ stated that the only thing he was not trained to operate was military aircraft. SEGALOVITZ admitted that he had been in two (2) military actions in Lebanon involving explosives, these missions were to eradicate members of the Hezbolah. SEGALOVITZ asked agents not to divulge this information to Israel because it would lead to his immediate arrest in Israel,
56. While GLIKMAN and BEN DOR were being processed, I&NS Inspectors went to the lobby of DFW to attempt to identify any individuals who were present to meet GLIKMAN and BEN DOR. The Inspectors identified Hillel DOR, male, Israeli, DOB: 04-06-71 and Zeev MILLER, male, Israeli, DOB: 09-04-71. MILLER had also arrived on the same flight as GLIKMAN and BEN DOR. MILLER claimed he was a student at Tel Aviv University studying software engineering while working part-time for RETALIX in Israel. MILLER stated he intended to travel to Mexico, New York, and Canada while on vacation. MILLER stated he was an explosive ordinance/combat engineer while in the Israeli military. MILLER was in possession of $1200 in cash and a Visa credit card. Hillel DOR stated he was at the airport to pick-up GLIKMAN. I&NS S/As verified that DOR had entered the U.S. in January, 2001 as an H-1B nonimmigrant, working for RETALIX USA.
105. NAVAR, Ofir, NADDIS - Negative. Israeli, DOB 09/02/1979, POB: Israel, former Israeli Military Demolition/Explosive ordnance specialist (Identified in paragraph 46)
COMPLETE DEA REPORT BELOW
This has been modified by myself to put things in chronological order.
8.25.97
HOUSTON DIVISION. b) On August 25, 1997, BARAM entered the U.S. via Los Angeles, under admission number 35627816705, on El Al Israel flight #0105. At that time he was carrying an Israeli passport (#4787090) and it is presumed he may have entered the U.S. under the same U.S. tourist visa as noted above. BARAM departed the U.S. on December 13, 1997, via Miami, on Air Jamaica flight #0093.
20
12.16.97
HOUSTON DIVISION. c) On December 16, 1997, BARAM entered the U.S. via Miami, under admission number 76155245005, on Air Jamaica flight #0090. There was no date of issue for the U.S. tourist visa, however, the visa was issued in Jerusalem. BARAM departed the U.S., via Newark, NJ, on El AL Israel flight #0001 on January 3, 1998.
20
5.04.98
VALANSI, Marcelo (Argentina passport #26316660). Admission date: 05/04/98
Admitted to: 11/03/98
Admission Class: B2 (Visitor)
Port of Entry: Miami, FL
Arrival from: Unk
Visa issued: Buenos Aires 5/11/90
Carrier: E U Empresa Ecuatoriana (flt 800)
Intended address: 617 E. University Ave., Gainesville, FL Departure date: 08/10/98
9.23.98
VALANSI, Marcelo (Argentina passport #26316660). Admission date: 9/23/98
Admitted to: 12/31/98
Admission Class: Fl (Student)
Port of Entry: Miami, FL
Arrival from: unk
Carrier: A L Argentina (flt 1324)
Intended address: 617 E. University Ave., Gainesville, FL Departure date: 12/19/98
1.11.99
VALANSI, Marcelo (Argentina passport #26316660). Admission date: 01/11/99
Admission Class: F1 (Student)
Port of Entry: Marmi, FL
Arrival from: unk
Carrier: La Lan Chile (flt 500)
Intended address: 901 S.E. 1st Ave., Gainesville, FL Departure date: unk
4.15.99
VALANSI, Marcelo (Argentina passport #26316660). Admission date: 04/15/99
Port of Entry: Miami, FL
Arrival from: San Jose (Juan Santamari)
Carrier: LACSA (flt 620)
Departure clate: unk
9.24.99
USFPS NEW ORLEANS. 113. On September 24, 1999, a Senior Investigator of Task Force Group T-11 two suspicious Israeli Nationala parked outside the New York Divisional Office in a white Chevrolet van. The two subjects were identified as Yaniv Shem TOV (DOB 06/02/74) and Sahlev DOR (DOB 08/08/77). NADDIS and NCIC checks were negative,
11.12.99
VALANSI, Marcelo (Argentina passport #26316660). Admission date: 11/12/99
Admission Class: WT/VW (Visitor w/o Visa)
Port of Entry: Miami, FL
Arrival from: Santiago, Chile
Carrier: La Lan Chile (flt 500)
Intended address: 901 S.E. 1st Ave., Gainesville, FL Departure date: unk
12.23.99
SAGES, Ester (Israel passport 96470399). 2). Admission date: 12/23/99 Admitted to: 6/22/00 Admission Class: B2 (Visitor) Port of Entry: Newark, N.J. Arrival from: Tel Aviv Israel Carrier: El Al Israel
Intended address: Attornet 161, New York City, New York Departure date: 01/09/00
12.23.99
DARDIC, Vanina Erika (Argentina passport #10581811. 3). Admission date: 12/23/99 Port of Entry: New York Carrier: Tower Air (flt 31) (no further info)
6.26.00
CHICAGO DIVISION. 20. On or around June 26, 2000, a male and female claiming they were Israeli art students, visited the home of a Diversion Investigator, The male was described as Caucasian, 5'8", 160 lbs., dark brown hair, clean-shaven, brown eyes, and early 20's. The female was described as 5'6", 160 lbs., long curly dark brown hair with blonde highlights, early 20's. The students left the residence without incident.
6.30.00
CHICAGO DIVISION. 21. On or around June 30, 2000, a second set of Israeli art students arrived at the home of the same Diversion Investigator. These students were confrontational when asked to leave and the police were called (16th District Chicago Police Dept.). The male was described as 5'6", 150 lbs., slim build, dark skin, no facial hair, very dark hair, early 20's. The female was described as 5'8", slim build, brown shoulder length hair, and early 20's. They did approach other homes in the Diversion Investigator's neighborhood. The Israeli students were seen entering a Chevy Astro van, steel gray in color, with darkened windows.
7.X00
ATLANTA DIVISION 1. Sometime in July or August 2000, a woman claiming to be a student from a foreign country attempted to enter the Chattanooga, Tennessee Resident Office. The woman was attempting to sell homemade pins that she hand painted and put together herself. An Office Assistant advised the woman that she was on Federal Property and solicitation was prohibited. The Office Assistant claimed the woman was from the Middle East, but cannot recall the exact location.
7.X00
DENVER DIVISION. 58. Sometime in July or August 2000, on two separate occasions, a male described as Caucasian, 5'8", black hair, wearing baggy clothing, entered the reception area of the Denver Divisional Office. The unidentified male spoke with a heavy accent and was carrying a black artwork brief case. The unidentified male asked to speak with anyone interested in purchasing artwork. The unidentified rriale was asked to leave and did so without incident.
8.X.00
SOUTHEAST LAB MIAMI FLORIDA. 161. Sometime between August and October 2000, a male described as 5'8", dark complexion, possibly of Middle Eastern decent visited the home of another Forensic Chemist. The young man asked the Chemist if he had ever heard of his art school in Israel (name unknown). The Chemist responded negatively and the student began to show the Chemist some paintings. The student entered the home, used the restroom, and proceeded to discuss the sale of the paintings, The student advised that the paintings were not for sale, but used to generate interest and support for his school. The Chemist asked if there was a show or display somewhere that he could go to look at these paintings. The student said no and then agreed to sell the Chemist the painting he wanted. The student offered a discount price if the Chemist purchased more than one. The Chemist purchased one painting and then showed the student out.
9.X.00
OFFICE OF AVIATION OPERATIONS.. 145. In September 2000, two males who attempted to sell him artwork approached a Supervisory Special Agent/Pilot at his residence. Approximately two weeks ago, the SSA/P noticed two males selling artwork in his neighborhood. The Special Agent's residence is located in Plantation, Florida.
9.18.00
SOUTHWEST LAB NATIONAL CITY CALIFORNIA. 153. On September 18, 2000, a female Israeli art student approached a Security Guard. At the same time, the Southwest Laboratory Director was in the lobby speaking with a contractor. The female approached the Lab Director and asked him to look at some paintings. The Lab Director declined and she proceeded to ask him his opinion of the paintings. The female stated that she is a student and works at a studio in La Jolla, California. A few weeks later a male of Middle Eastern decent visited the Southwest Lab selling artwork and spoke to the same Security Guard. The Security Guard noted that the male spoke with the same accent as the female who had visited the lab prieviously. The male left the building without speaking to anyone else. 154. The Lab Director also had an encounter at his residence, date unknown. One male and one female with oil paintings visited the Lab Director's home and wanted to show some paintings. The Lab Director informed the male and female that he was not interested and they left.
FALL 00
DENVER DIVISION. 62. A Vehicle Technician at the Detroit Division reported that during the fall of 2000, a female appearing to be either Jewish or Arabic in her twenties visited her home in Southfield, Kentucky in an attempt to sell her artwork. The Vehicle Technician declined to purchase any paintings and the female left. The Vehicle Technician said it appeared the female was going door to door.
10.X.00
SOUTHEAST LAB MIAMI FLORIDA. 160. Sometime between August and October 2000, a male described as 5'8", black hair, tan complexion, possibly Middle Eastern decent, visited the home of a Forensic Chemist. The male claimed he was an Israeli art student selling art work. The Chemist declined to purchase any of the artwork and the student went on his way.
10.18.00
VALANSI, Marcelo (Argentina passport #26316660) Admission date: 10/18/00
Admission to: 1/17/01
Admission Class: CP (Public Interest Parole)
Port of Entry: Miami, FL
Arrival from: unk (most likely Columbia)
Carrier: Avianca (flt 8)
Intended address: 901 S.E. 1st Ave., Gainesville, FL Departure date: 12/28/00 from Miami
10.18.00
DARDIC, Vanina Erika (Argentina passport #10581811 2). Admission date: 10/18/00
Admission Class: CP (Public Interest Parole)
Port of Entry: Miami, FL
Arrival from.: Bogota, Columbia
Visa issued: Buenos Aires 5/11/90
Carrier: Avianca (flt 8)
Intended address: 901 S.E. 1st. Ave., Gainesville, FL Departure date: 12/25/00
10.20.00
HOUSTON DIVISION. 67. On October 20, 2000, a male Israeli art student was observed by the Security Officers entering the lobby level and enter an elevator from a secure area of the Houston, Texas Divisional Office. Security Officers were able to apprehend the art student before he could enter a secure area on the second floor. There are no written reports of the incident nor any identification attempt made of the art student.
11.22.00
HOUSTON DIVISION. d) On November 22, 2000, BARAM re-entered the U.S., via New York, on El Al Israel flight #0003. He was carrying Israeli passport (#8722103) and was issued a U.S. tourist visa on November 15, 2000 in Tel Aviv. There is no departure information listed for this trip.
12.X.00
ATLANTA DIVISION 2. In mid to late December 2000, a male and female subject described as being in their mid-twentles arrived at the residence of a Special Agent. The male subject spoke fluent English, however the female subject had a heavy accent. Both subjects claimed to be Israeli art students. The Special Agent examined some of the artwork, but became suspicious when the students would not provide him with a contact telephone number in case he should decide to buy something. Subsequently, the Special Agent saw some of the exact same artwork for sale at kiosk in the Mall of Georgia. The Special Agent questioned the salesperson about the origin of the artwork, but the salesperson was uncooperative.
12.X.00
DALLAS DIVISION. 47. In December of 2000, an Israeli art student by the name of Cohen MEYTAL was observed by a DEA employee sitting on the western street curb of the Dallas Divisional Office selling artwork. The student claimed that a group of Israeli art students (about 20) would paint works of art and them at local places of business. The employee purchased a painting and was offered to have it framed by an acquaintance of the Israeli group. The check was made out to Cohen MEYTAL and mailed to the following address: Cohen Meytal
c/o Calmanovic
3575 N. Beltline Road
P.O. Box 316
Irving, Texas 75062
This address is identified with Michael CALMANOVIC. See report under LABORATORIES, paragraph #161.)
12.X.00
NEW ORLEANS DIVISION. in December 2000, around Christmas time, two young Israeli students visited his residence with artwork. SAC James further recounted that approximately two weeks prior to his personal encounter with the Israeli students, two other young Israeli students attempted to sell artwork to his spouse at their residence. Neither SAC James nor his spouse purchased artwork from the students. Finally, SAC James disclosed that his office was in receipt of a Counter terrorism Advisory Report regarding suspicious activities around Federal buildings that related to Israeli students. SAC James provided S/S Davis with a copy of the report.
12.X.00
DENVER DIVISION. 59. Sometime in December 2000, an unidentified white male, 20-25 years of age entered the Colorado Springs, Colorado Resident Office in an attempt to sell artwork, He was asked to leave and did so without incident. 60. Four separate incidents involving unidentified persons attempting to sell artwork at the Salt Lake City, Utah Resident Office were reported by a Receptionist. These incidents occurred during the 2000 calendar year. In each incident, all suspicious persons entered the reception area of the Salt Lake City, Utah Resident Office asking to speak to anyone interested in purchasing artwork. All subjects spoke with a heavy accent believed to be French. All subjects were asked to leave and did so without incident.
12.X.00
SOUTH CENTRAL LABORATORY DALLAS TEXAS. 165. In December of 2000, an Israeli art student by the name of Cohen MEYTAL was observed by a DEA employee sitting on the western street curb of the Dallas Divisional Office selling artwork. The student claimed that a group of Israeli art students (about 20) would paint works of art and sell them at local places of business. The employee purchased a painting and was offered to have it framed by an acquaintance of the Israeli group. The check was made out to Cohen MEYTAL and mailed to the following address:
12.12.00
SAN FRANCISCO DIVISION. 125. On December 12, 2000, Shay ASHKENAZI, male, Israeli, DOB: 11-12-74, Israeli Passport number 6847902, arrived at the SEA TAC International Airport via Northwest Airlines flight 33 from Tel Aviv, Israel. He was referred for secondary inspection by the I&NS Inspectors. As reported by I&NS Intelligence officer Omar N. Nuri, ASHKENAZI stated he was a former Israeli intelligence officer, and was now traveling to "enjoy life". He claimed to have been in the U.S. in April 2000, when he was involved in a car accident in South Carolina. The purpose of this trip was to finalize the case with his attorney and to receive medical treatment. ASHKEHAZI volunteered information that a fraud scheme involving Israeli nationals was taking place in the U.S. He stated that young male and female Israelis are being recruited in Israel to enter the U.S. with B-1/B-2 tourist visas and be employed as door-to-door salesmen of paintings that are shipped to the U.S. from Israel. He claimed that one of the individuals involved in this is "Mikaeel" (sic) and is present in Texas operating this business. (See above paragraphs regarding Michael CALMANOVIC). He stated the Israelis usually operate in Texas, New York, Atlanta, Georgia, Washington, and possibly other states. ASHKEHAZI stated another person involved in this is "GERUD" (LNU), residing at 27461-150th Avenue SE, Kent, WA 98402 with telephone 253-638-8143. ASHKEHAZI was admitted into the U.S. following the inspection. Cohen Meytal
c/o Calmanovic
3575 N. Beltline Road P.O. Box 316
Irving, Texas 75062
12.15.00
SOUTH CENTRAL LABORATORY DALLAS TEXAS. 166. Another DEA employee purchased a painting from the same Israel art student for $135.00. The employee paid by check and the student informed the employee that a framer would be in touch with him. On December 15, 2000, a man named Rosie SISSO framed the picture from the back of a panel van in a parking lot next to DEA's property. There were two men in the van; however, the employee only dealt with one. The framer wanted to visit the employee's home to match the frame to his furnishing, but the employee declined. Later in January, a Forensic Chemist informed the employee that an artist associated with the first incident wanted to talk with him in the DEA from parking lot. The artist wanted to sell more paintings and the employee told him he would canvas the building and let him know around 4:00 or 5:00 p.m. At 5:00 p.m., the employee told the artist no one was interested and the artist left.
1.X.01
SOUTH CENTRAL LABORATORY DALLAS TEXAS. 167. In January 2001, another employee was approached at his home by two Israeli art students, one male and one female. The students stated they were selling their artwork for profit. The employee explained that he was not interested. The employee canvassed his neighbors and found that one of his neighbors purchased a painting from the students. The Lab Security Officer advised the employee to try and obtain a copy of the cancelled check from his neighbor. A copy of the check has not been obtained yet. 168. Sometime in the first part of January, an employee was jogging and noticed two guys selling artwork door to door. The employee approached the two men and asked where they were from. The two men stated they were from Israel. The employee did not make a purchase. The employee observed the two men visit another home,
1.X.01
NEW ORLEANS DIVISION. A female identifying herse as an Israeli art student visited the Little Rock, Arkansas Resident Office in mid January 2001. The female student was attempting to sell her artwork. She was allowed into the reception area where she displayed a cassava bag with approximately six to eight pictures to the Receptionist and a National Guard Analyst. Both employees were not interested and the female student left without incident. 102. Also in mid January 2001, a white male, approximately 25 years old, visited the Birmingham, Alabama Resident Office in an attempt to sell some artwork, A Task Force Agent at the front desk informed the unidentified male that he was not interested and the unidentified male left.
1.X.01
SAN FRANCISCO DIVISION. 120. A young brown haired woman claiming to be from San Francisco College selling artwork contacted the wife of a Special Agent at home in mid January 2001. The young woman was observed contacting two of the Special Agent's neighbors.
1.X.01
ATLANTA DIVISION. 3. During the first week of January 2001, an individual identifying himself as an Israeli art student attempted to bring artwork into the Columbus, Georgia Resident Office. The individual was not permitted to enter the office.
1.X.01
In January, 2001, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Office of Security Programs (IS), began to receive reports of Israeli art students attempting to penetrate several DEA Field Offices in the continental United States. Additionally, there have been reports of Israeli art students visiting the homes of numerous DEA employees. These incidents have occurred since at least the beginning of 2000, and have continued to the present. The number of reported incidents increased in November/December 2000, and has continued to date. These incidents have involved several other law enforcement and Department of Defense agencies, with contacts made at other agencies' facilities and the residences of their employees. Geographically, these incidents are very widespread, ranging from California to Florida. The majority of the incidents have occurred in the southern half of the continental U.S. with the most activity reported in the state of Florida. Since April 2001, the number of reported incidents has declined, however, the geographic spread of the incidents has increased to Wisconsin, Oklahoma, and Los Angeles.
1.X.01
DALLAS DIVISION. 23. Sometime in January 2001, a male claiming to be an Israeli art student selling paintings visited the home of a DEA Intelligence Analyst and OPR Senior Inspector. The male was described as Caucasian, in his mid twenties. The DEA employees did not purchase any artwork.
1.X.01
DENVER DIVISION. 61. A second receptionist at the Salt Lake Ciiy, Utah Resident Office reported one male and two female subjects attempted to sell artwork in the reception area. The receptionist asked the male subject where he was from. Apparently, he claimed he was from Israel. The receptionist purchased a painting, for $100.00 and was not issued a receipt. This incident occurred sometime in January 2001.
1.2.01
DALLAS DIVISION. 26. Several local law enforcement agencies have provided information to the DEA Dallas office pertaining to recent encounters. On January 2, 2001, an 6fficer of the Euless Police Department sighted a 1995 Chevy Van, white, California plate 3HXN005, parked with back doors opened behind a small office complex that was closed due to the Christmas/New Year holidays. The officer's initial inspection showed five persons present and that the rear of the van was filled with 40 to 50 framed artwork. Neither the frames nor the artwork appeared to be high quality, per the officer. The officer noted that the van and subjects were stopped in a non-residential area that consisted of a golf course, a chemical company and a storage facility for a defense contractor. When questioned, the subjects indicated they were selling paintings in the area, but were evasive in answering questions thereafter. For example, several subjects stated they were staying in Irving, Texas, but were not sure exactly where. The subjects were warned on the scene for selling paintings without a permit, and released. Although all five subjects possessed passports, only name and DOB information was recorded for each. All subjects were negative in law enforcement indices. The five subjects were identified as Gilad LIFSHITZ, W/M, DOB 09/17/1973 (Note: Lifshitz was the vehicle driver) Betzalel YANAY, W/M, DOB 09/04/1978
Morin Miryam BITON, W/F, DOB 07/14/1980
Daria SASSON, W/F, DOB 08/10/1980
Keren TOUYZ, W/F, DOB 08/20/1978 27. At the time of the encounter Gilad LIFSHITZ, the driver of the van, was in possession of a Florida driver's license, number L123-280-78-337-0, that showed a DOB of 09/17/1978, and an address of 19115 Collins Ave # 102, Sunny Isles Beach, F1 33160. Sunny Isles Beach is in the Miami area. Perhaps coincidentally, per DEA's Office of Security Programs, two Israelis previously encountered in Miami were in possession of counterfeit US Social Security Cards. The cards were reportedly obtained in Miami from an unidentified person who was selling the cards near a Florida driver's license office. 28. As previously reported, LIFSHITZ was driving a 1995 Chevy Van with California plate 3HXN005. A California registration check showed that this van, VIN 1GAHG39K5SF112662, was apparently sold to B I Auto Inc, 31861, 854 Ackerman Dr, Danville, California, circa August 30, 2000. A check of vin 1GAHG39K5SF112662 showed that it is associated with a 1995 Chev/Spt owned by Gilad LIFSHITZ of 7535 N. Beltline Rd, Apt 316, Irving, Texas 75062. (Note: this may be the Irving address referred to by the Israeli art students). (ISP Note: Michael VIC, identified by I&NS Dallas and arrested on Marcy 28, 2001, rented at least 5 apartments in the Irving, TX area, and used a mail drop located at 3575 N. Beltline Road, Irving, TX.) Current vehicle tag is TX/86YYF, title date is 02/10/2001, expiration date is 01/2002. The previous owner is listed as Noam TZOR. What, if any, relationship there may be between TZOR and B I Auto Iac is unknown.
1.04.01
DALLAS DIVISION. On January 4, 2001, SPI Contract Guard William Armstrong purchased a painting for $200.00 from an Israeli art student.. The transaction took place outside of the Dallas Divisional Office. Mr. Armstrong wrote a check payable to a Gal BLAIN.
1.04.01
SAN FRANCISCO DIVISION. 123. On January 4, 2001, two Special Agents were conducting surveillance at a shopping center in East Palo Alto, California. A brown haired female, 18-21 yoa, 5'4", 140 lbs., approached the agents. She was carrying a brown portfolio and identified herself as an Israeli exchange student selling art to earn money. The agents declined and then observed the female approach another individual in the parking lot.
1.16.01
HOUSTON DIVISION.68. On January 16, 2001, a male Israeli art student was observed by a United States Customs Service Special Agent entering a secured parking lot area that leads into the Houston Divisional Office. The USCS Special Avent stopped the art student and turned him over to the Security Officers. The student claimed he wanted to gain access to the building to sell artwork. No personal identification information was obtained.
1.21.01
SOUTHEAST LAB MIAMI FLORIDA. 162. On January 21, 2001, a young man carrying a portfolio of paintings visited the home of a Security Specialist. The young man introduced himself as an Israeli art student selling artwork from his school in Israel. The Security Specialist advised the student that he was not interested and the student left.
1.22.01
HOUSTON DIVISION. 69. On January 22, 2001, a third Israeli art student entered the lobby of the Houston Division and asked the Security Officer if he could utilize a pay phone. The Security Officer informed the student that there was no public phone available. The Security Officer asked the student if he had any artwork to sell. The student said, "yes," and proceeded to inform the Security Officer that another student visited the Houston Division a week ago to sell artwork. The Security Offlicer told the student that someone upstairs wanted to see the artwork. The Houston Division Special Agent/Security Officer S/A John Martin, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ric Ludowig, and another Special Agent interviewed the student. The Israeli art student was carrying a Florida State Driver's License (#B650-520-76-047-0). The information on the license was Lior BARAM, 10733 Cleary Blvd., #206, Plantation, Florida, 33324-0000, (DOB 02/07/76), 5'9", dark eyes and black hair. BARAM admitted to serving three years in the Israeli military and served his last two years in Intelligence, working with classified information. BARAM spoke fluent English with an accent. He also claimed to be an art student at Bezalel University in Jerusalem; however, he could not spell Bezalel. BARAM stated there were fifteen (15) Israeli art students in the Houston, Texas area attempting to sell their artwork. BARAM claimed to realize that the Houston Division was a Federal building and that be would not be able to sell his artwork there. BARAM was asked how he knew the Houston Division was a Federal Building. BARAM response was, "By looking around and seeing all of the cars." BARAM also stated that after he left the military, he traveled for one year, worked at a car rental company, and studied at BEZALEL UNIVERSITY. 70. BARAM could not provide the name of address or phone number of a place he was staying. He also referred to the person heading the student affair as his "supervisor." When BARAM pronounced the name cf his supervisor it sounded like "Ori," and that Ori could be contacted at (847) 456-6166. The telephone number was called and Ori was not available. No one at that phone number could provide any information. BARAM was allowed to use a DEA telephone to call someone to pick him up. BARAM dialed 1-800- 462-3541, but did not speak to anyone. When asked, he stated he tried to call a friend in New York. BARAM was instructed to leave and never return. BARAM cialmed he had visited the U.S. three times on a tourist visa, A records check from the Immigration and Naturalization Service revealed BARAM had visited the U.S. in 1997 and once in 2000 and 2001.
1.28.01
EL PASO DIVISION. 65. On or around January 28, 2001, a young man attempting to sell artwork approached a DEA Receptionist for the Albuquerque District Office. The Receptionist advised the young man that the District Office was a federal building and that she or anyone else was not interested. The Receptionist observed: the young man leave; however, she does not remember the description of the individual.
LATE JAN EARLY FEB 01
OFFICE OF AVIATION OPERATIONS. 149. In late January or early February 2001, two people attempted to sell some artwork to a Raytheon Aerospace Support Services Contract Employee at his residence, The employee's residence is located in Arlington, Texas.
2.X.01
VALANSI, Marcelo (Argentina passport #26316660)
1). Admission date: 2/01/2001
Admission Class: F1 (Student)
Port of Entry: Miami, FL
Arrival from: Tel Aviv Israel
Visa Issued: Buenos Aires (8/20/98)
Carrier: Al Israel Airlines (flt 201)
Intended address: 901 S.E. 1st Ave., Gainesville, FL
2.X.01
ST. LOUIS DIVISION. 126. In early February 2001, G/S James Dunne was contacted at his home by a young woman offering to sell original watercolor paintings. The woman was approximately 25 years of age and spoke with a Middle Eastern accent. G/S Dunne informed the woman he was not interested. She left and proceeded to a neighbor's home. G/S Dunne said this type of incident is uncommon in his neighborhood.
2.01.01
DARDIC, Vanina Erika (Argentina passport #10581811 1.) Admission date: 2/01/01
Port of Entry: Miami, FL
Arrival from: London (Gatwick Int'l) Visa issued: Buenos Aires 5/11/90 Carrier: Virgin Atlantic Airlines (flt 5)
2.01.01
OFFICE OF AVIATION OPERATIONS. 146. On February 1, 2001, one male, approximately 21 yoa, sold some artwork to a Special Agent/Pilot at his residence located in San Francisco, California. The SA/P wrote a check to Rony SHLOMO in the amount of $125.00.
2.05.01
DALLAS DIVISION. 24. On February 5, 2001, Security Guard Armstrong observed an individual matching the descriptions of the Israeli art student enter an office building directly East of the Dallas Divisional Office. Mr. Armstrong notified the Federal Protective Service Officers. The FPS Officers responded to the location, located the individual, and conducted an interview. The Israeli art student claimed he was selling paintings. NADDIS EPIC, INS Soundex, and state system checks were conducted for the above individual, with negative results.
2.07.01
SOUTHEAST LAB MIAMI FLORIDA. 163. On February 7, 2001, Inbar KOCHAVI, an Israeli National attempted solicitation at the Southeast Laboratory. KOCHAVI was escorted out of the building. KOCHAVI was later located in an adjacent federal occupied building. A Special Agent, Federal Protective Service Officers and the Southeast Lab Security Specialist identified KOCHAVI as an Israeli art student visiting the U.S. for the first time. Apparently, she is staying with her friend Rani DRORE. KOCHAVI also stated DRORE is a 27-year-old male living in the Kendall, Florida area. KOCHAVI initially stated she was selling the artwork and utilizing the monies for scholarships. Later, she revealed that she wasn't selling the paintings, but presenting them to people and businesses in the U.S. for the purpose of promoting the art students in Israel. KOCHAVI could not spell the name of the school, but wrote out "Bezalel," located in Jerusalem. KOCHAVI also revealed that she served time in the Israeli military as a secretary (A FPS Officer explained that all Israeli adults serve two years in the military upon reaching the age of 18). She claimed she is currently employed as a waitress at a restaurant called "Yotveta" in the city of "Hertzlia." KOCHAVI stated that she arrived in Miami, Florida either Friday, February 2, 2001, or Saturday, February 3, 2001. She stated she flew from Ben Gurion Airport in Israel to New York, and then to Miami. KOCHAVI'S passport has a U.S. Immigration stamp that indicates she landed in New York on December 31, 2000. KOCHAVI was asked about her transportation to and from the area and she stated her friend DRORE was dropping her off and picking her up. DRORE was expected to pick KOCHAVI up in a white van. KOCHAVI was asked about the names of others of fellow students that might be involved in the artwork promotion. She claimed there might be students like herself in the U.S., but she was not aware of this activity in other foreign nations. KOCHAVI provided Israeli passport #7674731. KOCHAVI was released and observed entering a blue van with Florida license plate #IA336J. The registration revealed the van to be owned by Legum YOCHAI of 13753 SW 90th Ave., Miami, Florida 33176
2.08.01
OFFICE OF AVIATIONS OPERATIONS. 147. On February 8, 2001, a male, approximately 25 yoa, attempted to sell a Special Agent some artwork at her residence in Northeast Albuquerque, New Mexico.
2.09.01
MIAMI DIVISION. 75. In a Federal Protective Service report dated February 9, 2001, a FPS Officer while on patrol at a Federal facility adjacently located to DEA, was notified by a Security Officer that there were two individuals walking around the back of the building. The subjects stated that they were there from Israel to try to sell paintings for art school. The male subject was carrying an Israeli passport, a Florida State driver's license, and a Florida state ID card. The female subject had a Florida State driver's license and a Florida state ID card. The female subject could not provide a passport or visa from Israel. The subjects were detained and transferred to FPS Miami Headquarters where they were interviewed. Both subjects were issued tickets for "soliciting for commercial purposes." While interviewed, both subjects produced counterfeit social security cards. Both subjects stated they were approached by a man at the Florida State driver's license office and paid him $100.00 for the counterfeit social security cards. Both subjects were issued tickets for "possession of a false U.S, Government document." The male subject was identified as Ohad AHARON and the female as Yafit SEGAL. Later in the interview, SEGAL stated that they are not art students, but answered an ad in Israel to go to the U.S. to sell art. The company, which is located in Florida, is "Oil Paintings and Frames Universal Art," and the manager's name is ALMOG. SEGAL also stated that they had a disagreement with ALMOG, left the company, and decided to sell art on their own. The art is bought from a company in Los Angeles, California. SEGAL and AHARON were released and the case remains open with the U.S. Dept. of State.
2.12.01
OFFICE OF AVIATIONS OPERATIONS. 148. On February 12, 2001, a Special Agent was approached at his residence by a male, 19-21 yoa that attempted to sell her artwork. The Special Agent's residence is located in Miami, Florida.
2.12.01
DENVER DIVISION. 63. A DEA-6 Report of Investigation was received from the Louisville, Kentucky Resident Office detailmig the suspicious activities of Israeli art students. On February 12, 2001, an individual who identified himself as an Israeli art student visited the residence of a Special Agent. The individual stated he was selling artwork door to door. He claimed he and other Israeli students were staying at a Motel 6 in Lexington, Kentucky. The Special Agent examined the individual's Israeli Ministries of Transport photo ID. The ID indicated that the individual was Shabar FREIDMAN, driver's license number 6728447 and ID number 033056433. On February 13, 2001, a Special Agent made contact with an individual outside the Lexington, Kentucky Resident Office. The individual claimed to be an Israeli art student. The individual was identified as Gerzon Ofir AVRAHAM, (DOB 08/12/77). AVRAHAM presented his Israeli passport (96315574) and a Ministries of Transport ID number 034193615. Contact was made with AVRAHAM after ATF personnel observed him walking around the property of the Lexington, Kentucky Resident Office. During an interview with AVRAHAM he stated that he did not enter the Resident Office and that he was trying to sell his artwork to individuals in the area. AVRAHAM also stated that he and seven other Israelis were in the U.S. traveling and selling artwork. AVRAHAM claimed that he and the others go to businesses and residences in an attempt to have people buy their artwork. Apparently, the Israelis were staying at a Motel 6 located in Lexington, Kentucky and are planning to travel to Cincinnati, Ohio. AVRAHAM told the Special Agents that there are two groups of Israeli students currently in the U.S. The second group was then currently in Memphis, Tennessee and Houston, Texas. The Israelis plan to stay in the U.S. until the end ofMarch or the beginning of April. AVRAHAM also claimed that one of the members of his group, SHAHAR (LNU), visited the residence of a police officer. SHAHAR told AVRAHAM that the police officer questioned him about the purpose of his visit.
2.13.01
USCG NEW ORLEANS. 110, Deputy Deschamp stated that on February 13, 2001, days after receiving the Security Advisory Notice, he received a telephone call from the United States Coast Guard Office, which is also located in the Hale Boggs Federal Building on the 13th floor, and was advised that an unknown male was in Room 1341 showing artwork to employees, According to Deputy Deschamp the unknown male was identified as David DROR; White Male; 5'10" tall; 170 pounds; Date of Birth 10/04/76; citizenship: Israeli/Canadian; National Origin: Israeli (Tel Aviv); and U.S. Visa (B-1/B-2) number 7338630. Deputy Deschamp explained that DROR entered the Hale Boggs Federal Building from Magazine Street, got on the elevator and went up to the 13th floor to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Deputy Deschamp described the item DROR was carrying when he entered the Hale Boggs Federal Building as an oversized black binder with gray duct tape wrapped around the carrying handle. DROR departed U.S. Bankruptcy Court and went to the nearby U.S. Coast Guard Office. Deputy Deschamp stated that pursuant to the telephone call received from the U.S. Coast Guard, DROR was temporarily detained and interviewed by the U.S. Marshals Service. At the same time, a Personal History Data Sheet was also completed for DROR. In addition, Deputy Deschamp stated that he contacted FBI Special Agent Pete Licata in New Orleans, Louisiana before contacting FBI Special Agent who is assigned to the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) in Houston, Texas. Deputy Deschamp provided SS Davis a copy of theU.S. Marshals' Security Advisory Notice along with other related documents.
2.15.01
MIAMI DIVISION. 5. [Number reused] On February 15, 2001, an off duty agent spotted two individuals believed to be identified with subjects of a security adviory posted by the Miami F.D. Surveillance was conducted and the local police approached them to obtain identification and photographs. They were both carrying passports. The female's name was Hammutal COHEN, DOB 01/29/62, passport 416077838, Immigration departure #41060016307 (02/12/01), 5'8", 145 lbs. The male's name was Itay RUBINSTEIN, DOB 01/17/79, U.S. visa #39127358, date of entry 12/28/00, passport #39127358, 6'0", 165 lbs, They stated they were showing artwork that was not for sale. They were promoting an art gallery that was opening in New York. DEA Special Agents observed these two individuals in a strip mall near the DEA Orlando District Office in Heathrow, Florida. The Israelis were observed going business-to-business selling artwork they carried in a large portfolio. The agents photographed the two individuals,
2.16.01
USSS. NEW ORLEANS DIVISION. During the period of February 16 through February 23, 2001, Group Supervisor (GS) James E. Myles, Jr. and Security Specialist (SS) Allen Davis met with members of the Federal law enforcement community in the metropolitan area of New Orleans, Louisiana to discuss matters regardmg the above captioned subject. The following Federal law enforcement agencies reported negative responses: U.S. Customs Service (USCS) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). 106. On Friday, February 16, 2001, S/S Allen Davis and GS James E. Myles, Jr. met with United States Secret Service Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Michael James and Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) Kent Tate in New Orleans, Louisiana. SAC stated that in December 2000, around Christmas time, two young Israeli students visited his residence with artwork. SAC James further recounted that approximately two weeks prior to his personal encounter with the Israeli students, two other young Israeli students attempted to sell artwork to his spouse at their residence. Neither SAC James nor his spouse purchased artwork from the students. Finally, SAC James disclosed that his office was in receipt of a Counter terrorism Advisory Report regarding suspicious activities around Federal buildings that related to Israeli students. SAC James provided S/S Davis with a copy of the report.
2.18.01
SOUTHEAST LAB MIAMI FLORIDA. 164. On the evening of February 18, 2001, two subjects visited the residence of a Forensic Chemist. The two subjects were identified as one male, 21-25 yoa, 6'0", 185 lbs., dark hair, close cut, neat appearance, and one female, 21-25 yoa, 5'6", 140 lbs brown hair just past the shoulders with a slight perm, neat appearance. The two subjects politely identified themselves as Israeli art students selling artwork. The Chemist informed the students he was not interested. He did ask them for a business card, but they could not provide one. Upon their departure, the Chemist observed the two subjects visit the other units in his building. The Chemist believes one resident purchased a painting.
2.20.01
FBI NEW ORLEANS. 107. On Tuesday morning February 20 2001, SS Davis and GS Myles interviewed Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent (SA) Gary McDaniel in his office. SA McDaniel is the designated security officer for the FBI office which is located at 2901 Leon C. Simon Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana. SA McDaniel stated that he was unaware of any incidents involving Israeli students. SA McDaniel assured SS Davis that he would canvass his office regarding the Israeli incidents and contact SS Davis if any significant information was discovered. Later the same evening, SA McDaniel reported to SS Davis that no Israeli students had approached FBI employees at the office or their residences. SA McDaniel queried his perimeter security officers to determine if they had been approached by anyone attempting to sell artwork with negative results. 108. On Wednesday, February 21, 2001, SA McDaniel contacted SS Davis and reported that the FBI had information that an Israeli student attempted to sell artwork to U.S. Federal Magistrate Docia Dalby and U.S. District Judge James Brady at their residences in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. SA McDaniel did not know if either Magistrate Dalby or Judge Brady purchased any of the artwork.
2.20.01
US MARSHALS NEW ORLEANS. 109. On Tuesday afternoon, February 20, 2001, GS Myles and SS Davis interviewed U.S. Deputy Marshal Bernie Deschamp at his office in the Hale Boggs Federal Building, 500 Camp Street, New Orleans, Louisiana. Deputy Deschamp reported that he learned about an incident that involved males who identified themselves only as Israeli students while trying to enter the DEA and FBI buildings in Houston, Texas attempting to sell paintings to building occupants. Deputy Deschamp further reported that an alert regarding the Israeli students in Houston, Texas became official when he received a Security Advisory Notice regarding suspicious activities around Federal buildings from Acting U.S. Deputy Director Louie T. McKinney.
2.20.01
USFPS NEW ORLEANS. 111. On February 20, 2001, SS Davis and GS Myles met with U.S. Federal Protective Service (FPS) Supervisor Lieutenant Herbert Patterson at his office in the aforementioned Hale Boggs Federal Building. Lt. Patterson stated that his office did receive a general alert notice from the FPS's Headquarters' Office in Ft. Worth., Texas regarding suspicious activities around Federal buildings. No specific details regarding Israeli students were mentioned in the advisory. Lt. Patterson canvassed his office regarding suspicious activities around the Hale Boggs Federal Building and received negative responses. Lt. Patterson assured SS Davis and GS Myles that he would contact them at the DEA New Orleans Divisional Office if any information was obtained regarding the Israeli students.
2.27.01
MIAMI DIVISION. 83. Follow-up calls to the Tampa Police Department revealed the following information. On 2/27/01, the Tampa Police Dept. responded to two calls of suspicious persons in the Davis Island area of Tampa. Shortly after 8 PM, officers responded to the first call and encountered a male and female alleging to be selling art prints in a residential area. One of the homes they embarked upon was that of a U.S. Marshal. During the interview of the two subjects, the male claimed he was previously a police officer with the Israeli Army and was currently touring the U.S. with an associate. The male subject was identified as Assaf MARZIANO, DOB: 02-04-78. The female subject was identified as Orit BENDALAK, DOB: 10-28-78. MARZIANO stated that he had relatives in Miami, but could not recall their names. He also claimed that he was traveling to Los Angeles after leaving FL. Both subjects claimed that a NADAV (LNU) was responsible for introducing them to the idea of selling artwork while in Miami, and added that NADAV was responsible for dropping off the subjects on Davis Island to sell artwork. BENDALAK stated that she originally left Israel and traveled to Thailand and Taiwan. She also claimed that while serving in the Israeli army, she was trained as a bomb technician. At 9:15 PM, a second call brought TPD officers to another location on Davis Island, which resulted in the interview of another male and female also selling artwork. These subjects claimed to ro be promoting artwork for an organization that they could not recall the name of. They both additionally claimed that they had been dropped off in Tampa after departing Miami on same day. These subjects are identified as Michael SIMON, DOB: 11-23-78 and Ilana HARARI, DOB: 4-29-79. TPD fingerprinted and photographed all 4 subjects. (The Tampa DO retains copies of all documentation.) These subjects all had passports in their possession reflecting travel through Czech, Warsaw, and Nepal (10/2000). It should be noted that in addition to one Deputy U.S. Marshal residing on Davis Island, also residing there is a DEA agent and his spouse who is a Deputy U.S. Marshal, a FL state representative, and a captain with the Tampa Police, Dept. 84. The day before this incident, February 28, 2001, four students were observed going door-to-door in a Tampa neighborhood. They knocked on the door of a U.S. Marshal. The U.S. Marshal stated that the students were selling and promoting artwork for the Jerusalem Art Academy. The students claimed they came to the U.S. on February 21, 2001 from Israel, through New York, and then to visit friends in Miami. None of the students could provide the names of their ftiends. The students indicated that they had just recently traveled to Thailand and Taiwan. The students indicated that they had served in the Israeli military (which is required). One male stated he was a police officer in the military and one female stated she was trained as a bomb technician.
2.27.01
MIAMI DIVISION. 88. On February 27, 2001, Deputy U.S. Marshal (DUSM) Scott Ley observed two females fitting the profile of the Israeli art student seen at the Tampa Federal courthouse, standing on a street corner in downtown Tampa. They were carrying hand-made portfolios, approximately 4-ft. by 3-ft, made up of white foam core sides with heavily taped carrying handles. One of the females was followed into a commercial bank buildina where she proceeded to sell her paintings. She proceeded to other buildings in the area for the next hour, before joining a third female in the lobby of another bank building. The third female had set up her artwork in the lobby. Information obtained from the building management revealed a Florida IID card in the name of Keren KUZNITZ, and a telephone number for her "boss," The number, (954) 478-0961 is a Voice Stream Wireless cellular phone out of Fort Lauderdale, FL. 12. DUSM Ley approached this female and inquired about the paintings, She immediately identified herself as an Israeli art student named Keren. She stated that she was one of the ten students from a class of forty that traveled to the U.S. for one month selling their own artwork as a fundraiser. DUSM Ley purchased a painting for $150.00, and obtained additional information from KUZNITZ. The name of her "Team Leader" and/or "Boss" is Hanane SARFATI, and the name of the art school is BEZALEL. The "boss" was to pick the art students up in downtown Tampa at approximately 5:00 p.m. Additional surveillance revealed a dark- colored mini van, driven by a white male with dark hair, picking up approximately six females, all carrying similar "portfolios," in a crowded area during downtown Tampa rush hour. The Florida license plate on the van was U71 DLD, a 1991 red Dodge mini- van, registered to Hanane SARFATI, W/M, DOB 06/03/1977, 4220 Sheridan St. #303, Hollywood, FL, and 701 S. 21st Ave., Hollywood, FL. A Florida Driver's License check revealed S613-320-77-203-0 to belong to Hinane SARFATI, 4220 Sheridan St.,, #303, Hollywood, FL. This license has been suspended and is not curreatly valid. 89. The U.S. Marshals Service subsequently found the BEZALEL ACADEMY OF ARTS AND DESIGN in Jerusalem via the Intemet. The telephone number is 011-972- 2589-3333; website www.bezalel.ac.il. The Tampa DO has copies of all of the above reports, photographs, and identification. For further information, please contact GS Jane Feeney or IRS Bonnie Godshall. 90. The following was received by the RAC of the Ft. Myers resident Office: Commonwealth Financial Center (CFC) (the DEA FTMRO is a tenant of this building) and approached several people attempting to sell artwork. The females were asked to leave by tenants on the fourth floor that then notifiied the FTMRO. [Note: a MFD On 15 March 2001, sometime after noontime, two white females entered the Security Alert on these Israeli art students was previously given to the non-DEA tenants of the Commonwealth Financial Center, Also, other tenants of the building reported seeing this group on a previous occasion.] SA's Paul Mangone and Mark Strang approached the females and asked them what their business ws in the building. The two females, subsequently identified as Zwaig MEIRAV and Hilda MACHBUBI told the agents that they arrived that same day from Fort Lauderdale "by bus" and planned on returning the same day. They said they had "walked" from the bus station in downtown Fort Myers to the CFC. They said they had no identification on them. As they left the CFC, SAs Mangone and Strang followed the two females as they walked around the neighborhood returning to the corner of New Brittany Blvd. and College Parkway after, apparently, placing a telephone call to associates.
91. A short time later, SA Mangone saw a bronze/tan Ford Aerostar XLT, bearing Florida license number T37-VTH, arrive at the northeast comer of New Brittany Blvd. and College Parkway. Two other persons occupied this vehicle. These persons were
27
subsequently identified as Nimrod SIMKIN and Inbal KEREN. MEIRAV and MACHBUBI then entered the vehicle. SAs Mangone and Strang followed the vehicle as it headed west on College Parkway toward the city of Cape Coral. The vehicle entered Cape Coral on Cape Coral Parkway then turned north on Del Prado Blvd. It turned into a small business center on the East Side of Del Prado Blvd and parked in the parking lot of the business.
92. SA's Mangone and Strang then approached the vehicle and the driver, SIMKIN, who was already out of the vehicle. SA Mangone [not redacted] then asked the other three occupants to exit the vehicle. SA Mangone asked each to provide ID, which they did. SA Mangone asked MEIRAV why she lied to him at the CFC. She said she was afraid. SA Mangone asked SIMKIN, the vehicle driver, for permission to search the vehicle. SA Mangone [not redacted] saw a small Panasonic digital recorder and photographic equipment in the vehicle.
93. The following personal information was obtained from the four individuals:
Zwaig MEIRAV, w/f, thin build, short long dark hair, DOB: 2/9/76, US VISA control #20003205620012, Israeli passport #7831088
Hilda MACHBUBI, w/f, DOB: 5/4/79, US VISA control #20000397210011, Israeli passport # 6530284, FL ID # M211-320-79-664-0
Nimrod SIMKIN, w/m, over 6' tall, curly hair, DOB: 9/2/77, FL DL# S525-620-77-3220
Inbal KEREN, w/f, DOB: 7/17/79, US VISA control #20001710300009, Israeli passport #6082073
94. SIMKIN explained that they are part of a group of Israeli students who are working to earn money so that they may continue their education in Israel. All of the students travel to the United States on tourist visas and pay for their own airfare and living expenses. They remain in the U.S. for a period of four months then return to Israel. SIMKIN did not know how many students participate in this program but stated that in addition to himself and the three females currently with him there are three other students residing in Ft. Lauderdale. These students learn of this opportunity in Israel and they are put in touch with a several outlets where they purchase paintings out of pocket. The students then sell the paintings and they retain any profit for themselves. SIMKIN was unable to provide names of the persons/businesses from which they purchase the paintings nor was he able to provide the name of the organization that sponsors this employment.
2.28.01
EL PASO DIVISION. 64. On February 28, 2001, at approximately 6:30 p.m. the Albuquerque District Office Duty Agent received a phone call from Patrick Dawson in Phoenix, Arizona (606) 664- 5647. Dawson stated that their respective office had received a Teletype stating that a terrorist organization from the Middle East has been attempting to obtain information about the layout of different law enforcement agencies throughout the United States. According to Dawson the organization sends college students with framed paintings/prints to law enforcement buildings in an attempt to gather information about the layout of the buildings.
2.28.01
Tegucigalpa Country Office
170. On February 28, 2001, a couple attempted to sell at the residence of the Tegucigalpa Country Attaché. His neighbors advised the Country Attaché that a man and a woman in a red car were trying to open the CA's gate. The neighbors asked the couple what they wanted and advised them that no one was home. The couple left the area. No identification information was revealed.
2.28.01
PHOENIX DIVISION. 116. On February 28, 2001, at approximately 3:15 p.m., a white male identified as Travis Wayne SMITH, (DOB 11/09/74, U.S. Citizen), went to the Asset Forfeiture Unit located on the second floor of the Phoenix Division, to sell framed painting and posters. SMITH stated he had just come from the U.S. Customs office and sold artwork to a gentleman that was re-doing his office. SMITH also stated he had visited other floors and tenants in the building and sold artwork to them. An Investigative Assistant contacted Asset Forfeiture Unit's Task Force Agents regarding the unauthorized solicitor. The Task Force Agents asked SMITH for identification. SMITH wanted to know why he was being asked for ID and he was told because he was a suspicious person. Phoenix Police Department and Identification Bureau records revealed SMITH had two outstanding misdemeanor traffic warrants for driving on a suspended license. SMITH was booked into the Madison Street Jail. SMITH has FBI No. 530083DB8 (Assault - Domestic Violence). On the same day, the Task Force Agents checked SMITH'S residence, 615 S. Hardy, #210, Tempe, Arizona, and found that he is in fact renting that apartment. A search of SMITH'S vehicle revealed it was rented from Enterprise Rental Car in Albuquerque, New Mexico. SMITH had a Washington State driver's license, but was born in Utah. On March 1, 2001, the Task Force Agents went to SMITH'S place of employment, Sun City Designs, 7662 Gray Rd., #105, Scottsdale, Arizona, and contacted the branch manager Ramon ESTRADA (H/M, DOB 07/26/63). ESTRADA said he has known SMI TH for three years while working for the company. ESTRADA claimed that his business offers incentives for sales people to sell framed artwork to commercial businesses. ESTRADA also claimed that the business provides the artwork to the sales people and takes a percentage of the sales. 117. A NCIC triple "I" check revealed that the Los Angeles Sheriff's Office arrested Ramon ESTRADA in December 1982 for "processing marijuana for sale". ESTRADA was arrested in May 1995 for "transport/sell narcotics" by the Los Angeles Police Dept. and again in July 1995 by the Lake Tahoe, CA Police Dept. for "transport/sell narcotics," and "adult giving minor narcotics." ESTRADA was arrested in August 1995 by King County, Washington Sheriff s Office for "domestic violence." ESTRADA'S FBI No. 76435FAO, CASID No. CA07401218 and WASID No. WA17692473.
3.01.01
EPA. 171. On March 1, 2001, a female went to the residence of an EPA Special Agent. She stated she was showing art painted by international students, which will be for sale soon at an art gallery opening soon, late March or April 2001, at a Cherry Creek location in Denver, CO. The EPA Agent told the female he was not interested in purchasing any artwork and she responded she was not selling the paintings, but trying to generate interest so people would visit the art gallery when it opened. She stood at the agent's doorway and showed the agent, his wife and daughter approximately ten paintings. The agent asked the female if the gallery would be opening at the Cherry Creek Mall. The female stated she did not think so, but that it would be at a location near the mall. The female was described as 5'4", black hair, dark eyes, wore glasses and a long black wool coat. She appeared to be in her mid 20's, spoke excellent English with a slight foreign accent. On March 16, 2001, the EPA Agent was informed by EPA-OIG that a security alert where "Israeli" art students are purportedly going to the residences of Federal Law Enforcement Agents around the country under the ruse of selling art. On the same date, the EPA Agent contacted art galleries, the Cherry Creek Chamber of Commerce, and Cherry Creek North, Inc., to determine if a new art gallery was going to open in the Cherry Creek area. All responded negatively, and said they never heard of a group of international students trying to open a gallery.
3.1.01
HOUSTON DIVISION. 70. On March 1, 2001, two college students selling art visited the home of a Staff Assistant from the San Antonio, Texas District Office. The Staff Assistant's husband answered the door and sent the students on their way. No information as to where they were from was revealed. No vehicle was seen and they were walking door to door.
3.1.01
MIAMI DIVISION. 76. On March 1, 2001, at approximately 3:00 p.m., SA Kevin McLaughlin of theTampa DO responded to a knock at one of the fifth floor office doors. (It should be noted that the Tampa DO occupies the fourth and fifth floors of a First Union bank Office building). The reception area is on the fourth floor, with the fifthi floor doors being locked, and possessing no signs of identification.) At the door was a young fernale who immediately identified herself as an Israeli aii student who had beautiful art to sell. She was carrying a crudely made portfolio of canvas, matted, but unframed pictures. Taking note of the posted Miami Field Division Security Alert regarding a similar incident, SA McLaughlin invited her into one of the interview rooms and SA Adrian Chindgren joined him in listening to her presentation. She had approximately 15 paintings of different styles, some copies of famous works, and others similar in style to famous artists. When asked her name, she identified herself as Bella POLLCSON, and pointed out one of the paintings was signed by that name. She then changed her story and said that the paintings were not for sale, but that she was there to promote an art show in Sarasota, FL, and asked for the agents' business cards so that information regarding the show could be mailed to them. She was not able to say when, or where the show would take place. After this discrepancy, the agents began to question her more closely, and her responses were evasive at best. When asked whom she was with, she stated that she was dropped at this office building by her Team Leader, who knew everything and could answer more questions. The Team Leader was described as a male driving a red van, dropping off this female, with another four females and a male. 77. Tampa DO agents then began searching the area around the Tampa DO office and found the individuals described by the young female. Two of the girls were on a street corner near another busy office complex area and as agents were speaking with thern, the red van pulled up. All were escorted to the Tampa DO for questioning. 78. Agents from the Tampa DO then interviewed each of the subjects. Through identification that was produced, it was revealed that the female who approached the Tampa DO and identified hersclf as Bella POLLCSON, was now identified as Inbal VAKSHI. The other subjects were: Sussie OSHRA, Keren KUZNITZ, Keren MATATIA, Livnat SELLA, Eli COHEN, Oshirt ZAGURI, Rachel KENDEL, and Hanan SERFATY. SERFATY, the driver of the red van, was identified as the Team Leader. All of the subjects gave ambiguous answers to the agents, but keeping to the story that they were Israeli art students. 79, VAKSHI produced an Israeli identification card, an Israeli passport, a student identification card, and a Florida driver's license for Sarah Minna SASSOON. VAKSI stated that she had received the license from a friend of hers who was no longer living in Florida. 80. S/A David Keikin interviewed subject Hanan SERFATY. SERFATY stated that he served in the Israeli military between the ages of 18-21. He further indicated that he arrived in the U.S. approximately one year ago at the age of 23. When questioned as to what he did between the ages of 21 and 24, he refused to answer. The interviewing agent indicated that SERFATY's command of the English language was excellent, even the utitilization of slang words. SERFATY indicated that he resides in Hollywood, FL, with a phone number of (954) 478-1006. He further related that he purchases the paintings from an Anglo male, TOM (LNU) for $8.00-$15.00/piece, In turn, each piece of artwork is subsequently sold for $50-80. TOM (LNU) allegedly resides in Hollywood/Ft. Lauderdale area, and reportedly has a storage unit in south Florida where he keeps the artwork to be picked up. 81. It should be noted that in SERFATY's possession were deposit and withdrawal slips for Washington Mutual Bank account #038300002297689, dating, from December 19, 2000 through February 21, 2001. The fifty-one (51) slips were for transactions at various banks in Dade and Broward County, FL, banks, specifically in Coral Gables, Miami, Hollywood, Aventura, and Tamarac, The deposits for the timeframe toaled $93,252,00, with withdrawals totaling $86,000. Also in SERFATY's possession were four (4) deposit slips for First Union Bank account #1010017986436, from February 26, 2001 through March 1, 2001, totaling $14,250. 82. After being photographed, the subjects were released. G/S Mark Baughman contacted G/S James Williams, Miami Field Division SOG, and was instructed to contact Matheson of the Federal Protective Service in Atlanta, which he did telephomically. On March 2, 2001, G/S Baughman contacted Air Force Intelligence, OSI at MacDill Air Force Base and relayed all pertinent information to Air Force Commander Joseph Lukowski. Copies of all documents were forwarded to Commander Lukowski.
3.1.01
ST. LOUIS DIVISION. 127. On March 1, 2001, one male and one female purporting to be Israeli art students visited the home of a Special Agent from the Kansas City District Office. This Special Agent was TDY in Pittsburgh when this incident occurred. The two subjects made contact with the Special Agent's wife. The students were described as clean cut, 22 - 23 years of age, with a slight Middle Eastern appearance. They were carrying a large black portfolio and showed the Specia Agent's wife a painting of a church. The Special Agent's wife told the students she was not interested and the students departed. No vehicle was observed. When the Special Agent returned on March 5, 2001, he canvassed his neighborhood and found that the students had contacted some of his neighbors. One neighbor told the agent that the students claimed they were from the University of Jerusalem. None of the Special Agents neighbors are in the law enforcement field.
3.03.01
SAGES, Ester (Israel passport 96470399) 1). Admission date: 3/03/01 Admission Class: B2 (Visitor)
Port of Entry: Newark International Arrival from: Tel Aviv Israel Carrier: Continental Airlines (flt 91)
3.04.01
SOUTH CENTRAL LABORATORY DALLAS TEXAS. 169. On March 4, 2001, a DEA Chemist was approached at his home by an Israeli art student selling her paintings. The Chemist gave her his phone number and asked her to contact the Security Officer at his office on Monday, March 5, 2001. On March 5, 2001, at approximately 3:00 p.m., the same student contacted the Security Officer, via telephone. The student said her name was Elsa, but refused to relinquish her last name. Elsa claimed she is with a group of twenty art students from Israel traveling and promoting their artwork. Elsa produced a tourist visa. The Security Officer asked Elsa for a call back number. Elsa said she was staying with friends and then abruptly hung up the phone.
3.05.01
WASHINGTON DC DIVISION. 130. On March 5, 2001, a Richmond area ATF Agent and FBI Agent were solicited at their homes by two females claiming to be Israeli art students.
3.6.01
MIAMI DIVISION. 85. On March 6, 2001, two males and one female student attempted to sell artwork at the IRS office in Maitland, Florida, The students appeared to be from the Middle East and possibly Israeli, according to the IRS agent. Two agents encountered the students and they were asked to wait while a supervisor was contacted. The students left and were followed to the parking lot. The students were seen getting into a vehicle bearing Florida license plate number D36-TTQ. The registration belongs to Seth Thomas BURKHOLDER of 3329 Bartlett Blvd., Orlando, Florida. The vehicle is a white 1995 Nissan pickup. 86. The U.S. Marshals Service also provided information regarding similar incidents at the Federal Courthouse and Federal Building in downtown Tampa. On February 7, 2001, a female carrying a large flat package was stopped on the 17th floor of the courthouse. The female stated that she was an Israeli art student that had some photos and paintings to sell. The subject was instructed to check with the first floor Security Post to get permission. The subject then departed to the elevators. It was noted that the female had a thick accent possibly middle-eastern.
87. An inquiry at the U.S. Attomey's Office (USAO) in Tampa by the Marshals Service revealed that a female had visited the USAO floor of a commercial bank building where they lease space. She claimed to have pictures to see, and may also have claimed to be an
3.6.01
66. On Tuesday, March 6, 2001, a young female came to the IRS office trying to sell artwork. The woman was dressed neatly in an "American style" dress. The woman spoke very quietly and with a heavy accent, which made her very difficult to understand. She advised one of the IRS employees that she was Mongolian and that she had to sell a certain amount of artwork to get an art scholarship. She carried a small portfolio type container and produced a childish and unframed painting of some sort of animal with glitter. One of the witnesses described it as something the girl might have done herself. The girl was told that soliciting was not allowed in the building and she left the IRS office. No one apparently saw the woman leave the floor or building and no other subjects were seen. The woman described her as being in her late teens to early 20's, plump / chunky and approximately 4'11 " and light complected.
3.6.01
EL PASO DIVISION. 66. On Tuesday, March 6, 2001, a young female came to the IRS office trying to sell artwork. The woman was dressed neatly in an "American style" dress. The woman spoke very quietly and with a heavy accent, which made her very difficult to understand. She advised one of the IRS employees that she was Mongolian and that she had to sell a certain amount of artwork to get an art scholarship. She carried a small portfolio type container and produced a childish and unframed painting of some sort of animal with glitter. One of the witnesses described it as something the girl might have done herself. The girl was told that soliciting was not allowed in the building and she left the IRS office. No one apparently saw the woman leave the floor or building and no other subjects were seen. The woman described her as being in her late teens to early 20's, plump / chunky and approximately 4'11 " and light complected.
3.07.01
NEW ORLEANS DIVISION. 103. On March 7, 2001 at approximately 7:15 PM, the wife of the RAC of the Little Rock, Arkansas Resident Office was contacted at her residence by a male and female attempting to sell paintings. After she turned them away, the wife informed the RAC of the encounter. The RAC exited his residence and observed the male and female knock on the door of his neighbor's house and, after receiving no reply, walk back to the street. The RAC contacted them at this time. The male verbally identified himself as Danny SILVER. The female attempted to verbally identify herself several times but the RAC was unable to understand her as she had a very heavy accent. Both subjects were in their early twenties and, according to SILVER, were Israeli nationals. The RAC asked to see some form of identification. SILVER said that they had Israeli driver licenses and military cards but he refused to show these items to the RAC. SILVER said that he and the female were part of a group of twenty-five Israeli art students going around the area selling paintings and attempting to generate interest in a planned art gallery in St. Louis, Missouri. SILVER refused to identify the director and the location of the planned gallery. SILVER had in his possession a large case containing five or six paintings. The RAC asked SILVER how they arrived at his neighborhood. He initially said they drove but changed his story after the RAC requested to see his vehicle. SILVER then said that he and the female arrived in a taxi and would leave the same way. The RAC asked SILVER who had sent them to the neighborhood. SILVER said that their supervisor had sent them and that their supervisor makes the decisions as to where the students go to sell their art. SILVER refused to identify the supervisor and refused to provide a telephone number for him. The RAC asked SILVER for the telephone number and address of their current residence. SILVER said they were staying in a local hotel but refused to provide the name of the hotel or the telephone number. SILVER then stated that he did not want to answer anymore questions and that he wanted to leave. The RAC returned to his residence and called for a Little Rock Police Department patrol unit to search the area in an attempt to locate SILVER and the female for the purpose of identifying them. The RAC also searched the area. Neither the patrol unit nor the RAC was successful in locating SILVER and the female. In a subsequent discussion with the RAC's wife, he learned that this past summer she had been visited at their residence by a young female with an unknown accent attempting to sell paintings.
3.8.01
LOS ANGELES DIVISION. 72. On March 8, 2001, at approximately 6:30 p.m., two males claiming to be art students from UCLA, visited the home of Intelligence Supervisor Lori Fernandes and ASAC John Fernandes, of the Los Angeles Division. The two males said they were attending school from Europe and were trying to sell art to support their economy. The two males looked to be in their 20's. One male had very short black hair and the other had black hair that extended about two inches below his ears. The I/S Fernandes informed the males that she was not interested and they left the residence. The two males departed the neighborhood in a vehicle bearing a Maryland license plate #HLB785, The plate comes back to a 1991 Ford registered to Leviella MENDEL at 8377 Tamar Drive, #37, Columbia, Maryland, DOB 10/29/75, driver's license #M-534-514-009-032, 5'7", 150 lbs. All M204 inquiries were negative. Additional inquiries revealed MENDEL has a new residential address, 4733 Haskell Ave., #46, Encino, California. Criminal checks are still pending.
3.12.01
WASHINGTON DC DIVISION. 131. On March 12 2001, a Richmond, Virginia District Office Special Agent observed Eran KEDEM trying to open the north side entrance to the Richmond D.O. The Special Agent inquired as to KEDEM's business. KEDEM told the Special Agent that he was an Israeli art student who was selling paintings. The Special Ageat alerted his Acting Group Supervisor who invited KEDEM into the office where KEDEM was interviewed. KEDEM was interviewed by the S/A and A/GS and later by a Henrico County Business Inspector. KEDEM presented a Florida State driver's license and an Israeli driver's license. KEDEM told the agents he did not have a passport with him. KEDEM provided the following information: 132. KEDEM is an Israeli citizen who came to the United States with a group whose intention is to sell artwork. KEDEM arrived in the country during November 2000 in Miami, FL, via Mexico. KEDEM has visited several east coast cities including Miami, FL, Plantation, FL, and Atlanta, GA. KEDEM has been in Richmond, VA for about one week. KEDEM was in the company of five other Israeli nationals in the Richmond area, They are females; Limor PERLAS, Shiri ASE, Orit KEMETCH, and Shmrt MER and a male; Kobi BOUZAGLO. ASE is one of the females who solicited at the home of a local ATF Agent. The group is lodging at the Econo Lodge located at 6523 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, VA. KEDEM plans on leaving Richmond on Tuesday 3/13/01, via a flight from Newport News, VA, to Miami, FL. KEDEM will remain in Miami for a few days until returning to Israel via a flight out of New York City. KEDEM said he did not realize that he was soliciting at a U.S. Government office and said that he had no knowledge of the locations of any U.S. Government offices in the area. KEDEM also stated he did not have any knowledge of the addresses of any government employees in the area. KEDEM traveled in a van bearing Florida license plate #M31FHI. KEDEM reported that Kobi BOUZAGLO (his boss) had a cellular phone number of 1-888-321- 6213, During the interview, the local ATF, FBI, INS, Henrico County Police Dept., and the Henrico County Business Inspections Dept. were notified. A Henrico County Business Inspections office supervisor responded. The supervisor informed KEDEM that he was in misdemeanor violation of law and that he would have to appear in front of a local magistrate. At the request of the HCBI supervisor, KEDEM was transported to the Henrico County Court where KEDEM was taken before a magistrate. The Richmond D.O. obtained photographs and fingerprints of KEDEM. I&NS verified that KEDEM entered the country as a visitor on 11/25/00 in Miami, Fl, via Mexicana Airlines and that he was allowed to stay until May 24, 2001. However, he had no permission to work or solicit business in. the U.S.
3.15.01
DALLAS DIVISION. 30. Sandwiched between the two Euless incidents was an incident in Richardson, Texas. Per a Richardson Police Department report, on March 15, 2001, officers were dispatched in reference to two females soliciting artwork. Once located, the subjects were identified via their Israeli passports as Maya MAIMON and Nofar BADIHI. Both subjects were arrested for soliciting without a city permit. Prior to being interviewed by police officers, an unidentified male called the jail to inquire about the two female subjects. The U/I male was told he could come to the station to get further information. Two subjects arrived and were identified as Gadi REGEV and Eyal ARTZI (Texas DL number 19554509). A conversation regarding bond and visitation issues ensued, after which the males left. During a search of the two female suspects' property, several checks were found. Most were filled in with the amount and signature, but the payee blank was void. Also during the search of MAIMON's purse a prescription of cloriazepam prescribed to Marco FERNANDEZ was found. It was determined that FERNANDEZ was MAIMON's boyfriend. Fourteen checks, the prescription, and $130 dollars cash were placed in property as evidence. The paintings that the suspects were selling were also impounded. 31. Maya MAIMON was in possession of documentation showing her passport number as 5467894, US B1/B2 visa, DOB 26Dec1978, Nationality Israel, Issue Date: 18Oct2000, Expiration Date: 15Oct2010. 32. Nofar BADIHI was in possession of documentation showing her passport number as 5640993, DOB 21/03/1979 (sic), Place of Birth: Israel, date of issue: 05/12/1993; date of expiry (sic): 04/12/1995; US Visa B1/B2, issue date: 05Ju11996, Expiry Date: 02Jul2006. 33. Among the various documents were airline tickets reflecting the travel of Maya MAIMON and Marco MARABOTTO from DFW airport to Albuquerque, NM, via Delta flight 2238, on March 24, 2001. Each ticket also reflected Delta flight 1944 from Las Vegas to DFW on April 1, 2001. 34. Additional documents showed Marco FERNANDEZ's to be the same as Marco Antonio FERNANDEZ De Castro Marabotto, DOB 13Apr1977, passport number 99390039611, Issuing State: Mexico; place of birth: Mexico, date of issue 16Jul1999, expiration date: 16Jul2000. 36. Gadi REGEV was described as DOB: 17Dec1975, Nationality: Israel, passport number 5454338, visa type: B1/B2, issuing post: Tel Aviv, issue date: 05Nov1998, expiration date: 04Nov2008. 37. Eyal ARTZI's driver's license shows DL # 19554509, DOB 05-27-1977, address: 10334 Sandra Lynn Dr., Dallas, TX 75228, and an expiration date of. 06-27-07. A commercial database shows that ARTZI is the owner of a 1993 Plymouth Acclaim, Texas plate: J75FYB, date registered 08/21/2000, expiration date: 07/31/2001.
3.16.01
EPA. 172. On March 16, 17, and 18, 2001, the EPA Agent spoke with several of his neighbors and determined the following information: The female described in the above incident and a male, dark skin, mid 20's contacted neighbor's houses within two blocks around the agent's residence. Both of them identified themselves as Israeli art students. No other houses in the neighborhood, or in neighborhoods next to the agent's were contacted. On March 17, 2001, the EPA Agent spoke with his uncle who was at the agent's residence in the afternoon on March 1, 2001. The agent's uncle stated that he was talking to a construction worker next door to the agent's residence when a female with long black hair and olive colored skin, mid 20's, drove up to the agent's residence and took pictures of his house. The female only took photos of the agent's residence and then let the area in a late model sedan, silver in color. She left quickly and no license plate information was obtained. 173. A neighbor of the EPA Agent was visited by the male and female and bought paintings. The check to the male was made out to Odfd WEISFELNER. The check to the female was made out to Guy KEDEM. The female left a business card stating EAG-Guy Kedem, European Art Group, Oil Paintings; Phone number (720) 581-7076; Fax number (303) 336-7006. On March 19, 2001, the EPA Agent contacted Quest Security to obtain information on these numbers. The (720) number is unlisted and the (303) number is a fax.number for Heritage Creek Apartments, 650 South Dahlia Circle, Denver, Colorado. FPS Information 174. Santa Ana FPS reported to that while at the Starbucks drinking coffee after business hours last week, one of them overheard 2 Middle Easterners sitting outside talking in Arabic, making reference to our building and apparently making diagrams of our building and discussing explosives. Local police were notified.
3.18.01
SPECIAL OPERATIONS DIVISION. The Office of Investigative Technology has provided the following information: 134. On Monday 3/19/2001 S/A Jeffrey Behrmann's wife notified ST Unit Chief Louis Palombella of an incident, which occurred at the Behrmann [not redacted] home the previous evening. S/A Palombella and S/A Howard Oberst interviewed Mrs. Behrmann at her home on Monday afternoon regarding the incident. Mrs. Behrmann related the following information to the Agents. 135. On Sunday evening March 18, 2001, about.8:00 PM an individual she described as a White male, 5'6 to 5'7 with medium dark complexion, dark curly hair, dark eyes, and a prominent nose came to her front door. The individual was wearing dark clothing and spoke with an accent, which she believed to be of Middle Eastern origin. The individual purported himself to be an Israeli Art Student, and attempted to sell Mrs. Behrmann pictures or paintings. Mrs. Behrmann noted that he had what appeared to be a small table or object leaning against his side. Mrs. Behrmann had virtually no dialog with the individual except to tell him she was not interested and immediately closed the door. Mrs. Behrmann did not see what if any vehicle the individual was driving, but did see a white van drive by her house, and make a "U' turn down the street a short time later. Mrs. Behrmann called the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's office to report the incident on a non- emergency line, and noted that a marked police car made a tour of the neighborhood about 20 minutes after the incident occurred. 136. During the interview the agents showed Mrs. Behrmann the photographs of the individuals who have been included in the Security Alert bulletin. Mrs. Behrmann picked out the picture of Ohad AHARON as possibly being the same person who had come to her front door. 137. Following the interview with Mrs. Behrmann, the agents met with Lt. E. K. Lunsford of the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Department. During the meeting the agents informed the Lieutenant of the incident at the residence, and of the DEA security alert issued by the Miami Field Division. The agents requested that the Lieutenant brief the officers assigned to the area where the home was located and to provide extra patrol in that area at least until S/A Behrmann returned home from assignment.
3.21.01
USFPS NEW ORLEANS. 112. On March 21, 2001, the DEA Little Rock, Arkansas Residen t Office reported that an IRS S/A assigned to Little Rock was visited at his home on the night of March 20, 2001. The IRS S/A identified the individual as Idan UNIKOVSKY, a W/M with DOB 7- 22-79. Identification was made via an Israeli passport number not obtained. UNIKOVSKY stated he was part of a group of 8 Israeli art students who are attending the University of Jerusalem. They have been in Memphis, TN and Baton Rouge, LA. He identified their "Team Leader" as Sharon RATZADY, (NFI), After the IRS S/A identified himself to UNIKOVSKY as a federal agent, UNIKOVSKY asked if he could take a picture of himself with the Agent, to show his friends that he had met a U.S. federal agent. The IRS agent refused, and sent him on his way. New York Division
3.22.10
DALLAS DIVISION. 39. On March 22, 2001, I&NS Dallas received a request from FPS Dallas S/A's Ellison and Stokes to assist in an investigation regarding Israeli art students. On March 26, 2001, agents went to the Oak Hills Apartment Complex in Irving, Texas to conduct interviews of Israeli nationals staying at those apartments. At approximately 11:30 pm, agents arrested Dahan ELDAD, an Israeli male, and Elsa Beatriz AFRICANO-Leon, a Colombia female at apartment 4228. ELDAD and AFRICANO were proceeding toward apartment # 173, where four Israeli nationals were in custody. ELDAD and AFRICANO were found to be nonimmigrant aliens in violation of their status, and placed under arrest by S/A Martini and Olivarez. A search of their apartment revealed a small amount of marijuana and a "bong" Additionally, checks in the amount of $150.00 (2)and $560.00, with the notation "For Paintings" were found in his possession.
3.23.01
HOUSTON DIVISION. 71. On March 23, 2001, the Houston Division HIDTA faxed ISP a security alert that was issued from ONDCR. The security alert describes the apparent attempts by Israeli nationals to learn about government personnel and office layouts. The security alert reads: "A Supervisory Special Agent from OTG has received information from the other OTG's that there was an on-going "security threat" in the form of individuals who are purportedly "Israeli National Art Students" that are targeting government office selling "artwork." The purpose of them targeting Law Enforcement in unknown. Intelligence information indicates that they are specifically targeting Law Enforcement agencies as they showed up in an ATF office in Lexington, KY, where their office is in a commercial building NOT associated with the government. When questioned by the ATF, the "students" were vague about why they were selling the artwork in that particular office. In the St. Louis area, the source thought that the students were Palestinian and they have been at the DEA office in that city. At that location, the Intel indicates that they were caught "diagramming" the inside of the building. Also in St. Louis, several of the Law Enforcement's Officer's homes have been visited by these folks. One DCIS agent reported two individuals, who appeared to be of Middle Eastern extraction, went to his house and tried to gain entry under the ruse of "selling art." When he refused entry to them, they left. What was unusual is that he watched them and they did not visit any other houses in the area. Since this came from DEA, who is apparently on of the major targets, I thoughy it imperative to get the word out as soon as practical. DEA is attempting to build a database of the contacts in all areas. A TIGTA Special Agent reports that he was visited at his home in west Little Rock, AR approximately two months ago by a woman "selling artwork," and fitting this description. It is unknown HOW these folks are getting the home addresses of the agents contacted, whether via surveillance or by FOIA. requests, but it is certainly well to be aware of anyone who may fit this description and appears to be following an agent."
3.25.01
DALLAS DIVISION. 38. Another incident involved an Israeli art student who attempted to sell paintings at the residence of S/A Michael Durr in Flower Mound, Texas, on March 25, 2001 at approximately 17:30. S/A Durr was slightly delayed and when he opened the door the art student had already departed and was approaching another house. S/A Durr called the Flower Mound police department, which responded. The art student was identified as David SUSI, W/M, DOB 01/09/1975, who was staying at an unspecified location in Irving, Texas. The student was not detained. Role Name Desc DOB PP/DL# Visa Sgtd Nad
Driver Gilad Lifshitz W/M 09/17/1978 FLDL#L123-280-78-337-0 Euless Neg Seller Betzalel Yanay W/M 09/04/1978 Euless Neg
Seller Morin Miryara
Biton W/F 07/14/1980 Euless Neg
Seller Dana Sasson W/F 08/10/1980 Euless Neg
Role Name Desc DOB PP/DL Visa Sgtd Nad
Seller Keren Touyz W/F 08/20/1978 Euless Neg
Seller Sharon Rotcrn W/M 08/12/1977 PP#7948317 Euless Neg
Seller Maya Maimon W/F 12/26/1978 PP#5467894 Bl/B2 Richardson Neg Seller Nofar Badihi W/F 21/03/1979(sic) PP#5640993 Bl/B2 Richardson Neg Unk Gadi Regev U/M 12/17/1975 PP#5454338 Bl/B2 Richardson Neg
Unk Eyal Artzi U/M 05/27/1977 TXDL#19554509 Richardson Neg
Unk Marco Fernandez U/M 04/13/1977 PP#99390039611 Richardson Neg Note: Maya's Boyfriend
Seller David Susi W/M 01/09/1975 Flower
Mound Neg
3.26.01
DALLAS DIVISION. 25. As of March 26, 2001, local law enforcement continued to encounter Israeli Nationals, either alone or in groups, selling artwork in the Dallas area. The Israelis appeared to be organized and structured, with the lower level consisting of the artwork sellers while the next level consists of the drivers. The hierarchy above the drivers remains undefined. Many of the art sellers claim to be studerts of a Jerusalem art school, and several appear to have had prior Israeli military experience. A standard method of operation is for a driver to drop off three or four salespersons in an area, returning several hours later for pickup. Bank checks found in the possession of several of the students suggest that the artwork sells for between $50.00 and $150.00.
3.26.01
DALLAS DIVISION. 29. In a separate but related matter, on March 16, 2001, the same officer from the Euless PD encountered Sharon ROTEM, aka Sharone, an Israeli art student, at a Kentucky Fried Chicken on Euless Blvd in Euless, Texas. ROTEM was described as a white male, DOB 031277, passport number 7948317, street address: 6023 Moshe Dayan, Holon, Israel. ROTEM claimed association with a Jerusalem art school and had approximately 20 paintings in his possession. The officer noted that ROTEM was an Israeli citizen who was selling "artwork" without a permit, and issued a warning. During the interview, ROTEM stated he was with two others and they were going to be picked up at 17:00 that afternoon. The pickup location was unspecified. ROTEM informed the officer that he (ROTEM) was out of the Israeli military and was doing "Good Deed" work. ROTEM also stated that he was staying in Irving, but didn't know where or the name of the hotel, and that he was going to drive to Austin Texas, later that day. ROTEM was negative in law enforcement indices. In ROTEM's possession were several airline tickets, as follows: -9th of March: Continental Flight 91 from Tel Aviv to Newark, NJ.
3.26.01
DALLAS DIVISION. Ms. Stanton stated that all of the Israelis left suddenly and vacated the apartments on the week of March 26/27th, (the time of the arrests of the 13 other Israelis). Ms. Stanton stated she believed CALMANOVIC was still in the Dallas area, as he had recently called regarding his security deposits. Copies of the lease agreements and copies of Israeli passports were provided by Ms. Stanton.
3.27.01
-10th of March: Continental Flight 1133 from Newark, NJ to Dallas, TX. This ticket shows a return to Newark on May l4th via Continent al Flight 1138.
3.27.01
-Continental Flight 90 to Tel Aviv.
3.27.01
DALLAS DIVISION. 40. At approximately 1:26 am on 3/27/01, S/A's arrested Eran LIVNI, an Israeli male, Aran OFEK, an Israeli male, and Michal GAL, DOB 8/10/79, POB: Afula Israel, I&NS #A75-894-941, an Israel female in apartment 216. OFEK and GAL were recognized by FPS S/A Stokes as having been interviewed by FPS subsequent to attempting to sell paintings at the DEA Dallas F.D. on Regal Row. LIVNI admitted to the S/A's he had engaged in attempting to sell art. Also present in apartment 216 were Noam GAVRIEL an Israeli national, and Netta Kritzman, a U.S. citizen. Personal belongings were retrieved from apartment #259 for OFEK and GAL. Three other Israeli nationals were encountered in apartment 9259, however, they were not found to be in violation of I&NS status and not arrested (nor identified in the report). 41. Aran OFEK stated that his father was a retired two-star general in the Israeli Army. (NFI). (ISP note: Israel recently launched its 5th spy satellite, identified as the OFEK 5. It is unknown if the name of the satellite and these persons is related.) 42. Michal GAL was subsequently held on a $10,000 cash bond. The bond was placed by Ophir BAER, DOB: 11-11-56, an Israeli male on a nonimmigrant H1B1 class visa. BAER was petitioned to work in the U.S. by AMDOCS, Inc. on Sept. 7, 1999, which was valid from Dec 10, 1999 to Sept 30, 2002. The visa was issued in Tel Aviv. BAER listed his address as 7845 La Cabeza Drive, Dallas, TX 75248 with telephone numbers (home) 972-392-0473 and (work) 214-576-5741, SSN: 627-70-0979. BAER also is identified with an address of 1125 East Campbell Road, Richardson, TX. BAER's SSN is also identified with a John BAER and Annie BAER at the 7845 La Cabeza address. BAER stated he was a relative of GAL. On the bond papers, it was reflected that GAL would be staying at 22 Palisade Terrace, Edgewater, NJ 07020 Tel: 201-224-0797 / 210-310-3521. A cashier check #0001594012 from Bank of America in the amount of $ 10,000 was posted. 43. AMDOCS is an Israeli communications software company, based in the U.S. at 1390 Timberlake Manor Parkway, Chesterfield (St. Louis), MO 63017-6041, telephone number 314-821-3242. AMDOCS is traded on the NYSE under DOX. On April 17, 2001, AMDOCS released a statement that he had signed a five-year outsourcing agreement with BellSouth. AMDOCS also lists an address of #1 Bell Plaza, St. Louis, Mo, which is the address for Bell South. AMDOCS also has a seven-year outsourcing agreement with Nextel Communications, a provider of digital wireless telecommunications services. Under this agreement, AMDOCS will provide Nextel with a comprehensive billing and customer care information software and support services. The president of AMDOC in Texas is identified as Boaz DOTAN, address: 23 Abba Hillel, St. Ranat Gan, Israel. Treasurer is listed as Beverly A."WHITMAN, SSN: 400-88- 4097. Secretary is listed as Gregory CHRISTOFFEL, SSN: 389-52-8560 at 91 Bell Plaza, St. Louis, MO. 44. Also arrested during this operation was Eran MOSHE (identified with I&NS #A75- 894-459), who stated he was a former Israeli special operations soldier. 45. It is noted that following the arrests of the Israeli nationals on March 26/27th, the Israeli embassy was notified that citizens of its country had been arrested by I&NS. The Israeli embassy arranged for air transportation out of the county on March 31, 2001.
3.27.01
DALLAS DIVISION. 46. On March 27, 2001, at approximately 2:30 pm, three Israeli nationals arriving from Frankfurt, Germany, were admitted as non-immigrant visitors through the Dallas / Ft. Worth Airport (DFW). They were identified as Julia VAINSHTEIN, an Israeli female, DPOB: 11-12-78/Russia, Dilka BORENSTEIN, DPOB: 03-15-79/Israel, and Ofir NAVON, DPOB: 09-02-79/Israel. BORENSTEIN stated to have been recently discharged as an Israeli Military Intelligence officer. NAVON claimed to be a former Israeli Army demolition/explosive ordnance disposal specialist. The three stated they intended to tour the Dallas area for a few days, and then go to Houston, New York, and Los Angeles. They claimed not to know anyone in the Dallas area. Surveillance was maintained on the three after they left the inspection area. They were seen being picked up by an individual subsequently identified as Michael VIC, who was driving a black Jeep bearing, Texas tags L44-CVD. This tag comes back to CALMANOVIC at 3575 N. Beltline Road, Apt 316, Irving, Texas. Subsequent investigation revealed this address to be a mailbox.
3.28.01
DALLAS DIVISION. 51. On March 28, 2001 at approximately 2:00 pm, three-Israeli nationals arrived at DFW again from Frankfurt, Germany. They were identified as Yoni ENGEL, male, DPOB: 09- 14-79/Israel, Yotam DAGA1, DPOB: 04-06-78/Israel, and Or ALROEI, DPOB 08-08- 78/Israel. ENGEL identified himself as a former company commander in the Israeli 79, and Eli RABINOVITZ, DOB 03/27/1979, U.S. Passport E3701329518. RABINOVITZ was described as a white, male, approximately 5'6" in height, 175 pounds, with brown hair in long dreadlocks and a small patch of hair beneath his bottom lip. RABINOVITZ was seen waiting outside of the I&NS area, and seemed to be impatient. He was observed speaking to a white female who was waiting by the curb. She was not identified, but is described as being approximately 35-40 yoa, 5'6", 150 pounds, with short reddish-brown hair. She was dressed in European style clothes, and appeared to SA Putnam to be possibly German. Once an I&NS Inspector escorted one of the above Israelis out of the I&NS area, RABINOVITZ starting speaking to the Israeli in Hebrew. Once ENGEL, DAGAI and ALROEI had collected their bags, they walked outside and spoke with RABINOVITZ, and then split into groups. During this time, ENGEL was seen to be the leader of the group, giving orders to the DAGAI and ALROEI. The unidentified white female stayed with RABINOVITZ at the curb, while ENGEL, DAGAI and ALROEI walked down the sidewalk to the next terminal. DAGAI then quickly walked into the terminal at the same time as a blue GMC Safari Van, bearing California tags 3LVA018 arrived at the curb and picked-up ENGEL and ALROEI. The van then quickly departed. DMV records indicate this van is registered to ADESA GOLDEN GATE, Address: 6700 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont, CA, transfer date 11-28-00:, receipt date: 12-11-00. In a few minutes, the van returned and stopped quickly at the curb. DAGAI then came from the terminal door-way and entered the van. The van then quickly departed. Again, the van returned to the area, and RABINOVITZ got into the van and the unlidentified female spoke to the occupants, then it again departed. S/A4 Putnam attempted to locate the van, however it could not be found. When he returned to the area, the unidentified female had also departed.
3.31.01
DALLAS DIVISION. 45. It is noted that following the arrests of the Israeli nationals on March 26/27th, the Israeli embassy was notified that citizens of its country had been arrested by I&NS. The Israeli embassy arranged for air transportation out of the county on March 31, 2001.
3.31.01
DALLAS DIVISION. 48. On March 31, 2001, I&NS Deportation Officer Michael L. Bush was assigned escort duties for the 13 Israelis arrested on March 26/27, 2001 in Irving, Texas. At that time, one of the Israelis (not identified in the report) stated that five individuals in Israel were responsible for recruiting Israeli nationals to come to the U.S. for the purpose of selling art door-to-door. The detainee identified "ITAY' who lives in California, (subsequently identified as Itay SIMON), as the direct link between the five persons in Israel, and the U.S. operation. The detainee stated that the Texas contact for the organization is "Michael", who lives in the Dallas area and drives a black Jeep. The detainee stated that Michael (CALMANOVIC), is subordinate in the art-vending scheme to Itay (SIMON). 49. Based on investigative leads developed by I&NS S/A R. Marra and R. Martini, the Rochelle Plaza Apartments, located at 312 Rochelle Road, and the Hidden Ridge Apartments, located at 1103 Hidden Ridge, both in Irving, Texas, were identified as possible residences used by CALMANOVIC. On April 14, 2001, I&NS and FPS S/As interviewed Ms. Mary Stanton, Property Manager for the Rochelle Apartments. Ms. Stanton stated that CALMANOVIC had rented five (5) apartments in the complex, and that these apartments were occupied by 25 Israelis. Ms. Stanton stated that all of the Israelis left suddenly and vacated the apartments on the week of March 26/27th, (the time of the arrests of the 13 other Israelis). Ms. Stanton stated she believed CALMANOVIC was still in the Dallas area, as he had recently called regarding his security deposits. Copies of the lease agreements and copies of Israeli passports were provided by Ms. Stanton.
4.02.01
LOS ANGELES DIVISION. 73. On Wednesday April 2, 2001 at approximately 8:00 PM one of two individuals rang the doorbell of the residence of a DEA Special Agent Wayne Schmidt in Duarte, California. Upon answering the door, the S/A observed the two individuals walking away from the residence and walking toward an adjoining neighbor's residence. Upon exiting the residence, the S/A observed that both individuals, a male and a female, were at the neighbor's front door and stated that they were "Israeli art students", The neighbor advised them she was not interested and both left the area walking south on foot. The S/A observed that the male spoke English with a pronounced accent and was approximately 5'10" medium build short curly dark hair and carried an artist's portfolio. The female was approximately 5'7" with shoulder length auburn hair. The S/A was not able to obtain any further description due to the lack of available light in the area. The S/A returned to his residence and contacted by telephone the Temple Station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASO) and requested assistance in attempting to find and identify the individuals. While awaiting the arrival of the LASO, the S/A returned to the area where he had last observed the individuals and attempted to locate their exact location without success. The S/A was contacted telephonically by LASO Sergeant Joseph B. O'Conner [not redacted]. Subsequently, the S/A briefed Sergeant O'Conner in person at a location away from his residence, While briefing, Sergeant O'Conner dispatched a number of marked police units into the area of the last sighting. After approximately 30 minutes of searching the area the units reported no observations. Sergeant O'Conner, along with several LASO Deputies canvases on foot the residents of several houses north and south of the S/A's residence on the pretext of looking for door to door peddlers. Sergeant O'Conner determined that the two individuals approached the resident of 615 Royalview Street, Duarte, identified as Kathy SABGUNDJIAN (626) 358-6453 (626) 256-1027 at approximately 7:30 PM and had entered that residence and stayed for approximately 30 minutes. Ms. SABGUNJIAN had made a purchase from the individuals. During questioning by Sergeant O'Conner Ms. SAPGUNDJIAN recalled that the two individuals would not give her their names nor did they provide her with a telephone number. When asked about framing the artwork the individuals obtained Ms. SABGUNDJIAN's telephone numbers and said that they will be in touch with her. Sergeant O'Conner left his business card wtih Ms. SABGUNJIAN and requested that she contact him in the event the art students telephoned. Sergeant O'Conner also requested that Ms. SABGUNDJIAN not tell the sellers about his visit.
4.04.01
DALLAS DIVISION. 52. On April 4, 2001, four (4), and possibly six (6), Israelis were arrested in by the Ladue Missouri Police Dept. for peddling without a license. Three of these individuals were identified ay Yoni ENGEL, Yotam DAGAI, and Or ALROEI. During interviews conducted by I&NS St. Louis, three of the subjects claimed to have traveled directly from New York City, NY to Dallas, TX. A fourth subject claimed to have arrived at Dallas by way of New York City, Minneapolis, and Seattle. All then claimed to have met in San Antonio, TX with a fifth subject, identified as Ben SADAN, an Israeli national approximately 24 yoa, who acted as their driver. SADAN reportedly uses a cellular telephone with number 214-562-1110. The group claimed they then traveled from San Antonio, TX to Oklahoma City, OK, Tulsa, OK, Wichita, KS, Topeka, KS, Kansas City, MO, Springfield, MO, and then to St. Louis for the purpose of "showing" art produced by art students from the University of Art at Jerusalem. All admitted opening bank accounts at various branches of Bank of America. They further stated that the money collected from the sale of any art was normally deposited into various Bank of America accounts with an unspecified amount going to the individual seller. (See paragraph #129, under St. Louis Division).
4.04.01
ST. LOUIS DIVISION. 128. On Wednesday April 4, 2001, an Israeli male subject entered the public lobby of the building housing the St. Louis Division Office carrying a portfolio of paintings. A DEA employee happened to be passing through the lobby at that time and asked the subject where he was going. The subject was uncertain, and was told to leave the premises. The employee then informed ASAC II of the situation and several Agents were sent to interview the subject. 129. During the interview the subject was identified as Or ALROEI, DOB 8/8/78, Israeli passport # 6679687, Israeli drivers license # 6800268. The Agents also obtained flight information from ALROEI indicating that he flew into St. Louis on 3/28/01 on Lufthansa Airlines flight number LH691. A small piece of paper in ALROEI's wallet had a handwritten telephone number of 214-882-5196. (Note; this is one of the Nextel telephones obtained by Michael CALMANOVIC, see above.) ALROEI was very nervous and gave several conflicting statements about showing the artwork but not selling it. ALROEI was advised not to solicit the building, and sent on his way. (See Paragraphs #51 and 52 above.) ALROEI was subsequently arrested by I&NS.
4.10.01
WASHINGTON DC DIVISION. 133. The morning of April 10, 2001, at approximately. 8:52 a.m. anindividual entered Washington, D.C. DEA Field Division building at 801 I Street NW, Washington, DC and inquired as to the agencies and occupants housed in the building. This individual was probing for information. The guard informed the individual that the information was not to be given out. The individual was still insistent about the building occupants, which includes not only DEA, but I&NS and Veteran Affairs. The Justice Protective Guard asked for ID, but the individual refused to show any. He was asked to leave. He appeared ready to write the information in a black portfolio he was carrying. The Federal Protective Service was notified by the guard service at 9:21 a.m. The individual was a white male, approximately 5'4" in height, weighed approximately 185 lbs, had gray hair, with a receding hairline, wearing, a grayish shirt, gray slacks and a black windbreaker.
4.11.01
SPECIAL OPERATIONS DIVISION. 138. On April 11, 2001 at approximately 5:00pm, Senior Inspector Larry Loveless was notified by Deputy Assistant Administrator John Sheridan, ST, that two Israeli art students were at a shopping center in Fredericksburg, Va. The two had visited the store owned by an employee at ST. S/I Loveless contacted Virginia ABC Special Agent Carter Wells who contacted the Fredericksburg Police Department for assistance. S/A Wells and Officer Ed Medina, FPD, responded to the Gateway Village Shopping center, located on Plank Road (Route 3), Fredericksburg, VA. They approached two females who were inside a coffee shop in the shopping center. The females were identified as Yael GAVISH and Meirav BALHAMS. They were carrying a homemade portfolio, with several paintings. 139. GAVISH presented Israeli passport number 5013766, issued 12/03/92. The passport had been renewed twice, with the current expiration shown as March 12, 2002. S/A Wells obtained color photocopies of pertinent pages of her passport, which were provided to S/I Loveless [not redacted]. She was described as a W/F, DOB: October 03, 1978, long dark brown hair. GAVISH spoke very little English. GAVISH was issued a U.S. class B1/B-2 visa at Tel Aviv on July 04, 2000. Visa Control Number 20001818940002, foil number 35995526. The visa page contains two (2) US I&NS entry stamps; one dated Sep. 15, 2000 New York, and the other dated Mar 09, 2001, New York. Other entries reflected in the passport are as follows:
4-12-92 Kenya Immigration (entry) stamp and visa 4-28-92 Kenya Exit Stamp
4-28-92 Israel Entry Stamp
4-31-92 Israel Exit Stamp
8-13-95 Israel Entry Stamp
8-17-95 Taba Border Control entry (Israel)
07-25-96 Haifa Border Control exit (Israel)
07-27-96 ? pireas
08-07-96 ? same as above athina
07-07-97 Cyprus entry as visitor, max stay until 7-21-97
7-12-97 Cyprus exit
7-13-97 Israel entry
7-08-98 Israel Entry Stamp MA
8-28-99 Israel exit
8-28-99 Amsterdam
09-01-99 Amsterdam (?)
09-01-99 Israel entry
199? Arabic ? unknown (2 stamps entry and exit?)
Undated Brazil
03-03-2000 Israel exit
03-10-2000 Amsterdam unknown
03-10-2000 Israel entry
09-15-2000 Israel exit
09-15-2000 U.S. (New York) entry B-1/B-2 Visa issued 7-5-2000 09-20-2000 Mexico entry 10-13-2000 Mexico exit
10-13-2000 Guatemala entry
11-18-2000 Aeropuerto Juan Santamaria Entry Stamp 12-08-2000 Panama entry
12-08-2000 Cosa Rica exit with postage type stamp 12-11-2000 ? Spanish language entry
12-11-2000 Panama exit
12-13-2000 Bogotá, Colombia entry
02-05-2001 Bogotá, Colombia exit
02-05-2001 ? Spanish language visa or immigration stamp 03-09-2001 U.S. (New York) entry
140. BALHAMS presented a New York State identification card, number 140-614-039, issued March 02, 2000. The card lists her DOB as October 31, 1978, with an address of 354 PTERSN PLNK RD I (Paterson Plank Road) Jersey City, NJ 07650. She is described as a W/F 5'03" brown eyes and brown hair. BALHAMS spoke very good English, and was the leader of these two individuals.
141. The girls approached a shopkeeper in the shopping center and stated they were art students from a school in New York, and were traveling across the country selling their artworks. They had several unframed oil paintings, which they were selling for $130 each. The shopkeeper asked if he could contact them later to purchase paintings, and they replied no, and could not provide a telephone number for him to call. They left the shop, and were seen going to other shops in the area.
142. When interviewed by the FPD, the girls stated they had been dropped off at the shopping center, and would be picked up later. FPD obtained Polaroid photos of the two girls. They were then observed going to a local restaurant, where they sat and waited. At approximately 6:30 pm, a W/M, late 20's, dark hair, wearing bright orange pants met with the girls inside the restaurant. The W/M then left on foot, and was followed several blocks until he entered a maroon colored Ford Van. The shop owner advised that the van circled the shopping center lot for 15 to 20 minutes. The shop owner stated the van had NY tags.
43. There have been no reports of suspicious activities by Israeli art students occurring at DEA facilities or at the residences of any DEA Employee at the Office of Training. El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC)
144. There have been no reports of suspicious activities by Israeli art students occurring at DEA facilities or at the residences of any DEA Employee at the El Paso Intelligence Center.
4.14.01
DALLAS DIVISION. On April 14, 2001, I&NS and FPS S/As interviewed Ms. Mary Stanton, Property Manager for the Rochelle Apartments. Ms. Stanton stated that CALMANOVIC had rented five (5) apartments in the complex, and that these apartments were occupied by 25 Israelis. Ms. Stanton stated that all of the Israelis left suddenly and vacated the apartments on the week of March 26/27th, (the time of the arrests of the 13 other Israelis). Ms. Stanton stated she believed CALMANOVIC was still in the Dallas area, as he had recently called regarding his security deposits. Copies of the lease agreements and copies of Israeli passports were provided by Ms. Stanton.
FOLLOWING 4.14.01 INTERVIEW
DALLAS DIVISION. 50. Following this, the agents went to the Hidden Ridge Apartments, and at approximately 1:00 pm encountered CALMANOVIC and Itay SIMON in apartment #3018. Thev were in the process of vacating that apartment at the time. CALMANOVIC was identified as an Israeli citizen, DPOB: 09-06-75/Israel. SIMON was identified as an Israeli citizen, DPOB: 02-27-78/Israel. I&NS S/A Martini positively identified CALMANOVIC as the driver of the black Jeep Cherokee that picked-up VAINSHTEIN, BORENSTEIN, and NAVON at DFW on March 27th. (See paragraph #46 above). CALMANOVIC stated he was a recently dicharged electronic intercept operator for the Israeli military, and SIMON stated he was recently discharged from the Israeli Army, where he did "classified work for Israeli national security". SIMON refused to answer further questions regarding his military service. Both CALMANOVIC and SIMON were both arrested by I&NS and held on $50,000 bond. This bond was subsequently posted. Telephone number 214-882-5196 was identified as a possible contact number for CALMANOVIC in Dallas. This number is owned by NEXTEL Communications. Through an administrative subpoena, the subscriber was identified as Michael CALMANOVIC, 11012 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604, business phone number 469-446-7777, SSN 613-23-1430, CA DL # 0077480. The service was established on March 29, 2001. NOTE: 11012 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA is associated in MSQ with telephone number 818-980-6955, subscribed to SOTERE, Christopher C. in case file number R1-96-0160. MSQ also lists 11012 Ventura Blvd apartment #68, Studio City, CA with JACOBS, Peter, NADDIS #3539920, from case file R3-93-0098.
Prior to the service start date of March 29, 2001 for Michael CALMANOVIC, the phone number 214-882-5196 was used by N Lal MUMITH and Talal MUMITH (NADDIS Negative) DBA American Limo and Transportation (NADDIS Negative), 415 E. Airport Freeway, Suite 280, Irving, TX 75062, business phone number 972-256-0546 (all NADDIS Negative). Telephone number 214-882-5196 was changed to 214-882-8534 on February 13, 2001 and effective March 29, 2001 the phone was assigned to CALMANOVIC. In addition to telephone number 214-882-5196, there are six (6) additional phone numbers assigned to the account (all NADDIS Negative) with the assigned users name. The following list is all the phone numbers on account number 3231266 subscribed to Michael CALMANOVIC with a users name:
Phone Number User
214-882-5196 Gilad
214-837-3574 Roy
469-446-1248 Mosh (likely Eran MOSHE, para 944) 214-837-5996 Gil
214-876-1235 Gilad
214-837-7449 Michael
217-837-2056 Asaf
A nationwide search of available commercial databases for Michael CALMANOVIC, identified one Michael CALMANOVIC at 319 S. 177th Place 4201, Seattle, Washington 98148, home phone number 206-244-7705 (all NADDIS Negative). A search against the social security number was negative. CREF indicates that one Michael CALMANOVIC is associated with 310 S. 177th Place, Apt3 04, Seattle, WA (206) 242-3484, and 317 S. 177th Place, Apt 104, Seattle, WA (206)-277-8303. All NADDIS Negative.
4.30.01
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE. 175. On April 30,2001, an Air Force alert was issued from Tinker Air Force (TAFB), in Oklahoma City concerning a "possible intelligence collection effort being conducted by Israeli Art Students". On May 16, 2001, U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI), TAFB, and the Midwest City Police Department (MCPD), requested assistance from I&NS Oklahoma City to a location in Midwest City, OK It was indicated that four (4) individuals from Israel had been encountered by the MCPD attempting to sell art in the Midwest City area.
5.02.01
ORLANDO DIVISION. 95. On May 2, 2001 in response to that Interoffice memorandum, SA Lee Madeam noted a suspicious vehicle outside of the Orlando District Office parked in the travel lanes taking photographs of the office building and parking lots. SA Madeam attempted to get a closer look at this vehicle and possibly a license plate number, however, this vehicle sped away before he could reach it. SA Madeam described this vehicle as a late model Mitsubishi Diamante, maroon in color. SA Madeam described the driver of this vehicle as a white male.
5.03.01
ORLANDO DIVISION. 96. On May 3, 2001, the DEA Orlando District Office was visited by an Israeli art student at approximately 1:00 p.m. This subject was detained and identified as Peer SEGALOVITZ (DOB: 03-16-1974). SEGALOVITZ is a 27 year old male that has been in the United States since January 17, 2001. SEGALOVITZ is in the United States on a B-2 (visitation) visa which expires July 17, 2001. INS was contacted and INS requested that DEA detain SEGALOVITZ until they could arrive to take him into custody. FBI SA John Weyrauch also responded to assist with the interrogation. SEGALOVITZ was interrogated for approximately 4 hours while waiting for INS to respond. SEGALOVITZ was untruthful about his reasoning to be in the United States for approximately the first 3 hours. SEGALOVITZ finally admitted that he was one of approximately 30 Israeli art students who are currently in Florida. SEGALOVITZ would not admit what their purpose was in Florida, but did state that they were not here for legitimate means. 97. SEGALOVITZ reluctantly stated that he was an officer of the Israeli military special forces 605 battalion in Golan Heights. SEGALOVITZ has the rank of Lieutenant and his military ID number is 5087989. SEGALOVITZ stated that he commanded approximately 80 men. SEGALOVITZ stated that he had been in infantry, but as a platoon leader he and his men specialized in demolition. SEGALOVITZ then began to explain the various types of explosives that he was familiar with and stated that his main purpose was to clear mine fields for Israeli tanks and soldiers. SEGALOVITZ acknowledged he could blow up buildings, bridges, cars and anything else that he needed too. SEGALOVITZ further stated that he was very familiar with small arms and had operational knowledge of tanks and other large military machinery. SEGALOVITZ stated that the only thing he was not trained to operate was military aircraft. SEGALOVITZ admitted that he had been in two (2) military actions in Lebanon involving explosives, these missions were to eradicate members of the Hezbolah. SEGALOVITZ asked agents not to divulge this information to Israel because it would lead to his immediate arrest in Israel,
98. SEGALOVITZ stated that he was aware of Israeli Organized Crime, involvement in drug smuggling and weapons smuggling. SEGALOVITZ admitted that he was selling art and working for his brother's company. SEGALOVITZ identified his brother as Dror SEGALOVITZ with an address of 8187 N. University Drive Apartment 129 in Tamarac, Florida. A search of Peer SEGALOVITZ and his vehicle found numerous deposit slips, paintings, receipts for art sales and art equipment. INS SA's Nigel Jason and Bill Forester from the Orlando INS Office responded and arrested Peer SEGALOVITZ for violation of his B-2 (visitation) visa by working in the United States.
99. Following the interview of Peer SEGALOVITZ, FBI SA John Weyrauch [not redacted] drove to several area shopping centers lookin for SEGALOVITZ's buddy "Schlomo" as SEGALOVITZ called him. S/A Weyrauch [not redacted] spotted an odd looking male (long braided pony tail) with art portfolio like SEGALOVITZ's at a Winn Dixie, just down the street from the Orlando D.O. S/A Weyrauch [not redacted] approached the individual and did an interview. The subject identified himself as follows:
Akyuz Shmuel SAGIV Israeli Passport # 8710426 DOB: 09-27-1976
POB: Maaloot, Israel Entered US IN New York Address unknown
PN 954-712-2126
SAGIV stated he is scheduled to leave the U.S. in May to go back to Israel. SAGIV stated he has a cousin (NFI) in Hollywood, FL, and a cousin (NFI) in Coral Springs, FL. SAGIV stated he was in the Israeli military in 1995-1996, and was the personal bodyguard of the highest ranking General in the Israeli Army. He also stated he was a demolition expert.
SAGIV stated he met Peer SEGALOVITZ one week earlier, in a pub. SAGIV stated SEGALOVITZ asked him to help set-up art in Orlando, FL. SAGIV stated he knew nothing about art, but that they drove to Orlando that day but did not stay overnight. He stated he did not go to Daytona, FL, and did not stay in the Knights Inn. (Receipts found in SEGALOVITZs pocket indicated they did.) SAGIV stated he did not know anyone named "AVI" and did not know that Peer SEGALOVITZ had a brother named Dror. S/A Weyrauch stated that SAGIV was evasive with answers, that SAGIV did not speak English well, and S/A Weyrauch had to continually repeat questions. Following the interview, SAGIV was released.
100. On May 3, 2001, at approximately 1:30 pm, while SEGALOVITZ was being interrogated, T/S James Wise spotted a maroon car with a while male sitting inside. This car was parked in the turn lane outside of the DEA (Orlando) office building, T/S Wise was not able to get the license plate number of the vehicle, as the driver sped away as T/S Wise approached it.
5.09.01
DALLAS DIVISION. 53. On an unspecified date, (but believed to be on or about May 9, 2001 three Israeli nationals arrived at DFW via Air France Flight #40 from Paris, France. Two were sent for secondary inspection and interviewed by I&NS Agents. They were identified as Tomer BEN DOR, male, Israeli, DOB: 08-24-75, Marina GLIKMAN, female, Israeli, DOB: 12-15-72. BEN DOR stated he planned on being in the Dallas, TX area for approximately two weeks and then was planning on traveling to Mexico, New York City, and Canada before returning to Israel. BEN DOR was in possession of a return ticket to Israel dated July 8, 2001 and a rental car reservation through Hertz for May 9, 2001 to June 9, 2001. BEN DOR stated he works for NICE, a software engineering company in Israel. BEN DOR stated he served in the Israeli military on a unit that was responsible for Patriot missile defense. 54. BEN DOR stated he intended to stay at the La Quinta Inn, 14925 Landmark Blvd, Addison, TX, however a check of the hotel revealed no reservations under his name. BEN DOR was in possession of $1500 in cash and a credit card, which he stated he was going to use to help pay his expenses while in the U. S. BEN DOR stated he is a friend of GLIKMAN and traveled to the U.S. with her, but might travel throughout the U.S. alone. During a search of BEN DOR's luggage a printout from a Windows readme file named "WinPOS-53-readme" was found that has some reference to a file named "DEA Groups".
55. Marina GLIKMAN stated she would be visiting the U.S. for two months in the Dallas area. She originally claimed to be traveling alone, but later claimed to be traveling with BEN DOR. GLIKMAN stated that an individual named Ronen AKIVA or "HILLEL" (subsequently identified as Hillel DOR) would pick her up. GLIKMAN did not know the address of AKIVA or HILLEL, but had home and cellular telephone numbers for both, (not identified). GLIKMAN stated she did not know whom AKIVA worked for. GLIKMAN also stated she was planning on staying at the La Quinta Inn, and was in possession of $1500 in cash and a credit card. Again, a check of the hotel revealed no reservation under her name. GLIKMAN claimed to be a computer programmer for RETALIX RAANANA in Israel, and a prior intelligence officer in the Israeli military. During a search of her personal luggage, a Declaration for Personal Effects Shipping to Overseas was found which reflected she has shipped personal effects, to include furniture and clothing, to 8081 Royal Ridge Parkway, Irving, TX, the address used by RETALIX USA.
56. While GLIKMAN and BEN DOR were being processed, I&NS Inspectors went to the lobby of DFW to attempt to identify any individuals who were present to meet GLIKMAN and BEN DOR. The Inspectors identified Hillel DOR, male, Israeli, DOB: 04-06-71 and Zeev MILLER, male, Israeli, DOB: 09-04-71. MILLER had also arrived on the same flight as GLIKMAN and BEN DOR. MILLER claimed he was a student at Tel Aviv University studying software engineering while working part-time for RETALIX in Israel. MILLER stated he intended to travel to Mexico, New York, and Canada while on vacation. MILLER stated he was an explosive ordinance/combat engineer while in the Israeli military. MILLER was in possession of $1200 in cash and a Visa credit card. Hillel DOR stated he was at the airport to pick-up GLIKMAN. I&NS S/As verified that DOR had entered the U.S. in January, 2001 as an H-1B nonimmigrant, working for RETALIX USA.
57. RETALIX provides integrated, enterprise-wide software for the retail food industry. It has headquarters in the U.S. and Israel. RETALIX, USA Inc is the U.S. subsidiary of the parent company, based in Israel. It was founded in 1982 as POINT OF SALE LIMITED and changed its name in November 2000. It is trades on the NASDAQ market under RTLX. The company has over 450 einployees, with subsidiary offices in the U.S. and the United Kingdom. The chairman and CEO is Barry SHAKED, who replaced Lawrence ALLMAN as the president and CEO of RETALIX USA on January 31, 2001.
17
5.17.01
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE OKLAHOMA CITY. 176. On May 17th, four (4) Israeli art students were reported in the Midwest City, OK area. They stated they were there "to present and promote" Israeli art. MCPD located and detained the 4 individuals, all whom were in violation of their visas. Their vehicle was obtained also. The four were identified as:
Name DOB Yaron OHANA 02-04-78 Ronen KALFON 04-13-76 Zeev COHEN 03-26-78 Naor TOPAZ 06-08-77
POB Haifa, Israel Haifa, Israel
Haifa, Israel Haifa, Israel
Israeli Passport # 8421721
8168262
5524033
8081705
US Visa # 42252049 35966019
33331965
33306515
All 4 were charged with violating the status of their visas -- to wit selling art, and were booked into the Oklahoma City jail by I&NS. All 4 requested voluntary departure. Bond was initially set at $25,000 for each. All 4 had in their possession, pre-purchased return airfare to Bangkok, Thailand. FBI OKC requested that the "Students" be held for debrief/interview. 177. While booking, a personal check was found secreted between the buttocks of Ronen KALFON. Additionally, in the personal effects of Naor TOPAZ a number of uncashed checks were obtained, several post-dated to future dates.
5.19.01
Volk Field Air National Guard Base, Camp Douglas, Wisconsin
178. On Saturday, May 19, 2001, at approximately 3:10 pm, two Israeli Nationals requested permission to visit a museum located at Volk Field, ANG Base. Approximately ten minutes after being allowed on the base, the two were seen on an active runway, taking photographs. The individuals were identified as Tsvi WATERMANN, white male, DOB: June 7, 1979, Address: Pri Megadim 36 Mevaseret Zion, Israel, Israeli Passport 5728101 expiration date July 20, 2002, U.S. visa class B1/B2 expiration date March 20, 2011, and Gal KANTOR, white, male, DOB: Sep 08, 1975, Address: Kibbuts Ellon MP Western Galilee, Israel 22845, Israeli Passport 9 8261507 expiration date of Oct 20, 2004, U.S. B1/B2 visa, control number 19993358160012, expiration date of Nov 30, 2009. WATERMANN was also in possession of an Israeli Ministry of Transport driver's license, number 7046942, which reflects his first name spelled as "Zvi". 179. KANTOR was driving a 2001 green Ford Mustang, bearing Illinois tags SEU-760, which was rented from Hertz Car Rental at O'Hare Airport in Chicago, IL. A search of the car revealed cameras and exposed film. The film was developed, and one picture depicted WATERMANN in the car on the runway. There were no photos of any aircraft.
180. WATERMANN, and KANTOR were released to the Juneau County Sheriff's Department and charged with misdemeanor trespass. They were subsequently released after fine of $210 each.
181. During interviews, they stated that they were traveling from Chicago, IL to Duluth, MN, stopping enroute to visit a friend in Cold Springs, MN. They stated they stopped at Volk Field only to visit the museum. WATERMANN stated he was recently discharged from the Israel military, and was taking a trip around the world, WATERMANN had in his possession airline tickets with the following itinerary:
April 11, 2001 Tel Aviv - Toronto
April 15, 2001 Toronto - Newark
April 19, 2001 Newark - Chicago
Aug 01, 2001 Chicago - Las Vegas
Aug 04, 2001 Las Vegas - San Francisco Aug 08, 2001 San Francisco - Los Angeles Aug 10, 2001 Los Angeles - Honolulu
Aug 13, 2001 Honolulu - Sydney, Australia Jan 10, 2002 Sydney - Hong Kong
Jan 17, 2002 Hong Kong - Frankfurt - Tel Aviv
The ticket was issued by the Sititara Travel Agency in Jerusalem. The cost of the ticket' was $2,634 (U.S.).
182. Both were asked if they were involved in the selling of art while in the U.S. KANTOR became very upset over this, and questioned why the were being asked about that. KANTOR stated he had been involved in that a long time ago, and had sold art recently while in Chicago. He stated he was involved in a prograrn called "Shasheem", (NFI). Sgt. Kurt Moore of Volk Field stated that when asked about the art sales, that KANTOR's whole demeanor changed, and he then became uncooperative. Each asked to telephone the Israeli Embassy.
5.31.01
SOUTHWEST LAB NATIONAL CITY CALIFORNIA. 155. At approximately 7:40 PM on Thursday, May 31, 2001, an Israeli Art Student came to the residence of Forensic Chemist William R. Dietz. He had a large black portfolio containing artistic pictures. He stated he was from Israel and wanted to know if Dietz would be interested in purchasing some paintings. Dietz asked him to repeat where he was from and he said Israel. When Dietz asked where he went to school, he said it was a school in Israel. When Dietz asked for the name of the school he avoided answering the question by saying he (Dietz) wouldn't know it. 156. Dietz told him that he didn't have time to speak with him further because he was busy, but asked him if he could provide a business card. He said he did not have one. It also appeared that he did not possess any other form of identification or permit to sell items door-to-door. Dietz was able to ask the Israeli his name. He stated it was Gar, or something close to that. The man was approximately 5'8"-5'10" tall; short curly brown hair; tan complexion; and wore an orange T-shirt containing some sort of design and/or words. 157. Dietz's wife stated that she had seen the man coming from the house next door, but the timing of his departure from that house was so quick that there was either no response or he did not even follow through with his visit. Then walked to the other side of the street and away from the house down the street that was perpendicular to the Dietz's house. This street has many cul-de-sacs off of it, but the man never walked down any of them. He merely walked to the end of the street and turned the corner. He was not seen at that time getting into a car.
158. At approximately 8:15 PM that same evening, Dietz had to drive to the store. As Dietz drove down his street, a small blue car (license plate no. 3WAE681) pulled in front and was being driven by a male that appeared to be similar to the man. The car made several turns within the neighborhood, and eventually picked up a female. The blue car's sporadic driving lead to believe that the driver did not have a clear understanding of where it was to pick up the female passenger and may have even been searching for her.
42
September 11:04 PM
Maria, who asked us not to use her last name, had a view of the World Trade Center from her New Jersey apartment building. She remembers a neighbor calling her shortly after the first plane hit the towers. She grabbed her binoculars and watched the destruction unfolding in lower Manhattan. But as she watched the disaster, something else caught her eye. Maria says she saw three young men kneeling on the roof of a white van in the parking lot of her apartment building. "They seemed to be taking a movie," Maria said. The men were taking video or photos of themselves with the World Trade Center burning in the background, she said. What struck Maria were the expressions on the men's faces. "They were like happy, you know … They didn't look shocked to me. I thought it was very strange," she said. She found the behavior so suspicious that she wrote down the license plate number of the van and called the police. Before long, the FBI was also on the scene, and a statewide bulletin was issued on the van.
The plate number was traced to a van owned by a company called Urban Moving. Around 4 p.m. on Sept. 11, the van was spotted on a service road off Route 3, near New Jersey's Giants Stadium. A police officer pulled the van over, finding five men, between 22 and 27 years old, in the vehicle. The men were taken out of the van at gunpoint and handcuffed by police.
The arresting officers said they saw a lot that aroused their suspicion about the men. One of the passengers had $4,700 in cash hidden in his sock. Another was carrying two foreign passports. A box cutter was found in the van. But perhaps the biggest surprise for the officers came when the five men identified themselves as Israeli citizens. According to the police report, one of the passengers told the officers they had been on the West Side Highway in Manhattan "during the incident" — referring to the World Trade Center attack. The driver of the van, Sivan Kurzberg, told the officers, "We are Israeli. We are not your problem. Your problems are our problems. The Palestinians are the problem." The other passengers were his brother Paul Kurzberg, Yaron Shmuel, Oded Ellner and Omer Marmari.
When the men were transferred to jail, the case was transferred out of the FBI's Criminal Division, and into the bureau's Foreign Counterintelligence Section, which is responsible for espionage cases, ABCNEWS has learned.
One reason for the shift, sources told ABCNEWS, was that the FBI believed Urban Moving may have been providing cover for an Israeli intelligence operation.
After the five men were arrested, the FBI got a warrant and searched Urban Moving's Weehawken, N.J., offices.
The FBI searched Urban Moving's offices for several hours, removing boxes of documents and a dozen computer hard drives. The FBI also questioned Urban Moving's owner. His attorney insists that his client answered all of the FBI's questions. But when FBI agents tried to interview him again a few days later, he was gone.
Three months later 2020's cameras photographed the inside of Urban Moving, and it looked as if the business had been shut down in a big hurry. Cell phones were lying around; office phones were still connected; and the property of dozens of clients remained in the warehouse.
The owner had also cleared out of his New Jersey home, put it up for sale and returned with his family to Israel.
9.14.01
After the men were arrested, FBI agents searched the warehouse of Urban Moving Systems in Weehawken, N.J., seizing computer hard drives and documents. The warehouse was closed on September 14, said Ron George, a spokesman for the New Jersey State Division of Consumer Affairs.
9.25.01
On September 25, they all signed papers acknowledging violations of U immigration law.
Mid 10.01
The five Israelis were detained in the high-security Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn in solitary confinement until mid-October.
End 01
At the end of October, the INS issued a deportation order which was enforced a month later after a review by the Justice Department and prodding by Jewish and Israeli officials.
12.7.01
On December 7, a New Jersey judge ruled that the state could seize the goods remaining inside the warehouse. The state also has a lawsuit pending against Urban Moving Systems and its owner, Dominik Otto Suter, an Israeli citizen.
INDEXING SECTION:
1. BLAIN, Gat NADDIS negative, occupation: Israeli art student, sold painting to DEA employee in Dallas, TX on 01/04/2001 (Identified in paragraph 22)
2. FREIDMAN, Shabar NADDIS - Negative driver's license (#6728447), ID (#033056433)
3. AVRAHAM, Gerzon Ofir NADDIS - Negative. DOB (08/12177), Israel passport (#6315574), Israeli Ministries of Transport ID (#034193615)
4. L.N.U., Shahar NADDIS - Negative
5. BARAM, Lior NADDIS - Negative. Florida driver's license (#B650-520-76-047-0), 10733 Cleary Blvd., #206, Plantation, Florida, 33324-0000, (DOB 02/07/76), 5'9", dark eyes and black hair
6, COHEN, Hammutal NADDIS - Negative DOB (01/29/62), Israeli passport (#6077838), Immigration departure (#41060016307 02/12/01), 5'8", 145 lbs.
7. RUBINSTEIN, Itay NADDIS - Negative DOB (01/17/79), US, visa (#39127358), date of entry 12/23/00, Israeli passport (#39127358) [sic, see visa], 6'0", 165 lbs.
8. AHARON, Ohad NADDIS - Negative . SEGAL, Yafit NADDIS - Negative
10. TOV, Yaniv Sheni NADDIS - Negative DOE (06/02/74) NADDIS negative
11. DOR, Sahlev NADDIS - Negative DOB (08/08/77) NADDIS negative
12. GROSS, Hagit NADDIS - Negative DOB (09/30/78), Israeli passport (#5111696) 13. SHLOMO, Rony NADDIS - Negative approximately 21 yoa
14. KOCHAVI, Inbar NADDIS - Negative Israeli passport (#7674731)
15. DRORE, Rani NADDIS - Negative approximately 27 yoa
16..YOCHAI, Legurn NADDIS - Negative 13 753 SO 90th Ave., Miami, Florida 33176
17. MEYTAL, Cohen NADDIS - Negative. Address: c/o Calmanovic, 3575 N. Beltline Rd,, P.0, Box 316, Irving, Texas 75062. Addressed used by Michael Calmanovic, identified below
18. SISSO, Rosie NADDIS - Negative.
19. BURKHOLDER, Seth Thomas NADDIS - Negative. 3329 Bartlett i6d., Orlando, Florida, 1995 white Nissan pickup bearing Florida license plate D36-TTQ.
20. L.N.U., Elsa NADDIS - Negative.
21. SMITH, Travis Wayne NADDIS - Negative. white male, DOB (11/09/74), FBI No. 530083DBS (Assault - Domestic Violence) address: 615 S. Hardy, 4210, Tempe, Arizona
22. ESTRADA, Ramon Hispanic male, NADDIS - Negative. DOB (07/26/63), arrested 12/82 "processing marijuana for sale," 5/95 "transport/sell narcotics," 7/95 "transport/sell narcotics, adult giving minor narcotics, " 8/95 "domestic violence." FBI No. 7643 5FAG, CASID No. CA07401218, WASID No. WA17692473
23. GILOR, Yaniv Zacoravich NADDIS - Negative. registered owner of a 1997 +y van in San Diego, CA
24. MENDEL, Leviella NADDIS - Negative. 83 77 Tamar Drive, #37, Columbia, Maryland, DOB 10/29/75, Maryland driver's license #M-534-514-009-032, 5'7", 150 lbs. Additional inquiries revealed MENDEL has a new residential address, 4733 Haskell Ave., #46, Encino, California.
25. SILVER, Danny NADDIS - Negative. (NFI)
26. BENDALAK, Orit: NADDIS negative, DOB 10-28-78, WF, POB Israel, 5'7", 140 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes.
27. BEZALEL ACADEMY OF ARTS AND DESIGN: NADDIS negative, Jerusalem, 011-972-2-589-3333, www.bezalel.ac.il.
28. COHEN, Eli: NADDIS negative, 701 S. 21 Ave. #207, Hollywood, FL 33020, DOB 11/04/1977, FL DL C500-200-77-404-0, State of Israel Ministry of Transport card number 03379722
29. , HARARI, Ilana: NADDIS negative, W/F, DOB 4-29-79, 9-29-79, 2-9-79, 14 Jerico itolon Israel, attends University of Jerusalem, 5'3", 90 lbs., brown hair, blue eyes, tattoo of sun on right foot.
30. KENDEL, Rachel: NADDIS negative, White/Female, State of Israel Ministry of Transport card number 7095201 and 034807727, Israeli passport number 6614254.
31. KUZNITZ, Keren: NADDIS - Negative. 1818 E. Oakland Park Blvd. #98, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306, DOB 02/09/1979, 5'5"; FL driver's license: K253-500-79-549-0, State of Israel Ministry of Transport card number 7121535 and 035721844.
32. L.N.U, Nadav NADDIS - (NFI)
33. L.N.U., Tom NADDIS - Negative. White, male. Address: Hollywood/Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Reportedly sells artwork to Israeli art students.
34. MARZIANO, Assaf or Asaf NADDIS negative, DOB 2-4-78, state of Israel Ministry of Transport # 034086959, passport #552306S, POB Israel, WM, 5'7", 150 lbs,
35. MATATIA, Keren: NADDIS negative (NFI) 36. OSHRA, Sussie: NADDIS negative. (NFI)
37. SASSOON, Sarah Minna: NADDIS negative, 2916 Pierce St., 94, Hollywood, FL 33020, DOB 11/8/1978, FL DL# S250-793-79-908-0.
38. SELLA, Livnet: NADDIS necgative, DOB 12/24/1978, State of Israel Ministry of Transport number 7023400 and 036208023, International Student Idenitity card number S972-204-776-601.
39. SERFATY, Hanan, aka Hanane SAI: NADDIS negative, 4220 Sheridan St., #303, Hollywood, FL 33.021, and 701 S. 21 Ave., Hollywood, FL, DOB 06/03/1977, 6', FL DL S613-320-77-203-0, registered owner of red mini-van FL tag # U71 DLD, phone number (954) 478-1006, cellular phone number (954) 478-0961.
50
40, SIMON, Michael: NADDIS negative, w/m, 11-23-78, Aliebenliezel 82, Jerusalem, telephone number 97226768256, Israeli passport no. 8660008, POB Jerusalem, 6'1", 180 lbs., black hair, brown eyes.
41. VAKSHI, Inbal: NADDIS negative aka Bella POLLCSON, State of Israel Miriistry of Transport License number 7098663 and 036444842, International Student Identity Card number S972-204-775-487, DOB 02/03/1979.
42. ZAGURI, Oshirt: NADDIS negative, 701 S. 21 Ave., 4205, Hollywood, FL 33020, DOB 07/11/1977, 5'6", FL DL #Z260-640-77-75 1 -0..
43. WEISFELNER, Odfd NADDIS - Negative. (NFI)
44. KEDEM, Guy. NADDIS -Negative. This female left a business card stating EAG- Guy Kedem, European Art Group, Oil Paintings; phone number (720) 581-7076; Fax number (303) 336-7006. The (720) number is unlisted and the (303) number is a fax number for Heritage Creek Apartments, 650 South Dahlia Circle, Denver, Colorado. (NFI)
The following individuals were identified by the Ft. Meyers, Florida Resident Office (#45-48):
45. MEIRAV, Zwaig, NADDIS - Negative. w/f, thin build, short long dark hair, DOB: 2/9/76, US VISA control # 20003205620012, Israeli passport 97831088
46. MACHBUBI, Hilda, NADDIS - Negative. w/f DOB: 5/4/79, US VISA control # 2000397210011, Israeli passport # 6530284, FL ID #M211-320-79-664-0
47. SIMKIN, Nimrod, NADDIS - Negative. w/m, over 6' tall, curly hair, DOB: 9/2/77, FL DL# S525-620-77-3220
48, KEREN, Inbal, NADDIS - Negative. w/f, DOB: 7/17/79, US VISA control # 20001710300009, Israeli passport # 6082073
The following individuals were identified by the Richmond, Virginia District Office (#49-54):
49. KEDEM, Eran, NADDIS - Negative. w/m, Israel, dob 10/15/75, 5'11", 1601bs., 12990 SW 74th St., Pine Crest, FL, Israeli ID 4031820079, Israeli driver's license #651007
50. PERLAS, Limor NADDIS - Negative. (NFI) 51. ASE, Shiri NADDIS - Negative. (NFI).
51
52. KEMETCH, Omit, a.k.a. KIMCHY, Ornit, NADDIS - Negative. w/f, dob 02/04/74, passport 96814521
53. MER, Shmrt NADDIS - Negative. (NFI)
54. BOUZAGLO, Kobi, NADDIS - Negative. cellular telephone 1-888-321-6213 (NFI)
The following individuals were identified by the Montgomery, Alabama District Office:
55. VALANSI, Marcelo, NADDIS - Negative. dob 11/24/77, Argentina passport #26316660, 901 S.E. 1st Ave., #2, Gainesville, FL., 617 E. University Ave., Gainesville, FL., 1436 Washington Ave., Miami, FL., registered owner of 1984 GMC Custom Van, Florida tag T11YZX., Argentina DNI26316660 card 4190961, speaks English and Spanish, Tel # (352)378-1485 (Identified in Paragraph 6)
56. VALANSI, Roberto, NADDIS - Negative. father of Marcelo VALANSI. Salguero 2468, Apartment 15, Buenos Aires (NFI) (Identified in Paragraph 10)
57. VALANSI, Graziela, NADDIS - Negative. mother of Marcelo VALANSI, Salguero 2468, Apartment 15, Buenos Aires (NFI) (Identified in Paragraph 10)
58. SAGES, Ester, NADDIS - Negative. dob 9/30/77, Israeli passport 96470399, Attornet 161, New York City, NY., Hotel Carlton, New York City, NY (Identified in Paragraph 6)
59. SAGES, Elyahu NADDIS - Negative. (deceased), father of Ester SAGES, (NFI) (Identified in Paragraph 9)
60. SAGES, Marjalit, NADDIS - Negative. Mother of Ester SAGES (NFI) (Identified in Paragraph 8)
61. DARDIC, Vanina Erika, NADDIS - Negative. dob 3/5/78, Argentina passport #10581811, 901 S.E. 1st Ave., Gainesville, FL. . Argentina DN126473227 card #J8557, speaks English, Hebrew, and Spanish, girlfriend of VALANSI, citizen of Argentina and Israel (Identified in Paragraph 4)
62. DARDIC, Mario, NADDIS Negative. father of Vanina DARDIC (NFI) (Identified in Paragraph 9)
63. COHEN, Judith (maiden name) NADDIS - Negative. mother of Vanina DARDIC (NFI) (Identified in Paragraph 9)
64. GAVISH, Yael NADDIS - Negative. W/F Brown hair, Brown eyes, DOB: Oct 03, 1978. Citz: Israel Passport Number: 5013766 issued 12-03-92, expires 3-12-2002 US Visa number 20001818940002 Class B-1/B-2 issued July 05, 2000 Expires June 28, 2010.
52
65. BALHAMS, Meirav NADDIS - Negative. W/F Brown hair, Brown eyes, 5'03" DOB: 10-03-78 Citz: Israel. New York ED Card 4 140-614-039. Address: 354 Paterson Plank Road #1, Jersey City, NJ 07650
The following individuals were identified by the Orlando D.O. on May 3, 2001:
66. SEGALOVITZ, Peer - NADDIS Negative, White, male, Nationality: Israeli, DOB: 03-16-1974, POB Israel, Address: 8187 N. University Drive Apt. 4129, Tamarac, FL, entered the U.S. on B-2 class visa on January 17, 2001. Former officer in Israeli Special Forces 605 Battalion. Israeli Military ED # 5087989. Encountered May 3, 2001 at the Orlando D.O. Occupation: Israeli Art Vendor/Student. (Identified in Paragraph 96)
67. SEGALOVITZ, Dror - NADDIS - Negative. White, Male, Brother of Peer Segalovitz. ADD: Address 8187 N. University Drive, Apt. Nationality: Israel. Identified in Paragraph 98)
68. SABGUNDJIAN, Kathy - NADDIS: Negative. (626) 358-6453 (626) 256-1027
69. SAGIV, Akyuz Shmuel - NADDIS: Negative. White, Male, Israeli Passport # 8710426; DOB: 09-27-1976; POB: Maaloot, Israel; Entered US In New York; PN: 954712-2126. Associate of Peer Segalovitz and Dror Segalovitz. (Identified in paragraph #99).
The following were identified at the Volk Field ANG Base, Camp Douglas, Wisconsin:
70. WATERMANN, Tsvi NADDIS - Negative, AKA: Watermann, Zvi; white, male, DOB: June 7, 1979; Address: Pri Megadim 36 Mevaseret Zion, Isreal; Israeli Passport # 5728101 expiration date July 20, 2002; U.S. visa class B1/B2 expiration date March 20, 2011; Israeli Ministry of Transport driver's license, number 7046942.
71. KANTOR, Gal Kal NADDIS - Negative. white, male, DOB: Sep 08, 1975, Address: Kibbuts Eilon NO Western Galilee, Israel 22845; Israeli Passport 8261507 expiration date of Oct 20, 2004; U.S. B1/B2 visa, control number 19993358160012, expiration date of Nov 30, 2009.
The following were identifed at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma:
72. OHANA, Yaron NADDIS - Negative. DOB: 02-04-78; POB: Haifa, Israel; Passport Number: 8421721 U.S. Visa Number:42252049.
73. KALFON, Ronen NADDIS - Negative. DOB: 04-13-76; POB: Haifa, Israel Passport Number :8168262; U.S. Visa Number: 3 5966019.
74. COHEN, Zeev NADDIS - Negative. DOB: 03-26-78; POB: Haifa, Israel, Passport
53
Number: 5524033: U.S. Visa Number: 33331965.
75. TOPAZ, Naor NADDIS - Negative DOB: 06-08-77; POB: Haifa, Israel Passport Number: 8081705; U.S. Visa Number: 33306515.
The following were identified by the Euless, TX Police Department on January 2nd, 2001, (refer to page 10):
76. LIFSHITZ, Gilad, NADDIS - Negative. W/M, DOB'09/17/1978
77. YANAY, Betzalel, NADDIS - Negative. W/M, DOB 09/04/1978
78. BITON, MoriN Miryam, NADDIS - Negative. W/F; DOB 07/14/1980 79. SASSON, Dana, NADDIS - Negative. W/F, DOB 08/10/1980
80. TOUYZ, Keren, NADDIS - Negative. W/F, DOB 08/20/1978
81. TZOR, Noam, NADDIS - Negative. previous owner of 1GAHG39K5SF112662, a 1995 Chev/Spt owned by Gilad LIFSHITZ of 7535 N. Beltline Rd, APt 316, Irving, Texas 75062.
82. ROTEM, Sharon, NADDIS - Negative. described as a white male, DOB 03 -12-77, Israeli passport number 7948317, street address: 6023 Moshe Dayan, Holon, Israel.
83. MAIMON, Maya, NADDIS - Negative. Nationality: Israel. Israeli passport number as 5467894, US B1/B2 visa, DOB 26Dec1978, Issue Date: 18Oct2000, Expiration Date: 15Oct2010.
84.BADIHI, Nofar, NADDIS - Negative. Nationality Israel. Israeli passport number 5640993, DOB 21/03/1979 (sic), Place of Birth: Israel, date of issue: 05/12/1993, date of expiry (sic): 04/12/1995; US Visa B I/B2, issue date: 05Jul 1996, Expiry Date: 02JUL2006.
85. MARABOTTO, Marco NADDIS - Negative. Airline tickets were found reflecting the travel of Maya MAIMON and Marco MARABOTTO from DFW airport to Albuquerque, NM via Delta flight 2238 on March 24, 2001. Each ticket also reflected Delta flight 1944 from Las Vegas to DFW on April 1, 2001.
86. FERNANDEZS, Marco, NADDIS - Negative a.k.a. Marco Antonio FERNANDEZ De Castro Marabotto, DOB 13Apr1977, passport number 99390039611, Issuing State: Mexico; place of birth: Mexico, date of issue: 16Jul1999, expiration date: l6Jul2000.
87. REGEV, Gadi, NADDIS - Negative described as DOB: 17Dec1975, Nationality: Israel, passport number 5454338, visa type: B1/B2, issuing post: Tel Aviv, issue date: 05Nov1998, expiration date: 04Nov2008
54
88. ARTZI, Eyal, NADDIS - Negative Texas DL 19554509, and an expiration date of 06- 27-07. address: 10334 Sandra Lynn Dr., Dallas, TX 75228. DOB 05-27-1977, commercial database shows that ARTZI is the owner of a 1993 Plymouth Acclaim, Texas plate: J75FYB, date registered 08/21/2000, expiration date: 07/31/2001
89, SUSI, David, NADDIS Negative DOB 01/09/1975, boyfriend of Maya MAIMON The following were idefitified by I&NS - Dallas:
90. ELDAD, Dahan, NADDIS - Negative. W/M Israeli, add: Oak IEH Apts. 1913 Estrada Parkway, #228, Irving, TX. Arrested by I&NS March 26 2001. (Identified in paragraph 39)
91. AFRICANO-Leon, Elsa Beatriz, NADDIS - Negative. W/F Nationality: Colombia Add: Oak Hill Apts. 1913 Estrada Parkway, #228, Irving, TX. Arrested by I&NS March 26, 2001. (Identified in paragraph 39)
92. LIVNI, Eran, NADDIS - Negative. W/M Israeli Add: Oak Hill Apts. 1913 Estrada Parkway, #228, Irving, TX Arrested by I&NS March 26, 2001. (Identified in paragraph 40)
93. OFEK, Aran, NADDIS - Negative. W/M Israeli, ADD: Oak Hill Apts. 1913 Estrada Parkway, #259, Irving, TX., father is 2-star general in Israeli Army. Arrested by I&NS March 26, 200 1. (Identified in paragraph 40)
94, GAL, Michal, NADDIS - Negative. W/F, Israeli, DOB 08/10/1979, POB Afula, Israel, INS A 75-894-941, ADD: Oak Hill Apts. 1913 Estrada Parkway, 4259, Irving, TX, Alt add.: 22 Palisade Terrace, Edgewater, NJ 01020 Tel: (201)224-0797 Arrested by I&NS March 26, 2001. (Identified in paragraph 40)
95. GAVRIEL, Noam, NADDIS - Negative. Nationality: Israel (Identified in paraggraph 40)
96. KRITZMAN, Netta, NADDIS - Negative. Nationality: US Citizen (Identified in paragraph 40)
97. BAER, Ophir, NADDIS - Negative. W/K DOB 11/11/1956, Nationality: Israel, employed by AMDOCS, Ltd., add: 7845 La Cabeza Drive, Dallas, TX 75248, former add: 1125 East Campbell Rd., Richardson, TX, Tel: (972) 392-0473 & (214) 576-5741, SSN: 627-70-0979- (Identified in paragraph 42)
98. AMDOCS, Limited., NADDIS - Negative. add: 1390 Timberlake Manor Parkway, Chesterfield, MO, Tel: (314) 821-3242 (Identified in paragraph 43)
99. DOTAN, Boaz, NADDIS - Negative. 23 Abba Hillel, St. Ranat Gan, Israel, TX president of AMDOCS, Ltd. (Identified in paragraph 43)
55
100. WHITMAN, Beverly A., NADDIS - Negative. SSN: 400-88-4097, Treasurer of AMDOCS, Ltd. (Identified in paragraph 43)
101. CHRISTOFFEL, Gregory, NADDIS - Negative. SSN: 389-52-850, Secretary of AMDOCS, Ltd. (Identified in paragraph 43)
102. MOSHE, Eran, NADDIS - Negative. Israeli, I&NS A 75-894-459, averted by I&N on 03/26/2001, occup. Israeli art student (Identified in paragrph 44)
103. VAINSHTEIN, Julia, NADDIS - Negative. W/F Israeli, DOB 11/12/1978, POB: Russia, arrived DFW on 03/27/2001, Assoc: Michael CALMANOVIC (Identified in paragraph 46)
104. BORENSTEIN, Dilka, NADDIS - Negative. Israeli, DOB 03/15/1979, POB: Israel, former Israeli Military Intelligence Officer, Assoc: Michael CALMANOVIC (Identified in paragraph 46)
105. NAVAR, Ofir, NADDIS - Negative. Israeli, DOB 09/02/1979, POB: Israel, former Israeli Military Demolition/Explosive ordnance specialist (Identified in paragraph 46)
106. CALMANOVIC, Michael, NADDIS - Negative. W/M, Israeli, DOB 09/06/1-975, POB: Israel, registered owner of TX: L44-CVD, add: 3575 N. Beltline Rd., Apt. 316, Irving, TX., alt. add: 312 Rochelle Rd., Irving, TX, alt. add: 1103 Hidden Ridge #3018, Irving, TX alt. Add: 1913 Estrada Parkway, Irving, TX 75061, alt. add: 11012 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604 Tel: (214)882-5196, alt, add: 319 S. 177 Place, 4201, Seattle, WA 98148 Tel: (206) 244-7705, Tel: (214) 882-5196 / (214) 837-3574 / (469)446-1248 (214) 837-5996 (214) 876-1235 (217) 837-2056 former Israeli electronic intercept officer. Arrested by I&NS on April 4th, 2001, Posted $50K bond, (Identified in paragraph 46)
107. SIMON, Itay, NADDIS - Negative. W/M, Israeli, DOB 02/27/1978, POB: Israel, former Israeli military, add: 1103 Hidden Ridge #3018, Irving, TX, alt add: California Associate of Michael Calmanovic. Arrested by I&NS April 4, 2001 for violation of status, posted $50,000 bond. (Identified in paragraph 50)
108. LNU, Gilad, NADDIS - Negative. Tel: (214) 882-5196 (214) 876-1235 (Identified in paragraph 50)
109. LNU, Roy, NADDIS - Negative. Tel: (214) 837-3574 (Identified in paragraph 50) 110. LNU, Mosh, NADDIS - Negative. Tel: (469) 446-1248 (Identified in paragraph 50) 111. LNU, Gil, NADDIS - Negative. Tel: (214) 837-5996 (Identified in paragraph 50) 112. LNU, Gasaf, NADDIS - Negative. Tel: (217) 837-2056 (Identified in paragraph 50)
56
113. ENGEL, Yoni, NADDIS - Negative. W/K DOB 09/14/1979, POB: Israeli Citzen, Israel, former company commader in Israeli military, arrived DFW on 03/28/2001, arrested by I&NS, St. Louis, MO on April 4th, 2001 (Identified in paragraph 51)
114. DAGAI, Yotam, NADDIS - Negative. DOB 04/06/1978, POB: Israeli Citzen, Israel, arrested by I&NS, St. Louis, MO on April 4th, 2001, arrived DFW on 03/28/2001. (Identified in paragraph 51)
115. ALROEI, Or, W/M DOB 08/08/1978, POB: Israeli Citizen, Israel, visited DEA St. Louis on 04/04/2001, Had Tel: (214) 882-5196 in his possession, Associate of Michael CALMANOVIC & Gil LNU. (Identified in paragraph 51)
116. RABINOVITZ, Eli, NADDIS - Negative. W/M, DOB 03/27/1979, U.S. passport E3701329518, 5'6", 175 lbs., brown hair (Identified in paragraph 51)
117. ADESA Golden Gate, NADDIS - Negative. add: 6700 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont, CA, registered owner of CA: 3LVAO1P (Identified in paragraph 51)
118. SADAN, Ben, NADDIS - Negative, W/M Israeli, approx. 24 yoa, Tel: (214) 562- 1110, driver of Israeli art students encountered April 4, 2001 in St. Louis, MO.
119. BEN DOR, Tomer, NADDIS - Negative. W/M Israeli,'DOB 08/24/1975, occup: Computer software engineer, employer: NICE, former Israeli military officer for patriot missile defense (Identified in paragraph 55)
120. GLIKMAN, Marina, NADDIS - Negative. W/F Nationality: Israel, DOB 12/15/1972 (Identified in paragraph 53)
121. AKIVA, Ronen, associate of Marina GLIKMAN, occup: computer programm employer: RETALIX, former Israeli military officer (Identified in paragraph 55)
122. RETALIX, USA, NADDIS - Negative. add: 8081 Royal Ridge Parkway, Irving, TX, formerly known as Point of Sale, Limited. (Identified in paragraph 55).
123. DOR, Hillel, NADDIS - Negative. W/M Israeli, DOB 04/06/1971. Associate of Marina GLIKMAN (Identified in paragraph 55)
124. MILLER, Zeev, NADDIS - Negative. W/M Israeli, DOB 09/04/1971, occup: student/software engineer, employer: RETALIX Israel (Identified in paragraph 55).
125. SHAKED, Barry, NADDIS - Negative, CEO of RETALIX (Identified in paragraph 55).
57
EXHIBIT B
Members of Israeli Groups and Future Hijackers
and FBI Suspects in Key Towns and Areas
Israeli DEA Groups1
Hanan Serfaty Akyuz Sagiv Eli Cohen Sarah Sassoon Oshirt Zaguri Sussie Oshra Keren Matatia Livnat Sella Rachel Kendel Gilad Lifshitz4
Lior Barram Peer Segalovitz Legum Yochai Yaron Shmuel6
FLORIDA
Hollywood
Hijackers and FBI Suspects2
Mohamed Atta Marwan al Shehhi3 Khaled al Mihdhar Ziad Jarrah Abdulaziz al Omari Mohand al Shehri Waleed al Shehri Wail al Shehri Ahmed al Nami Satam al Suqami
Nawaf al Hazmi
Salem al Hazmi
Fayez Banihammad
Ahmed al Ghamdi
Hollywood Area5
(continued)
1 Underscored names of members of Israeli DEA Groups are those who were apparent group leaders or have military intelligence, command responsibility or telecommunications backgrounds.
2Hijackers are italicized.
3 Marwan al Shehhi (May 2002 FBI Suspect List, p. 7) and apparently Akyut Sagiv (DEA Report, p. 30) also had addresses in Coral Springs. 4 Mr. Lifshitz was stopped in Dallas with a Florida driver’s license listing his residence as Sunny Isles Beach, about 2 miles south of central Hollywood. DEA Report, paragraph 27, p. 9.
5 In addition to Hollywood, members of BOTH the ISRAELI DEA GROUPS and the FUTURE HIJACKERS AND/OR FBI SUSPECTS lived or operated in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Plantation (two arrested with counterfeit Social Security cards and residences there), Coral Gables and Coral Springs. In addition, the Israelis lived or operated in nearby Tamarac, Sunny Isles Beach and Miami Beach, and the future hijackers and other suspects in nearby Dania and Opa Locka and (16 miles north) Delray Beach (see MAP 1).
6 Mr. Shmuel was a member of the Israeli New Jersey Group.
Dror Segalovitz
Keren Kuznitz
Zwaig Meirav
Hilda Machbubi
Nimrod Simkin
Inbal Keren
Eran Kedem
Limor Perlas
Shiri Ase
Omit Kemetch
Shmrt Mer
Kobi Bouzaglo
Ohad Aharon
Yafit Segal
Assaf Marziano
Orit Bendalak
Michael Simon
Ilana Harari
Rani Drore
Inbar Kochavi
Dominik Suter Sivan Kurzberg Paul Kurzberg Yaron Shmuel Oded Ellner Omer Marmari Meirav Balhams9
Hollywood Area (continued)
Hamza al Ghamdi Saeed al Ghamdi Ahmed al Haznawi Hady Omar Abdulwah al Omari Mohamed al Shehri Kamel Daoudi
NEW JERSEY
Hudson and Bergen Counties7
Nawaf al Hazmi Khaled al Mihdhar Hani Hanjour Salem al Hazmi Majed Moqed Mohamed Atta8 Ahmed al Ghamdi
(continued below)
7 Towns include, for the Israeli New Jersey Group, Jersey City, Weehawken, Fair Lawn, Rutherford, East Rutherford and (Mr. Gal below) Edgewater. For those on the May 2002 FBI Suspect List (other than Mr. Suter) the towns include Jersey City, Hoboken, Paterson, Fort Lee, Elmwood Park, Hackensack, Wayne, North Haledon, Totowa, Harrison and Seacaucus. See MAP 3.
8 Atta, al Omari and the al Ghamdis all lived in or around Hollywood, Florida, but had addresses in the Bergen County area and were frequent visitors there, as noted on page 31 of the Memorandum. See the May 2002 FBI Suspect List and the Hijacker Timeline.
9 Ms. Balhams was stopped in Fredericksburg, Virginia and was a member of the Israeli DEA Groups. She lived in Jersey City, N.J. DEA Report, paragraphs 138-42, pp. 38-40.
2
Michal Gal10
Addulaziz al Omari
Mohamed al Shehri Dominik Suter11 Mohamed Azmath Arshad Chaudry Abdul Husuen Bassem Hussein Ayub Khan
Arshad Mazher
Mohamed Nekhily
Mohamed Pervez
Mohamed Rahman
OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma City and Norman
Zaccarias Moussaoui12 Nawaf al Hazmi Hussein Alattas Mukkaram Ali
Khaled Abdulqaa-
dir
Mohamed Alshehri
Mohamed Atta Marwan al Shehhi Islamic Science
Institute
Khadija Mohamed
Elhadj Ndiaye
Hadjaratou Thiam
Yaron Ohana
Ronen Kalfon
Zeev Cohen
Naor Topaz
Yoni Engel
Yotam Dagai
Or Alroei
Ben Sadan
Hudson and Bergen Counties (continued)
10 Mr. Gal was a member of the Israeli DEA Groups, was arrested during the midnight raid in Irving Texas on March 27, 2001, and lived in Edgewater, N.J.
11 As noted in the Memorandum, Mr. Suter was both a leader of the Israeli New Jersey Group and listed in the May 2002 FBI Suspect List. 12 Suspected potential hijacker.
3
Yaniv Gilor
Five Unnamed Israelis13
Michael Calmanovic Itay Simon Dominik Suter14
CALIFORNIA
San Diego
15 others (named)
Los Angeles
Mohamed Atta Marwan al Shehhi Dominik Suter
TEXAS
Dallas – A Probable Training Area _ for the Israeli DEA Groups15___
Khaled al Mihdhar
Nawaf al Hazmi
Hani Hanjour
Omar al Bayoumi (cont’d) Hussein Alattas
Michael Calmanovic
Itay Simon
Tomer Ben Dor
Marina Glikman
Zeev Miller
Gilad Lifshitz
Aran Ofek
Michal Gal
Gal Blain
Betzalel Yanay
Morin Miryam Biton
Daria Sasson
Keren Touyz
Morin Miryara
Keren Touyz
Sharon Rotem
Nusrat Atta
Amaan al Hallack
Mohamed al Hallack
Amal al Harbi
(continued below)
13 DEA Report, paragraphs 118-119, pp. 34-5; paragraphs 153-58, pp. 41- 42.
14 Suter lived in Sherman Oaks (as well as in New Jersey), about two miles west of Calmanovic in Studio City.
15 Thirteen of the above members of the Dallas group were expelled from the United States on March 31, 2001. DEA Report, paragraph 48, p. 14. Certain members were detained elsewhere (Engel, Dagai and Alroei in St. Louis after visiting Oklahoma. Michal Gal was also of Edgewater, N.J., and Gilad Lifshitz lived in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida.
4
Maya Maimon
Yoni Engel
Yotam Dagai
Or Alroei
Gadi Regev
David Susi
Nofar Badihi
Eval Artzi
Julia Vainshtein
Dilkafb Borenstein
Ofir Navon
Dahan Eldad
Noham Gavriel
Evan Moshe
Rosie
Sisso
END