Criminal8/15/2026

Mali and Liel Found in Argentina: Police Found No Signs of a Criminal Offense

After a week of searches, the Israeli women Mali and Liel Yahalom were located in Buenos Aires. Police believe the trip was planned in advance, but after questioning them, the two were released: no suspicion of a criminal offense arose.

Key facts

•The searches lasted one week
•Approximately 300 investigators and intelligence personnel
•The unit: Lahav 433
•Location where they were found: Buenos Aires, Argentina
•Initial publication date: August 15, 2026
•No suspicion of a criminal offense was found

How the Searches Were Conducted

The searches were conducted by the Lahav 433 Unit and the Police Intelligence Division. According to the police, approximately 300 investigators and intelligence personnel worked around the clock, and Police Commissioner Dani Levi ordered the establishment of command posts in Israel and abroad. Europol and foreign police organizations were also enlisted in the efforts.

The Route and the Suspected Attempt to Mislead the Investigation

The investigation found that the women apparently flew to the Czech Republic and then continued to Vienna, where the signal from their phone was last detected. According to the police account, in Vienna they recorded a video for the family, but sent it only after they were already in another country, in order to create the impression that they were still in the Austrian capital. Their route was subsequently traced to Buenos Aires; police claim that from there they intended to continue to another location, which has not yet been disclosed.

Why They Disappeared

According to the investigation's findings, the women prepared a plan to leave due to personal circumstances related to money. The source does not provide the precise details or the final destination of their presumed route. Police concluded that the two left of their own free will, that their lives were not in danger, and that they were not under duress.

The Legal Outcome

After they were located, Mali and Liel were questioned and released because police found no suspicion of a criminal offense. The source does not report an arrest, the filing of an indictment, legal proceedings, or the application of a specific statutory provision. Therefore, in this case, the described attempt to create a false impression regarding their whereabouts did not in itself lead to criminal proceedings.

What this means for you

An adult may leave voluntarily and cease contact with relatives, but a missing-person report may lead to an extensive international inquiry until police verify that the person is safe. In this case, after it was determined that the departure was voluntary and that there was no danger, no criminal proceedings were initiated. The source does not state whether the women are required to reimburse the search expenses.

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