Gag order imposed on Vienna missing women probe; family: 'They did not withdraw money'

The Rishon Lezion Magistrate's Court approved a gag order Thursday on the investigation into the disappearance of Mali Yahalomi, 50, and her daughter Liel, 23, in Vienna. The National Unit for Combating Economic Crime in Lahav 433 requested the order, which bars publication of investigation details until Sept. 13. Police stated that "any publication from this point onward constitutes a criminal offense."

The case was transferred Wednesday to Lahav 433, where a special investigative team began work with Austrian police representatives. A preliminary Israel Police review found indications the two women were not abducted and may have left their apartment voluntarily. Investigators are examining deleted location data from their mobile phones in the days before their disappearance and exploring whether they obtained a significant amount of cash.

Austria's Kronen Zeitung reported Wednesday, citing Vienna police, that there was "no indication of criminal activity" In the case, indicating Vienna police currently see no signs a crime has been committed.

The Yahalomi family responded with a statement saying relatives had provided testimony and all available information to Lahav 433. The family expressed concern about police briefings, saying they "create the public impression that a conclusion has already been reached regarding the circumstances of Mali and Liel's disappearance."

The family stated that some published information was not presented to them and contradicted details they possess, which they said was also confirmed by Israel Police representatives in contact with them. According to information from Israel Police, there had been no unusual bank account activity, with the last transaction on Aug. 3.

The family stated that "contrary to what was published by the police spokesperson's office, at this stage there is no basis for ruling out the possibility of a nationalist-motivated terror attack."

The family noted that Mali and Liel "have been out of contact since Friday evening, Aug. 7. The loss of contact is completely out of character." Throughout their trip, they remained in touch and shared photos and experiences before contact suddenly stopped.

The family called for continued serious investigation of the terror attack scenario and stated it would not accept that voluntary disconnection be treated as a conclusion before investigation completion.