The investigation into the disappearance of Israeli mother and daughter Meli and Liel Yahalomi in Vienna has taken a dramatic turn, with investigators reportedly uncovering indications that the two may not have been abducted but instead may have deliberately disappeared after making preparations in advance.

According to a report by Ynet journalist Liran Tamari, investigative and law enforcement officials in Israel and abroad have found preliminary indications suggesting that location information and digital history were intentionally deleted from the women’s mobile devices.

Investigators reportedly believe that the deletion of the data began several days before Meli and Liel disappeared, raising the possibility that their disappearance had been planned in advance.

Authorities are also examining information indicating that the mother and daughter may have obtained a significant amount of cash before they vanished. Investigators reportedly view that detail, together with the deletion of their digital information, as potentially supporting the theory that they prepared to leave voluntarily rather than being taken against their will.

The findings remain preliminary, and authorities have not announced a definitive conclusion regarding what happened to the two women.

The new developments appear to correspond with an official statement from Vienna police saying that, at this stage, investigators have found no indication of criminal activity in connection with the disappearance.

A Vienna police spokesman said investigators currently have no evidence pointing to an abduction or other criminal incident, according to Austria’s Kronen Zeitung newspaper.

Authorities have conducted extensive inquiries as part of the search, including repeated checks with hospitals in the area. The investigation is being coordinated with Israel’s diplomatic mission and consulate.

Intelligence gathered during the investigation reportedly indicated that the two women, who are Shabbos observant, were last seen on Shabbos in the vicinity of a Vienna train station, a busy area that also includes a nearby public park.

Despite the new indications, Israeli police are continuing intensive efforts to locate the mother and daughter, with special command centers operating around the clock both in Israel and abroad.

Israel Police Commissioner Danny Levy convened a special situation assessment devoted to the search for Meli and Liel.

Senior police officials participated in the meeting, including the head of the Investigations and Intelligence Division, the head of the Intelligence Department, Israel Police representatives operating overseas, and members of the intelligence command center operating in the country where the women disappeared.

At the conclusion of the assessment, Levy instructed police officials to allocate all resources and capabilities necessary, without limitation, to advance the investigation and locate the two women.

Additional Israeli law enforcement representatives are also traveling to Vienna to reinforce personnel already on the ground, assist with the investigation and help determine what happened.

Meli and Liel last spoke with relatives on Friday before the onset of Shabbos and told them that everything was fine. Their family has had no contact with them since.

The apartment in Vienna where they had been staying was subsequently found completely empty, and the two failed to appear for their scheduled flight back to Israel.

{Matzav.com}