ARGENTINA (VINnews) – Israeli police said Friday that missing mother and daughter Mali and Liel Yahalomi have been found alive in Buenos Aires, Argentina, after an extensive international search.

The investigation found that the two had purchased replacement phones and developed a plan to leave Europe because of personal circumstances, according to Ynet. After questioning, they were released after investigators found no indication of criminal wrongdoing.

A police source told Ynet that the women had left voluntarily. An Israeli police representative in Argentina verified that they were not in danger, were not being threatened and could continue on their way.

The search was led by Lahav 433 and the Israel Police Intelligence Division under the direction of Police Commissioner Dani Levy. Police said command centers operated around the clock in Israel and abroad, with hundreds of investigative actions carried out.

Israeli authorities said intelligence obtained by Lahav 433 provided an indication of the women’s whereabouts several hours before they were located. The operation involved Europol and additional police organizations in several countries.

Police said the women had been located after investigators narrowed gaps in their movements following their disappearance in Austria.

Their mobile phones were last located Saturday morning near a train station in Vienna. Austrian police previously said the women had left the country on their own and that there was no indication of a violent crime.

The disappearance had generated widespread concern and speculation in Israel. A gag order was imposed Wednesday on aspects of the investigation, which was being handled by Lahav 433’s national economic crime unit.

The family expressed “tremendous relief” that Mali and Liel had been found alive and thanked the Israeli public, police, the Israeli consul in Vienna, Magen and volunteer searchers for their assistance.

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