Bar Refaeli temporarily detained, accused of tax evasion

TEL AVIV, Israel, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Israeli model Bar Refaeli is under investigation for allegedly evading taxes from income made internationally.

Israel's tax authorities say the newlywed, who married businessman Adi Ezra in September, failed to report certain "celebrity benefits" or assets gifted to her or bought with extreme discounts in exchange for photo shoots and publicity, NBC reports. She is also accused of not paying taxes for her luxury Tel Aviv apartment.

Refaeli's lawyers say the television personality and model has been part of a longtime disagreement with local authorities over whether, as an international star, she should be listed as an Israeli resident for tax purposes.

Refaeli and her mother, Tzipora Refaeli, were reportedly detained and questioned by tax officials Thursday as part of the alleged months-long investigation. They were freed shortly after on bail, Jerusalem Post reports.

The investigation calls for the two women to remain in Israel for the next six months, with a $65,000 bond in place in case she receives approval for international travel.