19 Nov 2021
Alleged ringleader of multi-million rand gold smuggling and money laundering racket was arrested again
A man accused of running a gold smuggling syndicate was out on bail when he was arrested for a second time by the Hawks last week.
Two men in the court in R4.5m land claim fraud case
The men were arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team for alleged fraud, theft and money laundering of more than R4.5 million as part of a fraudulent land claim scam.
FNB branch operations manager arrested for ‘R4m forex fraud’
A FNB branch operations manager has appeared in court for allegedly defrauding the bank of R4m in forex payments over two years.
Thousands of govt employees received fraudulent Covid-19 grants
At least 6 000 employees in 24 government departments received payments from the Unemployment Insurance Fund’s (UIF) Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (TERS).
Home affairs officials in court over rampant corruption at Lebombo border post
It is alleged the officials were issuing temporary residence permits, working permits and also stamping passports to extend the stay of the illegal immigrants who are coming from Mozambique, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and Malawi.
12 Nov 2021
Fraudster who stole R11m from FNB is jailed in Durban
Nadeem Arshad, was convicted of 26 counts of fraud and one count of money laundering. He committed the crimes together with two co-conspirators who have absconded.
Anti-gang unit sergeant arrested for alleged corruption
It is alleged that the sergeant was arrested after information was received that he requested a sum of money to arrange that a suspect in a murder case he was investigating was released on bail.
Truck driver arrested for trafficking R2m worth of drugs
Arresting officers discovered two bags of dagga, weighing about 60.2kg, as well as 39000 mandrax tablets concealed in plastic bags.
Alleged investment fraudster arrested for R3 million scam
Three suspects lured community members in Kuruman to invest money into their company called ‘Value Fix’ and were promised their investments would yield a 100% interest return.
5 Nov 2021
Alleged underworld boss Nafiz Modack arrested on tax fraud charges
Nafiz Modack appeared in court on Wednesday on charges of racketeering, fraud, money laundering, uttering and contravention of the VAT Act.
Eight charged in US with conspiring to engage in internet scams and money laundering from Cape Town
Seven leaders of the Cape Town Zone of the Neo Black Movement of Africa, also known as “Black Axe,” charged in US with multiple federal crimes relating to internet scams they perpetrated from South Africa.
Former Eskom finance controller found guilty of R35m fraud
Bernard Moraka will be sentenced for running a two-and-a-half-year scam with Victor Tshabalala, the sole director of Meagra Transportation, who received 53 fraudulent payments for work not done.
Hawks shut down four money lending businesses in North West
Four alleged loan sharks were closed for running illegal money lending businesses in Coligny in North West.
Former ANC MP Vincent Smith faces charges of tax fraud and money laundering
It is alleged that Smith failed to declare additional income of over R13m to SARS and also faces additional charges of fraud for alleged payments to the value of R800 000 made to his company.
29 Oct 2021
Alleged crime boss is among 8 suspects arrested in R219m tax return fraud case
Eight people have been arrested in Cape Town in connection with a R219 million tax return fraud case claiming VAT refunds which could not be substantiated.
R1.4m vehicle finance fraud case in Pretoria court
It is alleged that the accused fraudulently created false payslips under his company when applying for vehicle finance at three car dealerships in Pretoria.
Alleged fraudster arrested for approximately R1.8 million of tax fraud
The Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court heard on 18 October how an alleged fraudster, Sphesihle Floyd Nzimande (35), submitted false tax returns which allegedly caused the South African Revenue Services a loss of approximately R1.8 million.
Eastern Cape businessman due in court over R3.9m counterfeit goods
Suspected counterfeit cell phone accessories valued at more than R3.9 million were seized by customs officials in Gqeberha.
Bank staff and businessman among 8 arrested for Nedbank fraud
It is alleged that in December 2020 an amount of R500 000 was stolen from a Nedbank client’s account by a bank employee and transferred to a Funeral Directors account.
Two University of Fort Hare officials resign amidst fraud allegations
Two senior managers responsible for student funding allocations at the University of Fort Hare approved designated stores for students to purchase their study material and food, then allegedly accepted kickbacks from shop owners.
22 Oct 2021
Mkhize in court bid to set aside SIU’s findings on Digital Vibes
Mkhize has argued that the SIU report ended his career as a public servant.
Magashule corruption case postponed to 3 November for pre-trial hearing
Magashule and the co-accused, 10 individuals and five companies, face over 70 charges including theft, corruption and money laundering in connection with a R255 million asbestos roof eradication tender.
Alleged fraudster arrested for approximately R1.8 million of tax fraud
The Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court heard on 18 October how an alleged fraudster, Sphesihle Floyd Nzimande (35), submitted false tax returns which allegedly caused the South African Revenue Services a loss of approximately R1.8 million.
SA failing to combat money laundering & terrorist financing
While progress has been made to combat money laundering and terrorist financing since the FATF’s last assessment on South Africa, in 2009, this is fragmented and superficial.
Mkhwebane opposes Mabuyane’s application to have graft report set aside
According to the public protector’s report, Mabuyane ‘improperly benefited from the misuse of public funds’.
15 Oct 2021
Two businessmen and former health department head arrested for tender fraud
Former Head, who once was a police officer, awarded security services tender irregularly to firm that submitted fraudulent documentation.
Police arrest suspected SASSA money launderers
Three suspects are facing charges of money laundering and being in possession of stolen goods after being found with 70 SASSA cards.
R20m of Abalone confiscated by Hawks in Western Cape
Nine foreign nationals were arrested for abalone smuggling and operating an illegal abalone processing facility in Welgemoed, Bellville.
Businessman arrested for defrauding Mpumalanga education department
A transport service provider submitted invoices for services that were never rendered, and during periods when schools were closed.
US man sentenced to 3 years in prison for drug money laundering
A Californian man was sentenced today to 36 months in federal prison for laundering more than U$900,000 in drug money over a two-year period via a “Black Market Peso Exchange” for Mexico-based drug traffickers.
8 Oct 2021
FSCA Annual report highlights FICA weaknesses
The 2020-1 report identified that Accountable Institutions have difficulty understanding their money laundering / terror financing risks and struggle to develop a customised Risk Management and Compliance Programme (RMCP) or proper risk-based approaches/assessments.
Eastern Cape Education Official in court for R4m PPE fraud
The Hawks allege the supply chain director for the provincial education department, had authorised fraudulent payments – to the tune of R4 million – for a supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) to a company owned by her 30-year-old sister.
Suspended sentence for VAT fraud and money laundering
A Tshwane businesswoman was found to have fraudulently claimed VAT returns from SARS and received 12 years sentence for fraud and 15 year sentence for money laundering, both suspended for five years.
FBI arrest 11 Nigerian nationals over ‘romance’ fraud & money laundering
A US federal grand jury has indicted 11 Nigerians in the US for alleged fraud conspiracy, money laundering, mail & wire fraud around defrauding elderly victims in romance scheme.
$4.5bn money-laundering gang in Saudi Arabia jailed for 20 years
A group of 24 Saudis and expats carried out their criminal operations within an organised framework, under the cover of commercial facilities that included factories, companies, institutions and medical clinics.
1 Oct 2021
Ramaphosa authorises release of Digital Vibes report
President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the release of the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) final report into the health department’s irregular R150 million contract with Digital Vibes.
Man receives two 15-year prison term for fraud and money laundering R1.7m of North West municipality funds
The North West Hawks said that the money was transferred from the municipal account into an account purported to be that of the SA Post Office.
Western Cape man to appear in court over R3.1 million pyramid scheme
It’s alleged that the accused solicited funds from members of the public of just over R3.1 million that would be used to trade in cryptocurrency on forex platforms. The funds were instead laundered into various bank accounts, where it was used for personal gain.
Former bank employee sentenced to 8 years for fraud & money laundering
Whilst working at the bank the employee illegally transferred R536 000 to three different accounts belonging to family members and an unsuspecting account holder, from a bank account holder who won the lottery.
Former Free State mayor, CFO and service provider guilty of fraud and money laundering
Mandla Mamba, the former mayor of Nketoane, has been found guilty of fraud and money laundering through a duplicate invoicing scheme at the municipality.
17 Sept 2021
SA finds corruption ‘worsening’
A survey by Afrobarometer released by the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation highlighted public perception that most citizens were dissatisfied with the way the government handles its fight against corruption and that a growing number of people feared retaliation if they reported corruption to the authorities.
Africa loses close to 90 billion dollars a year to illicit financial flows
Industry experts state that 60 percent of what leaves the continent through illicit financial outflows come from commercial and corporate activities, 35 percent from criminal activity and five percent from government corruption.
Hawks arrest Pretoria man with live abalone
The Hawks arrested a 26-year-old Pretoria man for allegedly being in illegal possession of abalone and attempting to bribe them with R10,000 to let him go.
SIU say R15.3 million tender for Limpopo’s Talana shacks fraudulent
The appointed service provider, Aventine Group CC, made misrepresentations and forged documents of industry experts.
Company director and acting municipal manager charged with tender fraud at the Mafube Local Municipality
It’s alleged that the former acting municipal manager, Nkabi Andrew Hlubi, received kickbacks after the Mafube Local Municipality awarded tenders worth an estimated R21million.
10 Sept 2021
Estina dairy farm: New accused to be added in fraud and money laundering case
Two new suspects facing charges of fraud and money laundering around the alleged procurement fraud involving R24.9 million was allegedly diverted to a company owned and controlled by the controversial Gupta family.
US real estate is haven for African money-laundering assets
The use of anonymous shell companies or complex corporate structures remained the number one money laundering typology, with 14 percent of the assets identified originating from Africa and over 50 percent of the reported cases involved politically exposed persons.
Court grants provisional restraint order to freeze R1.4bn assets
The Pretoria High Court issued a provisional restraint order to freeze the the assets and bank accounts of a group of individuals facing corruption, money laundering and racketeering charges relating to kickbacks related to Kusile Power Station.
SIU details health department’s R132m Digital Vibes contract corruption
Flouting of procurement processes and a 104% price inflation were highlights among the irregularities in the national health department’s contentious R132-million contract.
Crypto exchange Binance tightens anti-money laundering checks after regulatory pressure
Major cryptocurrency exchange Binance said on Friday it would demand stricter background checks on customers to bolster efforts against money laundering, with immediate effect.
3 Sept 2021
DA Councillor charged with food parcel fraud and money laundering
Money meant for food parcels in Atlantis was allegedly channelled to a Cape Town church with ties to the Councillor.
Ex-Transnet official must pay back millions
The Special Investigative Unit (SIU) Special Tribunal has ordered former head of Capital Projects to pay back R26.4m, due to inappropriate relationship with Transnet supplier IGS Consulting.
Annual AML survey highlights the challenges of compliance
Across the board, our survey respondents indicated that they experienced a significant uptick in regulatory reviews in 2020, with 71 percent of financial institutions across the globe citing increased regulatory scrutiny.
Durban man arrested in alleged house building scam
A Durban man’s eight-year crime spree came to end when police arrested him for allegedly defrauding unsuspecting victims of about R18m by claiming he was building houses at cost price and making off with their deposits.
Eastern Cape man fined and sentenced for R1.5m bank fraud
Capitec Bank in Graaff-Reinet was defrauded of R1.5 million between August 2016 and February 2017 when 13 loans were taken out at the bank using alleged fraudulent documentation.
13 Aug 2021
ISS: Africa is a new playground for crypto scams and money laundering
The Institute for Security Studies says crypto in Africa still offers options for fraudsters and cyber criminals abound after the world’s two largest scams were perpetrated in South Africa in the last year.
Another suspect arrested for VBS-related corruption
The Hawks arrested another suspect in Klerksdorp in connection with the looting and ultimate collapse of VBS Mutual Bank.
Suspect arrested for R50,000 bribe relating to PPE Deal
The suspect was arrested after offering and handing over R50 000 to a SIU investigator in order to have a case relating to the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) corruption against his sister disappeared.
Rothschild brothers facing federal money laundering charges
Two brothers are facing federal charges of money laundering after prosecutors say they stole a quarter-million dollars posing as FedEx employees.
Chinese Broker laundered Latin American drug money around the world
A Chinese businessman laundered tens of millions of dollars in drug money through a Guatemalan casino, a US seafood export company, Miami banks, and Chinese bank accounts.
6 Aug 2021
Teacher and former principal bust over alleged ‘R3m tender fraud’
School governing body members including a teacher appeared in court on fraud and corruption charges over a security tender worth R3.1m.
SARS goes after alleged VBS looter who owes tax of R61m on ‘illicit’ income
The South African Revenue Service (Sars) wants its cut of money flowing to and from Limpopo businessman and alleged VBS Mutual Bank fixer, Kabelo Matsepe.
Suspended Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize’s son allegedly benefited from the Digital Vibes contract.
Dedani allegedly received more than R4.2 milion in electronic fund transfers (EFTs), including money for a car. This also allegedly included cash in plastic bags and cardboard boxes.
Money laundering ring pushed $4bn through HSBC
HSBC discovered a vast money-laundering ring moved $4.2bn through a network of 60 accounts in Hong Kong.
Jailed for 7 years over transnational drug money laundering network
A Hong Kong resident has been jailed for seven years in the US for trying to bribe an American government official to obtain US passports for a transnational money-laundering network.
23 July 2021
Gupta money channelled along terrorist money laundering network
Zondo Commission witness told the State Capture inquiry that at least two of the Guptas’ front companies were using a money laundering operation which has been used to launder money for international drug cartels and for terrorist groups, including Al Qaeda.
EU seeks to stop anonymous crypto
The EU wants to ban anonymous crypto wallets and transactions to counter money laundering and terrorism financing.
Man behind “Black Child Billionaire Investment” scam arrested
A 25-year-old man faces charges of fraud, theft and money laundering after allegedly running an illegal investment scheme where the victims were promised returns ranging from 25% to 100%.
US arrests major money launderers
Three men accused of laundering millions of dollars have been arrested and charged in the U.S. The accused represented themselves to be members of an international organised criminal enterprise that distributed narcotics and laundered money.
EU seeks broader approach and co-operation against money laundering
The European Union is proposing a broader scope of regulation and co-operation between public authorities, especially between financial intelligence units and the private and public sectors.