Tebogo Msimanga
Three suspects aged between 25 and 39 are expected to appear at the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Tuesday for alleged fraud and money laundering.
The three were arrested on Monday afternoon after they fraudulently pocketed over R692 000 which was meant for a company, National Adhesive.
National Adhesive applied for Covid-19 Unemployment Insurance Funds (UIF) relief funds for their employees but they didn’t receive the money. The company’s banking details were fraudulently changed and as a result, R695 185,55 was deposited into a bank account belonging to a police officer from Durban.
Investigations revealed that he allegedly transferred the money into different bank accounts belonging to another police officer and two civilians.
The fourth suspect was not arrested but was warned to appear in court with the other three as he was cooperating with the investigations.
Meanwhile, almost R240 000 has already been frozen whilst efforts to recover the stolen money are already underway.
The investigation team has also seized an NP200 bakkie as well as a stand that was purchased through the proceeds of crime. Both will be forfeited to the state.
