A 35-year-old man allegedly linked to terror financing is expected to appear in the Lichtenburg Magistrates court on Monday following what the Hawks say was a lengthy yet meticulous investigation.
The suspect was arrested at his home in Johannesburg on Friday afternoon. Hawks spokesperson Philani Nkwalase said the probe ensued in May 2018 when the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) and the Hawks received information about suspicious transactions allegedly linked to terror financing.
He’s alleged to have contravened the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities Act, also known as POCDATARA.
Nkwalase said on 30 November 2017, cryptocurrency in the form of Bitcoin worth R11,500 was purchased through Luno via a transfer of money from the suspect’s bank account to Luno’s custody account.
Luno is a cryptocurrency platform that allows users to buy, sell, and store cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin.
'INVESTIGATION'
On the same day, Bitcoin was reportedly transferred from the suspect’s Luno wallet to the wallet associated with an organisation which describes itself as an independent charity, Nkwalase said.
“Furthermore, it is alleged that this non-profit organisation is linked to other two organisations.”
He said a preliminary investigation revealed that the transfer was a response to an appeal for financial support for the activities with weapons, financial aid and other projects assisting the participants in another country.
“The police obtained a search warrant and, on 3 October 2024, conducted a search at the residence of the suspect in Sandton.
“Several evidential materials have been seized for further investigation,” Nkwalase added.
“During the search, it was also found that two of his licensed firearms were not locked away in a safe as prescribed by law, and a relevant case docket was opened.”
The National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, said: “Our dedicated team, in collaboration with local and international partners, are working as a collective to halt the illicit flow of funds that fuel organised crime and terrorism”.
