File
The head of the Hawks, Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya has warned the public to be “extremely wary” of the “growing threat” of organised criminal networks targeting businesses and unsuspecting individuals.
He said in recent years, Business Email Compromise (BEC) fraud scams had emerged as a “challenge” and that the Hawks were working with international law enforcement agencies to detect, combat, and respond to this phenomenon.
General Sibiya was commenting on the arrest of three people in Wierdabrug in Pretoria this week for their alleged involvement in BEC fraud-related crime.
The arrests were made following an intelligence-driven operation conducted by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit in collaboration with US Law Enforcement Agencies.
“During September this year, the suspects allegedly created a fraudulent business email order to purchase 200 laptops worth approximately R4 million from Microsoft in the USA, to be delivered in Pretoria,” a Hawks statement said.
“On 28 November, the Hawks received information regarding another consignment of 140 laptops worth approximately R7.9 million which arrived at OR Tambo International Airport. The investigation team monitored the consignment and pounced on the syndicate members whilst they were off-loading the alleged stolen property at residential premises in Pretoria.”
Three men aged 31, 34, and 40 were due to appear in court on Thursday.
The Hawks said more arrests could not be ruled out.
