A chartered accountant from East London who allegedly made fraudulent UIF claims for several companies was arrested by the Hawks this week.
The 43-year-old Mark Jonathan Vorster was charged with fraud, theft and money laundering and granted bail of R10 000 after a brief court appearance.
Colonel Katlego Mogale of the Hawks says Vorster allegedly made fraudulent UIF claims for his company and five others to receive the Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) funds whereas the companies were fully operational.
Vorster allegedly received more than R884 000 from the scheme while the owners of the companies were not even aware of the claim.
Colonel Mogale says the discrepancies were discovered by a Bank official who also managed to recover half of the money from the accused's bank account.
She says the Hawks in Pretoria were informed and an investigation was conducted which led to a warrant of arrest being issued and executed.
The Hawks seized a laptop and cellphone as part of their investigation.
The matter was postponed to the 29th of July when the accused is expected to appear in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
