SA National Parks (SANParks) says two men believed to be key abalone poaching syndicate members appeared in court in Gqeberha this week following a two-month-long investigation.
Raymond Taylor (52) and Roland Hudson (47) were arrested in a sting operation last Friday.
SANParks Spokesperson, Ray Thakudi says they face charges of bribery of SANParks officials, as well as corruption.
It is alleged that they had offered a field ranger from the Addo Elephant National Park money to provide information about weather and sea conditions and when it would be safe to dive in Algoa Bay at Bird Island which is a Marine Protected Area.
They also wanted to know when SANParks or other Law-Enforcement vessels were responding to abalone poaching incidents at or near the Island.
This is a significant breakthrough in this joint operation dubbed Project Perfect Storm.
Thakudi says a covert operation was set up involving an undercover agent who was offered a bribe of R20 000 to turn a blind eye to illegal activities.
He says on Friday the 6th of May another bribe of R10 000 was paid which led to the arrests.
Taylor and Hudson appeared in the New Law Courts in Gqeberha this week and were released on bail of R150 000 and R20 000 respectively.
They will be back in court on the 24th of June.
SANParks praised the unwavering dedication and excellence of the Ranger involved.
Earlier this week the Hawks arrested another seven suspects following a sting operation.
Spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela says they followed the movements of several rubber ducks for a period of time and eventually pounced on them as they were launching their boats, illegally, into the Swartkops River near the Redhouse village.
The suspects aged between 27 and 47 are expected to appear in court this week on allegations of the Contravention of the Riotous Assemblies Act and Conspiracy to Contravene the Marine Living Resources Act.
