One suspect was arrested, and others remain at large following a fraud syndicate operating in the Meadowdale industrial area.

On October 10, information was received about several people operating a fraud syndicate in the area and creating fake company purchase orders.

A day earlier, on October 9, the suspects had targeted Vulcan Workwear, manufacturers of industrial personal protective equipment, by presenting a fraudulent purchase order to collect merchandise.

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The unsuspecting employees were unable to detect the fraud and handed over the goods, allowing the fraudsters to leave with the stolen items.

“The company’s finance department discovered the fraud while trying to process the purchase order in their system and promptly reported the incident to authorities.

On October 10, the suspects returned to Vulcan Workwear with another fraudulent purchase order, intending to steal more merchandise,” said EMPD media liaison officer Katlego Mphahlele.

“The company immediately alerted the police, who responded quickly, pursued the criminals and arrested one, who they found with stolen property.

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“Further investigation revealed that two more suspects were waiting at a separate location to receive the stolen goods from the arrested suspect.

“Officers proceeded to this location. However, the two criminals escaped as officers approached the yard and remain at large,” said Mphahlele.

The estimated value of the stolen property is R300 000.