Durban police sergeants implicated in fraud case, over R600 000 UIF money stolen
The three suspects are reported to have pocketed more than R692 000 Covid-19 UIF relief funds which was meant for a company, National Adhesive.
Three Durban police sergeants found themselves on the other side of the law when they appeared in the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, yesterday, 25 August, after they fraudulently pocketed more than R692 000, Highway Mail reports.
The three, aged between 25 and 39, were arrested for alleged fraud and money laundering in Durban, on Monday afternoon, by the Germiston Serious Corruption Investigation assisted by their Durban counterparts, according to Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya.
The R692 000 was meant for a company called National Adhesive.
“National Adhesive applied for Covid-19 Unemployment Insurance Funds (UIF) relief funds for their employees and their application was duly processed”, said Lebeya.
However, investigations revealed the company’s banking details were fraudulently changed and an amount of R692 185,55 was deposited into a bank account that belonged to a police official from Durban Central Tactical Response Team, he added.
Warrants of arrest were issued against two police sergeants and a civilian and they were served on Monday, said Lebeya.
A fourth suspect has not yet been arrested, but was warned to appear in court.
The suspect is said to be cooperating with the investigations.
Nearly R240 000 has been frozen, while efforts to recover the stolen money is underway.
“The investigation team has also seized a NP200 bakkie as well as a stand which was purchased through the proceeds of crime. Both will be forfeited to the state,” said Lebeya.
“We welcome the arrests and commend the Hawks’ Priority Crimes Specialised Investigation, Financial Intelligence Centre, National Prosecution Authority, and Asset Forfeiture Unit for the speedy investigations,” added Lebeya.
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