Denis Nkosi (48) allegedly defrauded at least 27 entities, one of which was a company in Alrode, Alberton, that suffered a financial loss of R600 000.

Nkosi made his first court appearance on Monday, following his arrest last Friday.

He was arrested for fraud by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team stationed in Germiston.

The team conducted an inquiry following the filing of a complaint in Alberton, which claims that Nkosi applied for credit from multiple suppliers and businesses using false documentation.

According to reports, he allegedly created a Google account and gave those details to the businesses he targeted, while pretending to be from Raubex Construction.

His strategy allegedly involved renting bakkies from rental businesses and employing drivers to pick up goods and deliver them to a storage facility that he supposedly rented. Later on, the goods are said to have been given or sold to customers for less money.

Approximately 27 entities were allegedly scammed by the suspect, and numerous police stations have received reports of criminal cases.

Nkosi has been remanded in custody for 14 days. His bail application will take place on November 13.