THE Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has confirmed that $180 000, recovered from a Pakistani national at King Shaka International Airport in October last year, has been deposited into the Criminal Asset Recovery Account.

Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo said that the money was deposited into the account after a final forfeiture order was granted in March this year.

The accused in the case, Idris Abdul Aziz (68), allegedly failed to declare the money at King Shaka International Airport in October last year.

Also read: Woman abandoned in Effingham after hijacking

“On October 25, 2023, Hawks members from Assert Forfeiture Investigation, working together with the National Prosecution Authority Assert Forfeiture Unit, secured a preservation order for 180 000 US dollars (R3 285 511.63). Aziz concealed the money on his body whilst boarding the flight to Dubai. It is alleged that he failed to declare this amount to the South African Revenue Service Customs at King Shaka International Airport, and as a result, the cash was seized,” he said.

“Hawks members from Durban Serious Commercial Crime Investigation were called to the scene, and Aziz was charged with contravention of the Currency and Exchanges Act. He appeared in the Verulam Magistrate’s on October 5, 2023, and he was granted R15 000 bail,” he said.

Aziz is set to re-appear in the same court on July 31 for a pre-trial conference.

For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook, X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.