Father-and-son Gerhard Wilhelm Liebenberg (73) and Christiaan Jacobus Liebenberg (40), who are linked to a multi-million rand fraud scheme, are expected to re-appear in court next week.

According to a statement issued by Royal Investigations, their arrests followed an extensive probe into several investment-related fraud and scam operations run under various entities, including Delos Management and Villion Trading.

The investigation revealed that the schemes were primarily advertised on Facebook, where the suspects allegedly used the names and images of well-known public figures – including Elon Musk, Dr Corné Mulder and Johann Rupert – to create false credibility.

During the investigation, 45 victims were identified – with confirmed financial losses amounting to R31,543,114 incurred between 2022 and 2024.

Evidence also points to the involvement of three additional suspects, who have been identified and are expected to be arrested.

Investigators described the operation as a highly-sophisticated and organised scam that deliberately targeted elderly and vulnerable individuals.

The duo were initially arrested last year in Roodepoort, Gauteng, in connection with a separate R16-million cryptocurrency fraud that targeted two Newcastle residents.

At the time, Newcastle SAPS corporate communications officer Lizzy Arumugam said the arrests, carried out by the Johannesburg K9 Unit and the DPC Tracing Team, marked a major breakthrough in a complex investigation led by Warrant Officer Henning De Meyer under the command of Lieutenant Colonel JJ Oberholzer.

Arumugam said the suspects allegedly lured victims with promises of lucrative returns through Bitcoin and cryptocurrency investments. Victims were convinced to deposit large sums of money into designated bank accounts, believing they were purchasing Bitcoin.

“After multiple payments, the victims received no returns, and the suspects stopped communicating when refunds were demanded,” she said.

The cases were registered at Newcastle SAPS, prompting a detailed investigation.

Financial records showed deposits linked to the suspects’ accounts across three banks, with assistance from the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC).

“Armed with compelling evidence, Warrant Officer De Meyer secured warrants of arrest, leading to the suspects’ apprehension in Roodepoort,” Arumugam said. Electronic devices were seized and are undergoing forensic analysis.

The suspects appeared in the Newcastle Regional Court on Thursday, August 14, 2025, where they were formally charged with fraud.

They were initially denied bail and the matter was remanded. A subsequent bail application, based on alleged new facts, was later brought before the court.

The bail ruling on this application is expected to be delivered next week.

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