The nine arrested for the global fraud scam briefly appeared in court on Wednesday.

“The case was postponed to next Wednesday to enable us to verify their citizen status in South Africa. We are planning to apply for bail at their next court appearance,” said Peter Jay, attorney of the nine arrested.

The nine people, Rasaq Aderoju Raheem (28) from Rietfontein, Femi Alexander Mewase (43) from Sunnyside, Olufeni Obaro Omoraka (24) from Willow Glen, Olandimenji Agelotan (29) from Waverley, Rhulane Fiona Hlungwane (23) from Waverley, Olesegin Segi Shanekan (29) from Sunnyside, Olasupo Odebunmi (34) from Annlin, Sesan Farin (39) from Gezina and Anouluwapo Segun Adegbemigun (38) from Sunnyside were arrested on Tuesday.

Eigth of them are Nigerian citizens while  Hlungwane is a South African.

According to Jay Hlungwane is a third year student and the mother of a two month old baby.

The Hawks spokesman, Paul Ramaloko told Rekord on Wednesday that this group of people were arrested on Tuesday for their involvement in this global scam.

They allegedly used stolen information to get money and goods before they shipped it to South Africa and Nigeria.

A joint effort between the South African Police Service and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the scam and arrested the group.

A total of 24 people were arrested in South Africa, Canada, California, Georgia, Wisconsin, Indiana , New York and South Carolina for this global scam.

Investigators have so far identified hundereds of victims to this scam in the United States, which has resulted in the loss of millions of U.S. dollars.According to the Hawks this syndicate purchased shipping labels from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), Ferderal Express, United Parcel and DHL with fraudulent credit card information or stolen identities.

Once the merchandise reached South Africa, the suspects advertised it for sale on the Internet.The joint operation to arrest this syndicate came after eigth-count federal indictment was filled in the United States charging 18 people with wire fraud, bank fraud, access device, mail fraud, aggrevated identity theft, theft of government funds and money laundering.

The suspects enriched themselves with illegally obtained funds.According to information received investigators confiscated computers, laptops, cell phones, notebooks and documents which will be handed over to the HSI for further investigations.

According to Ramaloko the suspects were expected to extradited to the United States to face prosecution in the Southern District of Mississippi.

Also read:

Major fraud syndicate busted in Pretoria – ten arrested