Fraudsters nabbed in city
Five nabbed in city in brazen attempt to defraud Sars of millions.
Andrew Ngozo
Five people were arrested in the city on Wednesday, after the SA Revenue Service (Sars) foiled their attempt to defraud state coffers of millions.
The individuals, representing a company, fraudulently claimed the money as a value added tax (VAT) earlier this year.
Sars spokesperson Luther Lebelo said the company paid R266 230 423 to its employees and then sought to claim this figure as a VAT refund.
“Suspecting fraudulent activities, Sars requested supporting documents, including payslips, which confirmed that the refund was indeed fraudulent,” said Lebelo.
“The company claimed it is mandated to monitor the activities of government structures and tribal authorities.
The five came to the head office in Pretoria, attempting to meet Commissioner Tom Moyane and we had the police arrest them.”
He said early indications suggested the group’s alleged criminal activities were not solely limited to fraudulent VAT refunds, but also included building and company hijackings.
Lebelo said the service was acutely aware of individuals and groupings who aimed to defraud the country’s tax system.
“We would like to remind people that Sars remains vigilant in detecting fraud and views such acts extremely seriously,” said Lebelo.
He said Sars intended increasing controls to curb fraud at all its regional offices.
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