Mastermind, wife and seven other suspects to appear in court for dealing in unpolished diamonds

Nine suspects, including a husband and wife duo, were arrested this week in a massive crackdown on a diamond scam syndicate that has swindled investors out of over R4-billion since 2019.

The suspects will appear in the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, facing charges including but not limited to, fraud, money laundering, theft and racketeering.

According to Hawks spokesperson Philani Nkwalase, the suspects were arrested in Gauteng and North West provinces in an operation that ended on Wednesday morning.

“In Gauteng, the suspects were nabbed in Pretoria Gardens, Garsfontein, Faerie Glen, Meyerton and Benoni.”

He said the syndicate is allegedly involved in dealing with unpolished diamonds and fraud.

Nkwalase said the mastermind had lured investors with fake diamond deals on social media with a promise of a lucrative return, which never materialised.

“The suspects include a couple where the husband is alleged to be the mastermind behind the scam, along with his wife,” he said.

“The investors were scammed of more than R4-billion since 2019.”

Nkwalase added that investigations continue and more arrests are imminent.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation commended the work of both the investigation and prosecution team in bringing the syndicate to its knees.

“These successful integrated efforts by the security and justice entities is an indication that the long arm of the law finally catches up with those acting outside the law, no matter how long it takes,” it said.

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