R900k catfishing case heads back to court
The suspects coerced money from the victim for the alleged booking of accommodation, hiring of a Ferrari and helicopter, as well as for the purchase of computer software.
Three alleged con artists accused of defrauding a woman of R900 000 in an online dating scam will make their second court appearance in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on July 18.
The Hawks arrested Elijah Nweze (27), Nomathamsanqa Thabisa Asunha (49), and Cumisa Penelope Dyasoni (28) on July 10 in Park View, Cape Town.
The trio previously appeared in court on July 14 for fraud and money laundering charges related to an online dating scam.
Gauteng Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela said they were nabbed by the serious commercial crime investigation unit based in Pretoria.
Mavimbela said the arrest came as a result of a complaint received from a complainant alleging that she had connected with a man on a dating site called ‘Singles 60’.
The man went by the name of Ricardo Taylor, who allegedly works at an oil refinery company in Cape Town, originally from the United States of America.
She said they began dating online, and ‘Taylor’ began extorting money from the victim for different reasons.
“The suspect extorted money from the victim for booking accommodation for the pair where they will meet, hiring a Ferrari and a helicopter for their holiday, as well as for purchasing computer software,” she explained.
According to Mavimbela, the victim suffered a loss of R900 000, which was deposited into different bank accounts.
The court case was postponed to Friday, July 18.
Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks in Gauteng, Brigadier Paulina Sekgobela, has commended the investigating team for apprehending the suspects and has cautioned members of the public against being used as accessories in criminal activities.
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