International criminal ‘cult suspects’ nabbed in Pretoria
The two foreign nationals were arrested in a joint operation by the Hawks and Interpol.
Two members of an alleged international crime organisation were nabbed in Wapadrand and Sunnyside on Wednesday morning during a joint operation by Interpol and the Hawks.
Thousands of Rand in cash, as well as an unlicensed firearm, were seized from the suspects in addition to equipment such as laptops and phones.
The two foreign nationals, aged 39 and 42, were allegedly part of a cult known as the “Air Lords”, according to Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale.
She said the Air Lords are said to be rivals of the “Black Axe movement” criminal organisation.
“The suspects will be linked to the online scams that are being investigated by the 419 provincial task team.”
“This arrest is but one of several simultaneous happening currently in other countries tracing the suspects involved in online scams such as romance, investments, Bitcoin, employment and all related advance fee fraud.”
She said the two would face charges of conspiracy to wire fraud, access device fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering schemes as it relates to the Contravention of Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
“One suspect will be charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition,” Mogale said.
The duo will soon appear in court.
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