Report reaching us is that 3 men aged 31, 34, and 40, have been arrested for Business Email Compromise (BEC) fraud-related crime and possession of the suspected stolen property on Tuesday.
The arrest of the suspect was followed by operation conducted by Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit in Johannesburg in collaboration with U.S Law Enforcement Agencies according to Colonel Katlego Mogale.
“During September this year, the suspects allegedly created a fraudulent business email order to purchase 200 laptops worth approximately R4 million from Microsoft in the USA, to be delivered in Pretoria.
“On 28 November, the Hawks received information regarding another consignment of 140 laptops worth approximately R7.9 million which arrived at OR Tambo International Airport. The investigation team monitored the consignment and pounced on the syndicate members whilst they were off-loading the alleged stolen property at residential premises in Pretoria,” said Mogale.
They appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation National Head, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya said;
“The public needs to be extremely wary of the growing threat posed by unscrupulous organized crime networks who are targeting businesses and unsuspecting individuals. In recent years, BEC fraud scams are emerging as a challenge and the Hawks is committed to working in collaboration with local and international law enforcement agencies to detect, combat, and respond to this phenomenon.”
More arrests cannot be ruled out and the investigation continues.
source:ghgossip.com
