Nine suspects have been arrested in dealing with unpolished diamonds and fraud worth R4 billion in Gauteng and North West provinces respectively.
Eight of the suspects were arrested in a major joint operation led by the Northern Cape Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit in a sting operation that began on Tuesday and concluded on Wednesday.
“The syndicate is alleged to be involved in dealing with unpolished diamonds and fraud.
The mastermind/leader allegedly advertised unpolished diamonds on social media and invited potential investors to invest in his alleged diamond dealing business, with a promise of a lucrative return which never materialised.
The suspects include a couple wherein the husband is alleged to be the mastermind behind the scam, along with his wife.
The investors were scammed of more than R4 billion since 2019,” said the Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Philani Nkwalase.
Nkwalase highlighted that investigations are ongoing, and they hope to make further arrests.
The suspects are expected to appear in Bronkhospruit Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, on charges of fraud, money laundering, theft and racketeering.
