| 2025/03/12 |
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Media Statement
GAUTENG – The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has achieved a significant breakthrough in the fight against organised crime, with the arrest of Ms. Georgie Maureen Da Lanca, aged 42 on Monday, 10 March 2025, for her involvement in a Colton scam. Da Lanca has made her first appearance before the Johannesburg Specialized Commercial Crimes Court sitting at Palm Ridge on Wednesday, 12 March 2025 where the matter has been postponed to 19 March 2025 for a formal bail application. The operation, led by the 419 Task Team, highlights the DPCI’s commitment to dismantling sophisticated fraud syndicates operating in South Africa. Ms. Da Lanca, also known by the alias “Lisa,” was apprehended following an investigation into a case that was registered at Sandton police station in November 2022. She faces initial charges of fraud and money laundering. The case involves a loss of R250 000 from a complainant who was lured into a fraudulent Colton deal by a co-conspirator identified as Tony Bradley. The complainant was persuaded to make payments under the pretence of obtaining a cross-border certificate and activating a code, only to uncover discrepancies that confirmed the scam. Investigations revealed that the R250 000 deposited by the complainant into an FNB account was subsequently dispersed across three separate accounts, one of which belongs to Ms. Da Lanca. Further inquiries confirmed Ms. Da Lanca’s involvement as a key player in a Colton syndicate that has defrauded numerous victims across Johannesburg. Ms. Da Lanca’s co-accused, Tony Bradley was arrested 18 November 2022, and has since been granted bail of R5000 in December 2022. Notably, three additional warrants of arrest (J50) are pending execution as part of the broader investigation into the syndicate. The DPCI Provincial Head in Gauteng Major General Ebrahim Kadwa commends the 419 Task Team, for their diligence and determination in bringing this matter to light. This arrest demonstrates the Directorate’s unwavering resolve to combat organised crime and ensure justice for the victims of such schemes. Ends
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