| 2025/01/04 |
|
Media Statement PRETORIA – The Crimes Against the State (CATS) team of the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation arrested a 35 year-old suspect for contravention of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities Act, also known as (POCDATARA). The suspect, a South African, was arrested at his home in Johannesburg on Friday afternoon following a lengthy yet meticulous investigation. This probe ensued in May 2018 when the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) and the Hawks received information about suspicious transactions allegedly linked to terror financing. Cryptocurrency in the form of Bitcoin worth R11 500.00 was allegedly purchased, through Luno, a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP), via transfer of money from the suspect’s bank account to Luno’s custody account on 30 November 2017. On the same day Bitcoin was reportedly transferred from the suspect’s Luno wallet to the wallet associated with an organisation, which describes itself as an independent charity. Furthermore, it is alleged that this non-profit organisation is linked to other two organisations. Preliminary investigation revealed that the transfer was a response to the advisement appealing for financial support of the activities with weapons, financial aid and other projects assisting the participants in another country. The police obtained a search warrant and on 3 October 2024, conducted a search at the residence of the suspect in Sandton. Several evidential material have been seized for further investigation. During the search, it was also found that two of his licensed firearms were not locked away in a safe as prescribed by law and a relevant case docket opened. The search and seizure led to his arrest and he will appear in the Lichtenburg Magistrates court on Monday, 6 January 2025.
The National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General (Dr / Adv) Godfrey Lebeya reaffirmed the organisational commitment to combating the scourge of money laundering and terror financing in alignment with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards. He further explained, “Our dedicated team in collaboration with local and international partners are working as a collective to halt the illicit flow of funds that fuel organised crime and terrorism”.
Enquiries:
|
|
|
