From their prison cells in Pretoria’s Correctional Service services, a bunch of inmates have been discovered with 36 cellphones. These 4 convicted inmates have been really operating an extortion syndicate by pretending to be law enforcement officials – proper from inside their prison cells.
HAWKS RECEIVES REPORTS OF ‘CORRUPT POLICE OFFICERS’
The Hawks had been receiving details about corrupt police officers who’re extorting cash from males who sought providers on an underground on-line escort company.
These males would later learn by the supposed law enforcement officials {that a} case of rape and fraud was opened towards them. The motive, the victims reported, was that they used faux cash to pay the intercourse employees, stated Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Philani Nkwalase.
“They would also present a fake warrant of arrest through WhatsApp and demand payment to ensure that the police along with the prosecutor make the cases disappear.”
Lieutenant Colonel Philani Nkwalase
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HAWKS UNCOVER THE CULPRITS BEHIND THE SCAM
The Hawks performed an in-depth investigation into the complaints. It was revealed that the syndicate was run by 4 inmates with cellphones.
These inmates posed as law enforcement officials by taking the names and images of unsuspecting law enforcement officials from their social media profiles, stated Nkwalase.
“They further sourced a call log from an online base escort agency to continuously contact the victims who paid them, in fear of prosecution.”
Between May and August 2022, the 4 scamming inmates obtained a complete of R1.32 million.
“The total amounts of R760 000 and R560 000 had been paid into two separate accounts which were provided to the victims to deposit the money.”
Lieutenant Colonel Philani Nkwalase
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HAWKS POUNCE ON THE INMATES
The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation group in Gauteng took motion on Thursday night time.
A multidisciplinary group made up of the Emergency Support Team from the Gauteng Department of Correctional Services executed a joint operation. They focused Odi and Baviaanspoort Correctional Centres in Mabopane and Pretoria concurrently.
“The operation was aimed at conducting a cybercrime search and seizure as well as executing warrants of arrest (J50) to four convicted inmates on an assortment of charges that include extortion, impersonation of a police officer, money laundering, forgery and uttering.”
During the search operation, sensible telephones have been discovered on every of the 4 suspects. Some have been discovered in the soles of sneakers, inside plug adaptors and caught beneath facet pedastals.
“A total of 36 cellphones, 19 chargers and other accessories were also found from other inmates in the same cells and were seized by the Department of Correctional Services’ Emergency Support Team.”
Lieutenant Colonel Philani Nkwalase
The Hawks Provincial Head in Gauteng, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa recommended the group for the meticulous investigation.
He additionally applauded their collaborative efforts that make sure the profitable arrest and seizure of things used in the fee of the crime.
“He further warned that those that use the services of sex-workers and willingly pay fake police to evade arrest will face corruption charges if they do not cooperate with the police investigation,” stated Nkwalase.
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Anyone who has fallen prey to this type of scam is inspired to come ahead. They can contact the detective Captain Jacques Loock on 082 778 5626.
“The four inmates between the ages of 26 and 32 will appear in Pretoria Magistrate Court on Monday 15 August 2022 and more arrests are imminent.”
