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Media Statement
GAUTENG – The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) Gauteng, in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary law enforcement team, arrested Yussuf Adan Hassan (27) for forgery, fraud and other related charges. On Wednesday, 29 January 2025, an intelligence-driven operation by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) based in Johannesburg, in collaboration with Crime Intelligence was launched based on information received about a male suspect originating from Kenya. The suspect, Yussuf Adan Hassan, was found near Church Street in Mayfair, in possession of two sim card manufacturing equipment and thousands of sim cards from various mobile networks. A case was registered at the Johannesburg Central police station. He was charged for cyber related forgery and contravening sections of the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communications-Related Information Act (RICA) and coontravention of the Electronic Communications and Transactions (ECT) Act as well as the Immigration Act. A subsequent search of Yussuf Adan Hassan’s residence in Mayfair led to the discovery of additional illegal items, including two more sim cards manufacturing machines, and a desktop computer as well as large quantities of sim cards. The total value of the seized equipment is estimated to be valued at approximately R650,000. Hassan made his first appearance at the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 31 January 2025. The case was postponed to Friday, 07 February 2025 for verification of the accused’s status in the country.
The Acting Provincial Head of the DPCI in Gauteng Brigadier Wendy Mashwabane emphasized the significance of the arrest: “This operation serves as a clear message that cybercrime and illegal activities will be met with swift and decisive action. We are dedicated to eradicating criminal activities that threaten the integrity of our communication networks and the well-being of our communities”, she concluded.
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