A trio of Bangladeshi nationals were arrested in Kimberley, Northern Cape this week, following an investigation into fraud and money laundering.
Aminul Islam (39), Ullah Foji (36) and Akter Atika (23) appeared before the Kimberley Magistrate court on Monday. They were arrested by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation and Kimberley Crime Prevention unit on Friday, 03 March 2023.
According to reports, the accusations against the trio are that between 1st and 3rd March 2023, they tampered with a drop-safe used at their shop. The safe was credited with approximately R11 million, which was then transferred to different bank accounts both locally and offshore.
The suspicious activity was detected, and the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team was informed. Upon arriving at Kimberley Airport, where the suspects were attempting to board a flight to Johannesburg and then Dubai/Dhakar, police searched the accused and found an amount of R23 000.00 cash in their possession, which was seized.
The case was remanded to 13 March 2023 for a formal bail application.
The case is a reminder of the need for continued vigilance against financial crime and the importance of proper security measures to ensure the safekeeping of funds. It also demonstrates the effectiveness of law enforcement in detecting and apprehending criminals.