Hawks hunt fraud suspects in R520k Northern Cape sunflower oil scam

THE HAWKS' Serious Corruption Investigation unit has called on the public to help track down four suspects linked to a fraud and money laundering scheme that saw a company swindled out of over R520,000 in a bogus sunflower oil export deal.

The wanted individuals - Mckevin Ayanda Dormithiene, 46, Nkosingiphile Fortune Mahlangu, 25, Gift Chilambe, 21, and Thando Fakude, 29 - are believed to hold key information that could assist investigators in cracking the case.

Hawks Northern Cape spokesperson, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi, revealed that the scheme unfolded in April 2022, when a complainant’s company was approached by two businesses - Power Magnet International Procurement Pty (Ltd) and Cargo Freight Company - offering to sell, package and export fine sunflower oil via the Springbok Airport to Spain.

Trusting the deal, the victim paid $34,069 (R521,135.95) to the companies. But instead of the promised sunflower oil shipment, the money vanished - and so did the sellers.

Investigations uncovered that the funds were funneled into an account under Pabith Group Trader before being systematically transferred to various other accounts, including Luno cryptocurrency wallets and multiple mobile numbers - a common tactic used in sophisticated financial fraud operations.

The Hawks have urged anyone with information on the whereabouts of the four suspects to come forward.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Lieutenant-Colonel Breedt at 082 302 0467 or Warrant Officer Mosienyane at 071 351 7410. Alternatively, anonymous tip-offs can be reported via Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS app. All information will be treated confidentially, and callers may remain anonymous.