The Hawks have arrested two more suspects, including Nigerian national, in connection with an alleged tax fraud syndicate accused of defrauding the South African Revenue Service (SARS) of more than R500,000, bringing the number of people arrested to 10 as investigators pursue millions of rands in potentially fraudulent claims.
The latest arrests were made on Thursday, October 8, 2026, in Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga, and the North West as part of Operation Jan Vas, an ongoing investigation into an alleged syndicate that submitted fraudulent Value Added Tax (VAT) returns between 2018 and 2020.
According to Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, the operation has so far resulted in 10 individuals and six companies or entities being charged in connection with the alleged scheme.
Nkosi said investigators had established that SARS suffered an actual loss of R523,724.79, while a further R3,415,482.44 in potential losses had been identified.
The arrests were carried out by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) unit, working alongside the North West police, SARS and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Two more suspects hauled before court
Nkosi said the latest suspects include a South African national and a Nigerian national who is allegedly the sole director of Clemco Consult Biz Solution, a company now implicated in the investigation.
Both suspects were arrested on warrants of arrest.
The Nigerian national was brought before the Siyabuswa Magistrate’s Court by North West police because he was already in custody in connection with other matters.
“The two suspects and Clemco Consult Biz Solution appeared in the Siyabuswa Magistrate’s Court on Thursday for their first appearance in this matter and were formally added to the charge sheet alongside their co-accused, who were arrested earlier this week,” Nkosi said.
Court proceedings are continuing.
Fraudulent VAT claims expose multimillion-rand scheme
The investigation centres on allegations that the accused worked together to manipulate the tax system by submitting false VAT returns and claiming refunds they were not legally entitled to receive.
According to Nkosi, the alleged fraudulent activities took place over three tax periods, from 2018 to 2020.
Investigators believe the money was channelled through business bank accounts before being transferred into the personal accounts of individuals who allegedly benefited from the scheme.
“The money has not been recovered,” Nkosi said.
Several of those implicated are company directors, while others are suspected of receiving proceeds from the alleged fraudulent transactions.
The accused face multiple charges, including fraud, theft, contraventions of the Tax Administration Act and violations of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).
Hawks warn outstanding suspects: ‘The net is closing’
Mpumalanga Hawks provincial head Major General Nico Gerber has warned that the investigation is far from over, with authorities continuing to pursue suspects believed to have played a role in the alleged syndicate.
“Operation Jan Vas demonstrates the Hawks’ resolve to follow the money and dismantle organised criminal networks that deliberately abuse the tax system,” Gerber said.
“Fraud against SARS is not a victimless crime; it deprives the state of revenue needed to deliver essential services.”
Gerber said the Hawks would continue pursuing those suspected of manipulating the country’s tax system for financial gain.
“Our investigation remains active, and those still outstanding should know that the net is closing,” he warned.
More arrests possible as Hawks follow money trail
Nkosi said Hawks investigators from Nelspruit and Middelburg remained actively involved in the operation, with efforts underway to trace additional suspects linked to the alleged criminal network.
The investigation is also focused on establishing the movement of funds and identifying individuals who allegedly orchestrated or benefited from the fraudulent claims.
The Hawks have credited cooperation between SARS, the North West police and the NPA for the progress made in the investigation.
