South African businessman tied to $1.5bn global scam network as Interpol issues red notice

A businessman linked to a prominent Cape Town family has been accused of playing a central role in a massive international scam network involving more than $1.5 billion.

Benjamin Mauerberger – also known as Ben Berger or Ben Smith – has been described by investigators as the ‘linchpin’ in a sprawling money laundering operation connected to scam centres in Southeast Asia.

The alleged operation has drawn the attention of international authorities, with an Interpol red notice now issued for his arrest.

Cape Town roots, global crime allegations

Mauerberger is reportedly a descendant of Morris Mauerberger, described as a self-styled diamond baron and co-founder of the Ackermans chain.

He left South Africa in his early 20s in the early 2000s and moved to Thailand.

According to media reports, he became involved in telephone scam operations that targeted victims with promises of high investment returns.

“He got himself involved in various telephone scam centres… telephoning old people and promising them massive investments and returns if only they would send over a few hundred or a few thousand of their hard-earned dollars,” said Simon Allison of The Continent in an interview on CapeTalk.

A New Zealand court implicated him in one such scam, while his brother was also allegedly involved. Another investigation later took place in the United Kingdom.

After several years out of the spotlight, his name resurfaced in connection with large Cambodian scam compounds.

Alleged role in Cambodian scam centres

Investigators say the compounds house thousands of people forced to run sophisticated online scams targeting victims worldwide.

Rather than running the operations directly, Mauerberger allegedly handled the money flows.

Reporters have described him as the key figure in a money laundering network worth about $1.5 billion.

Political links and sanctions

The case has also drawn attention because of alleged political connections.

Mauerberger reportedly holds a Cambodian passport listing him as an adviser to the Senate.

Some alleged associates are said to have links to senior figures in Thailand’s government, including a cash transfer of about $3 million involving the wife of the country’s deputy prime minister.

The United States has placed Mauerberger on its sanctions list in connection with his alleged activities.

International pressure mounts

Authorities across several countries are now acting.

Singapore has seized assets linked to one of Mauerberger’s alleged front companies, Capital Asia Investments.

The seizure reportedly totals about $140 million.

Thailand has also issued an Interpol red notice, allowing authorities to arrest him anywhere in the world.

He was believed to have been in Dubai until recently, but investigators say he may have fled aboard his private yacht, the Wanderlust, reportedly worth about $100 million.

The yacht is believed to be in the Seychelles.

Investigators say the ‘net appears to be tightening’ as international pressure increases and authorities continue to track developments.

For more information, listen to Allison using the audio player below: