NPA secures R43m restraint order against alleged international call centre scam syndicate

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)’s Asset Forfeiture Unit has secured a R43 million restraint order against an alleged international call centre scam syndicate operating in Johannesburg.

The order, granted by the Gauteng High Court, follows the arrest of suspects linked to bogus investment schemes run from Bryanston.

Luxury vehicles and high-value properties believed to be proceeds of crime have also been seized.

The syndicate is accused of targeting victims in countries including Australia, Canada, the United States and New Zealand, luring them into investing in non-existent products through online advertisements.

Investigations have revealed how call centre agents groom and mislead victims, promising high returns on investments that did not exist.

On Tuesday, law enforcement officials executed the restraint order, seizing several high-end vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin and Volkswagen Golf GTI.

NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said, “The call centre agents employed by the syndicate would contact members of the public, who reacted to false advertisements that were posted on the internet in what is commonly referred to as 'click bait'. Evidence shows that the call centre agents targeted vulnerable individuals, groomed them and knowingly misrepresented investment opportunities and returns.”

The matter is before the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court and has been postponed to June for further investigation.