Cape Town - A man who is alleged to have defrauded a former SAPS senior manager of R3.3 million in an online dating scam in George is expected to appear in court on Friday.
His arrest comes after a warrant of arrest was issued against him by the Hawks on charges of fraud and money laundering.
The 55-year-old suspect was arrested in the Bellville District Court on Wednesday morning while he appeared on a similar matter.
According to allegations levelled against him, he met his victim on Facebook and claimed to be a civil engineer from Oslo, Norway.
Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani said the suspect repeatedly borrowed money from his victim, claiming that his company and his personal life were experiencing difficulties.
“The complainant lost a total amount of R3.3m through his illegal activities.
“He is due to make his first appearance at Oudtshoorn Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 26 August 2022 on charges of fraud and money laundering.”
Last month a romance scammer who pretended to be an Italian man on social media and allegedly swindled a woman of R1.2m was arrested for fraud, theft and money laundering.
SAPS said its Commercial Crime Investigations Unit arrested the 57-year-old foreign national in Maitland, who was allegedly involved in the romance scam wherein he pretended to be an Italian national seeking a partner in South Africa.
If you or anyone suspects being a victim of cybercrime, you can contact the police at 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS app.
Cape Times