CRIMINAL SYNDICATES
Congolese national Tiny Mtumba (36) was sentenced to 12 years and 3 months imprisonment for fraud, theft, and contravention of the Immigration Act by the Palm Ridge Commercial Court in the East Rand in Gauteng on Thursday. Mtumba`s sentence follows an investigation which revealed his involvement in a criminal syndicate using fraudulent passports to open bank accounts and redeem investments from foreign banks. Gauteng NPA spokesperson Phindile Mjonondwane said the syndicate targeted South African residents and foreign nationals with investments abroad.
`Mtumba was impersonating victims and transferring funds into accounts opened in their names using fake passports. He was found to be in South Africa illegally and arrested after a suspicious transaction of over R1.5 million was flagged by ABSA`s Exchange Control Monitoring and Reporting department.
Further probe revealed discrepancies in his identity and a fake passport,` she said.
DESIRE FOR LUXURIOUS LIFESTYLE
Mjonondwane said State Advocate Rhyme Nchabeleng argued that the accused who was found guilty of fraud and theft totalling R1.5 million was part of a syndicate that targeted foreign bank accounts and abused South Africa`s hospitality as an asylum seeker.
`The accused remained in the country illegally, engaging in criminal activities with disregard for the consequences, driven by a desire for a luxurious lifestyle. Their actions caused significant damage to ABSA and posed a menace to individuals, businesses and the nation`s economic development, warranting a lengthy custodial sentence.
`The court`s sentence reflects the severity of Mtumba`s crimes and serves as a warning to those engaging in similar criminal activities. The investigation highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat financial crimes and protect the integrity of South Africa`s banking system,` she said.