LOOK | NPA seizes R43.9m in assets linked to alleged global call centre syndicate

The Asset Forfeiture Unit has moved to secure and restrain assets linked to an alleged international syndicate accused of defrauding investors abroad through fake online investment schemes, with vehicles and properties seized across Gauteng. TheNational Prosecuting Authority’s(NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) has secured a provisional restraint order over assets worth an estimated R43.9 million linked to a global syndicate that allegedly operated bogus call centre agencies in Bryanston, Johannesburg. The order was granted in February 2026 by the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg.

It was granted under section 26 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998 (POCA), following the arrest of suspects on January 27, 2026. NPA national spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said various assets registered in the names of the accused have been restrained, including multiple high-value immovable properties across Gauteng. A gated residential property in Gauteng linked to an alleged international investment scam is inspected by court-appointed sheriffs. He said some properties are valued at more than R3 million, along with movable assets including a Mercedes-Benz A45 S AMG, Aston Martin DB9, Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI, Toyota Fortuner, Jaguar E-Pace, Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, among other vehicles.