The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) on Thursday rolled out a search and seizure operation across Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal as part of an investigation into a syndicate that allegedly siphoned R161m from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). The funds are from the UIF’s Covid-19temporary employer/employee relief scheme (Ters). Authorised by a warrant issued by the Special Tribunal, officials from law enforcement agencies targeted companies’ offices, officials’ residences and the UIF head office in Pretoria.
The investigation is into 16 companies and 35 individuals. “The SIU investigation has uncovered evidence suggesting a well-organised syndicate orchestrated the submission of false Ters applications on behalf of individuals who were not employees of the applicant companies,” said SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago. The seized evidence will undergo forensic analysis to support the investigation, and the SIU will pursue civil action to correct any wrongdoing identified and recover financial losses suffered by the state “The substantial funds received were not paid to workers.
Instead they were distributed among syndicate members in patterns consistent with money laundering.” “The seized evidence will undergo forensic analysis to support the investigation, and the SIU will pursue civil action to correct any wrongdoing identified and recover financial losses suffered by the state,” said Kganyago. The unit will also refer evidence pointing to criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority.
Read Full Article on TimesLIVE
