Woman Arrested In Gauteng Over Alleged Fraudulent Passport Scheme
A 46-year-old woman is due to appear in the Protea Glen Magistrates’ Court after being arrested in connection with an investigation into fraudulent passport applications.
A 46-year-old woman is expected to appear in the Protea Glen Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday following her arrest in Gauteng as part of a long-running investigation into alleged fraudulent passport applications.
The investigation centres on allegations that corrupt Department of Home Affairs (DHA) officials and vulnerable South African citizens were recruited to assist foreign nationals in obtaining South African documents unlawfully.
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said a preliminary investigation found that South Africans and Home Affairs officials were paired with foreign nationals as part of the alleged scheme.
Officials Allegedly Paid Up To R15,000 Per Application
According to Mogale, the alleged process involved altering photographs and retaining personal information belonging to South African citizens to legitimise documents.
“They photo-swopped and left personal details to legitimise the document. The DHA officials were paid between R10 000 and R15 000 per application, South Africans were paid R500, while foreign nationals were charged between R50 000 and R100 000.”
The investigation, known as Project Humulani, was registered on 12 April 2022.
The probe covers cases in Krugersdorp, Kliptown, Fairlands and Tubatse, as well as an investigation in Germiston.
Project Has Led To Arrests And Seizures
Mogale said the investigation had already resulted in arrests and convictions.
In the Krugersdorp and Fairlands cases, an alleged kingpin was traced, arrested, convicted and sentenced to 14 years’ direct imprisonment.
Three Toyota Fortuner SUVs were also seized, while several hundred passports were blocked and cancelled during the investigation.
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The woman arrested on Tuesday is expected to face charges of fraud, racketeering, corruption and contravention of the Immigration Act.
Multiple Agencies Involved In Investigation
The operation involved the Gauteng Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, the Department of Home Affairs Anti-Corruption Unit, the National Prosecuting Authority and its Asset Forfeiture Unit.
Mogale said the investigation demonstrated the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in tackling organised crime networks allegedly exploiting the country's immigration system.
Investigations into the alleged passport scheme are continuing.
