An 18 month investigation by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) into tax refund fraud was finalised early this year. Today, in a joint operation involving the Directorate of Special Operations (Scorpions) and SARS, 13 suspects were arrested.
One of them was a SARS employee.
The proposed charges (863) relate to fraud and money laundering. The suspects are expected to appear in the Pretoria magistrate court tomorrow.
The suspect "stole" the identities of unemployed people and utilised them to commit tax fraud. The suspects are part of a syndicate. More arrests may follow.
SARS will take all necessary steps to act against anybody defrauding the fiscus and welcomes the assistance of the SIU and the DSO.
ENDS
ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR THE SOUTH AFRICAN REVENUE SERVICE
PRETORIA