Media Statement from the National Media Centre
Corporate Communication
South African Police Service

21 May 2014

PRETORIA - During an Intelligence driven pre-dawn operation today, the National Crime Intelligence Unit as well as the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations (Hawks) have arrested a 34-year-old foreigner for allegedly being involved in a Phishing scam.

The team's intelligence led them to a block of flats in the Sandringham area in Edenvale. A card writer, one laptop, and a cable for a high-tech skimming device as well as 36 counterfeit bank cards were discovered and subsequently seized.

It is likely that more arrests are expected as the suspect is believed to be part of a bigger syndicate.

Phishing is a growing concern for the SAPS, therefore both our Intelligence team as well as Commercial Crime detectives will continue to work tirelessly to identify and bring these culprits to book.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday, 22 March 2014 on charges of fraud and contravention of the Electronic Communication and Transaction Act 25 of 2002.

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Media Enquiries:

Captain Paul Ramaloko

Mobile: 079 514 4476 or 082 770 4902
E-mail: dpci.comm@saps.gov.za.