Key Points:
- A 44-year-old man was arrested in Pretoria for a romance scam.
- The woman lost R365,000 and her Toyota Fortuner in the scam.
- Police are still searching for the main suspect involved.
A 44-year-old man was arrested in Pretoria on March 6 for allegedly defrauding a woman of R365,000 and her Toyota Fortuner. The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit apprehended the suspect.
The fraud case started in June 2023 after the victim reported the scam. She claimed that she had been tricked into giving large sums of money and her vehicle. Police say she had been romantically involved with a Congolese national, who remains at large.
The suspect allegedly posed as a businessman. He convinced the woman to send him money, promising he would use it to clear goods from overseas. He presented fraudulent documents to back up his story.
The victim reportedly withdrew all her savings. She transferred the money into several bank accounts provided by the suspect, including one in his name. Authorities also allege that the suspect forced the woman to sell her vehicle. The proceeds from the sale went to him.
The 44-year-old man faces charges of fraud and money laundering. Police are still searching for the main suspect and others who received the fraudulent funds. The suspect appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on March 7, but authorities have not disclosed his identity.
