Mohammed Ameen ordered to forfeit proceeds from his cash-smuggling scheme.
Key Points:
- Mohammed Ameen convicted for attempting to smuggle millions in cash out of South Africa.
- The court ordered Ameen to forfeit R200,000 to the Criminal Asset Recovery Account.
- Ameen has been declared unfit to possess a firearm, underscoring the seriousness of his offenses.
Conviction and Forfeiture Ordered
A man convicted of attempting to smuggle millions in cash out of South Africa must forfeit R200,000 to the Criminal Asset Recovery Account. The conviction follows his arrest at Cape Town International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Dubai with undeclared currency.
The Arrest and Discovery of Hidden Cash
Mohammed Ameen stood moments away from boarding his flight when customs officials, acting on a tip-off, discovered the hidden cash. The Bellville Commercial Crimes Court found Ameen guilty of violating the Currency and Exchanges Act and the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA). He had tried to illegally move $544,200 (USD) and R2.96 million in cash across the border.
Details of the Arrest at Cape Town International Airport
Eric Ntabazalila, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, explained that officials arrested Ameen on October 11, 2017. They apprehended him in the international departures business lounge at Cape Town International Airport, beyond the customs checkpoints.
“Customs officials searched his luggage and found the money in his possession. They seized the cash and arrested him immediately,” Ntabazalila said.
Legal Violations and Concealment of Funds
Under South African law, travelers must declare any cash exceeding R25,000 to customs and obtain Treasury approval. Ameen did neither. When questioned by customs officials, he denied possessing the large sum of money. Senior State Advocate Denzyl Combrink, who handled the plea and sentencing agreement, confirmed this.
The State argued that the cash Ameen attempted to smuggle likely stemmed from unlawful activities. He concealed and disguised the nature, source, location, and disposition of the cash. He also hid the true ownership of the unlawful activity by not revealing where he obtained the money or to whom it belonged.
Court’s Forfeiture and the Impact of the Crime
The High Court issued a forfeiture order in June 2018, securing the seizure of the entire R2.96 million and $544,200. However, prosecutors successfully argued that Ameen personally benefited from the scheme. They estimated that he benefited by R200,000. As a result, the court has now ordered him to pay this amount into the Criminal Asset Recovery Account.
“The State argued that the accused planned the offenses with unknown individuals. He financially benefited from the crimes. He also had ample time to reflect on the unlawfulness of his actions. Finally, the nature of his crimes severely impacted the economy,” Ntabazalila added.
NPA’s Stance on Financial Crimes
Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Adv. Nicolette Bell welcomed the court’s decision. She reaffirmed the NPA’s strong stance on financial crimes.
“The focus is not only on getting perpetrators to wear orange overalls but also on following the money,” Ntabazalila said. “We aim to hit criminals where it hurts the most by taking away their ill-gotten gains.”
Further Legal Consequences for Ameen
In addition to the forfeiture, Ameen is now unfit to possess a firearm under the Firearms Control Act. This decision further emphasizes the severity of his offenses.
