Mohammed Ameen was intercepted by South African Customs Services, while seated at a business lounge area at international departures at Cape Town International Airport.
Image: Ian Landsberg/ Independent Newspapers
Mohammed Ameen has been found guilty of money laundering and violating exchange control regulations, resulting in suspended sentences and a confiscation order.
Ameen, 45, of the Western Cape, was found guilty yesterday after entering into a plea agreement with the state.
On count one for contravention of exchange control regulations, he was sentenced to five years imprisonment wholly suspended for five years. On count two of money laundering, he was sentenced to eight years imprisonment wholly suspended for five years.
Before entertaining the plea agreement, the court granted a confiscation order of R200 000 and he was ordered to deposit the money into the Criminal Asset Recovery Account (CARA).
In a statement, Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani of the Hawks said the sentence emanated from an incident that occurred on October 11, 2017.
Ameen was intercepted by South African Customs Services, while seated at a business lounge area at international departures at Cape Town International Airport.
"His luggage was searched by customs officials where he was found to be in possession of currency, American dollars to the amount of $544 200 as well as South African currency to the amount of R2 955 000. The accused failed to declare the above mentioned currencies. He was travelling to Dubai and he was immediately arrested."
Ameen appeared in the Bellville Magistrate's Court on October 12, 2017, and the matter was adjourned to October 19, 2017, for a formal bail application. He was then released on R30 000 bail.
On March 15, 2018, the Western Cape Division of the High Court granted a preservation order for an amount of $544 200 as well as R2 955 000. The accused failed to file an appeal on the order and the monies were then forfeited to the state.
Major General Mathipa Makgato, the Provincial Head of the Hawks in the Western Cape, welcomed the sentence and praised the collaboration between the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority for their efforts in combating crime.
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