The Asset Forfeiture Unit has moved to secure and restrain assets linked to an alleged international syndicate accused of defrauding investors abroad through fake online investment schemes, with vehicles and properties seized across Gauteng.
Image: Supplied/NPA
The The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit has secured a provisional restraint order over R43.9 million in assets linked to a global syndicate that allegedly operated bogus call centre agencies in Bryanston, Johannesburg.
The order was granted in February 2026 by the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg, IOL reported.
It was granted under section 26 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998 (POCA), following the arrest of suspects on January 27, 2026.
One of the vehicles secured by the Asset Forfeiture Unit pending finalisation of criminal proceedings.
Image: Supplied/NPA
NPA national spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said various assets registered in the names of the accused have been restrained, including multiple high-value immovable properties across Gauteng.
He said some properties are valued at more than R3 million, along with movable assets including a Mercedes-Benz A45 S AMG, Aston Martin DB9, Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI, Toyota Fortuner, Jaguar E-Pace, Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, among other vehicles.
“The total estimated value of the restrained assets is approximately R43.9 million,” Kganyago said.
A gated residential property in Gauteng linked to an alleged international investment scam is inspected by court-appointed sheriffs.
Image: Supplied/NPA
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, sheriffs of the court, AFU representatives, members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) and appointed auctioneers visited various addresses in Gauteng to execute the provisional restraint order.
“In accordance with the provisional restraint order, the auctioneers took possession of various motor vehicles to be kept in storage pending the finalisation of the criminal case and possible confiscation application.”
He said evidence indicates that an international Israeli syndicate operated call centres that targeted unsuspecting members of the public in countries including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States and others, persuading them to invest in non-existent products with promises of returns.
Jaguar E-Pace secured by the Asset Forfeiture Unit pending finalisation of criminal proceedings.
Image: Supplied/NPA
“The call centre agents employed by the syndicate would contact members of the public who reacted to false advertisements that were posted on the internet in what is commonly referred to as ‘click bait’.”
Kganyago said agents targeted vulnerable individuals, groomed them and knowingly misrepresented investment opportunities and returns.
He said the criminal case remains before the Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court and has been postponed to June 4, 2026 for further investigation.
Kganyago added that the AFU aims to ensure that benefits unlawfully derived from criminal activity are recovered in line with the objectives of POCA.
Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI was removed by officials during enforcement of a provisional restraint order.
Image: Supplied/NPA
“The effective partnership and collaborative efforts between the DPCI, the NPA’s Specialised Commercial Crime Unit (SCCU), and AFU have resulted in the restraint of assets linked to this multibillion-rand cybercrime syndicate.”
“This outcome underscores the impact of coordinated action by government agencies working together in the pursuit of justice,” he added.