A 49-year-old woman who went to casinos with large sums of dirty money with the sole intention of “washing it clean” after Rhino horn deals has been sent to jail for five years.
The Tembisa Regional Court convicted and sentenced Ping Wu on Tuesday, 1 March 2022, to five years of “direct imprisonment” for money laundering.
In April 2019 the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation based in Middelburg registered an undercover project-based investigation.
The scope of the project was to address a syndicate in Gauteng who were illegally dealing in rhino horns.
Recounting events leading the Ping Wu’s arrest, Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi said on 23 July 2019 a search and seizure operation was conducted at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park.
“Ping Wu facilitated various money laundering transactions,” said Captain Sekgotodi.
“These included carrying large sums of banknotes into the casino after a Rhino horn deal was done.
“She was arrested and detained in custody since 15 August 2019 after her bail bid was successfully opposed.”
The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Major General Zodwa Mokoena applauded the investigation team and Judiciary for the successful conviction of Ping Wu.
Mokoena said she appreciated the multidisciplinary approach during the initial arrest.
