Johannesburg – Several suspects linked to an international investment scam that stole more than R1 billion from mostly overseas investors appeared before the Johannesburg Commercial Crime Court.
The suspects include six alleged investment scammers and 25 call-centre agents.
The suspects whose identities have not yet been disclosed face charges of contravention of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS Act).
The State alleges that more than 40 unsuspecting victims from abroad, including the United States of America, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, were scammed into investing more than R1 billion in what they believed to be legitimate investment opportunities.
It is further alleged that some of these funds were used to sustain the operations of the call centres.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Gauteng spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane alleged that the suspects operated call centres that provided financial services despite not being registered as financial advisers or as representatives of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority.
The NPA said a prosecutorially guided, internationally coordinated investigation led to the arrest of the suspects on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, in various areas of Gauteng, including Bryanston, Randburg, and Centurion.
RELATED: Bogus Investment: Hawks Arrest Suspected Scammers, Call Centre Agents – The Bulrushes
The multi-agency operation, which resulted in the arrests, was led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), better known as the Hawks.
Mjonondwane said the prosecutorially guided, internationally coordinated investigations involved the Hawks, the South African Police Service Crime Intelligence, the Financial Intelligence Centre, the United Kingdom National Crime Agency, the United States Department of Homeland Security Service, Australian IFW and CyberTrace investigation companies, working closely with South Africa’s private investigation company, IRS.
The case was postponed to 4 February 2026 for the bail hearing.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), working with its partners, continues to make significant strides in tackling and dismantling organised criminal networks.
The complex and deeply embedded scourge of organised crime continues to plague the country; however, law enforcement agencies remain equipped and committed to dealing effectively with such crimes.
All the accused were remanded in custody, and their case was postponed to next week, Wednesday, 4 February 2026, for the bail hearing.
