The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crimes Unit in the Free State is aiming to make a breakthrough in the case of yet another fraudulent get-rich-quick investment scheme.
Investigation has been ongoing since May after victims reported not getting any returns for monies invested. The team of the elite crime fighting unit based in Bethlehem is investigating the matter.According to Capt. Christopher Singo, spokesperson for the Hawks in the province, about 500 victims have opened cases, apparently after losing money invested in a bogus scheme run by a company called Integrated Investment Inn, which operated from Ladybrand. He said to date the number of victims that reported cases was 500.
“The victims have suffered a total loss of R15 million. They invested with a promise of getting an interest return of 10%,” said Singo. He said the company has disappeared from the place of business it initially operated from in Ladybrand.
According to investigation, the syndicate company scammed the victims from 2018 until 2021.Singo said investigation includes the search for a man known as Moeketsi Ntshasa. He is wanted for questioning. “Ntshasa could help unlock investigation into the bogus investment scheme,” said Singo, further appealing to the public to assist with information about the whereabouts of Ntshasa.
“Any information received will be treated with strict confidentiality,” he said.Anyone with reliable information about his whereabouts should contact the investigating officer, WO Sidwell Mpholo, on 082-372-0386.
