16 to appear in court for TERS fraud
Hawks have arrested 16 suspects link to the theft of R1.4 million in Temporary Employer/ Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) funds.
The suspects, aged between 23 and 57, were arrested in Gauteng and North West on Sunday.
Hawks spokesperson Bonnie Nxumalo says the suspects will appear in the Mahikeng District Court on Monday on charges of fraud.
“It is alleged that in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, three sole directors of different dormant entities applied for TERS funds from the Department of Employment and Labour for 47, 133 and 141 supposed employees.
“The department paid the funds to companies' bank accounts. The funds were allegedly transferred to certain individuals for personal enrichment.
“The department suffered a total loss of more than R1.4 million due to siphoning activities. The Hawks investigated the matters and warrants of arrests were issued.”
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