Free State man arrested for alleged role in NaTIS licensing fraud syndicate
One man has been arrested on suspicion of being part of a multi-million-rand vehicle licensing fraud syndicate allegedly operating across several provinces
The man was arrested on Tuesday in Parys, Free State, following a joint intelligence-led operation involving the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), the Hawks and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
According to RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane, the operation was conducted by members of the RTMC’s National Anti-Corruption Unit, SAPS Crime Intelligence Tactical and Special Operations, the Hawks and cybercrime units after investigators received information that the suspect was allegedly using the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS) from his private residence to process vehicle licence renewals fraudulently.
Zwane said investigators discovered a computer displaying the NaTIS login page, along with user credentials, licence documents, identity numbers and reports from multiple provinces.
In a statement, the RTMC said the suspect, believed to be an IT specialist, implicated both former and current transport department officials, alleging that NaTIS user credentials were obtained from officials through the purchase of user numbers stored on memory sticks.
The suspect further alleged that the syndicate operates across southern Gauteng and the Free State, with access to NaTIS systems in all provinces through credentials allegedly supplied by official contacts.
The group is accused of targeting Driver’s Licence Testing Centres where biometric systems have not yet been installed, as well as using credentials from Private Vehicle Testing Stations to fraudulently capture information and declare vehicles roadworthy on the system.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Parys Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, while investigations into the alleged syndicate continue.
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