The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has obtained a provisional restraint order preserving assets worth about R43.9 million in a case involving an alleged international call-centre investment scam, marking a further procedural step following the arrests of suspects linked to the syndicate.
According to a statement issued by the NPA on 15 April, the order was granted on 26 February by the High Court in Johannesburg in terms of section 26 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).
The NPA said the order follows the arrest on 27 January of suspects allegedly connected to a global syndicate that operated purported call-centre agencies in Bryanston, Johannesburg.
Read: Suspects allegedly linked to global fraud scheme arrested in multi-agency operation
It said the restraint order applies to immovable and movable assets registered in the names of the accused. These include multiple properties across Gauteng, some valued at more than R3m, as well as a range of high-value vehicles.
Among the vehicles identified are a Mercedes-Benz A45S AMG, Aston Martin DB9, Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI, Toyota Fortuner, Jaguar E-Pace, Ford Ranger, and Toyota Hilux.
On 14 April, sheriffs of the court, representatives of the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit, members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, and appointed auctioneers executed the provisional restraint order at various locations in Gauteng.
The NPA said that, in accordance with the order, auctioneers took possession of certain motor vehicles, which will be held in storage pending the finalisation of the criminal case and any subsequent confiscation application.
According to the NPA, the case concerns an alleged international syndicate, described as Israeli-linked, that operated call centres targeting individuals in multiple jurisdictions, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States.
The scheme allegedly relied on online advertisements to attract potential investors, after which call-centre agents would initiate contact.
“The call-centre agents employed by the syndicate would contact members of the public who reacted to false advertisements that were posted on the internet in what is commonly referred to as ‘click bait’,” said NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago.
He added that the agents “targeted vulnerable individuals, groomed them, and knowingly misrepresented investment opportunities and returns”.
According to the NPA, victims were persuaded to invest in products that did not exist, with promises of returns on those investments.
The criminal matter remains before the Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court and has been postponed to 4 June 2026 for further investigation.
A restraint order granted under POCA is a preservation mechanism that prevents the dissipation of assets suspected to be the proceeds of unlawful activity. It does not constitute a finding of guilt, and the assets remain subject to further court processes, including potential confiscation proceedings, depending on the outcome of the criminal case.
In this matter, the restrained assets will remain under the control of the appointed curator and auctioneers pending the conclusion of the legal process.
