Govt puts Ters fraudsters on notice
The Department of Labour and Employment hopes the punishment meted out to COVID Ters fraudsters so far serves as a deterrent to other would-be criminals.
Ten people have been sent to jail for theft and money laundering - linked to the Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme.
The Asset Forfeiture Unit's recovered R133 million from various companies and individuals, a large portion of this has been returned to the UIF.
Minister Thulas Nxesi met with the Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour yesterday.
READ: Ramaphosa: Political quarrels at municipalities must end
His spokesperson Sabelo Mali says 30 people including a KZN official have now been arrested for COVID-19 Ters-related offences.
"The minister added that the department is greatful to the law enforcement for their collaborative effort in arresting and prosecuting those who help themselves to funds meant for distressed workers during devasting Covid-19 lockdowns when employees lost their jobs.
A total of R3.4 billion was handed back to the UIF under the department's "follow the money" project. Phase 2 kicked off in July 2022.
MORE ON ECR
