Seven passport ‘fraudsters’ to appear in Durban court
There have been two more arrests in connection with a passport fraud syndicate in Durban.
The now seven suspects are expected to appear in the Durban Commercial Crimes Court on Tuesday morning.
A joint operation by the Hawks and Home Affairs led to several arrests over the weekend.
In a statement, the Hawks said it has not ruled out the possibility of more arrests.
Among those nabbed are a former Home Affairs official and a municipal volunteer.
Officials say another suspect was found with 226 stolen passports while a fourth was allegedly in possession of a set of keys to government offices and fake supporting documents.
READ: Four arrested in KZN passport fraud operation
According to the Hawks, the fraud was committed between 2020 and 2023 at Home Affairs offices in Isipingo, Durban Central and Eshowe.
The syndicate allegedly operated after hours and paid citizens up to R1,000 to help foreign nationals obtain fraudulent passports.
Thirty-eight others have already been arrested in the broader investigation, with 24 convicted and jailed for a total of 310 years.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the bust is part of efforts to dismantle what he calls a “syndicate society”.
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