The Hawks’ Commercial Wing on Thursday arrested an alleged fake tax practitioner in Cape Town for fraud amounting to R691 000 following lengthy investigations, police said.
Police spokesperson Captain Lloyd Ramovha said on Thursday that between 2009 and 2012, the 42-year-old suspect – a self-professed tax-consultant – would allegedly approach unsuspecting South African Revenue Services (SARS) clients and undertake to assist them in submitting their tax returns.
“He would then, on their behalf, submit fictitious business related financial statements as well as false business expenses/losses as supporting documents,” Ramovha said.
“Upon the refund materialising, he would then allegedly pocket large sums. As a result of these unlawful actions the Receiver of Revenue has suffered losses amounting to approximately R691 000.”
Ramovha said the man was expected to appear in the Bellville Commercial Crimes Court on August 1 where he faces charges of contravening the Income Tax Act.