The Hawks believe Georgie Maureen Da Lanca, also known as Lisa, who was arrested by the 419 Task Team is central in fraudulent scams across Gauteng.
Image: Hawks
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, has announced a significant breakthrough in the fight against organised crime, with the arrest of 42-year-old Georgie Maureen Da Lanca for her alleged involvement in a coltan scam.
Columbite-tantalite, known as coltan for short, is a dull black metallic ore which is abundant in the eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Tantalum, from coltan, is used to manufacture capacitors which are used for mobile phones, computers, automotive electronics, cameras among other gadgets.
The Hawks said Da Lanca has made her first appearance before the Johannesburg Specialized Commercial Crime Court, sitting at Palm Ridge, on Wednesday. The case against Da Lanca was postponed to March 19 for formal bail application.
Gauteng spokesperson for the Hawks, Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela said the operation which led to Da Lanca’s arrest, was led by the Hawks’ 419 Task Team and highlights the elite crime busting unit's commitment to dismantling sophisticated fraud syndicates operating in South Africa.
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“Ms Da Lanca, also known by the alias Lisa, was apprehended following an investigation into a case that was registered at Sandton police station in November 2022. She faces initial charges of fraud and money laundering. The case involves a loss of R250,000 from a complainant who was lured into a fraudulent coltan deal by a co-conspirator identified as Tony Bradley,” said Mavimbela.
The complainant was persuaded to make payments under the pretence of obtaining a cross-border certificate and activating a code. The victim uncovered discrepancies which confirmed the scam.
“Investigations revealed that the R250,000 deposited by the complainant into an FNB account was subsequently dispersed across three separate accounts, one of which belongs to Ms Da Lanca. Further inquiries confirmed Ms Da Lanca’s involvement as a key player in a coltan syndicate that has defrauded numerous victims across Johannesburg,” said Mavimbela.
Georgie Maureen Da Lanca, a 42-year-old woman, has been arrested by the Hawks for her alleged role in a sophisticated coltan scam that has defrauded numerous victims across Gauteng.
Image: Hawks
Da Lanca’s co-accused, Tony Bradley was arrested in November 2022, and has since been released on R5,000 bail.
“Notably, three additional warrants of arrest are pending execution as part of the broader investigation into the syndicate,” said Mavimbela.
Meanwhile, provincial head of the Hawks in Gauteng, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa has saluted the 419 Task Team, “for their diligence and determination in bringing this matter to light”.
Kadwa said Da Lanca’s arrest demonstrates the Hawks’ unwavering resolve to combat organised crime and ensure justice for the victims of fraudulent schemes.
Hawks provincial head in Gauteng, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa has saluted the 419 Task Team, “for their diligence and determination in bringing this matter to light”.
Image: File
The 419 Task Team has been at the heart of investigations and arrests in the rampant cases of romance scams where countless women were defrauded of millions of rand while in love relationships.
Since last year, IOL has been running the scammed series where several women and men have lost their hard-earned money including pensions and bank loans through romance scams. The victims have regrouped and are knocking on different doors, demanding answers.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL
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