The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) celebrated a recent victory in the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) regarding the freezing and seizure of assets obtained through crime. The ruling stated that assets hidden in trusts could be frozen and seized while a criminal case is being finalized.
This decision came after the NDPP used the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (Poca) against the directors of Regiments Group for corruption, money laundering, and fraud charges totaling about R1bn. The directors had attempted to appeal the seizure of assets held in trusts on their behalf.
The NDPP argued that freezing the assets was necessary to preserve them for the pending trial, as sophisticated criminals often hide their realizable assets in trusts. The SCA upheld this reasoning, emphasizing the importance of preventing individuals from benefitting from criminal activities.
This ruling sets a precedent for the legal treatment of assets obtained through crime and reinforces the accountability of individuals involved in illicit activities. The NPA’s successful legal action highlights the commitment to fighting corruption and money laundering in South Africa.
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