DURBAN - Law enforcement operations are cracking down on passport fraud syndicates in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, with multiple arrests made in recent operations. A Department of Home Affairs-led initiative has dismantled a major operation involved in fraudulent passport activities, leading to several arrests.
Home Affairs Intensifies Crackdown on Passport Fraud
Since July of last year, 33 corrupt officials have been removed from their positions. A recent operation led to the arrest of five individuals, including a former Home Affairs official, a municipal project volunteer, and three members of the public. One individual was found in possession of 226 passports recently stolen from the Umngeni Home Affairs office.
The operation was initiated by the Home Affairs counter-corruption unit, acting on information received from the public. One suspect was found with keys to Home Affairs offices on Commercial Road and at Prospection, along with copies of enabling documents not belonging to him.
More Suspects Arrested, Investigation Widens
Two additional suspects have been arrested in connection with this widespread syndicate, bringing the total number of arrests to seven. These arrests were made in Pretoria, following investigations into the unlawful issuance of South African passports to undocumented foreign nationals. The alleged crimes include corruption, fraud, and violations of the Identification Act and the Immigration Act, believed to have occurred between February 2020 and July 2023.
Modus Operandi of the Syndicate
Investigators revealed that South African citizens colluded with Home Affairs officials to facilitate the fraudulent acquisition of identity documents, primarily at the DHA’s Commercial Street office in Durban. The operation extended to branches in Isipingo, Durban Central, and Eshowe. Transactions allegedly took place after hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
South African participants were reportedly paid between R300 and R1 000 for their cooperation. The Serious Corruption Investigation unit is handling the case, and the two latest suspects are scheduled to appear in the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
Hawks Target Passport Fraud Kingpin
The Home Affairs counter-corruption unit and the Hawks are conducting raids targeting the masterminds behind the sale of fraudulent passports. The main target is a foreign national believed to be a key figure in the syndicate. As of Saturday morning, another operation resulted in the arrest of four more individuals, with authorities confiscating 226 passports and other Home Affairs documents.
- Total Arrests Since September 2022: 38
- Home Affairs Officials Arrested: 7
- Private Citizens Arrested: 31
- Convictions: 24 (including 4 DHA officials)
- Combined Sentences: 310 years
The authorities are committed to rooting out corruption within the Department of Home Affairs and ensuring the integrity of South African passports.