A disturbing crime syndicate, allegedly preying on destitute individuals with South African identity documents, is reportedly operating in the eThekwini region. The scheme involves using victims’ IDs to open bank accounts and secure credit, with one case now involving allegations of police corruption.
Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) spokesperson Prem Balram revealed details after a 41-year-old woman and her minor child approached RUSA for help. “The mother of four informed reaction officers that she had learned from neighbours that a Pakistani National operating a business in the Verulam CBD was paying R300 to utilise identity documents,” Balram stated.
The woman approached the man at his business premises in April 2025. “He informed her that she would need to open up accounts at First National and Standard Bank. She was paid R300 after the debit cards and her Identity document was handed to him. The female was promised a large payout after six (6) months.”
However, in June 2025, the woman discovered her R350 SASSA Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant had been cancelled. This cancellation was allegedly due to the Pakistani national “profile building her account to achieve a positive banking history.” Balram explained, “He opened several clothing accounts and made timeous deposits in an attempt to boost her credit score which may have resulted in the grant being revoked.”
Alarmed, she went to the bank, reported her card lost, and requested to withdraw R15,000 and close the account. “She was handed over the cash after the required security checks were completed,” Balram confirmed.
Upon boarding a bus home, the woman received a call from a neighbour, warning her that the Pakistani national and other men were outside her residence. Fearing for her safety, she diverted to a nearby police station, requesting an escort home. Balram said, “Two policemen proceeded to the residence with the woman and on arrival met with the men. The officers interviewed both parties separately. The female informed them that she only had R4500 left of the money she had withdrawn. The SAPS Officials allegedly asked her to retain R200 and hand over R4300 to them. They informed her that would return the finance to the Pakistani National, but they sped off with the cash.”
Following this alleged encounter, the Pakistani national reportedly transported the woman back to the bank. There, she was instructed to reopen the account and hand over the new ATM card. She now believes the man’s intention was to “continue depositing cash into her account until he can apply for a loan online. He would then withdraw the cash and default on repayments. The same would be done on clothing accounts and cell phone contracts applied in her name.”
The businessman is allegedly recruiting several destitute individuals and exploiting their identity documents to open bank accounts.
The police was contacted for comment but none was given at the time of print.
