In a major breakthrough, the Hawks have arrested 42-year-old Georgie Maureen Da Lanca for her alleged involvement in a coltan scam that has defrauded numerous victims across Gauteng. Da Lanca, also known by the alias Lisa, faces initial charges of fraud and money laundering ¹.
The investigation, led by the Hawks’ 419 Task Team, revealed that Da Lanca was a key player in a coltan syndicate that lured victims into fraudulent deals. One such victim lost R250,000 after being persuaded to make payments for a cross-border certificate and activating a code.
The Coltan Scam: How it Works
Coltan, a dull black metallic ore, is used to manufacture capacitors for mobile phones, computers, and other gadgets. Scammers like Da Lanca exploit this lucrative market by posing as legitimate traders, promising unsuspecting investors high returns on their investments.
Hawks’ Crackdown on Organized Crime
The arrest of Da Lanca demonstrates the Hawks’ commitment to dismantling sophisticated fraud syndicates operating in South Africa. Provincial head of the Hawks in Gauteng, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, praised the 419 Task Team for their diligence and determination in bringing this matter to light.
