The Johannesburg based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team has secured the court attendance of Duston Bernard Haddon (38) and an entity Casino PTY LTD in the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Tuesday, 22 October 2024.

This is a significant breakthrough, in a case that was registered at Johannesburg central police station by the South African Revenue Services (SARS) in December 2017. It was in respect of multiple counts of fraud and contravention of the Tax Administration Act.

SARS lost an amount estimated at over R20 million over the affected period from 2012 October 01 to 2014 October 2014. The company, Casino Importers and Exporters, submitted fraudulent VAT 201 returns to SARS, supported by fake invoices. The suspect then laundered the refunded amounts through numerous accounts. This substantial financial crime has been brought to light due to diligent investigation by the Hawks.

Duston Bernard Haddon and Casino PTY LTD are facing counts 1 – 26: fraud, count 27: forgery,
Count 28: uttering, Counts 29 – 138: money laundering. The accused was released on a R30 000-00, bail and the case has been remanded to 28 November 2024, pending further investigation and the tracing of the main suspect in the case, 59-year-old, Augusto Manuel Carrera De Oliveira (pictured in black and white) who was the Director of the entity at the time. The Johannesburg High Court authorised a warrant for his arrest on 05 May 2021. He is yet to be located. Anyone with information of his whereabouts is urged to contact the investigation officer Warrant Officer Dean Pillay on 0714813545. The public is further warned that harbouring a fugitive is a criminal offence which is punishable in accordance the Criminal Procedure Act.

The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Gauteng Major General Ebrahim Kadwa has welcomed the significant developments in the case. “In light of the recent arrest of individuals involved in fraud and money laundering, it is crucial to highlight the importance of tax compliance. Evading taxes
or engaging in fraudulent activities not only undermines the integrity of our financial system but it is also a serious offense. It is the responsibility of every individual and business to adhere to tax regulations and contribute their fair share to the country’s economy”, Concluded.

Source: South African Police Service