EASTERN CAPE – Three suspects aged between 49 and 66 are appearing in the Cape Town Magistrates’ court today, charged with racketeering, money laundering and contravention of the Marine Living Resources Act. They were arrested yesterday by the Gqeberha based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation during Project Ebroad.

The investigation commenced in 2019 after the allegations of the abalone syndicate based in Western Cape who were hiding abalone in between the meat products meant for export. A lengthy investigation commenced which led to the arrest of the suspects yesterday.

Electronic devices and documents were seized by the team and the investigation is continuing.

Source: South African Police Service