CRIME SCENE: Bellville, Cape Town: A foreign national couple has been arrested for allegedly conning people out of R14 million in a romance scam.

The couple was on the radar of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) for a while, but their luck ran out this week when they were arrested by the City of Cape Town’s enforcement services.

According to the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, the suspect allegedly preyed on vulnerable people searching for love, using dating apps and other online platforms to build trust before manipulating victims into handing over large sums of money.

“Since before 2021, the syndicate is believed to have conned victims out of an estimated R14 million.

“The breakthrough came when the only available lead, a possible vehicle registration linked to the suspect, was circulated among enforcement officers after the Hawks requested the City to assist,” said Smith.

Metro Police Neighbourhood Safety Officers quickly spotted the vehicle parked in Bellville. 

When a male returned to the vehicle, officers stopped it on Giel Basson Drive, where he was arrested and handed over to Bellville SAPS.

“During questioning, the suspect admitted that the other person implicated in the investigation was his wife. Acting on this information, Metro Police proceeded to an identified address, where the female suspect was also arrested.

“Both foreign nationals now face charges including fraud and money laundering. One of the cases was registered at Muizenberg SAPS in 2021.

“For years, the pair allegedly manipulated the emotions of people searching for companionship, leaving many with not only broken hearts, but devastating financial losses. Sadly, feelings of embarrassment often prevent victims from reporting these crimes, allowing scammers to continue targeting others.

“If you believe you may have fallen victim to a similar scam from these perpetrators, please contact the Hawks on 021 918 3762,” said Smith.