Latest news with #CustomsandExciseAct91
TimesLIVE
03-07-2025
- TimesLIVE
Sars warns on fuel contamination scams that cost fiscus R3.6bn a year
The SA Revenue Service (Sars) has issued a strong warning about the growing threat of fuel adulteration and illicit trade in the country, revealing that the fiscus loses about R3.6bn a year from these illegal activities. According to Sars, some diesel samples analysed during recent investigations were found to contain up to 68% paraffin, highlighting the severity of fuel tampering. A joint-intelligence team comprising Sars and police officials has so far identified 23 targets across Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal as part of a crackdown on the illicit fuel economy. This operation led to the discovery of 953,515 litres of contaminated diesel and six fuel depots that were operating in contravention of section 37 of the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964 as amended. Sars revealed that assets and contaminated fuel worth R367m were seized, leading to further investigations and possible criminal and civil liabilities. 'Two so-called fuel 'washrooms' were uncovered — one of which is a rare mobile washroom fitted on to a transport truck. These were used to remove paraffin markers,' Sars said. In addition, 12 fuel-transport trucks were flagged for suspected false declarations, whereby tankers claiming to import an average of 15,000 litres of fuel were found to be carrying significantly more. So far, 13 criminal cases have been registered with the police, supported by Sars trade investigators for customs and excise contraventions and fraud. In the past four months, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has conducted multiple interventions to combat the illegal trade. Sars said the Maputo Corridor linking South Africa, Eswatini and Mozambique has over the past decade become a hotbed for fuel smuggling and adulteration driven by organised criminal networks. 'Some importers declare fuel volumes of 40,000 litres or less, whereas investigations reveal that up to 60,000 litres are actually being brought into the country,' said Sars. The agency warned that illegal mixing of diesel with paraffin has become a national trend, often carried out by fuel storage and distribution depots. Fuel adulteration refers to the practice of mixing petroleum products, particularly diesel, with cheaper substances such as paraffin or even water. This is done to inflate the volume of fuel sold, enabling illicit profits at the expense of quality and safety. Adulterated fuel can severely damage engines and machinery, leading to increased maintenance costs and shorter vehicle lifespans. This comes as South Africans were hit with steep fuel price hikes on Wednesday. Diesel 0.05% increased by 82c/litre Diesel 0.005% increased by 84c/litre Illuminating paraffin went up by 67c/litre. Sars stressed that this activity is part of a broader illicit economy that poses a serious risk to the country. 'The illicit economy is a global phenomenon that threatens South Africa's society, economy and national security. Tax evasion, smuggling, illegal transactions, illicit manufacturing and fraud undermine the rule of law, erode public trust, distort markets, deprive governments of revenue, and enable corruption and organised crime,' said Sars. The agency called for a whole-of-government approach involving public entities, the private sector, civil society and international partners to effectively dismantle these networks. Sars commissioner Edward Kieswetter praised the joint efforts of enforcement agencies. 'These syndicates can only underestimate our resolve to eradicate this criminality at their peril. These acts threaten the very foundation of our society. Our message is clear: we will spare no efforts to crush them,' said Kieswetter.
The Citizen
30-06-2025
- The Citizen
R19m in fake luxury goods seized in Bloemfontein crackdown
SAPS confiscated counterfeit goods worth over R19m and apprehended six foreign nationals in a series of targeted operations in Bloemfontein. The raids were spearheaded by the National Counterfeit Goods Unit, with assistance from the Public Order Policing team in Bloemfontein, officers from SARS Customs Division, brand protection representatives and private security personnel. Bloemfontein Courant reports that search and seizure warrants, issued under the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964, were executed at selected retail premises in Bloemfontein's city centre last week. 'Over the course of two days, more than 13 000 counterfeit items were confiscated that included clothing, shoes, bags and jewellery,' says police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk. '[The] majority of the seized items are imitations of high-end luxury brands.' Six foreign nationals were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, with one suspect also facing an additional charge of resisting arrest. 'SAPS remains committed to disrupting and dismantling the illegal trade in counterfeit and illicit goods to protect consumers, safeguard legitimate businesses and support the South African economy,' adds Van Wyk. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
