Major syndicate of counterfeit license discs dismantled

The National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU), in collaboration with the Hawks, has successfully dismantled a syndicate involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit license discs and operator cards during a combined law enforcement operation in Mtubatuba.

Mtubatuba is located just north of Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal.

Counterfeit license discs

The operation took place following intelligence about an identified house suspected of generating fake license plates and driver cards, which were sold to truck drivers.

It was found that several trucks, previously taken out of service, were illegally driven with these fake documents, evading traffic controls.

Armed with a Section 252A authorization and a search warrant, NTACU investigators contacted a runner involved in the distribution of the counterfeit documents.

A transaction was carried out between the agent and the runner, during which a counterfeit license disc and operator card were presented in exchange for a fee of R1 500.

After the transaction, the runner and an accomplice were arrested on the spot.

A search warrant was executed at the identified home, leading to the arrest of another suspect and the seizure of three laptops, multiple counterfeit license disks and the operator card previously sent to the officer.

Truck drivers

After a thorough inspection of the suspect’s phone, numerous photos of expired licenses submitted by various individuals were found.

Upon further investigation, a fourth suspect was located and arrested after being found in possession of two fake license plates.

His cell phone also contained images of several fake drives.

The money used in the transaction during the operation was also recovered from the runner.

The investigation into the syndicate’s activities is ongoing.

It is suspected that the group was responsible for supplying a large number of counterfeit discs and driver cards to tipper drivers in the region.

The NTACU remains committed to dismantling illegal activities that endanger road safety and the integrity of the traffic system.

Well played for all involved!