The Special Investigating Unit SIU has swooped in on properties across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng in a search-and-seizure operation targeting a syndicate accused of syphoning R161m from the Unemployment Insurance Funds UIF Covid-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme TERS.
SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the operation was authorised by a warrant issued by the Special Tribunal and extended to offices, private homes and the UIF head office in Pretoria.
The substantial funds received were not paid to workers instead, they were distributed among syndicate members in patterns consistent with money laundering.
