Man arrested at OR Tambo while fleeing after a R1.4 million BMW fraud.
Image: File
A man accused of defrauding a bank out of R1.4 million to acquire a luxury BMW M4 Coupe in North West was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport while attempting to flee South Africa.
Minhaz Ahmed Patel, 33, appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate's Court on Monday, facing fraud charges related to the fraudulent purchase of the high-end vehicle.
His case has been postponed to March 13 for a formal bail application.
Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (HAWKS) spokesperson warrant officer Amogelang Malwetse said Patel applied for vehicle financing in May 2022 at a car dealership in Klerksdorp.
"It is alleged that Patel submitted fraudulent documents, and his motor vehicle finance was approved by the bank. He subsequently received the vehicle, which he never made any payment for since its purchase," said Malwetse.
With Patel making no payments, the bank suffered a loss of R1.4 million, prompting an investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit.
After a lengthy trace, law enforcement tracked Patel down as he was about to leave the country.
"The suspect was arrested by the police at OR Tambo International Airport while trying to flee to his home country on March 2," said Malwetse.
Acting head of the Hawks in North West, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, along with director of public prosecutions in the province, Rachel Makhari, praised the investigative team for their efforts in ensuring that justice is served.
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