The SA Revenue Service conducted search-and-seizure operations in an investigation into a bribery scheme involving current and former employees accused of manipulating customs inspections.
- SARS has been probing allegations of collusion between customs inspection teams, clearing agents, and importers.
- Search-and-seizure operations targeted six current and former SARS employees, as well as related taxpayers and traders, to secure evidence and assets.
- The agency said it was working closely with police and the NPA to ensure successful criminal investigations.
The SA Revenue Service (SARS) on Tuesday executed search-and-seizure operations as part of its investigation into a scheme involving some of its employees to manipulate physical inspections in exchange for cash bribes.
The investigation has been examining allegations of collusion between customs inspection teams, clearing agents, and importers, who are accused of manipulating physical inspections in return for money.
According to SARS, financial analysis revealed under-declared taxable income exceeding R45 million, resulting in an estimated income tax loss of R18 million.
To disrupt this scheme, it executed search-and-seizure operations and preservation orders against the SARS officials and related parties to secure evidence and assets.
“The latest actions taken by SARS relate to six current and former SARS employees and related taxpayers and traders,” it said in a statement.
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“The persons in question are alleged to have failed to comply with their statutory obligations as taxpayers, by participating in a corrupt scheme that has directly prejudiced all honest taxpayers and traders and the fiscus.”
SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter described the operation as a critical step in protecting the fiscus, securing the country’s borders, and enforcing compliance without fear or favour.
“Those who choose to abuse this mandate, whether from within SARS or from outside, have committed a crime and must face the consequences,” he said.
Kieswetter emphasised the importance of integrity among SARS officials, who were entrusted with safeguarding revenue collection and supporting legitimate trade.
He said:
This responsibility demands conduct beyond reproach. Any deviation undermines the state, erodes public trust, and harms honest taxpayers and traders.
Kieswetter warned that corruption stole from the poor and damaged the economy, displacing legitimate activities and hindering growth and job creation.
SARS said it was working closely with the police and the National Prosecuting Authority to ensure successful criminal investigations and prosecutions.
Kieswetter assured South Africans that more actions of this nature could be expected soon.
“Far too many of our employees work diligently, with utmost dedication, for their efforts to be undermined by a few who choose to collude with criminals,” he said.
Kieswetter added:
Where evidence points to criminality, SARS will detect and pursue it, disrupt the scheme, and recover what is owed to the fiscus.
Kieswetter encouraged the public and industry stakeholders to report suspected bribery, fraud, or customs irregularities through SARS’ established channels.