The South African Revenue Service (SARS) and Crime Line have welcomed the arrest of two Thai nationals, believed to be linked to the alleged rhino poaching syndicate kingpin, Mr Chumlong Lemtongthai.
The suspects were arrested during a joint operation by SARS and officials from the Police’s Directorate for Priority Crimes - the Hawks - at the OR Tambo International Airport, where the suspects were being held and questioned for several hours.
Both men were detained between 6.30am and 7am this morning after their flight from Thailand landed.
By midday today the suspects were formally arrested and handed over to Police while investigations continue.
“The one suspect has a criminal record in South Africa for smuggling animal products like lion bones. He was previously convicted in a South African court, was fined R10 000, which he paid and then left the country. We believe that the aim of his return was to get involved in further illicit activities,” said SARS spokesman, Adrian Lackay.
The second suspect was arrested for allegedly not declaring a large amount of foreign currency which was found in his luggage by Customs officials.
Lackay indicated that both suspects are believed to be closely associated with Lemtongthai and that they are believed to be central figures in an international poaching syndicate.
The first suspect who was arrested allegedly tried to enter South Africa with a false passport and under a false name. After his previous conviction in South Africa he was ordered to leave the country because his visa had expired.
He is now likely to face charges of fraud, contravening the Customs and Excise Act, as well contravening the Bio-Diversity Act, which relates to the trade of animal products.
Lemtongthai faces charges of fraud and contravening the Customs and Exercise Act. He was denied bail in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court this week and is expected back in court on Tuesday (November 8).
“Today is another successful chapter of investigations into rhino horn poaching and smuggling. Crime Line congratulates SARS and the Hawks for today’s arrest and for tirelessly working to make an impact on the scourge of rhino poaching,” said Crime Line Coordinator, Marisa Oosthuizen.
“We urge South Africans to continue passing on information to authorities. It is in all our interest to stand up against crime and criminals. Let’s stand up, do the right thing and Lead South Africa.”
Anonymous tip-offs can be sent to Crime Line’s 32211 SMS service or submitted online at www.crimeline.co.za. Tipsters can also contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 to pass on information.
