NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit seized properties of Nigerian National, Olyinka Ilumsa Sunmola
On 20 November 2014 the National Prosecution Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit obtained a preservation of property order in the Pretoria High Court in terms whereof they seized the following immovable properties registered in the name of Olayinka Ilumsa Sunmola and the contents thereof on the grounds that they are the proceeds of unlawful activities or instrumentalities of offences listed under Schedule 1 to POCA, or both.
- Erf No. 219, Stand No. 59 Grysbok Avenue, Theresa Park, Ext 1, Akasia;
- Erf No. 991, Stand No. 90 Lynn Road, Karen Park, Ext. 40, Pretoria North;
- Unit No. 882, Wonderpark Estate, Corner 1st Avenue and Primula Street, Karen Park, Pretoria North; and
- Unit number 19 (Door number 209), Sunset Acres, 42 Benmore Road (corner 2 Vickie Avenue), Benmore Gardens, Johannesburg.
On 1 April 2015 the AFU obtained a forfeiture order in respect of the abovementioned properties in the Pretoria High Court. The curator has already sold the properties. Currently processes are underway to repatriate approximately R2 823 336.82 to the US for victim compensation.
Subsequent to further investigations, on 13 October 2015 the AFU also obtained a preservation of property order in terms whereof it seized funds totalling R19 730.10 in an ABSA bank account held in the name of Sunmola. A forfeiture order was subsequently granted on 4 March 2016 in respect of these funds.
The seizure is the result of a joint multi-agency investigation between the South African Police Services’ Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation Unit, the United States Homeland Security, the United States Postal Inspection Services and the AFU.
Sunmola, an adult male Nigerian national was arrested on 9 August 2014 at London Heathrow Airport in response to an Interpol Red Notice issued by the Washington DC Interpol office on 2 July 2014. He was indicted in the US in respect of his criminal activities. Sunmola and his accomplices defrauded American citizens and businesses.
The fraudulent scheme was conducted from within South Africa. The modus operandi involved the use of fictitious identities and other tricks that enabled Sunmola and his accomplices to gain an unfair and dishonest advantage over victims located within the Southern District of Illinois and elsewhere in the U.S. According to US authorities, on 3 March 2016, Sunmola pleaded guilty. The SAPS and the AFU are committed to combat organised crime. The provisions of POCA are a very effective tool in addressing these types of crimes.
