AFU secures preservation order on diamond scam-accused Hannes Badenhorst's R2m Hartbeespoort property
It’s believed the funds used to purchase the property originated from Tarioco, one of the companies founded by diamond dealer and alleged fraudster Louis Liebenberg.
Picture: Pixabay.com
JOHANNESBURG - Pretoria’s Asset Forfeiture Unit has secured a preservation order on a 2-million-rand house in Hartbeespoort belonging to Hannes Badenhorst and his wife, Christelle.
It’s believed the funds used to purchase the property originated from Tarioco - one of the companies founded by diamond dealer and alleged fraudster Louis Liebenberg.
Badenhorst was one of the directors of Tarioco.
The group is accused of being part of a diamond syndicate that allegedly defrauded investors out of 4-billion-rand.
Regional spokesperson for the national prosecuting authority Lumka Mahanjana said: "The next step is to apply for a final forfeiture order. When granted, the house will be sold on public auction and the proceeds paid into the criminal assets recovery account."
The Badenhorst couple, the Liebenberg couple and five others facing fraud, racketeering and money laundering charges are expected back at the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate Court in July.
The head of the Pretoria AFU, advocate Martin Mafojane, welcomes the preservation order and wants to assure the public that the AFU remains committed in confiscating proceeds of crime.