Following the arrest of 85 foreign nationals at the Castle Hotel in Mbabane, investigators have reportedly identified the alleged kingpin behind the suspected international online gambling and fraud syndicate.
Highly-placed sources revealed that the suspected mastermind of the operation had been identified and could soon face at least five charges as investigations intensify. These charges are expected to include human trafficking, fraud, money laundering, contravening the Immigration Act, and contravening Section 11(5) of the Passport Act of 1971.
Sources close to the investigation alleged that the suspected kingpin was responsible for coordinating activities linked to the syndicate’s operations in the country. The individual is also believed to have connections with an immigration officer, who has since been taken in for questioning as part of the ongoing probe.
According to investigators, the case has grown beyond the initial immigration-related offences after authorities uncovered evidence suggesting the existence of a wider criminal network operating within and outside the country.
Sources further revealed that another Asian national was arrested on Tuesday at Lobamba after police allegedly established that he was linked to the same syndicate. Police reportedly believe that the suspect played a role in coordinating some of the activities connected to the group.
Preliminary investigations indicate that several of the foreign nationals allegedly entered the country through OR Tambo International Airport in neighbouring South Africa, while others are believed to have crossed into the country using informal border crossings.
A source close to the investigation said some of the suspects had entered the kingdom using their passports. However, further examination allegedly revealed that the passports bore immigration stamps issued by local immigration officers, raising suspicions that the entry may have been facilitated internally.
According to investigators, the suspects who were arrested at the hotel are believed to have been working in coordination with individuals operating from different locations across the country. Authorities believe the group may have been conducting coordinated online activities targeting victims from different parts of the world.
Investigators said the suspects were allegedly part of a broader international network that operated from multiple locations while remaining digitally connected.
The latest developments come as police intensify investigations into what is believed to be a sophisticated international syndicate involved in online fraud and illegal gambling operations. According to investigators, the suspected scam involves criminals establishing relationships with victims online over a period of time before convincing them to invest money in fake online gambling or trading platforms.
The 85 foreign nationals, who originate from countries including China, Brazil, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Cambodia, were arrested during a police operation conducted at Castle Hotel in Mbabane. They are currently facing charges related to immigration and employment violations after allegedly entering and working in the country without the required permits.
However, police investigations have since expanded beyond immigration-related offences, with authorities now probing possible offences, including money laundering, operating an illegal gambling business, and human trafficking. Investigators have also been examining the alleged involvement of a local pastor and his wife in the matter.
Sources indicated that the pastor allegedly played a role in arranging accommodation and logistical support for some of the foreign nationals who were operating from the hotel. It is further alleged that when police moved in to arrest the suspects, the pastor intervened and pleaded with officers not to detain them.
Information gathered during the investigation suggests that the pastor allegedly informed police that the foreign nationals were in the country to perform national duties. However, investigators reportedly established that the activities being conducted were not related to any form of government work. Authorities are now examining the extent to which the pastor and his wife may have been involved in facilitating both the entry and operations of the foreign nationals within the country.
Investigations have also revealed that attempts had been made to register a gambling company in the country involving some of the foreign nationals. Sources indicated that the pastor allegedly claimed that the group was in the country to install surveillance cameras for one of the government departments. However, investigators reportedly found no evidence linking the suspects to any official government project.
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Sources further alleged that the pastor made numerous telephone calls to police officers in an attempt to prevent the arrest and charging of the suspects. The process to register the gambling company was reportedly still underway when police carried out the operation that resulted in the arrest of the suspects.
Last week Friday, some of the accused appeared before Principal Magistrate Fikile Nhlabatsi at the Mbabane Magistrate’s Court. They were formally charged with contravening provisions of the Immigration Act and the Passport Act. According to the charge sheet, the suspects allegedly entered and remained in the Kingdom of Eswatini without valid permits or licences authorising them to do so.
They are also accused of engaging in employment within the country without authorisation from the relevant authorities. The accused were remanded into police custody pending further investigations and are expected to appear in court today. Meanwhile, investigators are continuing to analyse computers, mobile phones, and other electronic devices seized during the police operation. Authorities believe the devices could provide crucial evidence regarding the full extent of the suspected syndicate’s operations.
