Houghton resident loses R1.2 million in tanzanite scam
HOUGHTON - IRS Forensic Investigations together with the police are investigating the alleged theft of tanzanite gems from a Houghton resident to the value of about R1 194 000.
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According to the victim, Kairaba Diaby from Houghton Village, he had purchased tanzanite gems from an offshore supplier.
The gems were to be delivered to a supposedly reputable dealer in Johannesburg.
According to the agreed-upon arrangement, once the stones were delivered to the dealer, the dealer was supposed to re-polish and sell the stones, sharing the profit with Diaby.
The dealer refused to comply with the agreement and a case of theft has been opened at Jeppe Police Station.
Chad Thomas, founder of IRS Forensic Investigations said due to the alleged theft of the tanzanite gems, a criminal case had been opened at the Jeppe Police Station. “This is the third case that IRS has assisted in within the past three months involving gems where a supposed reputable gem dealer is in someway involved in the alleged deception or misrepresentation that has prejudiced our clients financially,” said Thomas. “We are going to escalate the docket at Jeppe Police Station.”
Details: 086 191 1477.
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