African News Agency
Customs officials at OR Tambo International Airport stopped five people from leaving South Africa for Dubai with R23 million and $3.775 million in cash stuffed into suitcases and backpacks, SA Revenue Service (Sars) spokesman Luther Lubelo said on Monday.
“The passengers were scheduled to depart South Africa on United Arab Emirates flight EK 766 to Dubai. Risk profiling earlier by Sars custom officials identified the passengers and led to their apprehension as they boarded the aircraft at 21.45 pm,” he said.
Lubelo said the five tried to run back to the boarding gate when they spotted Sars officials approaching them.
“The passengers were in possession of eight luggage bags and four backpacks. Upon noticing the Sars officials, the passengers retreated and headed back to the entrance of the boarding gate,” he said.
“At this point, officials closed the boarding gate door and the passengers were compelled to wait for the Sars officials.”
Under questioning, one of the passengers conceded that he had about R100 000 and that his fellow travellers were also carrying cash.
They were escorted back to the customs area and Sars officials confiscated 11 bags containing currency.
Lubelo said the group were not arrested. Sars has handed the matter over to the SA Reserve Bank to determine whether there was any criminal link to the cash they were trying take on the flight.