Brides-for-cash syndicate busted in South Africa

Police in South Africa have arrested three individuals suspected of running a fraudulent scheme that involved creating fake marriage documents to assist foreign nationals in obtaining South African citizenship.

The arrests occurred during a raid on a building in Durban on Monday, where officers confiscated application forms, copies of identification cards, and other incriminating evidence.

According to police, one suspect was apprehended while attempting to destroy crucial evidence.

Authorities believe the suspects stole the identities of local women without their knowledge, using their IDs to produce counterfeit marriage certificates and visas for foreigners.

“When they come, they come as a married man to a South African woman. Once here, they will divorce that woman,” stated Col. Robert Netshiunda, a regional police spokesman. “By that time, they have obtained citizenship, allowing them to bring in more people. That’s the scam they were allegedly running.”

The extent of the operation and the nationalities of those involved remain unclear, as police continue to analyse computers and hard drives recovered from the scene.

The alleged operation was disguised as a “clandestine home affairs office,” providing marriage and visa facilitation services typically offered by the government’s Department of Home Affairs.

Police suspect that the sophisticated nature of the operation may involve collusion with an insider at the Department of Home Affairs. Authorities have identified a potential suspect but have not yet made an arrest.

South Africa, as the continent’s largest economy, attracts many job seekers and migrants, leading to recent anti-immigration protests and violence against immigrants.

The issue has gained prominence in political campaigns, particularly during May’s general election, with some political groups accused of inciting xenophobia.