Celebrity chef gets 10-year sentence for R3.1 million SARS fraud
Celebrity “Chef Sizo” Henna has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for defrauding SARS of millions. He faced six counts of fraud.
On Monday, a celebrity chef convicted of defrauding the South African Revenue Service (SARS) of millions was handed a 10-year prison sentence.
CELEBRITY CHEF COOKS HIS WAY TO PRISON
The Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court imposed a sentence of six years for six counts of fraud and an additional six years for 14 counts of money laundering on Lusizo Mvula Henna.
These sentences will be served concurrently.
According to the court’s findings, Henna, who owned Blaque Olive Chefs, unlawfully claimed VAT refunds amounting to R5.3 million, leading to SARS paying out R3.1 million to Henna.
“There were no trading activities in Blaque Olive’s bank accounts resembling these claims. The court found that these claims were solely submitted to defraud Sars,” National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said.
According to TimesLive, following receiving R3.1 million in his bank account, Henna proceeded to launder the money within 14 days by transferring the scheme’s proceeds to relatives and friends.
During the sentencing, the state provided evidence from SARS detailing the detrimental impact on the country’s finances caused by schemes like the one orchestrated by Henna.
The prosecutor, Marius Oosthuizen, argued that only direct imprisonment would be suitable as crimes against the fiscus severely affect the government’s capacity to provide essential services.
“The NPA applauds the commitment of Adv Oosthuizen and the investigation team for their efforts in holding Henna accountable for stealing from the fiscus,” Mjonondwane said.
According to Sunday World, it was argued that imposing strict penalties on perpetrators of such schemes would enhance South Africa’s status regarding financial crimes and potentially prevent the country from being grey-listed.
He emphasized the significance of the justice system, conveying a clear message to those who exploit the fiscus and ensuring they face severe consequences for their actions.
Mjonondwane also commended the dedication of Oosthuizen and the investigative team, acknowledging their efforts to hold Henna accountable for defrauding the fiscus.
HENNA TAKES ADVANTAGE OF VAT REFUNDS
Henna serves as the only member and representative of Blaque Olive Private Chefs CC.
His troubles began when he submitted six fraudulent VAT refund claims.
According to The Citizen, SARS transferred the refunds to Blaque Olive CC’s bank account.
However, the VAT refund claims underwent an audit process, and in November 2019, SARS requested supporting documentation from Henna.
Unfortunately, he failed to provide any corroborating documents. As a result, the audit findings determined that Henna had fraudulently claimed the VAT refunds.