State calls first witness in the R37.7 million Estina fraud trial

28 March 2023

Trial has begun in the Estina R37,7 million tax fraud matter. The Pretoria Magistrates court heard evidence from the state’s first witness, Piet Swart, a SARS investigator. He is expected to continue his testimony tomorrow as the trial is expected to conclude on the 30 March 2023.

The accused in the matter include two associates of the Gupta brothers, Kamal Vasram and Saliesh Indurjeeth who have today pleaded not guilty to the R37.7 million fraud case involving the failed Free State Estina project.

Swart testified about the customs clearance submission which relates to 9 shipping containers that carried different dairy equipment purportedly from Gateway Limited in the UAE.

They face charges of Fraud, Contravention of Section 54(1)(A) of the International Trade Administration Act and Contravention of Regulation 22 of the Exchange Control Act charges arising from a joint investigation by SARS and the Investigating Directorate.

Issued by Sindisiwe Seboka, Investigating Directorate National Spokesperson, 28 March 2023