A Durban court sheriff has been arrested for allegedly working in cahoots with a syndicate that influences prices at auctions in their favour, police said on Monday.

"A court sheriff and an alleged member of a syndicate have been arrested in Durban on charges of contravening the Income Tax and Vat Act,” said Colonel McIntosh Polela.

The sheriff deals with auctions of properties on behalf of the banks, he said.

“He and a syndicate member are alleged to have colluded to influence prices at auctions in their favour, by means of corruptive and intimidating behaviour,” said Polela.

The investigation conducted by the SA Revenue Service and the police revealed that the suspects made money from buying and selling properties and did not pay their taxes.

“The estimated value at this stage is R40 million. The forensic investigation with regards to the fraud and corruption is still ongoing.

"These arrests are only for the Tax Act for now."