Sars rogue unit partnered with National Intelligence Agency

21 December 2014 - 16:27 By Sapa
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An allegedly rogue intelligence unit of the SA Revenue Service was approved at the highest level of government and established in partnership with the National Intelligence Agency, according to a report.

According to documents in the Sunday Independent's possession, allegations against the unit's management have been in circulation for some years but were discredited earlier this year.

The Sunday Independent reported that the documents bring into question statements by Sars commissioner Tom Moyane citing investigations into claims of illegal spying brought against the Sars unit national research group.

The intelligence unit was reportedly set up in 2007.

It established a brothel in Durban as a cover for officials working from home; spied on people, including taxi hitmen, druglords, cigarette and abalone smugglers, Sars officials and politicians. Some Sars officials reportedly infiltrated the ANC as bodyguards.

In September, Johann van Loggerenberg, Sars' former head of tax and customs investigations, who reportedly once headed the unit, was placed on special leave by Moyane pending a misconduct probe.

On December 5, Moyane announced the suspensions of deputy commissioner Ivan Pillay and strategic planning and risk group executive, Peter Richer.

Sunday Independent reported that one document, signed by then commissioner Pravin Gordhan, was a request sign-off seeking approval to fund a special capacity within NIA to partner with Sars and law enforcement agencies to address the illicit economy.

Sunday Independent said the documents recorded discussions with NIA and the police, covered meetings between Sars and NIA from 1999 to 2003 and details discussions on areas of co-operation between the two entities.

At the time Pillay signed the agreement for Sars and Richer for NIA. The agreement between the entities was signed and the unit was formed to function as a partnership.

On Wednesday last week, Pillay and Richer challenged their suspensions in the Labour Court in Johannesburg. Sars withdrew the suspension of Richer.

On Thursday, the Labour Court found Sars breached Pillay's contract when it suspended him without giving written notice and ordered that Pillay's suspension be lifted and he return to work the next working day following the date of the order.

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