Johannesburg – Georgie Maureen da Lanca, a 42-year-old woman charged with fraud, has been arrested in relation to the “Colton scam syndicate” and brought before the Johannesburg Specialized Commercial Crimes Court at Palm Ridge.
Da Lanca made her initial court appearance on Wednesday, (12 March 2025), and has been remanded in custody.
The hearing has been postponed to 19 March 2025, at which time the defendant will present her bail application.
Detailing the circumstances leading to Da Lanca’s arrest on Monday, (10 March 2025), Gauteng Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela reported that an operation was launched to dismantle sophisticated fraud syndicates operating within South Africa.
The operation was executed by the “419 Task Team” from the Hawks, which is formally known as the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).
“Da Lanca, who is also recognized by the alias ‘Lisa,’ was apprehended following an investigation into a case that was filed at the Sandton police station in November 2022,” stated Warrant Officer Mavimbela.
“She is currently facing preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering.”
The case involves a total of R250,000.
According to Warrant Officer Mavimbela, the complainant was ensnared in a fraudulent “Colton deal” instigated by co-conspirator Tony Bradley.
“The complainant was deceived into making payments under the false pretense of acquiring a cross-border certificate and activating a code, only to later uncover discrepancies that revealed the scam,” elaborated Warrant Officer Mavimbela.
“Investigations revealed that the R250,000 paid by the complainant into an FNB account was subsequently distributed to three different accounts, including one belonging to Ms. Da Lanca.”
Warrant Officer Mavimbela noted that investigations indicated Da Lanca’s significant role as “a key player in a Colton syndicate” responsible for deceiving multiple victims across Johannesburg.
Da Lanca’s co-accused, Tony Bradley, was arrested on 18 November 2022.
Bradley was granted bail set at R5,000 in December 2022.
“Importantly, there are three additional warrants of arrest (J50) pending execution as part of the extensive investigation into the syndicate,” remarked Warrant Officer Mavimbela.
The DPCI Provincial Head in Gauteng, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, commended the Hawks’ 419 Task Team for their “dedication and perseverance” in bringing this issue to light.
Warrant Officer Mavimbela stressed that the recent arrest underscores the DPCI’s unwavering commitment to combat organized crime and ensure justice for the victims affected by these fraudulent schemes.
