According to the report, visas, permits and citizenship documentation were among the official papers being illegally processed in exchange for cash payments.

Investigators describe the operation as a coordinated network involving corrupt government officials, intermediaries and criminal syndicates who worked together to help unqualified individuals bypass immigration regulations.

The SIU confirmed that fraudulent documents, sham marriages and deliberately manipulated administrative processes were used to grant legal status to people who did not meet the required criteria.

 

Investigators have so far traced approximately R181 million connected to fraudulent applications. The funds were allegedly channelled through cash transactions, e-wallet transfers and networks of middlemen. Authorities have cautioned that the total amount could increase significantly as investigations are still ongoing.

 

The report also draws attention to well-known figures, with references made to individuals including Shepherd Bushiri and Timothy Omotoso. The SIU indicated that certain individuals allegedly exploited weaknesses in the immigration system to grow financial structures and large followings while circumventing proper immigration controls.

The report further raises alarm that some South African citizens’ identities may have been compromised and used without their knowledge in fraudulent applications.

 

SIU officials have stated that the scale of the corruption reflects serious failures in government oversight — failures they say could have been detected far sooner had proper monitoring systems been in place. The unit has warned that the scandal poses risks not only to state finances but also to border security and national safety.

 

The SIU is now pursuing disciplinary proceedings against implicated officials and is seeking recovery of the misappropriated funds through the courts.

 

Mzansi Ground News will continue to follow this story as it develops