Social media swindler: ‘Mr Allen Grey’ busted for stealing R1.9m from girlfriend

The Hawks arrested another suspect related to an online dating scam on Sunday, 20 March. Ometse Ebor, 40, made his first appearance before the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Tuesday on charges of fraud and money laundering.

R1.9 MILLION STOLEN FROM LOVER

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) said the arrest is related to an incident that took place between December 2016 and January 2018.

During this period, Ebor reportedly met the complainant in the matter on social media and introduced himself as “Mr Allen Grey” – a supposed prominent businessman in the Western Cape. The accused is also known by the name of “Tessy.”

A few days after the romance between the accused and complainant began, he allegedly “continuously borrowed money” from her, said Hawks spokesperson Captain Ndivhuwo Mulamu.

“He reportedly borrowed approximately R1.9 million for the stated period, stating that his bank accounts were hacked,” said Mulamu.

The money was allegedly tumbled through different bank accounts, including R857 000 into Ebor’s business bank account.

The girlfriend’s suspicions were aroused and she reported the matter to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit in Johannesburg.

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‘MR ALLEN GRAY’ AKA OMETSE EBOR ARRESTED

Following an investigation, the Hawks secured a warrant of arrest against “Mr Allen Grey” and all the other individuals positively linked to the scam.

A multi-disciplinary team arrested Ebor during a church service in Sandton on Sunday. He was charged with fraud and money laundering in court on Tuesday and was remanded in custody until 25 March.

Earlier this year, another suspect – Fortune Nomfusi – was arrested in Makhaza, Khayelitsha in connection with the same matter.

The 31-year-old woman faced the same charges and was granted R3000 bail by the same court. She will appear alongside Ebor on Friday.

“This was never an easy task for authorities to trace down the accused, but through their commitment, we managed to secure a warrant of arrest.

“We would like to caution the public who seek romance online to always be vigilant against the possible criminals hiding behind the name of love.

“Perpetrators out there may lure the unsuspecting and vulnerable romance seekers online for exploitation purposes as well,” said Major General Ebrahim Kadwa.