SIU Exposes Major Fraud Syndicate Inside National Lotteries Commission

In February 2024 the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) revealed to Parliament a significant fraud operation within the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), implicating officials, former board members, lawyers, and non-profit organizations. This three-year probe uncovered that funds intended for charitable causes were instead used to purchase luxury homes, farms, and high-end vehicles.

Key Points of the Investigation:

• Widespread Collusion: The SIU investigation discovered that a "criminal syndicate" within the NLC coordinated with insiders and external partners to divert funds meant for public good.

• Misused Funds: Money allocated for charity was instead spent on personal luxuries, including a Land Rover for the ex-COO’s wife and other extravagant items.

• Ongoing Criminal Activities: Current NLC staff might still be involved in fraudulent activities, potentially providing false information that could hinder the investigation.

• Challenges in Prosecution: Despite extensive investigations by the Hawks and the SIU, there have been delays in prosecution, with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) acknowledging the need for more resources to handle these cases.

• Asset Recovery Efforts: The Asset Forfeiture Unit faces challenges in securing properties and other assets bought with the stolen funds, as every step of the process is contested.

• New Cases Emerging: Among the cases nearing conclusion, millions were diverted to personal accounts under the guise of community upliftment projects, including a chicken farming project and a drug rehab facility, both of which involved misallocation of NLC funds.

The SIU and NPA are under pressure to bring those responsible to justice and recover misappropriated funds, with new investigations possibly extending the scope of this already expansive case.