KZN tax evader sentenced to 15 years for R3.6 million VAT fraud
This fraudulent approach was discovered following a thorough audit by the South African Revenue Service
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The Pietermaritzburg Regional Court has delivered a significant verdict in the ongoing battle against tax fraud, sentencing Juan Mark Maritz, 62, to an effective 15 years in prison for his role in an extensive Value Added Tax (VAT) fraud scheme.
The fraud, which amounted to a staggering R3.6 million, involved Maritz’s company, Jed-Con Construction Maintenance, which is also facing legal repercussions as a result of this case.
As the sole member and signatory of Jed-Con's bank account, Maritz fabricated a series of nil VAT returns from 2008 to 2015, despite the company engaging in significant trading activities during this period.
This fraudulent approach was discovered following a thorough audit by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), which determined that the state was grievously prejudiced by the actions of Maritz.
The prosecution team, led by Advocates Mbali Mdadane and Richard Sbonelo Mkhize, brought forth compelling evidence including testimony from two witnesses and an investigator from SARS.
The investigator highlighted the importance of compliance with tax laws, stating that noncompliance not only affects government revenue but also hampers the ability to provide essential services to citizens.
In addition to Maritz's prison sentence, Jed-Con Construction Maintenance was fined R100,000. However, the fine has been suspended for five years under the condition that the entity remains free from future fraud convictions during this period.
IOL