Fictitious trip to Baku Grand Prix: Bogus travel agent sentenced to 12 years in jail for R6 million fraud

“It was reported that Janse van Vuuren, during December 2018, presented himself to the complainant as a travel agent and promised to assist in the arrangements of a trip for the complainant's company,” said Mogale.

“Janse van Vuuren promised the clients an all-inclusive package with return flight tickets, accommodation paddock passes to an event including access to the Baku Grand Prix in Azerbaijan,” she said.

“Although he received the payments, Janse van Vuuren never made good on his promises but instead used the money for personal benefit.”

Following a series of court appearances, Janse van Vuuren was convicted on November 1 for 49 counts of fraud.

This was after he absconded from his scheduled court appearance on October 12, where a warrant for his arrest was issued.

“The members of the Gauteng-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation traced him to Buffalo Hotel in Komatipoort where he was arrested by the Komatipoort SAPS,” said Mogale.

After his arrest in Komatipoort, Mpumalanga, Van Vuuren made a brief appearance before the Komatipoort Magistrate’s Court.

He was remanded in custody until his appearance at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Gauteng on Tuesday.