4 Officials Suspended as R300m Cyber Heist Amid Investigation
- Four officials have been suspended after a decade-long R300 million cyber heist was uncovered at the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure
- The investigation, triggered by a recent R24 million theft, revealed collusion between officials and cyber criminals
- Thirty laptops have been seized, and the probe continues to uncover the extent of the fraud
Reitumetse Makwea, a Briefly News current affairs journalist in Pretoria, South Africa, has covered court and crime-related news at The Citizen and Rekord Noweto for over five years.
Source: Getty Images
Four officials have been suspended after a R300 million cyber heist was uncovered at the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
The high-profile cybercrime, which has been ongoing for the past decade, was brought to light during a forensic investigation prompted by the theft of an additional R24 million in May.
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R300 million gone in 10 years
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson revealed that cybercriminals had stolen R300 million from the entity in the past 10 years.
"There has been collusion between officials and outside forces to infiltrate our systems."
The investigation, spearheaded by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks), the South African Police Service (SAPS), the State Security Agency, and experts in ICT and cybersecurity, has already led to the seizure of thirty laptops believed to be linked to the cybercriminal activity.
Inside the job, senior management officials involved
The investigation has identified the involvement of three senior management officials and one middle management official.
These individuals have been suspended as the inquiry continues to uncover the extent of their involvement and the methods used by the cybercriminals to siphon off public funds.
"We felt that it was incredibly important to take South Africans into the department's confidence so that they knew exactly what had taken place because it's not our money; it's the public's money."
According to 702, the minister assured the public that all measures are being taken to secure the department's systems and prevent further breaches.
The comprehensive forensic investigation was initiated after discovering the R24 million theft in May, which raised alarms and prompted immediate action.
The collaboration between various state agencies and cybersecurity experts highlights the seriousness of the breach and the commitment to holding those responsible accountable.
Patricia de Lille responds to cyber crime allegations: Netizens remind her of Beitbridge Border
Briefly News recently reported Minister Patricia de Lille responded to allegations of cyber crimes at the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, clarifying her tenure and actions.
She emphasised her efforts in recovering R253 million and collaborating with the SIU but faced criticism from netizens regarding the Beitbridge border fence project.
Meanwhile, Macpherson revealed the department's decade-long vulnerability to cyberattacks and committed to cracking down on these crimes.
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Source: Briefly News
