Bobroffs’ bank accounts frozen

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) revealed yesterday the Asset Forfeiture Unit had frozen two hidden bank accounts in Israel containing about R101 million, belonging to fugitive alleged fraud suspects Ronald Bobroff and his son, Darren.

“The huge freezing order was the result of excellent cooperation between both the South African and Israeli authorities,” the NPA said. “The money in the bank accounts was initially frozen by the Israeli authorities after they became suspicious about transactions being conducted on the accounts by the Bobroffs.”

The freezing order was obtained in the High Court in Pretoria on July 28.

The Bobroffs, personal injury lawyers, fled to Australia after appearing in the high court when the Law Society of the Northern Provinces sought to have them struck off the roll for allegedly overchargThe ing accident victims who had won awards from the Road Accident Fund by 10%.

The Bobroffs disappeared ahead of handing themselves over to the Hawks.

The Asset Forfeiture Unit had argued in court papers that the funds in the two bank accounts were most probably the proceeds of unlawful activities, “namely, fraud and/or theft and/or money laundering and ... the Bobroffs laundered funds of their clients into the accounts in Israel”.

The money was being kept safe in Israel, the NPA said.

Ronald Bobroff and Partners allegedly entered into contingency agreements with clients and overcharged them. “The clients were unaware that these agreements were null and void and was used as a tool by the Bobroffs to commit alleged fraud, theft and tax evasion,” it said. – ANA

Also see P27