Money smuggler granted bail

MOHAMMED Ameen, 38, the Durban man caught allegedly trying to smuggle millions out the country has been released on bail.

Ameen, who is facing charges of contravening Section (15) of the Customs and Excise Act , which relates to failure to declare certain assets, appeared in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court.

He was granted R30 000 bail with strict conditions on Thursday. The matter has been remanded to November 22 for possible plea and sentencing negotiations.

Ameen was arrested at Cape Town International Airport en route to Dubai with two suitcases filled more than R10 million in cash.

In his last court appearance, prosecutor Helene Booysen, who specialises in organised crime, said the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Unit is involved in the investigation.

Booysen said upon arrest the auto car shop owner, who makes R20 000 a month, had two passports. She said he had also told his ailing wife that he was travelling to Johannesburg. “The accused told his wife he was going to do a sale in Joburg yet he was in Cape Town with millions of rand, more than of a half of which was in dollars,” she said.

She said she would investigate the origin of the money and also make contact with the Department of Home Affairs to check whether the accused had travelled abroad before and, if so, to which places. – Staff Reporter