AFU freezes Bobroffs’ hidden bank accounts

THE NATIONAL Prosecuting Authority (NPA) revealed yesterday the asset forfeiture unit (AFU) had frozen two hidden bank accounts in Israel, containing about R101 million, of fugitive fraud suspects Ronald Bobroff and his son, Darren.

“The huge freezing order was the result of excellent co- operation 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 they appeared in the high court in Pretoria when the Law Society of the Northern Provinces sought to have them struck from the roll for allegedly overcharging accident victims who had won awards from the Road Accident Fund by 10%.

They disappeared ahead of handing themselves over to the directorate for priority crime investigation (the Hawks).

The AFU had argued in court papers the funds in the two bank accounts were most probably the proceeds of unlawful activities.

“The money is currently (being) kept safe in Israel until the finalisation of forfeiture proceedings,” the NPA said. – ANA