Alleged Ponzi scheme couple, son busted
Some of the victims of the Hardin family approached the Rising Sun, explaining how they, along with hundreds of other unassuming investors, had been put through hell as they witnessed their substantial investments crumble before them.
A Malvern family, who have been accused of operating a Ponzi scheme while hoodwinking hundreds of unsuspecting professionals, businessmen and women, including a well-known Chatsworth pastor, made their first appearance in the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, recently, after they left their victims destitute and kneeling in prayer for their large investments to be repaid and justice to be served.
According to Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, KZN spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, it is alleged that between January 2014 and November 2015, Ashlin Hardin, Raj Hardin and Shakila Hardin promised investors exorbitant interest rates on investments in a petroleum company.
ALSO READ: Cousins in alleged family-run fraud syndicate arrested
“The family appeared on charges of fraud, amounting to approximately R7, 8 million, while being charged with the Contravention of the Banks Act and the Financial Advisory And Intermediary Services (FAIS) Act. They appeared together with four companies,” explained Ramkisson-Kara.
Some of the victims of the Hardin family approached the Rising Sun, explaining how they, along with hundreds of other unassuming investors, had been put through hell as they witnessed their substantial investments crumble before them.
One of the victims, a well-known pastor, who wished to remain anonymous, was conned into investing an amount exceeding R400, 000. He explained how he was scammed.
“We were all approached by the family’s agents, who received a percentage of whatever we invested if they managed to get us on board. Some of these agents identified themselves as Sandra, Maya Naidoo and Paul Govender. From here, we met with the family, who assured us that there was no way that we could lose this money. We would be receiving an interest rate monthly and had the option to cash out whenever, however, myself and many others were only paid for one or two months before the payments stopped. When we questioned this, Ashlin would speak to us and assure us that we would receive our money in due time, making us pick up letters, which indicated this promise, but nothing came of it,” said the distraught pastor.
Ramkisson-Kara added that at some stage, the family was unable to sustain the payouts and the scheme collapsed.
Another victim, Aakash Sunder, *not his real name, said that he was part of a group of 38 individuals, who were scammed by the family and are being represented by one advocate.
ALSO READ: Businessman nabbed for R1, 1 million luxury vehicle fraud
“Although we are 38, these people have scammed hundreds of others of an amount far exceeding the R7, 8 million that they are accused of. These victims range from teachers to policemen with amounts, ranging from hundreds of thousands of rands to millions. People have lost cars, houses, families and even experienced death in some cases where they either had an illness and could not afford the medical fees or just the results of the stress of losing your possessions and family members to such selfish and inhumane people,” explained Sunder.
In court, Ashlin was granted bail of R20, 000, while Raj and Shakila were granted bail of R15, 000 each. Their bail condition is that they do not interfere or communicate with witnesses. The matter returns to court on July 12.
Visit our sister sites for more news in the respective areas:
