File picture: Supplied File picture: Supplied
Drugs found stashed in a Maitland liquor store four years ago led to a mammoth asset battle, which ended with a city businessman and suspected drug kingpin facing the loss of a luxury car and more than R744 000.
In a judgment handed down in the Western Cape High Court this week, the Asset Forfeiture Unit was granted an order to seize the cash and a 2008 Mercedez-Benz worth about R138 000 from Paul Kingsley, who ran a liquor store in Maitland.
“(He) is alleged to have committed serious offences, which include money laundering, tax evasion, drug dealing and racketeering,” the judgment said.
Kingsley, and three others implicated in the matter, may appeal the order, but if enforced, the seized money may be invested in crime fighting.
Kingsley had claimed the cash was proceeds from the liquor store. He had said the car belonged to his wife and was still being paid off.
Police discovered the car was bought from Mercedes-Benz Culemborg Motors, but although Kingsley had paid for the car and driven it from the motor dealer, it was bought under the name of another respondent in the matter.
“Further investigations into the affairs of (Kingsley) found he was registered for tax in 2008, but has never submitted any tax returns, nor paid anything to the South African Revenue Services,” the judgment said.
A National Prosecuting Authority press release on the order granted by the court welcomed the action.
The Asset Forfeiture Unit had been involved in a long-running civil battle with Kingsley.
Regional head of the unit, Gcobani Bam, congratulated those involved in the process.
Sunday Argus