EASTERN CAPE – Gqeberha based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation members of the Hawks intensified a relentless effort in combating serious commercial crime, following the successful arrest of Tanesh Ranchod (31) and Nirali Ambaram (31) implicated in an elaborative fraud and money laundering scheme on 13 May 2026. The couple briefly made an appearance before the Gqeberha New Law Court on the same day where they were released on R10 000 bail each.
It is alleged that, between November 2024 and April 2025, Ranchod, while employed by Nolands Incorporated, unlawfully manipulated legitimate company invoice templates by replacing the official banking details of the company with personal banking details linked to himself and his spouse.
A detailed forensic investigation was launched after allegations surfaced that a former Associate Director employed at Nolands Incorporated, based in Humewood, had allegedly orchestrated a sophisticated fraudulent invoicing scheme aimed at unlawfully diverting company funds into personal bank accounts.
The accused apparently generated and distributed fictitious invoices utilising authentic-looking invoice templates associated with said business entity and Greatsoft Nolands Incorporated Cape Town. The clients of the company were ostensibly deceived into believing that payments were being processed into the lawful business accounts of the company for legitimate services rendered. Discrepancies were picked up and the matter was referred to the Hawks for a probe.
Meticulous investigation revealed that as a result of the alleged fraudulent misrepresentations, clients reportedly transferred an amount of approximately R366 830.00 directly into Ranchod’s bank account. A further amount of approximately R266 800.00 was allegedly deposited into another account belonging to his spouse Ambaram. Further probing revealed that the alleged financial movements and inter-account transfers amounting to approximately R250 200.00 from Ambaram’s account into Ranchod’s account, transactions which form part of the money laundering. Financial prejudice suffered by Nolands Incorporated was estimated at approximately R633 630.00.
Intensive investigations by the Hawks culminated in arrest of the couple. The accused appeared in court and the matter was postponed to 22 June 2026 for it to be transferred to Gqeberha Regional court.