Research and analysis
Economic and social cost of fraud 2023 to 2024
This report estimates the economic and social cost to society of fraud against individuals and businesses in England and Wales in the financial year 2023 to 2024
Applies to England and Wales
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This report provides the Home Office’s latest estimate of the economic and social cost of fraud against individuals and businesses in England and Wales for the 2023 to 2024 financial year. Using a framework consistent with “Cost of Crime” publications, the analysis assesses costs incurred in anticipation of fraud, the consequences experienced by victims, and the resources required in response. Fraud against the public sector is excluded.
The total estimated cost of fraud in…
CLICK HERE to read the FULL Economic and social cost of fraud 2023 to 2024 – GOV.UK article.
THE ISUZU MOTORS PAYROLL FRAUD (GQEBERHA, SA)
Date: February 16, 2026 Perpetrator: Natasja Slabbert (42)
Case Description: In a case that hit home for the Eastern Cape business community, Natasja Slabbert, a payroll administrator at Isuzu Motors South Africa’s Struandale plant, was arrested for an alleged R10.5 million fraud. The scheme, which began surfacing in late 2024, exploited the very systems designed to manage employee compensation. Slabbert allegedly manipulated payroll records to create false entries that appeared as legitimate deductions and contributions on employee payslips. In reality, these “deductions” were being diverted into her personal bank account.
The fraud was only uncovered after diligent employees noticed that their net “take-home” pay was significantly lower than expected, despite the gross amounts on their payslips remaining high. Following a thorough probe by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team and the NPA’s Specialised Commercial Crime Unit, it was discovered that in August 2024 alone, over R626,000 was unlawfully transferred. Slabbert was granted bail of R5,000 on February 17, 2026, and the case has been postponed to later in the month for further legal proceedings. This case highlights the critical need for “segregation of duties” in payroll departments, as a single point of failure allowed for the systematic siphoning of millions over nearly two years.
Link to Original: PE Express – Isuzu Payroll Fraud