Fuel Fraud Crackdown: SARS Recovers R367 Million in Illicit Diesel Sting
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SARS is not playing games. In a bold move against fuel fraud, the tax authority, backed by police and intelligence units recovered nearly R367 million in dirty diesel and assets across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and KZN.
The problem? Criminals are smuggling fuel, under-declaring imports, and illegally mixing diesel with paraffin—costing the country a whopping R3.6 billion a year. Some depots were caught with diesel containing up to 68% paraffin.
In just four months, SARS and South African Police Service:
Seized 953,515 litres of contaminated diesel
Shut down six fuel depots
Busted 12 fuel trucks for dodgy declarations
Exposed two illegal fuel "washrooms"—including a mobile one on a truck
Assets and contaminated fuel to the value of R367,274,330, leading to further investigation, and criminal and civil liabilities.
Launched 13 criminal cases.
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter warns: “These syndicates threaten the foundation of our society. We will crush them.”
💡 Why it matters for you
As gatekeepers of compliance, accountants need to stay alert. If your clients operate in fuel, logistics, or trade, make sure their paperwork is bulletproof. SARS is watching.
