SC0021
Carnilinx illicit tobacco intelligence-capture scheme
Carnilinx shareholders Mo Sayed and Adriano Mazzotti used General Feroz Khan's Crime Intelligence position to: (1) direct SAPS enforcement raids against illicit tobacco competitors (Protobac et al.) while shielding Carnilinx, (2) access SAPS and National Treasury procurement channels (PPE masks, Cyberia Rules Engine contract R700M+), and (3) channel political pressure through Julius Malema (EFF) — directing parliamentary questions at the Inspector General of Intelligence and obtaining information about active criminal investigations (Sandton 79/07/2019 / VBS). Khan received corrupt benefits: 30 vehicles acquired for cash in one year, travel funded by Carnilinx associates.
11 events0 contradictions
People in this scheme
Timeline of events
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1 September 2017
General Feroz Khan was appointed as Major General and Component Head within Crime Intelligence, effective 1 September 2017.
promoted from: General Khan from Crime Intelligence was a Colonel in the Police, was promoted from the rank of a Colonel to a Major General
promoted to: promoted from the rank of a Colonel to a Major General
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2020
Carnilinx entered into a settlement agreement with SARS to resolve past customs, excise, and tax non-compliance, accepting both criminal and civil liability.
dated: The settlement agreement that was concluded between Carnilinx and SARS was only concluded in 2020
stated purpose: it is hoped that this process will culminate in the company accepting criminal liability in a criminal court together with civil liability in respect of legislation administered by SARS
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2021
SAPS raided Protobac’s bond store, seizing 152×200 kg boxes of raw tobacco and 1,127×200 kg of cut rag valued at approximately R120 million, based on intelligence likely facilitated by General Khan.
activity: where he would conduct raids on the competitors of Carnilinx in the illegal tobacco industry
goods seized: 152 x 200kg boxes of raw tobacco
R
12 February 2021
General Khan asked Mr Sayed to arrange a special price on a V8 M3 vehicle and to urgently send samples and prices.
request: Send me samples and prices, please, ASAP. I am going to see someone tomorrow night who is the possible guy to make it happen.
request: Do not forget my birthday present …
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10 May 2021
Several devices belonging to General Khan were seized, presumably as part of an investigation.
devices seized: there are several devices that were seized from General Khan on the 10 th of May
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29 May 2021
General Khan sent Mr Sayed an image of his spare‑parts business, Magic Moto Spares, confirming his private business interest.
action taken: General Khan sends a picture of Magic Moto Spares, another one of his shops
action taken: another image of his store, Magic Moto Spares
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14 June 2021
General Khan forwarded details of IPID tender bid number 02/2021/22, a letter to the Minister of Police, and a media statement to Mr Sayed.
sent: Mr Sayed sends General Khan a message
sent: Mr Sayed sends General Khan details of an IPID tender, bid number 02/2021/22 with a closing date of 2nd July 2021
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26 July 2021
In WhatsApp messages, Mr Sayed and General Khan negotiated fee split terms (one-third each) for a draft MOU between Smada and Cyberia, relating to a R280 million National Treasury contract.
stated intention: We have to conclude, as Pilot can easily resolve. Then we are good if he signs.
stated expectation: So we get 92.4 odd? 280. 30%.
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4 August 2021
General Khan sent Mr Sayed a copy of the Treasury letter recommending the appointment of Kaizer.
sent: General Khan sends Mr Vally a copy of the Treasury letter recommending the appointment of Kaizen MSD
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15 June 2025
Mr Sayed forwarded a request from Mr Malema to General Khan asking for the complaint details (case number Sandton 79/07/2019) about VBS Bank fraud.
action taken: a series of attempts and forwarded messages saying there is this opportunity here, there is that opportunity there
action taken: Mr Sayed sends General Khan a picture of a 911 Turbo Porsche
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21 June 2025
General Khan met with Mr Sayed and Mr Malema at a location to discuss parliamentary questions and the Sandton case information.
met: General Khan, Mr Sayed and Mr Malema were going to meet
met: General Khan, Mr Sayed and Mr Malema were going to meet