Johannesburg – One of South Africa’s most wanted fraudsters Cheslyn Swartz was arrested in Fairland, Johannesburg, after over a year on the run.
Swartz allegedly orchestrated advance fee investment scams over more than a decade, defrauding victims of millions of rands with false promises of huge returns and forged financial documents, including fake bank statements showing €1 billion, The Citizen reported.
While he claimed to owe about R30 million, investigators believe the total fraud likely amounts to hundreds of millions.
Swartz now faces 84 charges of fraud and related crimes, with authorities emphasising that his arrest is just the first step in holding him accountable.
ARRESTED!
Cheslyn Swartz, one of IRS’s the three most wanted suspects, Cheslyn Swartz, was arrested today in a joint @SAPoliceService, IRS, @SCP_SECURITY operation. Our sincere thanks to Fairland SAPS, SCP Security and all role players on scene. pic.twitter.com/qcXuQPnrzN
— IRS Forensic Investigations (@FraudWatchZA) September 9, 2025
According to Northcliff Melville Times, he was caught in a joint operation by IRS Forensic Investigations, SCP Security, and Fairlands SAPS.
Swartz was found hiding under clothes during a search.
“He was taken into custody without incident and was not armed at the time of his arrest,” the repot quoted Jaun Van Der Westhuizen, from SCP Security as saying.
Swartz has been handed over to the Fairlands SAPS to face charges.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
