Mirror Trading International net-winner arrested
When Phillip Botha was summoned to appear before an enquiry held by MTI liquidators, he decided not to turn up.
We’re not sure when, but Botha has since been arrested over his decision.
Liquidators allege Botha is one of Mirror Trading International’s net-winners.
How much Botha stole through MTI is unclear. His name didn’t appear on the leaked top net-winner list.
As reported by MyBroadband, following his arrest either last week or over the weekend Botha
must appear before a magistrate to explain why he should not be remanded to custody.
Honestly given the state of affairs surrounding MTI, you can’t blame Botha for trying his luck.
Aside from Johan Steynberg, who was arrested in Brazil, none of MTI’s South African ringleaders have faced any consequences.
Other MTI net-winners, such as Nico Boshoff, Usher Bell, Marinus Bell, Ignatius Bell, Nico van der Merwe, and Gerald Lassen, had their summons dismissed because reasons.
MTI executives Clynton and Cheri Marks also thumbed liquidators, refusing to appear for a second round of questioning. The courts backed the Marks.
Not really sure how Botha screwed this up. Nonetheless if his lawyer does what the others’ did, he should be back to enjoying stolen money in no time.
Reportedly he had 50+ aliases in use in MTI, so not surprising his name doesn’t immediately spring up.
Also his Wife appears in the Top-winners list from the original leaks (copy below):
dishonest.wiki/lib/exe/fetch.php?media=stats.php.pdf
50 aliases? He ded.
Wait what am I saying…
Your honor it’s not me, they have the wrong guy.
Who are you then?
I’m.. um… Bhillip Potha?
Case dismissed! Liquidators, pay this man compensation!
Can somebody in SA please log into fic.gov.za and file a report that MTI were not properly doing KYC checks on their clients.
This regulator actually does work. Sometimes. Well, maybe.
Thank you for contacting the FSCA regarding MTI’s alleged KYC violations. Rest assured your complaint is our top priority.
*later that day*
Ey Arthur, I got an email referencing about KYC. What on Earth is KYC?
KYC? What is the email about?
Mirror Trading International.
Ugh, haven’t people moved on from that yet? KYC… KYC… not ringing a bell. Hey we have that Botha guy out back, maybe we should ask him?
*FSCA holding cells*
Mr Botha, I’m Officer Dedrick with the FSCA. I was wondering if you could answer some questions?
I keep telling you people my name is Bhillip Potha!
What? Well where did Mr. Botha go? He was brought in earlier and it says he’s here in cell 4D. This is cell 4D.
There was some guy in here but he left.
What?! How?! Where did he go?!
Dunno, something about a plane to Dubai…
You’re saying he’s left the country? Brilliant! HEY ARTHUR, BOTHA’S GONE. YOU CAN SHRED THE FILE…
WILL DO BOSS!
Now, what am I going to do with you Mr. Potha?
Well you see there’s been a mistake. I came in here to report a crime, I think I took a wrong turn and…
A crime? That sounds like a lot of work…
Oh? Oh! No wait you misunderstand. I came in here to… not report a crime?
Not report a crime?
Yes. That’s the opposite of work. And you, Mr. Dedrick, you strike me as someone not afraid of not doing work.
Oh I don’t know about that. I’m in charge of polishing the erasers.
Polishing the erasers?
Yes. All our reports are submitted in pencil you see. Erase a word here, a signature there, just enough to send the report back to someone else. So as you can see, I’m not afraid of a little work.
Right.
Listen there might be something you can help me with. Before he left, did Mr. Botha mention anything about KYC?
Know Your Cust- wait, is this a trap?
A trap? God no. We had an email sent in. Something about fraud. Like we know anything about fraud. Anyway it mentions KYC and Arthur and I are stumped…
KYC? Oh. Why yes that’s um… Krispy… Yam… Chicken?
Krispy Yam Chicken? Are you sure? That sounds completely… delicious! Right, well sorry to bother you Mr. Potha. You’re free to go. See Pam on your way out for some complimentary liquidator passes.
*back in the office*
Arthur, you’re not going to believe this. The Marks have Krispy Yam Chicken!
They have WHAT? How?
KYC! Mr. Potha back there spilled the secret.
Mr. Potha? Who’s tha- wait, is he gone?
Oh yes. I sent him off. He’s someone else’s problem now.
Marvellous. Well, to the Marks’ house then!
*still later that day*
*knock knock*
GOD. Why do people insist on visiting during my mid mid-afternoon-Lindt break?! What, WHAT DO YOU- Oh, hello officers. I suppose you’re finally here to take me and Clynton in. To be honest, we were starting to get worried. We stole tens of millions you know. I’m sure Steynberg’s been squealing like a pig. I’m a wrist size 6, Clynton’s a size 9.
Um yes well that sounds like an awful lot of work. That’s not our department to be frank. Cheri, we received a tipoff earlier today and… we’re here for some Krispy Yam Chicken. I hope you don’t mind?
Krispy Yam wh-? Oh yes, Krispy. Yam. Chicken. CLYNTON!
*back at the station*
That was sublime, Arthur. Truly sublime.
Yes Dedrick, I concur. I feel like we really accomplished a lot today. God I love this job. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.
Are you going to respond to that KYC enquiry before we head off then?
No I already turned off the computer. I think that’s how the internet works? Nevermind, tomorrow I’ll issue a press release announcing I’m thinking about replying.
Brilliant. To the pub then? It’s been a madhouse and we absolutely deserve some R&R. I’ve got big plans for tomorrow you know. There’s a flickering bulb in D6 I’ve been staring down all week…
Makes me sick when scammers go free…just to start up the next scam…