By: Natasha Archary
Chef Lusiz Henna has been sentenced to 10-years imprisonment for defrauding the South African Revenue Services (SARS).
On Monday, 22 April the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sentenced Henna, the Head Chef and Founder of Blaque Continental Bistro, on 6 counts of fraud.
Henna, who also headed up Blaque Olive Chefs, claimed a R5.3 million VAT refund from SARS.
The 41-year old chef made the claim with the intention of defrauding SARS, as Blac Olive Chefs bank account did not reflect trading which would equate to the amount of R5.3 million.
SARS paid an amount of R3.1 million to Henna which the celebrity chef laundered within 14-days.
According to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, Henna laundered the funds by transferring the money to his relatives and friends.
In addition, Henna was sentenced to a further 6-years for 14 counts of money laundering.
“Celebrity Chef Lusizo Henna was sentenced to 10-years imprisonment on 6 counts of fraud and 6-years imprisonment on 14 counts of money laundering.
The State submitted that only direct imprisonment would be appropriate as crimes against the fiscus harm the government’s ability to render services.
It was further submitted that dealing with offenders harshly in schemes like these would improve South Africa’s grey listing status.
As the NPA we continue in our plight to protect the fiscus and we applaud the commitment of Advocate Oosthuizen as well as the investigating team in ensuring that justive is served.”
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