The Hawks on Monday arrested three people, two of them police officers, in Durban for stealing R692,000 (US$37,166 dollars) in coronavirus (Covid-19) relief funding destined for the staff of a company in distress during the ongoing health crisis.

The suspects allegedly pocketed money approved by the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) for a company called National Adhesive after it applied for relief funding for its staff members. However, the money was rerouted by fraudulently changing the bank details of the designated beneficiary.

The three, aged between 25 and 39, were due to appear in the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on charges of fraud and money laundering on Tuesday.

The Hawks said the funding in question was deposited into the bank account of a police sergeant from the tactical response team at Durban central police station.

"The company’s banking details were fraudulently changed and an amount of R692 185,55 was deposited into another different bank account. Investigations revealed that the account belonged to a police official from Durban Central Tactical Response Team.

"He allegedly transferred the money into different bank accounts belonging to another police official and two civilians," said the Hawks. 

A fourth suspect was not arrested but warned to appear in court with the other three as "he was cooperating with the investigations". 

The Hawks said efforts were underway to recover the money and so far R240, 000 had been attached.

"The investigation team has also seized a NP200 bakkie as well as a stand which was purchased through the proceeds of crime.  Both will be forfeited to the state."

The UIF instituted a special Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme to help companies who found themselves unable to pay salaries as a result of the nationwide lockdown imposed in late March in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.