Sars Tax Fraudster Sentenced To Jail Time

Rabin Balmint (62) from Newlands West, was sentenced to an effective seven years imprisonment, in the Durban Magistrates’ Court after he pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud and one count of VAT fraud (Value Added Tax) against the South African Revenue Service (SARS). The offences amounted to approximately R11.7 million. For the tax year 2013, Balmint submitted fictitious tax returns via e-filing for his company Kiddo Trans CC. These were done by creating fictitious supplier invoices and he received a tax rebate of R9.7 million. Also, he failed to pay VAT of R2 million due to SARS by the company. He was found out after a SARS audit revealed that the invoices were fictitious.

In aggravation of sentence, State Adv. Nirvana Rambali told the court that tax revenue is used to develop infrastructure and provide services to the poorest and most vulnerable in our country. She said, Balmint’s dishonesty was fueled by greed and had caused a substantial loss to the fiscus. The Asset Forfeiture Unit, represented by Adv. Rajendrie Naidoo obtained a Preservation Order to the value of R 500 000 against Balmint.

For the fraud (all counts taken as one for sentencing), Balmint was sentenced to an effective 7 years of direct imprisonment. He was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for the VAT fraud, this was wholly suspended for five years, on the condition that he does not commit the same offence during the period of suspension. During sentencing, the court deviated from the minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment, due to Balmint’s age, the fact that he was the first offender and that he pleaded guilty.  The court saw these as a substantial and compelling reason to deviate.

The NPA welcomes the successful finalisation of this matter.

Issued by

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara

NPA Regional Spokesperson

KZN Division

Enquiries: nramkisson@npa.gov.za / 0716700229