Murky world of 'poaching syndicate' exposed

Alex Eliseev | 9 Hour(s) Ago

A court has for the first time heard about the alleged inner workings of a syndicate, suspected of using prostitutes to pose as trophy hunters.

Thai national Chumlong Lemtongthai was denied bail by the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Thursday after the court found he had no links to South Africa and was a flight risk.

He is suspected of being the syndicate’s kingpin, who organised deals worth millions of rands.

In opposing bail the state called a Sars official, Lindsay Moodley, who testified the 26 transactions listed in the charge sheet are worth more than R8 million.

He said he interviewed a Thai woman who was paid by the syndicate to make the trade in rhino horn look like a legal hunt.

“She confirmed she was paid on both occasions R5,000 for a passport to be used to obtain a permit,” he said.

He added that the woman is a potential witness.

“She also indicated that she cannot shoot. She further confirmed that she was called to the dead rhino, was given a rifle and was asked to pose next to it.”

Lemtongthai maintains he is innocent.