uMhlanga businessman charged with R4 million fraud in call-centre scheme

PERSONAL GAIN

- NADIA KHAN

A 37-YEAR-OLD uMhlanga businessman faces multiple fraud charges for allegedly deceiving his business partner out of almost R4 million in a call-centre scheme.

Keegan Reddy was recently granted R50,000 bail in the Durban Magistrate’s Court.

According to court papers, Reddy and the 54-year-old businessman went into a partnership by establishing a call centre, with each holding an equal 50% shareholding in the company.

Reddy also owned a separate business, which specialised in setting up call centres.

It is alleged that as part of their arrangement, setup costs for the call centre would be invoiced through Reddy’s separate business without any markup.

According to the court papers, Reddy and his business partner were to share the financial responsibility for establishing the call centre equally, with Reddy's company acting as the channel for invoicing the expenses.

It is alleged that Reddy issued multiple invoices on various dates during 2023. For each invoice, 50% of the invoiced amount was paid by the business partner either personally or through his wife's account.