Tobacco entrepreneur Adriano Mazzotti, who has openly admitted to serious criminal activities, including tobacco smuggling, tax evasion, and illegal surveillance, is yet to face any criminal charges.
Despite admitting to tobacco smuggling, tax evasion, illegal surveillance, and attempts to corrupt SARS officials, Adriano Mazzotti has yet to face criminal charges. Tax Justice SA has asked the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to explain why.
The Madlanga Commission learned on Friday that Mazzotti's admissions were included in a confidential 2014 settlement with the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
In an affidavit to the Commission, Mazzotti admitted to unlawfully importing tobacco, manufacturing cigarettes “off the books,” conducting illegal surveillance of SARS officials, and paying R800,000 in cash to a legal adviser believed to have influence over SARS officials.
Tax Justice SA founder Yusuf Abramjee stated that South Africans deserve answers.
