Protobac

Crime Intelligence officer is using police resources to help Carnilinx target a competitor, Protobac, under the guise of law enforcement.

“Crime Intelligence officer whose job is to police illicit tobacco market who is complementing a player in the tobacco market for essentially doing the work of Crime Intelligence in relation to a competitor of his...the Crime Intelligence resources are being used to enable Carnilinx to take out a competitor or to raid a competitor in the name of the law.”

Mr Sayed asks General Khan to target competitor Protobac's cigarette factories for raids at Old Union Cotton Mills, East London.

“Mr Sayed says: “Protobac factories in Old Union Cotton Mills factory, East London. They will know. Can't get it wrong.””

Mr Sayed sends SAPS tweet recording a successful raid at Protobac factory, showing details of seized goods including large quantities of raw tobacco and cut rag.

“Mr Sayed sends to General Khan a SAPS tweet recording a successful raid at the Protobac factory ... particulars of the goods detained ... "152 x 200 kg boxes of raw tobacco; 1127 x 200 kg of cut rag."”

Mr Sayed complains of discrepancy between quantities seized and actual output; states Protobac to be fined R120 million for tax evasion and is particularly targeted along with competitor Gold Leaf Tobacco.

“There is a discrepancy between what is reflected as having been seized and the output ... Protobac is looking at under entries and penalties of 120 bar ... they are going to be fined R120 million for tax evasion ... Protobac is not the only competitor targeted... Gold Leaf Tobacco ... several chats where Mr Sayed and General Khan exchange information about raids on Gold Leaf... seizure of Remington.”

Police raid on Remington Gold brands in Parys seizing large quantities of goods including Pegasus brand cigarettes thought to be associated with Protobac.

“Goods seized in Parys SAPS register: 110 times carton Remington Gold; 50 times cartons that say Pegasus (probably Pegasus). One of Protobac brands was Pegasus.”