A Malvern family, who have been accused of operating a Ponzi scheme while hoodwinking hundreds of unsuspecting professionals, businessmen and women, including a well-known Chatsworth pastor, made their first appearance in the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, recently, after they left their victims destitute and kneeling in prayer for their large investments to be repaid and justice to be served.
According to Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, KZN spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, it is alleged that between January 2014 and November 2015, Ashlin Hardin, Raj Hardin and Shakila Hardin promised investors exorbitant interest rates on investments in a petroleum company.
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“The family appeared on charges of fraud, amounting to approximately R7, 8 million, while being charged with the Contravention of the Banks Act and the Financial Advisory And Intermediary Services (FAIS) Act. They appeared together with four companies,” explained Ramkisson-Kara.
Some of the victims of the Hardin family approached the Rising Sun, explaining how they, along with hundreds of other unassuming investors, had been put through hell as they witnessed their substantial investments crumble before them.
One of the victims, a well-known pastor, who wished to remain anonymous, was conned into investing an amount exceeding R400, 000. He explained how he was scammed.
“We were all approached by the family’s…
