The Western Cape Division of the High Court has granted a forfeiture order worth R129 600 for a vehicle used in illegal abalone trafficking, following a successful investigation by the Hawks’ Asset Forfeiture Investigation Unit and the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit.
The order was issued on 28 January 2026 and received by the Hawks on 9 February.
The case stems from November 2021, when Hawks’ Economic Protected Resources members and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment received intelligence about a vehicle illegally transporting abalone.
Following up on the information, investigators identified a suspect and tracked the operation to Plattekloof and Century City. A white Honda CR-V was located in Century City and a search revealed numerous bags of dried abalone valued at R1 991 164,55.
The Honda was seized as it had been used as an instrument to commit the crime.
Two suspects were arrested in connection with the operation. Ernst Muller, the second accused, was convicted on 24 April 2025 after entering a guilty plea. He was sentenced to pay R30 000 or serve 12 months’ imprisonment.
The first accused, Liang Yan Zhang, absconded and remained at large.
