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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The order was issued on 28 January 2026 and received by the Hawks on 9 February.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Honda was seized as it had been used as an instrument to commit the crime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first accused, Liang Yan Zhang, absconded and remained at large.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The High Court ordered the forfeiture of R129,600 for a vehicle linked to illegal abalone trafficking, following a 2021 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