Crime ZAR

COURT ORDERS ANGELO AGRIZZI TO PAY STATE R1.66 BILLION IN BOSASA CORRUPTION PROCEEDS The Pretoria High Court has ordered former Bosasa COO Angelo Agrizzi to pay the State R1 666 582 825.73 (R1.66 billion) following a confiscation enquiry linked to his role in the company’s extensive corruption network. Judge Mosopa ruled in favour of the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), finding that Agrizzi benefited from Bosasa’s unlawful activities and that the State was entitled to confiscate the proceeds. Key findings in the judgment: 🔴 Agrizzi was convicted in November 2025 after pleading guilty to three counts of corruption and one count of money laundering. 🔴 His plea agreement acknowledged a deeply entrenched corruption network at Bosasa, allegedly used to secure government contracts worth approximately R2.37 billion over more than two decades. 🔴 Approximately R75.7 million in bribes was paid between 2000 and 2016 to secure contracts. 🔴 The court found that Agrizzi had failed to make full and frank disclosure of his financial affairs and properties, including assets in Italy. 🔴 The judge rejected his argument that he could not be held liable for the wider criminal activities of Bosasa, finding that he had acted in common purpose with other executives. 🔴 The court also found that his salary, bonuses, investments and pension benefits could be considered benefits derived from unlawful activities. THE ORDER: Agrizzi must pay the State R1,666,582,825.73. Interest is payable from the date of judgment until final payment. He must also pay the State’s legal costs, including the costs of two counsel on Scale C. The judge emphasised that the purpose of a confiscation order is to ensure that criminals do not benefit from their ill-gotten gains.