Lawyers for Carnilinx CEO Adriano Mazzotti and director Mohammadh Sayed have denied reports that police raided their homes or properties.

Reports emerged that the SAPS allegedly raided the tobacco tycoons’ homes on Monday.

Speculation about the raid followed months of public scrutiny of the two businessmen during proceedings at the Madlanga Commission which has been investigating communications, alleged tax evasion, and tender dealings involving Carnilinx, Crime Intelligence officer Major-General Feroz Khan and EFF leader Julius Malema.

However, the duo, through their lawyers, have denied that police raided their homes, reports The Citizen.

‘We state unequivocally that no such raid took place at either client’s home (today) or at any time recently at any property owned by them,’ the lawyers said, adding that the claims are ‘false and misleading’ and they were ‘consulting with our clients regarding any false or misleading posts and articles that have been published’.

In July, allegations of illicit tobacco trading involving Carnilinx came under renewed scrutiny at the commission following alleged admissions made by Mazzotti. 

Evidence leader Adila Hassim introduced a ‘voluntary submission’ from Mazzotti, which the commission’s legal team received.

In his letter, Mazzotti raised objections to claims made in an affidavit by commission investigator Tshepo Nyatlo, arguing that they were damaging to Carnilinx.

The commission heard that Mazzotti’s admissions formed part of a confidential 2014 settlement with the SARS.

In the affidavit presented to the commission, Mazzotti admitted to unlawful tobacco imports, manufacturing cigarettes ‘off the books’, conducting illegal surveillance of SARS officials and paying R800 000 in cash to a legal adviser believed to have influence over SARS officials.

Full report in The Citizen