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How SARS Made Hitmen, Drug Dealers, and Tax Dodgers Pay Their Dues

Jim Cox

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The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is a government agency responsible for collecting taxes and administering the tax system. In recent years, SARS has come under fire for its perceived heavy-handedness in dealing with taxpayers. However, there is no doubt that SARS has been successful in its efforts to crack down on organized crime and tax evasion.

One of the most high-profile examples of SARS's success in this area is the case of Vito Palazzolo. Palazzolo was a Sicilian mobster who fled to South Africa in the 1980s. He quickly became involved in organized crime in South Africa, and was eventually convicted of drug trafficking and money laundering.

Death and Taxes: How SARS made hitmen, drug dealers and tax dodgers pay their dues

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SARS began investigating Palazzolo in the early 2000s. The investigation revealed that Palazzolo had been evading taxes on his ill-gotten gains. SARS eventually seized Palazzolo's assets, and he was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Palazzolo's case is just one example of SARS's success in cracking down on organized crime. SARS has also been successful in bringing down other notorious criminals, such as drug dealer Glen Agliotti and tax dodger Schabir Shaik.

SARS's success in cracking down on organized crime and tax evasion has had a major impact on South Africa. The country has seen a significant decline in organized crime activity, and tax revenues have increased. SARS's efforts have also helped to restore public trust in the tax system.

However, SARS's success has not come without controversy. The agency has been accused of being too heavy-handed in its dealings with taxpayers. SARS has also been criticized for its use of secret informants and for its willingness to target high-profile individuals.

Despite the controversy, there is no doubt that SARS has been successful in its efforts to crack down on organized crime and tax evasion. SARS has made South Africa a safer and more prosperous country.

Here are some additional details about SARS's efforts to crack down on organized crime and tax evasion:

SARS has a dedicated unit that investigates organized crime and tax evasion.
SARS uses a variety of methods to investigate organized crime, including surveillance, undercover operations, and financial intelligence.
SARS has the power to seize assets from criminals and tax evaders.
SARS has a witness protection program to protect informants who provide information about organized crime and tax evasion.

SARS's success in cracking down on organized crime and tax evasion is a testament to the agency's dedication to its mission. SARS has made South Africa a safer and more prosperous country, and its efforts have helped to restore public trust in the tax system.

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A Photo Of The SARS Building In Pretoria, South Africa. Death And Taxes: How SARS Made Hitmen Drug Dealers And Tax Dodgers Pay Their Dues