A warrant of arrest has been issued for artist manager and so-called businessman, Abraham "Biblos' Radebe after American businessman Gregory Wings opened a case of fraud at the Sandton Police Station recently.

WANTED!

The case was opened after Biblos partnered with Wings and George Uboh to build homes for South Africans in need, but he allegedly swindled the two businessmen off R7 million by claiming to be registering a company.

A source revealed that the business registered the company, but he was the only one with access to all the funds that he allegedly spent on lavish gifts for himself, at nightclubs and his girlfriends. "Biblos built only seven tiny, shanty houses valued at R100 000 each and made off with the rest of the money. He was making personal transactions to his personal account, claiming to be sending the money to Gregory, causing friction among the other business partners,' the close friend revealed. "He was living a lavish life and did not deliver on any of the promises,' the friend said.

CONSTRUCTION SCAM

Wings confirmed to ZiMoja that he indeed opened the case and wants to see Biblos behind bars. "Biblos told me he was a Grade 9 contractor and he could help me get construction projects under my company through a joint venture with him,' Wings said. "He introduced me to various people that he claimed were top government officials in Free State and Gauteng, claiming he would partner with me on jobs they were willing to give to him and me. We spent R919k on expensive lunches and dinners, as well as multiple dinners with people that he supposedly knew would help us get jobs. These trips, meals, and flights took place in Durban, Bloemfontein, and Johannesburg. My business partner, George Uboh, transferred R800k to his account for us to pursue new construction contracts. I also spent R73k over two months on his travel and food," he added.

MORE MONEY

In addition, Wings said he paid R65k for visas. "He said I needed to pay an extra amount to fast-track my visa application. which I learned was a lie. Biblos went on to say he had a meeting with the department heads and he needed R500k for mobilisation of the construction business," Wings said.

He allegedly sent Wings a contract from Vharanani Properties for 242 RDP houses and said the contract had to go in his company's name, Nolwandle Trading, because the government told him so.

"Even though this was not our original agreement, I agreed to do the contract with him through a separate joint venture agreement that specifically states that all funds must come through my company,' Wings said, adding that Biblos then sent him invoices from several suppliers claiming they were going to be buying materials for a job site in Excelsior for 242 homes.

The total paid to date towards the job is R4 million, including labour and materials that supposedly went towards the job site and obtaining the job. I phoned each supplier and found out that half the material was delivered to another job site," he added. "He spent R3 million on personal expenses that he claimed were mine. He also loaned R113K." Gregory said there are several other payments and everything totals R7 million. "He scammed me, hoping I would get deported from the country. But he was exposed.' Sandton police have confirmed that a case has been opened at the Sandton Police Station. "The matter is also under investigation and a warrant is out,' the investigating officer said. Biblos dropped the phone when asked about the deal.