Three Peruvian women rescued from alleged online-scam lodge in Gqeberha

What led to the intervention

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, reported that their team acted after information reached the National Human Trafficking Hotline. That information stemmed from an alert issued by the Peruvian government concerning an 18-year-old Peruvian national who had been allegedly recruited under false pretences.

According to Hawks statements, the young woman arrived at OR Tambo International Airport on 2 October 2026 and was transported to Gqeberha the following day. She was reportedly accommodated at a lodge in Bluewater Bay and later discovered that the activities at the premises differed from the employment opportunity she had been promised.

Allegations and the suspected scheme

The Hawks said the premises were allegedly being used to run online scams that targeted people in Peru, and that participants were reportedly expected to communicate in Spanish. The statement from the Hawks explains that after realising the situation, the 18-year-old contacted her father in Peru and provided information that helped authorities identify the suspected operation.

“Upon arrival, she reportedly discovered that the activities taking place at the premises differed significantly from the employment opportunity she had been promised.”

“The woman subsequently established contact with her father in Peru and provided information that assisted authorities in locating the suspected operation. The information was relayed through the appropriate channels, leading to the law enforcement intervention.”

How the operation unfolded

The Hawks said that on Friday, 16 October 2026, at approximately 5pm, members proceeded to the identified premises. When they entered the lodge they encountered 26 individuals in total: 14 Peruvian women and 12 men.

The Hawks described the composition of the men encountered at the premises as including:

• two South African nationals allegedly employed as drivers;
• two Chinese nationals identified as tenants of the premises associated with the online business; and
• eight Peruvian men.

Immediate outcomes and evidence seized

During the operation, the Hawks removed the 18-year-old woman and two other Peruvian women who reportedly arrived on the same date. The three women were taken to a place of safety and are expected to receive further assistance and support, the Hawks said.

Investigators also seized a number of electronic devices from the premises for forensic examination. The Hawks specified that laptops, desktop computers and cellular telephones were taken to assist the probe.

“During the operation, the 18-year-old woman and two other Peruvian women, who reportedly arrived on the same date, were removed from the premises and taken to a place of safety. They are expected to receive further assistance and support.”

People in custody and the status of the investigation

The Hawks reported that the remaining 23 individuals were taken to various local police stations pending further investigation. According to the Hawks, their respective roles, immigration status and any possible involvement in the suspected criminal activities are still subject to verification.

No arrests had been made at the time of the Hawks’ statement, and the investigation is ongoing.

Law-enforcement response and recognition

Eastern Cape Hawks Acting Provincial Head Brigadier Romeo Petrus acknowledged the role of the National Human Trafficking Hotline and praised the joint law-enforcement team’s swift response in removing the three women from the premises.

Why this matters

This intervention highlights several broader issues that often surround cross-border recruitment and online fraud operations. Victims recruited overseas may be promised legitimate work, only to find themselves in circumstances that differ from what they were told. Multidisciplinary responses that combine criminal investigation, immigration checks and victim support are frequently needed to identify both potential criminal activity and vulnerable people requiring protection.

Seizure of electronic devices is a standard element of investigations into suspected online scams and cyber-enabled crime, as such equipment can contain communications and records relevant to establishing how an operation functioned and who was involved.

Next steps for investigators

The Hawks said investigators will examine the circumstances surrounding each person’s presence at the premises and their respective roles. Immigration-related enquiries and forensic examination of the seized electronic equipment form part of the ongoing probe. The Hawks have not announced any arrests.

Assistance and protection for victims

In cases where foreign nationals are removed from potentially exploitative situations, law-enforcement agencies typically coordinate with social services and immigration authorities to provide immediate safety and to assess the need for longer-term support. The Hawks’ statement that the three women were taken to a place of safety indicates that victim-care measures have been initiated as part of this operation.

Authorities continue to investigate the matter and have not released further detail about the operation or any subsequent findings.