PROJECT: MISREPRESENTATION AND FRAUD - THE ONLY AFRICA GROUP - MR. JOHAN NEPGEN AND ASSOCIATES
- Aug 13
- 5 min read
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PUBLIC ADVISORY:
A comprehensive investigation has uncovered a sophisticated, multi-layered fraud scheme targeting a South African farmer.
This warning is issued to alert the public—particularly those in the agricultural and business sectors—
to the activities of Mr. Johan Nepgen, Ms. Erica Venter, and the entity Only Africa Group (OAG).
THE CASE:
In June 2025, a promising R11.7 million agricultural equipment financing deal, brokered by Only Africa Group (OAG), reportedly turned into a devastating financial trap for our client.
The scheme is said to have unfolded in phases:
Phase 1: GAINING TRUST.
Ms. Erica Venter, using a prior professional acquaintance, contacted our client about lucrative loan opportunities.
A meeting was arranged during which Mr. Johan Nepgen allegedly claimed that our client qualified for a USD 3 million loan.
Phase 2: THE TRAP IS SET.
A formal loan agreement was signed, and OAG issued a commercial invoice for R11.7 million worth of agricultural equipment, demanding a 10% deposit of R1,283,975.00. A structured payment plan was proposed.
Phase 3: THE FRAUD UNFOLDS.
On 25 June 2025, our client made the first payment of R641,987.50.
In return, OAG reportedly failed to make any of the promised debt payments, and a series of further payment promises were broken.
Phase 4: A PARALLEL FRAUD ATTEMPT.
Corroborating evidence suggests that OAG engaged Afgri Equipment to purchase a R5.8 million tractor for our client, but consistently delayed payment under false pretences.
Phase 5: INVESTIGATION.
Our client engaged Specialised Security Services (SSS), leading to a forensic investigation.
Phase 6: CONFRONTATION AND UNDERTAKINGS.
During the investigation, Specialised Security Services contacted Mr. Nepgen regarding the transaction with our client.
Mr. Nepgen reportedly admitted to having received the payment from our client and further stated that he wished to rectify the situation by repaying the funds.
However, despite several subsequent commitments to repay, Mr. Nepgen has not yet done so.
Specialised Security Services has reason to believe that other individuals or businesses could face similar outcomes when engaging in business with Mr. Nepgen.
It is for this reason that this public advisory is being issued.
Further investigation revealed that the website of OAG has since become unavailable,
raising serious concerns about the company’s ability to honor agreements with our client:
PARTIES MENTIONED IN THE INVESTIGATION AND THEIR MODUS OPERANDI:
MR. JOHAN (JOHANNES HENDRIK NICOLAAS) NEPGEN:
The investigation identifies him as the primary perpetrator.
According to available records, he has a criminal history that includes a three-year imprisonment sentence for Fraud and Tax Evasion.
He is also reportedly a suspect in multiple other fraud cases across South Africa.
The Zululand Observer reported his arrest in 2017 for allegedly defrauding the owners of Imvubu Lodge of over R2 million.
He has been described as a "notorious fraud suspect" who had evaded police since 2008 before his apprehension in Richards Bay.
His alleged scheme consistently involves forgery and fraud, often with an accomplice—frequently his spouse—and follows a pattern of promising goods or deals, failing to deliver, and allegedly defrauding victims of significant sums.
Read the articles here:
MS. ERICA ISABELLA VENTER:
She is said to act as the "trusted introducer," leveraging personal connections to identify and groom victims.
ONLY AFRICA GROUP (OAG):
The corporate vehicle allegedly used to perpetrate the fraud.
FRAUD MECHANISMS UNCOVERED:
The investigation report details several serious concerns:
ADVANCED-FEE FRAUD:
A large, upfront deposit is required to secure a loan or asset that never materialises.
DOCUMENT FORGERY AND VAT-FRAUD:
The VAT number on OAG's commercial invoice was allegedly used without authorisation and is registered to "MEDI-AFRICA PTY LTD", not Only Africa Group.
This is a serious offence under South African tax law.
CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT FRAUD:
A proven link between Ms. Venter and Mr. Nepgen provides evidence of a coordinated effort.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE BEEN AFFECTED:
If you or someone you know has had dealings with Mr. Johan Nepgen, Ms. Erica Venter, or Only Africa Group, you are urged to take the following steps:
LODGE A CRIMINAL COMPLAINT:
Immediately file a report with the South African Police Service (SAPS) Commercial Crime Unit.
SEEK PROFESSIONAL LEGAL ADVICE:
Instruct an attorney to explore civil asset recovery options against the involved individuals and entities.
REPORT TO AUTHORITIES:
Notify the South African Revenue Service (SARS) about the alleged VAT number fraud and report the activities of OAG and Mr. Nepgen to the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) and the National Credit Regulator (NCR) for operating as potentially unregistered entities.
CONTACT SPECIALISED SECURITY SERVICES:
Keep copies of all documents and reports filed, contact Specialised Security Services and provide all documents and reports to our specialist investigators.
This case highlights the devastating impact of sophisticated fraud on individuals and businesses.
Vigilance is crucial in all financial transactions.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Should you possess credible information that could assist in these investigations, or if you are a victim,
please contact the SSS specialist investigator:
MR. ANTHONY BOUCHER:
Contact number: +27 64 747 3323
Email address: anthonyb@mikebolhuis.co.za
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Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
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