Thieves burgle FIFA HQ taking away World Cup trophies as Brits are charged for WC ticket fraud
World Cup with imprint Nigeria flag
Hoodlums have struck, burgling the Headquarters of the Federation of International Football and carting away away expensive World Cup trophies.
The thieves made away with about seven replica trophies from FIFA’s temporary World Cup headquarters in Johannesburg, according to reports.
FIFA officials at the premises are understandably keeping mum weighing the magnitude of the high level theft as they tried to fend off questions over the theft.
Sources said FIFA was avoiding the overplay of the theft by the press as it is being described as an embarrassing issue.
The South African police have waded in and security have been beefed up in the presmises.
South Africa Police Commissioner Gen. Bheki Cele (he’s been busy) told reporters on Wednesday confirming the incident“ We know there was a burglary at the FIFA offices. Seven replicas of the World Cup were stolen and several sweaters have been missing. Police are looking into it.”
Reports claim FIFA Management authorities believe the incident to be an inside pilfering and are looking for suspects, especially those “very familiar with the environment in the FIFA offices”.
Police are watching out for anyone wearing a swanky new jumper which may look like the missing official wears.
In a different development, a British national has been charged over a massive world cup ticket fraud.
Karen Sorensen, 37, and Brendan Evans, 38, were said to have illegally sold World Cup tickets worth £290,000.
The pair were held after cops swooped on their hotel in Johannesburg.
Police spokesman Vishnu Naidoo said officers seized a haul of 122 World Cup tickets during the pre-planned operation.
Colonel Naidoo said: “The police raided the hotel in the Sandton suburb of Johannesburg this morning and made two arrests.”
“We believe the suspects had already sold a large quantity of tickets. ”
Sorensen, from WImbledon, South West London, and Evans appeared at 5pm last night before a dedicated World Cup court in Randburg, Johannesburg.
They were each released on £1,300 bail and ordered to reappear on July 28.
Tonight police said records showed Sorensen had arrived in South Africa on June 10 and was due to leave on August 31.
Evans, whom officers said had dual US and Zimbwean citizenship, was also believed to have been due to stay in South Africa.
Detectives said the pair had been working for an established ticketing tour operator during the event.
But Colonel Naidoo said it was illegal for anyone other than a Fifa subsidiary Match to sell World Cup tickets.
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