August 28, 2008 3:33

R Kelly denies involvement with fraud scam

Singer releases statement to deny receiving money

R Kelly has released a statement denying involvement in a fraud case that scammed investors in South Africa out of over a million dollars.

As previously reported, Busiswe Zakwe, of Durban, South Africa, says she deposited $1.5 million dollars to Kelly's bank account after convincing people to invest in a tour of South Africa by the star. When the singer did not come to South Africa, she reportedly absconded with the cash.

Police raided her office after receiving complaints that she had conned people out of $1,300 each in 2005. Officials reportedly found a deposit slip which apparently proves the money went into R Kelly's account, and sought to speak to the singer.

However, a statement from Kelly's camp today reads: "There is absolutely no truth to the reports that R Kelly received money from a South African woman accused of swindling investors by convincing them to invest in a non-existent R Kelly tour in 2005.

"Mr Kelly has no knowledge of this woman, has never received any money from her, and has not been contacted by any law enforcement authorities regarding the matter. He will, of course, cooperate fully with any legitimate investigation of this matter, since he has nothing to hide."

--By our New York staff.
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