The Scorpions' investigation into the apparent theft of R1.5-billion in shareholders' money from companies under the stewardship of Brett Kebble would be "slow" and "deep", the unit's head, Leonard McCarthy has said.

McCarthy, speaking at a conference in Cape Town on economic crime, would not say whether any ANC politicians and youth league members would be investigated.

An official announcement about the Scorpions investigation is expected to be made within the week.

It has been alleged that an estimated R1.5bn disappeared from mining companies JCI and Randgold and Exploration during Kebble's stewardship.

Kebble was shot dead near his home in Johannesburg late last year.

Last month, the Cape High Court provisionally sequestrated Kebble's estate, which, according to papers, was "hopelessly insolvent".

There has been speculation that Kebble bankrolled a number of ANC Youth League members and politicians.

Those who applied for his estate to be sequestrated say they are aware he gave millions to "third parties", but have no idea where the money went.

Confirming that the Scorpions would investigate the case, McCarthy said it was one of the most "complex" the unit had investigated.

During question time in the national assembly yesterday, President Thabo Mbeki said the "serious" problem of economic fraud needed to be tackled.

With acknowledgment to Boyd Webb and Cape Times.