PROJECT: FAKE KIDNAPPING SCAM - "INHERITED MINE" USED AS BAIT
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
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APPEAL FOR VICTIMS TO COME FORWARD
Specialised Security Services (SSS) is investigating a sophisticated cross-border fraud and extortion scheme.
The suspect builds a trusting relationship with victims, convinces them he has inherited a mine in
the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), travels there under the guise of negotiating a sale,
and then stages his own kidnapping to demand ransom payments.
Our office has been mandated by a client (hereinafter referred to as "the victim") who fell prey to this scheme.
Based on the evidence gathered, we believe there may be multiple additional victims who have not yet come forward.
IDENTIFIED SUSPECT DETAILS:
Full Name: David Shako Openda
Nationality: Congolese
Date of Birth: 18 June 1987
Place of Birth: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Registered Address: Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
MODUS OPERANDI – HOW THE SCHEME WORKS:
STEP 1 - BUILDING TRUST:
The suspect establishes contact with victims through social media or messaging platforms.
Over time, he cultivates a romantic or close personal relationship.
STEP 2 - THE "INHERITED MINE" STORY:
The suspect claims to have inherited a valuable mine or mineral rights in the DRC.
He presents a compelling opportunity to negotiate a sale or partnership.
STEP 3 - TRAVEL TO THE DRC:
The suspect informs the victim that he must travel to the DRC to negotiate the final price and close the deal.
He maintains regular contact during this period.
STEP 4 - FAKE KIDNAPPING:
After arriving in the DRC, the suspect suddenly reports that he has been kidnapped.
The supposed "kidnappers" then demand a ransom payment from the victim for his release.
STEP 5 - RANSOM EXTRACTION:
The victim, believing their trusted associate is in genuine danger, makes urgent payments.
In the matter currently under investigation, our client made multiple financial transfers, including a Western Union transaction of USD 2,000 and a bank transfer of R25,000.
CRITICAL FINDING – NO KIDNAPPING:
Investigators have established conclusively that the suspect is NOT kidnapped.
He has been observed outside a premises in the DRC.
There is no captivity, no kidnappers, and no genuine threat to his safety.
The entire kidnapping narrative is fabricated to extort money.
5 WAYS TO SPOT THIS SCAM – RED FLAGS:
If someone contacts you claiming to have been kidnapped and demanding ransom, look for these warning signs:
1. The alleged kidnapping victim is the one making contact.
In genuine kidnappings, captors typically communicate – not the hostage.
When the supposed victim is directly messaging, calling, or sending videos themselves, it is almost always a fabrication.
2. No signs of struggle or assault in any video or picture sent as "proof."
Authentic kidnapping situations leave visible evidence – dishevelled clothing, restraints, injuries, or signs of force.
In this scheme, the suspect appears composed, undamaged, and in a normal environment.
3. The ransom demands are negotiable or the amount changes.
Real kidnappers present fixed, non-negotiated demands.
Scammers will often accept whatever amount the victim can send immediately and then invent new reasons for additional payments.
4. The "victim" cannot or will not provide a verifiable location or real-time proof of life.
Ask for a specific command – such as holding up a unique object or showing today's newspaper.
Fraudsters will evade, delay, or provide generic footage that does not match the request.
5. The timeline does not align with genuine travel or logistics.
The suspect claims to be held captive, yet they continue to have access to their phone, internet, and charging facilities without interference.
Genuine kidnappers remove such communication privileges.
APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC:
We are issuing this notice for the following purposes:
1. TO IDENTIFY ADDITIONAL VICTIMS:
If you have been contacted by Mr. David Shako Openda (or anyone using a similar "inherited mine" story followed by a sudden kidnapping report) and you made ransom payments, please come forward.
2. TO PREVENT FURTHER HARM:
Public awareness of this specific scheme may save others from significant financial and emotional distress.
3. TO BUILD A STRONGER CASE:
Multiple victims will assist law enforcement across jurisdictions in pursuing prosecution.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE A VICTIM:
If you believe you have been defrauded through this fake kidnapping/"Inherited Mine" scheme:
Contact the responsible SSS Specialist Investigator:
MR. JD PIENAAR
Contact number: +27 66 377 3301
Email address: jdpienaar@mikebolhuis.co.za
All communications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
You are not obligated to proceed with formal investigation services simply by making contact.
Our immediate priority is to identify the full scope of this criminal operation.
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.
This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
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ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
Fax: 086 585 4924
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