Investigators probe alleged overseas property purchases by KleuterZone's Bougas
Investigators are intensifying their efforts to trace Anthonie Bougas, founder of the now-liquidated KleuterZone preschool group, following allegations that he has purchased properties abroad using misappropriated investor funds.
Bougas, who fled South Africa for Thailand in February, is believed to have acquired real estate in both Thailand and Dubai, prompting an international investigation involving Thai authorities and Interpol.
Anthony Boucher of Specialised Security Services is an investigator, in conjunction with the well-known owner of the firm, Mike Bolhuis, on the case.
Boucher confirmed to Rekord that the investigation is actively pursuing leads related to properties allegedly purchased by Bougas with funds from KleuterZone investors.
'We heard rumours about properties allegedly bought by Bougas overseas in countries such as Dubai, as well as rumours that assets were shifted from South Africa to other countries overseas. These rumours and information we received will be part of our investigation,' Boucher stated.
Should these properties be confirmed, they would need to be disclosed to the liquidators overseeing KleuterZone's dissolution.
The collaboration between South African investigators, Thai authorities, and Interpol aims to locate Bougas and determine the extent of his alleged financial misconduct.
Boucher emphasised the importance of international co-operation in addressing such cross-border financial crimes.
In addition to the property allegations, Anthonie and his brother, John, are facing criminal charges in South Africa for alleged intimidation and extortion related to their business activities.
According to Boucher, when Anthonie faced financial difficulties, he allegedly tasked his brother with threatening individuals to comply with his demands for money.
Their methods, according to Boucher, included hiring a security company to intimidate a victim.
Both individuals are currently wanted by South African authorities for questioning in connection with several other criminal and civil proceedings.
Another criminal case has been initiated at the SAPS Commercial Crimes Unit in Thabazimbi, with case number CAS 137/3/2025.
Social media posts made by Bougas in February and March this year suggest he is aware of the allegations against him and the legal proceedings pending in South Africa.
Boucher commented that 'Bougas is believed to have left South Africa for the sole purpose of obstructing and evading the course of justice'.
He further stated that Bougas may be using forged documentation to conceal his identity in Thailand.
He added that many of the affected investors reside in Pretoria and are also victims of other alleged illegal activities by Bougas.
Investigators urge anyone with information about KleuterZone or the whereabouts of the Bougas brothers to contact Anthony Boucher at anthonyb@mikebolhuis.co.za.
Questions were posed to Anthony Bougas by Rekord, but no answers had been received at the time of publication.
Do you have more information about the story?
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