Latest news with #SpecialisedSecurityServices
eNCA
06-07-2025
- eNCA
Cellphones enable crime from behind bars
JOHANNESBURG - Access to cellphones in prisons remains a big problem. CrimeWatch reveals the shocking truth about how inmates are participating in criminal networks from inside prison, pulling in substantial sums of money. They're engaging in scams, extortion schemes, and even placing ransom calls for kidnappings—all from their cells. Anthony Boucher from Specialised Security Services says that the fact that prisoners have access to social media is quite scary.
The Citizen
29-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Bolhuis issues warning over Gerlu Roos
A prominent name in Mpumalanga agricultural circles, Gert Lukas 'Gerlu' Roos, is being accused by his own family of fraud, for alleged purchases under the accounts of family-owned businesses, which have not been paid. Roos is already facing one fraud charge, which was made against him in Belfast, and according to Mike Bolhuis from Specialised Security Services, more charges will be made against Roos in due course. The fraud charge stems from incidents in which Roos allegedly made purchases in the accounts of family-owned businesses, without making payments to the accounts. The purchases are largely agriculturally related. According to Bolhuis' allegations, Roos has previously made himself guilty of similar fraudulent acts, and these cases will be added to the existing fraud charge once those cases have been opened with the police. The pending charge was reported in Belfast, but Bolhuis warns that Roos allegedly has been making similar purchases in Middelburg, Delmas, and Mbombela, and that these purchases are made on the accounts of Roos Boerdery or B&R Bio Produkte. A court date for his first formal appearance has not yet been set for the fraud charge. Attempts to get hold of Roos for comment on the allegations being made against him have been unsuccessful by the time of publication. An automated message on WhatsApp in answer to the Middelburg Observer's enquiry read that he is busy with continued government, agricultural and entrepreneurial-related responsibilities. Roos has not responded personally. All calls have also been answered with an automated answering system that first enquires the caller to identify themselves and give a reason for their call before the call gets put through. All calls also remained unanswered before the time of publication. Bolhuis warned agricultural businesses not to agree to any good-natured transactions between themselves and Roos, and to confirm any account-related purchases with the company names he provides. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
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@ 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? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
