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The film industry in South Africa is facing a new and dangerous threat.
Organised criminal groups have begun targeting film crews, luring them into
carefully planned traps under the guise of legitimate work.
The risk is not just financial; it also threatens personal safety.
SSS urgently advises all professionals in the industry to be aware of this alarming trend
and to take immediate precautions.
A GROWING THREAT:
In recent months, SSS has been made aware of at least 15 cases where film crews have been targeted similarly.
The modus operandi is disturbingly consistent, indicating the presence of a well-coordinated criminal network.
These criminals are not just opportunists—they are experienced, dangerous, and ready to use violence to achieve their goals.
One example of their operations came to light recently when a filmmaker was contacted via WhatsApp for an urgent video shoot.
The criminals, posing as legitimate clients, requested a three-camera setup and insisted on receiving a detailed quote that included the specific equipment to be used.
The individual, who identified himself as "David," sent proof of payment and a pin drop location for the shoot.
Upon arrival at the designated location, the filmmaker was first approached by two men posing as car guards.
After making initial contact, they were soon joined by five other accomplices.
The criminals forcibly removed him from his vehicle, taking all his gear, as well as his phone and wallet.
This incident is not isolated; it is part of a broader pattern we must address immediately.
THE IMPORTANCE OF IMMEDIATE ACTION:
The longer we wait to act, the more time these criminals have to hide their tracks,
commit additional crimes and put more lives at risk.
Immediately publicisation of these threats is necessary to prevent further incidents and protect those in the film industry.
5 STEPS TO SPOT AND AVOID THESE CRIMES:
To help protect yourself and your crew, here are five steps you can take to spot potential scams and avoid falling victim to these dangerous criminals:
Verify the payment:
Always ensure that any deposit or payment is reflected in your bank account before proceeding with the job.
It is a clear red flag if the payment does not show up, even after receiving proof of payment.
Research the client:
Conduct a thorough background check on the client. Look for a digital footprint - such as a company website, social media profiles, and past work reviews.
Be wary of clients with little to no online presence.
Video call the client:
If you have never met a prospective client, insist on a video call before agreeing to the job.
Record the call and take detailed notes. Keeping a record of all communication can be crucial if something goes wrong.
Arrive early and observe:
Do not blindly announce your arrival. Instead, arrive early and stay in your parked car some distance away from the location.
Observe the scene carefully.
Look for suspicious characters or activities and note where people are positioned.
This can provide crucial information about potential threats before you make contact.
Trust your instincts:
Trust your instincts if something feels off about the client or the job.
Walking away from a suspicious deal is better than risking your safety and your crew's.
THE INVESTIGATION PROCESS:
To address these crimes, SSS will investigate three key phases:
Total identification, evaluation, and analysis:
We will identify the criminals, evaluate their operations, and analyse their methods.
Confrontation:
This phase will involve sting operations and other proactive measures to apprehend the criminals.
Prevention and legal persecution:
We will work to prevent future crimes and ensure that those responsible face legal consequences.
This is a critical moment for the film industry. We must act swiftly to protect our crews from these dangerous criminals.
Delaying action will only give them more time to cover their tracks and endanger more lives.
SSS urges all industry professionals to be vigilant, support this initiative,
and take the necessary steps to safeguard themselves and their teams.
It is important to bring these criminals to justice and ensure that the film industry
remains a safe and secure environment for all.
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Group.
This group is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
HOW TO JOIN THE MIKE BOLHUIS DAILY PROJECTS WHATSAPP GROUP:
Follow the link to our WhatsApp group:
"JOIN" to ensure you never miss our daily updates.
You will receive automatic notifications as soon as a new project is posted.
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.
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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EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.
STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.
POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv
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