Mike Bolhuis: Sextortion rakes in many millions for SA Mafiosi…

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Multi millions of Rands are lost to sextorion, extortion, and extreme extortion by police impersonators and corrupt cops in South Africa. So says Specialist Investigator Mike Bolhuis who has investigated many such cases. “It is too much to count and it's too difficult to give the statistics, but just to shock the public: We have more than I would say 10 million photos, if not more, during the last 20 years of sextortion alone, which we have stored and kept and which we keep as to see if they're going to be used again.” Bolhuis further describes how kidnappers are weaponising sexual violence for extortion by filming threats of rape or actual rape to ensure a bigger faster payout from the family who would want to prevent distribution of the material. He reveals that in 90% high-level kidnappings, the ransoms are paid out. He says the kingpins walk free because these organised crime syndicates have all the facets of a Mafioso infrastructure organisation. “It is so strong that it hijacks the country; it completely controls the country - and it is untouchable.” However he expresses the hope that the recent allegations by whistleblowing General “Lucky” Mkhwanazi will “will implode and explode this complete stronghold that this organised crime gang, Mafioso group, has in our country.” Meanwhile, Bolhuis has some advice for especially the rich and famous on how best to protect themselves.
21 Aug 2025 5AM English South Africa Investing · Business News

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