Royal Investigations

07/03/2026

Cargo Hijacking Case Leads to Successful Arrest
Maydon Wharf CAS 69/2/2026

Royal Investigations was recently appointed by a UAE firm to investigate a serious incident involving theft, cargo hijacking, and the kidnapping of a truck driver that occurred in Durban.

Following the initial assessment of the matter, the investigation expanded into a coordinated operation in Germiston, Gauteng. This operation led to the successful tracing of a suspect believed to be responsible for removing the tracking devices from the hijacked truck and trailers in an attempt to prevent the cargo from being traced.

We subsequently travelled to Durban after receiving actionable intelligence. This information led to the arrest of the driver who had allegedly transported the hijacked trucks from the original crime scene.

Further investigative work enabled the team to trace the stolen cargo to a scrap yard. Unfortunately, by the time it was located, the cargo had already been destroyed and processed. It had been loaded into shipping containers and was destined for an overseas metal refinery.

Through continued investigative efforts, four additional suspects linked to the syndicate were identified. Tracing operations are currently underway in order to locate and apprehend these individuals.

11/02/2026

What do these three men have in common❓❓

08/02/2026

MEDIA STATEMENT

Issued by: Royal Investigations
Date: 08 February 2026
Subject: Warning on Romance Scams Ahead of Valentine’s Day

As Valentine’s Day approaches, Royal Investigations is warning the public to exercise extreme caution when engaging in online dating and romantic interactions, particularly during February, a month when romance scams become increasingly prevalent.

Over the past year, we have observed a significant rise in romance scam cases, with online dating platforms being a primary hunting ground for fraudsters. Studies show that nearly 45% of users on some platforms may be scammers, often targeting vulnerable individuals, especially women. A 2024 survey indicated that 53% of men and 47% of women have reported being victims of romance scams. I would estimate, conservatively, that between 60% and 75% of users on dating websites are involved in romance scams.

The majority of these scams in South Africa involve perpetrators operating under false identities, often using fake accounts and claiming foreign nationalities. These criminals exploit users’ trust and emotions to solicit money, gifts, or personal information. With the main perpetrators identified as Nigerian nationals.

It is important to note that many online dating platforms operate free of charge to users, generating revenue through subscription fees, advertisements, and commissions. Unfortunately, user safety is often secondary to profit, leaving many vulnerable to exploitation. Despite South Africa’s strong legal framework, including the Cybercrime Act (19 of 2020), enforcement remains limited. International platforms, such as Tinder, often cite jurisdictional challenges and do not fully comply with local law enforcement or court orders, prioritizing “user privacy” over crime prevention and combating.

Red Flags to Watch Out For:
• Rapid emotional attachment or declarations of love within a short period.
• Requests for money, gifts, or financial assistance, especially under urgent or emotional circumstances.
• Avoidance of in-person meetings or video calls.
• Inconsistencies in their personal stories or background details.
• Accounts that have limited friends, photos, or social media presence.

Tips to Protect Yourself:

1. Verify profiles before engaging—use reverse image searches and confirm social media presence.
2. Never send money or share financial information with someone you’ve met online.
3. Be cautious of anyone claiming to be abroad or facing personal crises.
4. Report suspicious activity to the dating platform and to authorities immediately.
5. Educate friends and family about the risks of online romance scams.
Royal Investigations urges the public to remain vigilant this Valentine’s season. Protect your heart, your emotions, and your finances. Romance should bring joy, not exploitation.

End.

31/01/2026

https://newcastillian.com/2026/01/21/newcastle-investment-fraud-case/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPdoXtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFWVG1SR3lnUTVkZkZ3MDkyc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHn8Mdt3ykKE5oORFfrlReNRJs3kXKcfMKLB1pKducIdBv_E_IbX3mb_8p9Xi_aem_XK9zqfVKqwq0l_SeshaxJAud-case/

Newcastillian News

06/01/2026

Statement Released: 06-01-2026

Father and son, Gerhard Wilhelm Liebenberg (73) and Christiaan Jacobus Liebenberg (40), were arrested under Newcastle CAS 274/12/2024 and CAS 571/07/2024.

The arrests stem from an extensive investigation into a series of investment-related fraud and scam operations, conducted under various entities, including Delos Management and Villion Trading.
Our investigation established that these schemes were advertised primarily via Facebook, where the suspects unlawfully utilised the names and images of well-known public figures, including Elon Musk, Dr Corné Mulder, and Mr Johann Rupert, to lend false credibility to the fraudulent investments.

During the course of the investigation, 45 victims were positively identified, with confirmed financial losses amounting to R31,543,114.00, incurred between 2022 and 2024.
Evidence further indicates the involvement of three additional suspects, who have been identified and are expected to be apprehended in due course.

The investigation reveals that this was a highly sophisticated and organised scam, which deliberately targeted elderly and vulnerable individuals.

Special appreciation is extended to the Newcastle Economic Crimes Unit for their diligent efforts in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The accused were initially denied bail. A subsequent bail application was brought on the basis of alleged new facts. The bail ruling on this application is scheduled to be delivered next week.

09/09/2025

Today on PowerFM Lunch (14:00–15:00)
John Alexander joins Kwena Moabelo for an in-depth discussion on identity theft and digital fraud in South Africa.

📻 Don’t miss it — tune in live on PowerFM!

28/07/2025

Royal Investigations has been appointed by the family to investigate the matter and to liaise with local and international authorities in an effort to secure the safe release of their loved ones. The family will not be making any further public statements, and Royal Investigations will now act as their official spokesperson.

We have established contact with a source in Ukraine who has undertaken to assist, and we are currently awaiting further information. Additionally, we are in the process of formally engaging DIRCO to request their intervention. In the interim, all communication and media enquiries should be directed to Royal Investigations.

[email protected]
071 915 4321
(021)8255589

22/07/2025

🚨 SCAM ALERT: FRAUDULENT VEHICLE SALES – NEW RIDE AUTO 🚨

Be warned of a scam operation trading under the name NEW RIDE AUTO, primarily advertising on Facebook and claiming to operate in the Ermelo area.

This scam typically involves extremely low-priced vehicles to lure potential buyers. Once an enquiry is made, the scammer claims that the vehicle is “about to be sold” but offers to reserve it if a R10,000 deposit is paid immediately.

We have positively identified the individual linked to this fraudulent scheme:

SUSPECT: JENEVEVE JENAINE CLOETE (Age 24)

⚠️ Do not fall victim to this scam.
❗Please share and circulate this warning to help others avoid being defrauded.

17/07/2025

SUCCESSFUL SEARCH AND SEIZURE OPERATION

A successful and licensed liquor manufacturer contracted Royal Investigations to look into allegations that counterfeit versions of their product were being distributed to retailers in the Gauteng province. During our initial consultation, the client expressed serious concern that the fake product could severely damage their well-established brand and, more critically, pose significant health risks — including potential fatalities — to consumers.

Our investigation began with interviews conducted with suppliers of raw materials. One supplier provided a key lead, which we followed up diligently. This lead brought us to a residential property in Kensington, Johannesburg, which we placed under surveillance. Surveillance operations confirmed that the premises were being used as an illegal liquor manufacturing facility.

On 16 July 2025, having gathered sufficient evidence, a decision was made to conduct a search and seizure operation at the identified location, with the assistance of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

As a result of the operation, one suspect was arrested and charged with the following:

Dealing in illicit liquor;

Contravention of the Liquor Act; and

Contravention of the Customs and Excise Act.

15/06/2025

"Rudi Brits seems to be scripting his own version of a ‘Tinder Swindler’ blockbuster.
We've recently received several complaints suggesting that Rudi is back to his old tricks."

13/06/2025

https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/bekende-hondeteler-in-hof-oor-beweerde-beleggingsbedrog/

“Ons glo daar is nog verskeie ander slagoffers en ons vra dat hulle dringend na vore kom en ons kontak,” het John Alexander, hoofondersoeker van Royal Investigations, gesê.