A fresh deposit scam in Wierda Park, Centurion, has been linked to a young woman being sought for a string of similar fraudulent activities.
Hannes du Buisson, head of Centurion Concerned Citizens, said a man was scammed out of money he had paid as deposit to secure a house in Koedoe Street in Wierda Park.
The crime smacked of the fraud allegedly been committed by Kaylan Mae Niven, who is on the run with her boyfriend Roman Rutkowski.
“We have spoken to the investigating officer, and he confirmed the scam looks identical to the previous ones Rutkowski allegedly used. Even the wording is the same. That is why it is suspected that he is the one that scammed the man.”
Niven and Rutkowski have been evading the police since 3 October 2014. Her son Levi Thor Grover was believed to be with them.
The police said the couple was being sought in connection with a fraud syndicate, conspiracy to murder, the pointing of a firearm, the contravention of a court order and theft.
The two, aged 24 and 26, were facing 15 charges, nine of which were related to fraud.
The fraud syndicate was using different ways to swindle victims out of their money.
In some cases, it would place a false online advertisement on prominent internet sites, selling or renting out properties. The moment a deposit was paid into its account, the money was withdrawn and the culprits vanished.
Rekord has previously reported on Niven when she failed to return Levi to his father, Neville Grover, on 3 October. Niven never returned the boy and has been on the run since.
The Hi5 Kids Recovery Unit has also stepped in, sending out requests for anyone with any information about Niven to step forward.
Niven’s boyfriend has come out in her defence in the past, saying that the allegations against her are false.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts could call Lieutenant-Colonel Hennie de Jager on 082-568-4606 or 082-968-7310 or contact Crime Stop Line on 08600-10111 or SMS to Crime Line 32211.
Read: Warrant issued for mom’s arrest
Search still on for missing mother and son
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