Press Statement/Public Notice on the Existance of Certain Unscrupulous Individuals and Companies operating in Botswana

source: Republic of Botswana (1/8/09): TAUTONA TIMES no 19 of 2009
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"

D1) 31/7/09: PRESS STATEMENT/PUBLIC NOTICE ON THE EXISTANCE OF CERTAIN UNSCRUPULOUS INDIVIDUALS AND COMPANIES OPERATING IN BOTSWANA

Please find below a statement issued by the Director General DIS, I.S. Kgosi:

The Office of the Minister for Defence, Justice and Security wishes to hereby inform and warn the public of the existence of unscrupulous individuals and companies, operated by both Batswana and foreigners, which are currently preying upon unsuspecting citizens with false promises of obtaining employment, study and/or travel opportunities outside of Botswana, such as Australia, Canada, Ireland, UK and the USA.

These criminal syndicates will often approach their victims through seemingly legitimate sounding newspaper advertisements, as well as e-mailed invitations, to initially lure their victims. The sophistication of some of these operations is further manifested by their working through seemingly legitimate, registered, businesses, in particular locally based travel agencies, and links with fellow agents in the countries of destination.

In return for promised opportunities, victims are convinced to pay the agents registration and service fees, as well as additional money for their air tickets. In some cases said tickets are produced but later discovered to have been fraudulently purchased, thus stranding the victims, while placing them in legal jeopardy.

Once they have travelled to their destinations many of the victims have found themselves stranded, while some have been forced into circumstances such as prostitution, involuntary labour and or refugees.

Given the above, the Office of the Minister for Defence, Justice and Security advises the public to exercise caution in dealing with situations that promise overseas opportunities.

We would further encourage members of the public to come forward and check the bona fide of such offers with the Directorate of Intelligence and Security, through their toll free telephone number 0-800-600-761.