Scam Alert: R6.9M Ponzi Scheme Exposed

Urgent Warning

Please be aware of Ryan Robert Bakewell and Demi Nicolaides Nel operating in the Gauteng, Edenvale, and East Rand areas. They are allegedly running a fraudulent diesel investment scheme that has defrauded multiple victims of over R6.9 million.

The Alleged Scammers

Ryan Robert Bakewell

Primary operator of the alleged Ponzi scheme

Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng (Edenvale and East Rand areas)

Alleged Scheme: Fraudulent "Diesel Investment Business Plan"

Known Threats: Has allegedly threatened victims who demand their money back or report to authorities

Demi Nicolaides Nel

Partner and co-beneficiary (maiden name: Nicolaides)

Role: Allegedly benefits from the scheme proceeds

Assets: BMW M2 allegedly purchased with investor funds

Background: Reportedly has not worked independently, living off scheme proceeds

How the Alleged Scam Works

1The Promise

Victims are approached with a lucrative "diesel investment business plan" promising high returns on investment.

2The Investment

Investors contribute between R200,000 and R1.6 million, believing their money will generate legitimate returns.

3The Deception

Instead of legitimate business operations, funds allegedly go toward luxury vehicles, expensive lifestyle, and substance abuse.

4The Threats

When victims demand their money back, they allegedly receive threats and intimidation to prevent legal action.

Documented Evidence

Ryan Bakewell and Demi Nicolaides in luxury car

Lavish lifestyle funded by investors

Self-described 'power couple'

Family photos used to build trust

Social media posts about expensive treatments

Using family to appear trustworthy

Expensive holidays funded by victims

Legal Documentation

Legal correspondence from SEG Attorneys documenting the case. Page 3 states that should the business fail, Ryan Bakewell must pay investors from his own pocket. Nearly 2 years later, no repayments have been made.

Assets Allegedly Purchased with Investor Funds

•Porsche Cayenne - Luxury SUV for Ryan Bakewell
•Limited Edition BMW M4 - High-performance vehicle for Ryan Bakewell
•BMW M2 - Sports car for Demi Nicolaides Nel
•BMW X4 - SUV for ex-wife Jennifer Bakewell
•Total Value: Over R6.9 million in luxury vehicles and lifestyle expenses

Known Victims & Investors

The following individuals have been identified as victims of this alleged scheme. Each invested between R200,000 and R1.6 million.

•Sean Hale

•Patrick Freeme

•Nicole Shelle

•Keith Ward

•Mandy Nicolaides

•Robert Bakewell

•Jaiden Staines

•Ashleigh Bawden

•Jared Nel

•Cameron Leisher

•Chevonne Leisher

•Michael van Schalkwyk

•And many more...

Additional Concerns

Substance Abuse

Evidence suggests Ryan Bakewell has used investor funds to support a drug addiction. Social media posts allegedly show him under the influence of substances.

Child Welfare

Both Ryan Bakewell and Demi Nicolaides Nel were reportedly investigated by social services, resulting in their children being removed from their custody.

Threats & Intimidation

Ryan Bakewell has allegedly threatened victims who ask questions about their investments or attempt to report the scheme to authorities, claiming he "knows people who can sort people out."

What You Can Do

Protect Yourself

Do not engage in any business dealings with these individuals
Be skeptical of high-return investment promises
Always verify business credentials and licenses
Research investment opportunities thoroughly

Spread Awareness

Share this information with friends and family
Report suspicious investment schemes to authorities
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Help prevent others from becoming victims

Help protect others by sharing this scam alert across social media platforms. The more people who know about this scheme, the fewer victims there will be.

Community Discussion

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