The interview went well. The CV? Impressive. References? All glowing.
You’ve found the perfect hire.
Or have you?
In today’s workplace, appearances can be deceiving, and unfortunately, there are some professionals out there who aren’t who they say they are. From fake qualifications to forged licences, the truth is: you don’t know Jack… until you’ve done a background check.
Let’s take a look at two real cases, one in the boardroom, one in the skies, that show just how risky it is to hire on trust alone.
The director with a fake PhD – Anushka Bogdanov
Anushka Bogdanov held one of the most senior positions at a major player in South Africa’s tech sector. She claimed to have a PhD in International Financial Management and Mathematics from the prestigious London Business School, a qualification that undoubtedly helped her gain respect, influence, and board-level responsibility.
But the truth was far from academic.
In 2020, Bogdanov quietly resigned, what followed was a thorough investigation by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) that revealed something shocking: Bogdanov had never earned the PhD she claimed, neither from the London Business School nor any other accredited institution.
Despite her efforts to delay the investigation and her public claims that she had submitted documents in “good faith”, Bogdanov eventually admitted the truth to the JSE in late 2024. The fallout was significant:
- She was fined R500,000
- She was disqualified from serving as a director of any JSE-listed company for 10 years
- Her integrity and professional conduct were publicly condemned by the JSE
What’s the lesson here?
Even at the highest levels of leadership, undisclosed or misrepresented qualifications can go unnoticed if checks aren’t thorough and role-specific. When the truth surfaces, the reputational damage can be enormous.
The pilot who flew without a licence – William Chandler
William Chandler spent over 20 years in the cockpit of South African Airways (SAA) aircraft. He worked his way up from a flight engineer to a Senior First Officer, co-piloting long-haul flights between continents.
But after a strange in-flight incident over the Swiss Alps and an internal investigation, SAA uncovered a disturbing truth: Chandler had been flying with a forged licence.
While he did hold a basic commercial pilot’s licence, he never obtained the required Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), which is essential for long-haul international flights. The ATPL involves rigorous written exams, simulation testing, and a minimum of 1,500 flying hours. It must also be renewed annually.
So, how did he get away with it?
- He altered documentation issued by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)
- He refused a promotion to captain, which would have required him to resubmit a valid licence
- He was reportedly protected by an SAA safety officer, who has since been suspended for allegedly covering up the forgery
The kicker? Chandler resigned before formal disciplinary action could be taken, but SAA is now pursuing legal action to recover millions of rands in improperly earned salary, overtime, and benefits.
While officials claim there was no direct safety risk, the implications are staggering. This wasn’t just a case of bending the rules, it was a systemic failure in verification that put lives, trust, and an entire national carrier’s reputation on the line.
What these cases reveal
Anushka Bogdanov and William Chandler operated in completely different industries, but they had one thing in common: they slipped through because the right background checks weren’t in place or weren’t applied at the right time.
That’s the real risk: it’s not just about catching out the dishonest; it’s about protecting your business, your people, and your reputation.
Because while most candidates are exactly who they say they are, the ones who aren’t can cost you everything.
So, how can you be sure?
That’s where we come in.
We help businesses across the continent take the guesswork out of hiring through professional, tailored background screening that fits your industry, role, and risk level. Whether you’re hiring an intern or an executive, our checks cover:
- Qualification verification: Degrees, diplomas, and professional certifications
- Criminal record checks: With local and international coverage
- Employment & reference verification: What they did, and who they did it for
- ID & fraud checks: Verifying identity against official records
- Credit checks: When financial responsibility is part of the role
- Custom screening packages: Built for your needs, not just a checklist
We’re not here to sell fear. We’re here to give you clarity, confidence, and the ability to hire smart, every time.
The bottom line
Every liar looks like a great hire, until they’re not.
So before you sign that contract, hand over your systems access, or trust someone with your business, ask yourself:
Have I done the checks? Or am I hoping for the best?
Because at the end of the day…
You don’t know Jack, until you’ve done a background check.Get started with Dots360 today, and explore more tips and tools by following us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or X.
