Mum of Scots teen missing for over a month warns of sick ‘scam fundraiser’

The mum of a Scottish teenager who has been missing for over a month issued a warning about a fraudulent fundraiser set up in her son’s name. Viktoria Benga advised the public not to contribute to the online page claiming to raise funds for the search efforts for her missing 16-year-old son, Aleksandr. The young boy was last seen near the water wheel within the Lewis Castle grounds in Stornoway on Monday, November 18. Since then, there has been no sign or communication from him.

Specialist police units from Aberdeen and Inverness have been deployed to the island to assist in extensive search operations, with support from partner agencies. Viktoria took to social media to clarify that neither she nor her family has initiated any fundraising for Aleksandr and urged caution against sending money to any such sources.

Police have requested information and dash-cam footage from anyone who might have details about Aleksandr’s whereabouts. He is described as 6ft 2ins tall, with a slim build, short brown hair, last seen wearing a beige jumper, black jeans, and had a yellow beanie hat with him. Despite thorough searches and appeals, his exact movements after leaving the water wheel remain unknown.

Inspector David Hall expressed deep concern for Aleksandr’s safety, particularly in the recent cold weather conditions. Efforts to locate him have included extensive searches, use of police dogs, and assistance from a police mountain rescue team and partner agencies. Authorities have reviewed CCTV footage and appealed to drivers with dash-cams who may have travelled along specific routes on the day Aleksandr went missing to come forward with any potentially useful information.

Furthermore, a spokesperson for Police Scotland highlighted the existence of a potentially fraudulent fundraising page circulating on social media, emphasizing that Aleksandr’s family has not authorized any such fundraising activities. The public is advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

In her plea to the public, Viktoria Benga stressed the importance of caution and urged against contributing to any unauthorized fundraising efforts. The search for Aleksandr continues, with authorities appealing for cooperation and information from the community to help bring the missing teenager home safely.

**Insights and Summary:**
The article sheds light on the distressing ordeal of a missing teenager in Scotland and the unfortunate emergence of a scam fundraiser exploiting the situation. It highlights the importance of vigilance in online donations and the significance of community support in locating missing individuals. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, search teams, and the public play a crucial role in such cases, underlining the necessity of coming together in times of crisis. The heart-wrenching plea from the teenager’s mother serves as a poignant reminder of the human impact of such events and the need for solidarity in the face of adversity.