The Scorpio Group was founded by Sarel Steyn, who has professional investigative experience since 1989. He began his career in law enforcement, serving in the Client Service Office, Detective Branch, Child Protection Unit, and the Murder and Robbery Unit. He coordinated complex investigations, including farm attacks and high-profile criminal cases, and received multiple awards for excellence in investigative work.

Sarel founded The Scorpio Group, bringing together a team of highly skilled investigators. The team consists primarily of former SAPS members, Correctional Services officials, and specialised unit officers, collectively holding 309 years of relevant investigative experience. Their expertise spans, Child Protection Units, Narcotics, Intelligence, Serious and Violent Crime Units, Cold Case Units, and VIP Protection.

Due to the sensitive nature of our work, the identities of our team members are protected. We take pride in their extensive experience, specialised training, and proven results.

Our Team

Due to the sensitive nature of investigations, we protect the identity of our team, but are proud to share their profiles if requested.

Career History

Sarel Johannes Steyn is a Security Management Specialist with more than 40 years’ combined experience in law enforcement, short term insurance, loss adjusting, investigations and security operations. His career reflects progression from frontline policing to senior insurance management and business ownership within the private investigation and security sector.

• 1989 – 1999
  Detective Sergeant, South African Police Service
  Sarel began his career in the South African Police Service where he served for ten years. He worked as a Detective and later Detective Sergeant, handling serious and violent crimes including murder, armed robbery and farm attacks. His responsibilities included full criminal investigations, suspect interrogation, crime scene management, court preparation and case presentation. He also conducted undercover investigations relating to mining equipment theft. He received presidential acknowledgement for his success rate in solving farm murders and for his professionalism in victim support.
• 1999 – 2005
  Short Term Insurance Assessor and Divisional Manager, Telesure Group Services
  He transitioned into the insurance industry as a Short Term Insurance Assessor specialising in motor theft, motor accidents, burglary and all risk claims across multiple provinces. He managed full investigations, negotiated settlements, authorised payments and handled complex client queries. He achieved top regional performance rankings, saving the company millions of rand over consecutive years and receiving Assessor of the Year. He was promoted to Divisional Manager, overseeing teams responsible for stolen vehicles, motor accidents and non-vehicle investigations, while assisting executive management with special projects and operational improvements.
• 2005 – 2006
  Production Manager, Upstream Marketing
  In this role, Sarel focused on partner relationship management, product viability analysis, system design and staff training. He developed operational processes, marketing plans and project execution strategies, presenting directly to senior leadership within the insurance environment.
• 2006 – 2007
  Insurance Procurement Manager, ABSA Insurance Company
  He was involved in establishing a new division, reviewing and renegotiating partnership agreements, implementing structured tender processes and introducing performance-based contracting models. He also contributed to streamlining claims and investigation procedures based on his operational experience.
• 2007 – 2011
  Business Owner, Bestvest Loss Adjusting & Investigations
  Sarel founded and managed his own short term insurance investigation and loss adjusting business. He handled motor theft, household and homeowner claims, designed electronic reporting systems, negotiated with suppliers and maintained insurer relationships. He was responsible for marketing, contract acquisition and full operational management.
• 2011 – 2012
  Loss Adjuster, Censeo Loss Adjusting (Pty) Ltd
  He managed short term insurance claims, conducted assessments and investigations, negotiated repair and replacement agreements and maintained relationships with insurers and service providers.
• 2018 – 2022
  Business Owner, Scorpio Investigation Group
  He established Scorpio Investigation Group, focusing on private investigations, short term insurance investigations and loss adjusting. Services included motor theft investigations, rejected claim assistance, missing persons cases, polygraph testing, voice stress analysis, risk assessments and corporate investigations. He developed internal systems for communication and reporting, secured contracts and managed supplier and insurer relationships.
• 2022 – 2023
  Operational Manager and Reaction Officer, Piquant Security
  Sarel managed riot and strike control operations, conducted risk analyses, planned deployment strategies and supervised multiple sites. He oversaw guard management, site inspections, disciplinary hearings and client reporting. He also handled fraud, corruption and site investigations while performing reaction duties in residential and commercial environments.
• 2018 – 2022
  Operational Investigations Manager and Reaction Officer, Senforce Reaction
  He conducted burglary, alarm and complaint investigations, managed patrol operations, performed risk assessments and handled site inspections and operational planning.
• 2023 – Current
  Business Owner, Scorpio Investigation Group
  He reopened and currently operates Scorpio Investigation Group. His work includes short term insurance investigations, loss adjusting, private investigations, missing persons cases, DNA kit provision, drug testing services, polygraph examinations, voice stress analysis, risk assessments and security consulting. He manages all operational, marketing, reporting and client liaison functions while maintaining strategic relationships with insurers, suppliers and corporate clients.