THE $10,000 OSINT CHALLENGE

OFFICIAL CHALLENGE TERMS & CONDITIONS

Last Updated: January 2026

By participating in the Find Bhuja OSINT Challenge (the "Challenge"), you agree to these Terms and Conditions. Please read carefully.

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1. ELIGIBILITY

1.1 The Challenge is open to individuals and teams worldwide, aged 18 years or older.

1.2 The following are NOT eligible to participate or claim rewards:

• Family members of the cat's owner
• Individuals under 18 years of age
• Individuals who violate these Terms or engage in illegal activity

1.3 Teams may participate. If a team wins, the reward will be paid to one designated team member, who is responsible for distribution to other team members. Only one payment will be issued per winning submission.

1.4 Employees and volunteers of animal shelters, veterinary clinics, animal control agencies, and professional investigators are eligible and encouraged to participate.

2. CHALLENGE OVERVIEW

2.1 The Challenge seeks to locate Bhuja, a missing black domestic shorthair cat, last seen on November 10, 2021, in New Milford, Connecticut.

2.2 Bhuja is microchipped (Chip #: 981020013910***, registered with Petlink). Verified recovery requires microchip confirmation.

2.3 The Challenge offers a reward of $10,000 USD (the "Grand Prize") for information leading to verified recovery of Bhuja.

2.4 An additional $1,500 USD is available to the veterinary clinic or animal shelter that performs the microchip scan leading to Bhuja's confirmed identification and return.

3. HOW TO PARTICIPATE

3.1 Review the Case File available on this website.

3.2 Conduct research using legal and ethical methods.

3.3 Submit findings via the official "Submit a Tip" form on this website.

3.4 Provide accurate contact information. Anonymous tips are accepted for submission, but winners must reveal identity to claim rewards.

4. REWARD & PAYMENT

4.1 GRAND PRIZE: $10,000 USD

The Grand Prize will be awarded for verified recovery of Bhuja, defined as:

• Physical recovery of Bhuja
• Microchip scan at a licensed veterinary facility confirming chip number 981020013910***
• Physical characteristics verification matching case file description
• Confirmation by owner or owner's designated representative

4.2 VETERINARY FACILITY BONUS: $1,500 USD

An additional $1,500 will be paid to the licensed veterinary clinic or animal shelter that performs the microchip scan leading to Bhuja's confirmed identification, provided:

• The scan is documented with official veterinary records
• The facility cooperates with the verification process
• The facility assists in coordinating Bhuja's return to the owner

4.3 PAYMENT TERMS

• Payment will be made within 14 days of verified recovery
• Accepted payment methods: Bank wire transfer, Wise (TransferWise), or PayPal only
• Payment will NOT be made via: Cryptocurrency, cash, Western Union, MoneyGram, or other untraceable methods
• Payment to third parties is not permitted without explicit written authorization from the owner
• Winner is responsible for all applicable taxes
• A 1099 tax form will be issued for prizes over $600 (US recipients)

4.4 VERIFICATION PROCESS

Microchip verification must occur within 7 days of physical recovery and include:

1. Microchip scan at a licensed veterinary facility or animal shelter with documented scanning equipment
2. Veterinary professional provides written confirmation including:
   • Microchip number (981020013910***)
   • Date and time of scan
   • Physical description of cat scanned
   • Veterinarian's license number and facility information
3. Owner or designated representative visually confirms cat's identity through:
   • Physical characteristics verification (distinguishing marks, tail kink, eye color, white hairs, scars)
   • Behavioral assessment (temperament, vocalizations, responses to name)
   • Photographic comparison

4.5 VERIFICATION SAFEGUARDS (ANTI-FRAUD PROTECTION)

To prevent microchip fraud, if the owner suspects fraudulent microchip implantation, the owner reserves the right to require:

• Veterinary examination of microchip implant site for signs of recent implantation (inflammation, improper placement, lack of tissue integration)
• Physical characteristics verification: All black coat with scattered white hairs, bright green eyes, small kink at tip of tail, possible small scar on left foreleg, weight 10-16 lbs
• Behavioral verification: High-pitched meow (distinctive for male cat), friendly but initially cautious temperament, food-motivated behavior, responds to "Bhuja" or "Boojie"
• Genetic testing at owner's expense if physical characteristics don't match despite microchip match
• Withholding of payment pending investigation if fraud is suspected
• Reporting to law enforcement if fraud is confirmed

Legitimate possession requirement:

The individual presenting the cat must demonstrate lawful possession. Taking possession of someone else's cat without consent constitutes theft and is grounds for disqualification and criminal referral.

4.6 MULTIPLE CONTRIBUTORS

If multiple parties provide information that collectively leads to Bhuja's verified recovery, the Grand Prize will be distributed at the owner's sole discretion based on:

• The quality and specificity of evidence provided
• The timeliness of submission
• The degree of investigative effort demonstrated
• The role each party played in achieving recovery

The owner's decision regarding reward distribution is final and binding.

4.7 EVIDENCE QUALITY & TIMESTAMP PRIORITY

If multiple participants submit identical or substantially similar information:

Priority and reward allocation are determined by BOTH timestamp and evidence quality:

• Evidence quality is weighted MORE heavily than submission time
• A well-documented tip submitted later may receive higher reward allocation than an earlier vague tip
• The owner evaluates: specificity, accuracy, verifiability, supporting documentation, and investigative methodology

Example:

• Person A submits (January 1): "Bhuja might be on Oak Street" (no address, no evidence)
• Person B submits (January 7): "Bhuja is at 123 Oak Street with Jane Doe, here are photos, vet records, and social media screenshots"
• Person B receives the reward (superior evidence quality outweighs later submission)

4.8 DISCRETIONARY REWARDS

The owner may, at sole discretion, award smaller rewards for information deemed genuinely helpful to the search, even if it does not directly lead to recovery. Such discretionary rewards:

• Are not guaranteed
• Amounts are determined solely by the owner
• Are granted on a case-by-case basis
• Do not obligate the owner to award similar amounts for similar information

4.9 NO REWARD WITHOUT VERIFICATION

No reward will be paid without verified physical recovery and microchip confirmation. Claims of possession, sightings, or information without actual recovery and verification are not eligible for the Grand Prize.

4.10 REWARD ALLOCATION: TIPSTER vs. CURRENT KEEPER

The following scenarios clarify who receives the $10,000 Grand Prize in different situations:

SCENARIO 1: You currently have Bhuja and discover this challenge

If you have a cat you now realize is Bhuja (after seeing this website, scanning him, or otherwise discovering he's missing):

You are eligible for the FULL $10,000 reward by:

1. Taking the cat to a licensed veterinary clinic or shelter for microchip scanning
2. Providing scan results to the owner
3. Returning the cat to the owner or coordinating transfer

You will NOT face blame or legal action for having taken in a stray cat in good faith.

The owner's goal is Bhuja's safe return, not punishment. If you believed he was a stray or abandoned, you are eligible for the full reward upon verified return.

SCENARIO 2: Someone else submits a tip identifying that YOU have Bhuja

If an OSINT researcher or other third party submits a tip saying "Bhuja is at [your address] with [your name]" and provides evidence:

The OSINT researcher receives the $10,000 Grand Prize because their investigative work directly led to recovery.

You receive:

• $1,500 veterinary facility bonus (if you cooperate by taking him to be scanned at a licensed facility)
• Replacement pet adoption assistance (see Section 4.11)
• Gratitude for the care you provided

You do NOT receive the $10,000 Grand Prize because:

• You did not conduct investigation to locate a missing cat
• You unknowingly had possession of a missing cat
• Microchip registration legally establishes the owner's property rights under Connecticut law
• Returning microchipped property to its legal owner is a legal obligation, not a prize-worthy achievement

Why this structure is fair:

• The tipster conducted research and provided information the owner didn't have
• You were unaware the cat was missing (no investigative effort on your part)
• Connecticut law requires return of microchipped pets to registered owners
• This prevents individuals from holding cats "hostage" to claim rewards

SCENARIO 3: You refuse to return Bhuja after microchip verification

If you have Bhuja and refuse to return him after microchip scan confirms his identity:

• You receive $0 (no reward, no facility bonus, no replacement pet assistance)
• Connecticut law recognizes microchip registration as proof of ownership; refusal to return constitutes theft of property
• The owner will pursue all legal remedies including involving law enforcement and filing civil suit
• You may face criminal charges for theft
• The OSINT researcher who identified your location STILL receives the $10,000 (their tip was accurate and enabled identification)

4.11 REPLACEMENT PET ASSISTANCE (COOPERATIVE RESOLUTION)

If you currently have Bhuja and have bonded with him:

The owner recognizes the emotional difficulty of returning a cat you've cared for and offers the following assistance:

Financial Support for Replacement Pet:

The owner will pay the adoption fee (up to $275 USD) for one replacement pet from a licensed animal shelter or registered 501(c)(3) rescue organization.

Terms:

• Payment will be made directly to the shelter/rescue organization
• Payment is contingent upon your approval of the adoption application by the shelter/rescue
• The replacement pet does not have to be a cat (dogs, rabbits, or other shelter animals are acceptable)
• Payment does NOT apply to purchases from breeders, pet stores, or private sales
• This is a one-time offer for one animal

Process:

1. You identify a shelter/rescue and select an animal you wish to adopt
2. You complete the shelter's adoption application process
3. Upon approval, you notify the owner with the shelter's contact information and adoption fee amount (must be $275 or less)
4. The owner pays the fee directly to the shelter
5. You complete the adoption and receive your new pet

This offer is NOT available if:

• You refuse to return Bhuja after microchip verification
• You attempt to extort additional compensation beyond the stated reward
• You engage in any prohibited conduct under these Terms

Legal Clarification:

This is a voluntary goodwill gesture, not a legal obligation or admission of liability. Bhuja must be returned upon microchip verification regardless of whether you accept this offer. This assistance does not constitute compensation for expenses you incurred or create any liability on the part of the owner for your care of the cat.

4.12 REMOTE TIPS & INTERNATIONAL SUBMISSIONS

For tips that identify Bhuja's location but do not involve physical recovery by the tipster:

If you provide information identifying Bhuja's whereabouts but cannot personally recover him (e.g., you're located internationally, the cat is in someone else's possession), the reward process works as follows:

Your Responsibilities:

1. Provide specific, verifiable information (address, name of current keeper, supporting evidence)
2. Maintain communication with the owner during verification
3. Do NOT attempt to take possession of the cat yourself if it would violate laws (trespassing, theft)

Owner's Verification Process:

1. Owner (or designated representative) will investigate the tip
2. Owner will coordinate lawful recovery with:
   • Local animal control (if current keeper refuses return)
   • Law enforcement (if microchip scan confirms identity and legal dispute arises)
   • Current keeper (cooperative resolution preferred)
3. Microchip verification must occur per standard protocol (Section 4.4)

Reward Eligibility:

• You are eligible for the full $10,000 reward if your tip directly leads to verified recovery
• You do NOT need to physically recover the cat yourself
• You do NOT need to travel to the United States
• Evidence quality and tip accuracy determine reward allocation

Example:

• Researcher in Denmark finds social media post showing Bhuja with Connecticut resident
• Researcher submits: address, name, screenshots, investigative methodology
• Owner verifies information, coordinates with local authorities, recovers Bhuja
• Danish researcher receives $10,000 (quality tip led directly to recovery)

4.13 INTERNATIONAL WINNERS - PAYMENT & TAX COMPLIANCE

If you are located outside the United States:

You are eligible to participate and claim the reward. However, the following apply:

Tax Withholding:

• International winners may be subject to 30% U.S. tax withholding unless a tax treaty between your country and the United States provides otherwise
• You will be required to complete IRS Form W-8BEN to claim treaty benefits (if applicable)
• Net payment may be reduced by withholding amount
  • Example: $10,000 prize = $7,000 net after 30% withholding (unless treaty reduces or eliminates withholding)
• Consult a tax professional in your country regarding your tax obligations

Payment Processing:

• Payment will be made via legitimate international transfer service: bank wire transfer, Wise (TransferWise), or PayPal only
• You must provide verifiable identity and banking information
• Payment to third parties or via untraceable methods (cryptocurrency, cash, Western Union, MoneyGram) is NOT permitted
• Processing time for international payments: 7-14 business days after verification

Compliance Screening:

• All international winners will be screened against U.S. sanctions lists (OFAC - Office of Foreign Assets Control)
• Payment will NOT be made to individuals in sanctioned countries or on prohibited persons lists
• Winner must provide government-issued photo ID and proof of address
• Winner must not appear on any terrorism watch lists or sanctions databases

Currency:

• Payment is made in U.S. Dollars (USD)
• Currency conversion fees (if applicable) are the winner's responsibility

By claiming the reward as an international participant, you confirm:

• You are not located in or a national of a U.S.-sanctioned country
• You are not on any prohibited persons or sanctions list
• You will comply with tax reporting requirements in your jurisdiction
• You will provide all documentation required for legal payment processing

5. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

5.1 All tips must be submitted via the official "Submit a Tip" form on this website.

5.2 Submissions should include:

• Name and contact information (required for reward eligibility)
• Specific, actionable information (names, addresses, locations, dates)
• Supporting evidence or documentation (if available)

5.3 Vague, non-specific, or unactionable tips ("check all houses in the area") are not eligible for rewards.

5.4 The owner is not obligated to pursue every tip submitted. Tips will be evaluated based on specificity, credibility, and actionability.

5.5 EVIDENCE STANDARDS

To be eligible for reward consideration, tips must meet minimum quality standards:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific, verifiable information (name, address, or precise location)
• Explanation of how you obtained the information
• Contact information for verification and follow-up

STRONGLY PREFERRED (increases tip value and reward priority):

• Photographic evidence (screenshots, photos of the cat, location images)
• Veterinary records or documentation
• Witness statements or corroborating information
• Detailed methodology explanation (especially for OSINT researchers)

INSUFFICIENT TIPS (not eligible for reward):

• Vague locations without specific addresses ("somewhere in New Milford")
• Unsubstantiated claims without supporting evidence
• Second-hand rumors without verification or source attribution
• Tips consisting solely of publicly available information already known to the owner

TIP QUALITY DIRECTLY IMPACTS REWARD ALLOCATION:

If multiple tips contribute to recovery, the tip with the strongest evidence and most actionable information will receive priority in reward distribution.

5.6 METHODOLOGY SHARING (OPTIONAL - FOR OSINT COMMUNITY)

For OSINT researchers and investigators:

While not required for reward eligibility, you are encouraged to share your investigative methodology if your tip leads to recovery. This benefits the broader OSINT community and advances open-source investigation techniques.

If you choose to share your methodology:

• Describe data sources used (social media platforms, public records databases, etc.)
• Explain search techniques and tools employed
• Identify patterns or insights that led to the breakthrough
• Document dead ends and lessons learned (valuable for future investigations)

Benefits of sharing:

• Contributes to collective knowledge in the OSINT community
• Helps others conducting similar missing pet or person searches
• May be featured in case study or community presentation (with your consent)
• Builds professional reputation in OSINT and investigative circles

If you prefer not to share:

• Methodology sharing is entirely voluntary
• Refusal to share does NOT impact reward eligibility or amount
• You retain full proprietary rights to your investigative process and techniques

6. LEGAL COMPLIANCE & CONDUCT

6.1 Participants must comply with all applicable local, state, federal, and international laws.

6.2 The following actions are strictly prohibited and will result in immediate disqualification:

• Theft, trespassing, breaking and entering, or any illegal activity
• Harassment of residents, property owners, or businesses
• Fraudulent claims or knowingly false information
• Interference with others' legitimate search efforts
• Animal cruelty, neglect, or endangerment

6.3 Submission of knowingly false information or fraudulent claims may result in:

• Disqualification from the Challenge
• Forfeiture of any reward
• Reporting to appropriate authorities
• Legal action for fraud or intentional interference

6.4 The owner reserves the right to pursue legal action against individuals who engage in illegal activity, submit fraudulent claims, or intentionally interfere with the search.

6.5 PROHIBITED CONDUCT & MANDATORY CRIMINAL REFERRALS

The following actions are strictly prohibited and will result in immediate disqualification, forfeiture of any reward, and mandatory referral to law enforcement:

Fraudulent Activities:

• Fraudulent claims: Intentionally submitting false information, fabricating evidence, or misrepresenting a cat's identity to claim the reward
• Microchip fraud: Cloning, spoofing, or altering microchip data;