THE $10,000 OSINT CHALLENGE

Find Bhuja. Win $10,000.

What This Is

Bhuja has been missing for four years. Every traditional search method has been exhausted. It's time to try something different.

We're launching a crowdsourced investigation—an open challenge to the OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) community, private investigators, data analysts, amateur sleuths, and anyone with investigative skills to help locate a microchipped black cat who disappeared from New Milford, Connecticut, on November 10, 2021.

The reward: $10,000 for verified recovery.

This isn't just a missing pet case. It's a puzzle. It's a cold case that needs fresh eyes, creative thinking, and the power of collective intelligence. The information exists—it just needs to be found.

Why This Matters

Bhuja isn't just a cat. He's family. He's been deeply loved and desperately missed for over 1,400 days. He's microchipped, which means he can be definitively identified and returned home.

Somewhere out there, someone knows something. Maybe they took him in as a stray. Maybe they saw him climb into a moving truck. Maybe they have security footage from November 2021. Maybe they work at a vet clinic and remember scanning an unidentified black cat.

Your skills, your access to data, your memory, your connections—any of these could be the key that brings Bhuja home.

How It Works

1. REVIEW THE CASE FILE

Start with the full case file which includes:

  • Bhuja's profile, photos, and behavioral characteristics
  • Detailed timeline of his disappearance and search efforts
  • Maps of his known range and last confirmed locations
  • Investigative theories and open questions
  • Data sources and research angles

2. INVESTIGATE

Use your skills to search for information:

  • OSINT researchers: Dig through social media archives, public records, classifieds, and digital footprints
  • Local residents: Check your property, ask neighbors, review security footage
  • Professionals: Veterinary staff can scan black cats for microchips; real estate agents can review property transaction records; animal control can check intake logs
  • Investigators: Follow leads, cross-reference data, identify patterns

3. SUBMIT YOUR FINDINGS

Use the Submit a Tip form to share:

  • Specific, actionable information (not vague theories)
  • Location details, names, dates, evidence
  • Photos or documentation if available
  • Your contact information (required for reward eligibility)

4. RECOVERY & VERIFICATION

If your information leads to Bhuja's verified recovery:

  • Cat must be scanned for microchip at a licensed veterinary clinic
  • Microchip number must match: 981020013910483
  • Physical recovery confirmed by owner or designated representative
  • You receive $10,000

What We're Looking For

HIGH-VALUE LEADS:

  • "I know someone who took in a black cat around November 2021 at [specific address]"
  • "I found archived security footage showing a black cat on [date/time/location]"
  • "I checked [specific feral colony/location] and found a black cat matching the description"
  • "My vet clinic has records of an unidentified black male cat brought in from New Milford area in [timeframe]"

NOT HELPFUL:

  • "Check all the houses in the neighborhood" (too vague)
  • "I saw a black cat once" (without specific details)
  • Theories without evidence or actionable next steps

We're looking for specifics. Names, addresses, locations, dates, verifiable details.

Who Can Participate

Open to:

  • Individuals and teams (worldwide)
  • Professional investigators, OSINT analysts, researchers
  • Local residents, veterinary staff, animal welfare professionals
  • Anyone with relevant skills or information

Not eligible:

  • Family members of the owner
  • Individuals under 18 years of age
  • Anyone involved in illegal activity to obtain Bhuja

Teams: If a team wins, the $10,000 reward is split among team members as they determine. Only one payment will be issued.

Reward Details

GRAND PRIZE: $10,000 USD

Paid for:

  • Verified recovery of Bhuja confirmed by microchip scan (981020013910483)
  • Physical return of Bhuja to owner or designated representative

Payment terms:

  • Payment within 14 days of verified recovery
  • Via bank transfer, check, or other agreed method
  • Winner responsible for applicable taxes (1099 issued if required)

Multiple contributors:
If multiple people provide information that collectively leads to recovery, the reward will be distributed at the owner's sole discretion based on the value and timeliness of each contribution.

Discretionary rewards:
Smaller rewards may be awarded for information deemed genuinely helpful to the search, even if it does not directly lead to recovery. Such rewards are not guaranteed and are granted at the owner's sole discretion.

Important Notes

✓ Microchip verification is mandatory. No reward without confirmed scan.

✓ Anonymous tips are welcome but winners must provide verifiable identity to receive payment.

✓ You must comply with all laws. Illegal actions (theft, trespassing, breaking and entering) result in disqualification.

✓ The owner is not responsible for your actions. You participate at your own risk.

✓ Claims of possession without physical return are not eligible for reward. If you say you have Bhuja but won't provide him for verification, you receive nothing.

✓ First to submit wins. If multiple people share identical information, timestamp on tip submission form determines priority.

Get Started

Ready to help find Bhuja?

VIEW THE CASE FILE SUBMIT A TIP JOIN THE COMMUNITY

This case is solvable. The information exists. It just needs to be found.

Will you be the one who brings Bhuja home?

📋 OFFICIAL TERMS & CONDITIONS (Click to expand)

OFFICIAL CHALLENGE TERMS & CONDITIONS

Last Updated: November 2025

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

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 #981020013910483, 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.

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 981020013910483
  • Confirmation by owner or owner's designated representative

4.2 PAYMENT TERMS

  • Payment will be made within 14 days of verified recovery
  • Payment via bank transfer, certified check, or other mutually agreed method
  • Winner is responsible for all applicable taxes
  • A 1099 tax form will be issued for prizes over $600 (US recipients)

4.3 VERIFICATION PROCESS

  • Microchip verification must occur within 7 days of physical recovery
  • Owner or designated representative will arrange scanning at a licensed veterinary facility
  • Verification must be documented with official veterinary records

4.4 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 value of each contribution
  • The timeliness of submission
  • The role each party played in achieving recovery

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

4.5 TIMESTAMP PRIORITY

If multiple participants submit identical or substantially similar information, the individual or team whose submission was received first (according to the timestamp on the tip submission form) will be given priority.

4.6 DISCRETIONARY REWARDS

The owner may, at their 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

4.7 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 are not eligible for the Grand Prize.

5. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

5.1 All tips must be submitted via the official form on this website.

5.2 Submissions should include:

  • Specific, actionable information (names, addresses, locations, dates)
  • Supporting evidence or documentation (if available)
  • Contact information for the submitter

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.

6. LEGAL COMPLIANCE & CONDUCT

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

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.

7. LIABILITY & DISCLAIMER

7.1 ASSUMPTION OF RISK

By participating, you acknowledge that you are acting independently and at your own risk. The owner is not responsible for:

  • Your actions or the actions of other participants
  • Injuries, damages, or losses incurred during your participation
  • Disputes with third parties arising from your search activities
  • Any legal consequences of your actions

7.2 RELEASE OF LIABILITY

You agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless the owner, their family members, representatives, and legal counsel from any and all claims, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses arising from your participation in the Challenge.

7.3 NO GUARANTEE OF RESULTS

The owner makes no guarantee that:

  • Bhuja will be found
  • Any particular tip or method will lead to recovery
  • The Challenge will continue indefinitely

8. PRIVACY & DATA

8.1 Information submitted via the tip form will be used solely for the purpose of locating Bhuja.

8.2 Contact information will not be shared publicly without your consent, except as required by law.

8.3 The owner reserves the right to share anonymized or aggregated information about the search (e.g., "We received 200 tips") without identifying individual submitters.

9. PUBLICITY & MEDIA RIGHTS

9.1 Winners may choose to remain anonymous.

9.2 Public identification of winners requires the winner's written consent.

9.3 By consenting to publicity, winners grant the owner non-exclusive rights to:

  • Share the winner's name, contribution, and success story on this website
  • Include the winner's story in media coverage or public updates
  • Use the winner's testimonial or statement in promotional materials

9.4 Winners retain ownership of their personal story.

9.5 Any commercial exploitation of the story (film, book, documentary, etc.) requires separate negotiation between the winner and the owner. Winners may not sell or license the story without the owner's written consent and agreed-upon profit sharing.

10. CHALLENGE MODIFICATION OR TERMINATION

10.1 The owner reserves the right to modify or terminate the Challenge at any time with 30 days' notice posted on this website.

10.2 Reasons for modification or termination may include, but are not limited to:

  • Verified recovery of Bhuja (deceased)
  • Financial inability to pay the reward
  • Legal issues that make continuing the Challenge unsafe or inadvisable
  • Other unforeseen circumstances

10.3 If the Challenge is terminated before Bhuja is recovered:

  • No rewards will be paid for tips submitted after the termination date
  • Tips submitted before termination remain eligible if recovery occurs within 90 days of termination

10.4 The owner is not obligated to provide compensation if the Challenge is terminated before Bhuja is found.

11. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

11.1 All disputes regarding reward eligibility, distribution, or Challenge terms will be resolved at the sole discretion of the owner.

11.2 The owner's decisions are final and binding.

11.3 By participating, you waive the right to legal action regarding reward decisions, except in cases of fraud or gross negligence by the owner.

11.4 Any legal disputes arising from the Challenge shall be governed by the laws of the State of Connecticut and resolved in the appropriate courts of Connecticut.

12. WINNER NOTIFICATION

12.1 Winners will be contacted using the information provided in their tip submission.

12.2 Winners must respond within 14 days of notification to claim the reward.

12.3 Failure to respond within 14 days may result in forfeiture of the reward, at the owner's discretion.

13. GENERAL PROVISIONS

13.1 These Terms constitute the entire agreement between participants and the owner regarding the Challenge.

13.2 If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full effect.

13.3 The owner's failure to enforce any provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of that provision.

13.4 These Terms may be updated at any time. Updates will be posted on this website with a "Last Updated" date. Continued participation after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

14. CONTACT

Questions about these Terms or the Challenge should be submitted via the Contact page or the tip submission form.

BY PARTICIPATING IN THIS CHALLENGE, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS.