Mystery Monday: An Interesting Investment Opportunity

How had he made his money? No one knew,
But when his new consultancy hung out
A shingle, with results too great for true
Credulity, no one could talk about
One other thing. Soon nearly everyone
In their exclusive neighborhood had placed
Their finances in Bif's hands. His new fund
Had made the rich more rich still, had outpaced
The famous ones. Meanwhile, more locally,
Kidnappings up and down the coast had leant
A frisson to their days. Bif charged no fee
Which left them liquid when those notes were sent
Demanding ransoms. Never was there made
Connection 'twixt these facts, as all got paid.