A woman calling herself ‘Natacha’ made friends with Desmond Gregor,age 56,living in South Australia,via Net. They exchanged frequent emails and had long chats. It all started with her frantic calls for help to save her life and to ‘retrieve’ hidden gold. According to
Natacha’s version: She was living in a refugee camp,fearing political reprisal,in Mali,West Africa. A huge fortune of gold and cash were stashed away in bank lockers and in secret locations; If only Desmond could come to Mali,her relatives would ‘receive’ him in the air-port;with his help,they would retrieve the hidden wealth; Desmond’s share would be a whopping $ 100,000; Natacha too,would accompany him,while returning.
All these glib talk and ‘love’ of Natacha, lured Desmond to Mali,in West Africa. When he landed in mali,instead of Natacha or her relatives,thugs took him to a secluded location; stripped him naked and locked him up,putting a gun to his head and waving machetes on his face. Desmond had to find $ 100,000 for his release; or,his hands would be cut off,they threatened! A series of emails flooded the relatives of Desmond,in Australia. His relatives were puzzled at the demand of ransom,emailed in poorly written English.
Help of the Australian Federal police was sought; A sting operation was launched with the help of Malian police. Desmond was rescued after his captors fell for the bait of a promised sum of $ 30,000.
The 12 days Desmond spent in captivity,was virtual hell for him. Next time,when you receive an innocent-enough email,seeking help,from women in West Africa,be wary of them!
{Real life story,which took place during 2007}
