Internet Fraud Casebook

Chapter 20. Dangerous Learning Curve

AHMED R. KUNNUMPURATH

Obe Kofe was a 25-year-old Nigerian national who received a bachelor's in computer science from American University in Nigeria. However, after graduating, he could not find a suitable job in his home country and was looking for overseas positions, preferably in Saudi Arabia, one of the richest countries in the Persian Gulf.

His friend and schoolmate, Martin Gil, worked for a travel agency in Nigeria and had connections with overseas recruitment agencies. When Obe told him about his dream of working abroad, Martin immediately asked, "What about a job in Saudi Arabia? I know an agent there who could help you get a work permit." That was just the opportunity Obe was looking for. He jumped at the chance and told Martin, "Why not? I would love to! Please pass my name and information to your friend and let me know what he says."

Two days later, Obe had a phone interview with the Saudi recruiter, and the following week his work permit was prepared. Obe took the first flight he could to Saudi Arabia.

Once in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, Obe discovered that his work visa did not ensure him a lucrative job and — much to his surprise — he had only been granted a three-month visitor's visa. However, he befriended some Nigerian expatriates who let him stay with them while he looked for work. After a week of fruitless job hunting, one of his roommates, Ian Smith, promised to find him a permanent position in his friend's company, which ...