First I want to provide a backstory to Dr. Wilfred Richards. It is important to realize there is always a sobs story that comes with these people.
Supposedly, as he provides no proof of his statements, he was orphaned at the age of 8 by parents killed in a car crash in Germany. He grew up in Germany after being born in San Francisco. All of that may be true, but, without knowing the facts as facts why would a perfect stranger be granted so much trust? There is no reason to grant that degree of trust where facts are not presented. Even if some facts are presented, these circumstances were not anyone's doing. There is no reason to feel badly when in fact an American holds no responsibility, even remotely, for that person's reality.
So, as to Dr. Wilfred Richards. He came to LinkedIn for social content. Now, mind you this man is in a UN mission in Somalia. Why in God's name would a UN mission even allow social contact with the outside world? Seriously. It is a dangerous place and there should be all kinds of alarm bells going off when these communications occur. Case in point, Dr. Richards has changed his email address several times because his accounts had been hacked. At least that is what is stated.
The PROBLEM that presents itself with Dr. Richards is a problem created by the UN. According to his statements, when he signed up for Somalia (volunteer) he placed all his assets (several homes) and his bank accounts into a trust with the UN. I am not saying he volunteered his services, quite the contrary, he had a contract with the UN. According to his statements he cannot obtain access to his assets or accounts for his own safety. So, I ask you, what does a hard working surgeon do when he is feeling burnt out and wants a vacation. He has no access to his accounts, so he has to obtain monies somehow. Next best thing to his own account is one that belongs to someone he has struck up a conversation with, namely an average everyday American.
The ask for the money is not about donating to his worthy cause of needing a vacation, it is about romance. The conversation is romantic with the understanding he will meet his new American darling somewhere with sunshine, a bedroom and plenty of good food. If one cares to go on vacation somewhere nice, the "Untied Nations" will arrange it all right down to the favorite wine and alcohol. Upon agreeing to the romantic getaway thousands of US dollars (at least $4000) will have to be sent in the way of gift cards. There are no bank transfers. And, oh by the way, there are a few fees for the paperwork necessary to let Dr. Richards leave the compound with notice and for the transportation off the compound.
That is the sort of thing that goes on in conversation over the internet between the happy couple.
HOWEVER.
Dr. Richards' case is complicated by other factors. In his case there was a death threat about the same time a security guard was killed. It is Somalia, these things go on, ya know? As a result of these scary circumstances he decides to take his own initiative and leaves the compound with plans to travel to Mogadishu's airport and leave the country for good. In route, there is a car accident, he never leaves the country, a medicine man rescues him to a hotel, all his belongs in the car are stolen and it would seem no one at the compound is worried enough to look for him.
Hence, here is this former US Navy surgeon needing assistance and there is only one person that cares enough to help, and you guessed it, his new found love. That begins a wild ride of needs and transportations and the list just keeps getting longer and more and more needy.
Now, his story may be true, but, there is an inherent danger to anyone involved when realizing he is openly stating this is Somalia. I mean get for real. Of course, the lady is worried and willing to help, but, the episode is not so clear of any danger. Basically, run! Don't walk to the nearest authority and begin to report this stressful situation and the monies that may or may not have been spent.
Now, let just say these circumstances of our former Navy surgeon are real and he is in need of help.
Put that aside, because I can clearly illustrate in the next story exactly what occurs that Americans have no clue about.
