CAST OF CHARACTERS:

 

I will use the following colour coding for identification purposes:

 

Alhaji Ishmaila Gwarzo           “Chief security advicer of the then military leader of Nigeria in the person of Late General Sani Abacha”.  Under house arrest, no e-mails.

Andy Coker                           Barrister / 419 scammer from Nigeria

Steve Seagoon                      My literary personna, a rough and ready New Zealand used car salesman.

Notes                                   Notes bringing the reader up to date with developments

 

 

I receive this offer from a Nigerian solicitor.  He tells me that there’s even more money available from the late General Sani Abacha.  At least the money is being offered by his security advisor, and not by one of his poor impoverished widows.

 

 

From: "Andy Coker" <[email protected]

To: <[email protected]>

Sent: Tue, 29 Jun, 2004 13:43:27 +0000

Subject: GOOD DAY

 

BARRISTER ANDY COKER & CO.

IKOYI-LAGOS.

FOR YOUR KIND ATTENTION:

 

RE: REQUEST FOR MUTUALLY BENEFITTING ENDEAVOUR.

 

I humbly crave your indulgence in sending you this mail, if the contents does not meet with your personal and business ethics, I appologise in advance.

 

I am Barrister Andy Coker ( attorney at law), I represent Alhaji Ishmaila Gwarzo estates. Alhaji Gwarzo was the chief security advicer of the then military leader of this country(Nigeria) in the person of Late General Sani Abacha who died on the 8th of June 1998. With the advent of a new democratic dispensation in the country under the leadership of Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo (Rtd), my client has come under severe persecution due to the sensitive position he held in the last military regime, presently he is under house arrest restricted only to the confines of his village.

 

The main purpose of this mail is to intimate you of a business proposal that might be of interest to you. My client has informed me of the existence of funds deposited with a security company abroad. This fund came about as part of security votes that were allocated to my client's portfolio during his tenure as chief security advicer to the then president. What happened was that he had part of the funds transferred from the vaults of the Central Bank Of Nigeria to this security outfit with the aim of purchasing arms and ammunitions for the personal security outfit of the then president. But before the purchase could take place the president died. my client has deceided to keep this for himself as all his properties has been confisticated by the present regime. But due to his incarceration he cannot travel out and effect the change of possession to his benefit.

 

I have been mandated by my client to source for a foreign partner that can help him facilitate the change of possession. the deposit certificate and the code needed for theexecution of this endeavour are in my possession. my client is also well disposed towards reaching an agreement with you that will be at par with the help required of you.

 

The funds in question is USD13.6M (Thirteen- Million, Six Hundred Thousand United States dollars Only). Should this proposition be of interest to you, you can reach me through my e-mail address thus; [email protected] so that we can go through the rudiments of this endeavour.

 

I remain most obliged.

Barr.Andy Coker

 

 

I think I’ll be a rough and ready New Zealand used car dealer.  But I’m a bit wary of this being a scam, I’ve heard about those Russian mafia bank and credit card fraudsters.

 

 

From:  <[email protected]>

To:  [email protected]

CC:  [email protected]

Sent: Wed, 30 Jun, 2004 00:39:27 +0100 (BST)

Subject: RE: GOOD DAY

 

Gidday Andy,

 

Interesting deal you’ve got there.  Sure beats the hell out of selling used cars,

 

Yeah, I’d be interested in helping you out.  Got a few questions though.  A guy’d be stupid if he didn’t.

 

I’ve checked up on the net on this General Sani Abacha, he sounds like a tough man.  Had his opponents jailed and executed.  Little wonder that he had his security advisor sidetrack government funds into an overseas bank.

 

What’s in it for me?  What do I have to do?  How do I know you’re for real, and not some Russian mafia scam artist after my bank account details so you can empty it and leave me as poor as a church mouse.  I’ve worked hard for what I’ve got, and I’m not letting any Russian mafia bastard get his hands on my money.  I’ll need to have a think about some way I can get you to establish your identity.

 

Now I’d better tell you a little about myself.  My name is Steve Seagoon, my friends call me “Neddie” because of my love of horse races.  I have a number of businesses here in New Zealand, most of them associated with car sales.  I’m a British citizen living in New Zealand, I’ve lived here for 25 years but for some reason or other I’ve never got round to taking New Zealand citizenship.

 

Now I have a couple of conditions under which I’ll participate in this deal.  This deal must be handled with absolute secrecy and confidentiality, no letters, no phone calls, just e-mail between you and me – that’s untraceable.  Secondly, I’ll open a special personal bank account for this deal.  There’ll be no dealings with my companies’ bank accounts.  That way we’ll be dealing with a bank account that only I know about and that I have absolute control over, and no-one will get the details of any bank account which has my own or my companies' money in it.

 

Looking forward to your next e-mail,

 

Steve (Neddie) Seagoon

Director Seagoon Motor Group

New Zealand.

 

 

Oh yeah!  My Nigerian Barrister friend thinks he’s got a hot one.  But only 10% plus taxes, that’s not very generous.  Obviously a set reply, he’s forgotten to add my name to the form letter.

 

 

From: "Barr Andy Coker" <[email protected]

To: <[email protected]>

Sent: Wed, 30 Jun, 2004 09:13:14 -0700 (PDT)

Subject: GOOD DAY

 

Attn;

 

I hope this mail gets to you in good health.

 

I am glad that you sympathise with the plight of my client. I am giving you the full assurance that this transaction if perfectly legal, you will confirm the existence of the funds from the security company where it is deposited presently.

 

First of all I want to assure you that as an attorney, I know the implications of falling short of the law, this business endeavour will be carried out within the confines of the laws of both countries.

 

This fund in question as I indicated in my first mail to you, is presently with a security company in the netherlands. During the government in which my client served under, the country was under arms sanctions from the EU and the UN.

 

Being a military govenment, there was always the need for arms and ammunitions, and some government and businessmen were willing to do business with my country irrespective of the sanctions.

 

In order to carry out these transactions without incurring the wrath of the EU and UN, finance and security companies were created to act as fronts, funds were transferred out of the country under the guise of procuring agricultural machineries.

 

This USD33.6M was deposited with the Central Bank Of Nigeria CBN, my client is in possession of the deposit certificate and the fund transfer documents.

 

All the documents along with the contract will be put at your disposal.  As we proceed along more information will be put at your disposal. I want you to give me contact i.e name, address, telephone/fax numbers. With these information, I will draw up a power of authority in your favour, this power of authority will give you full authorisation to contact the security company and secure release of the funds.

 

My client is favourably disposed towards an offer of 10% of the total fund tax-free. provision will be made to cover the tax you will pay on your share, because it will reflect as an income recieved in the contract I will draw up. I await to hear from you.

 

I remain obliged.

Regards,

Barrister Andy Coker.

Tel: 234-805-671-8906

 

 

OK, I’ll just play along as the expectant, though greedy, participant.  I may as well ask for a larger slice of the action seeing there’s no money anyway.  Give him the good feelings that he’s got someone greedy, but with access to money, and put in an excuse for not writing for a week.

 

 

From:  <[email protected]>

To:  [email protected]

Sent: Thu, 01 Jul, 2004 11:48:38 +0100 (BST)

Subject: RE: FURTHER INFORMATION!! CAR SALES

 

Dear Andy,

 

Sounds simple.  I’ve just got a couple of points.

 

First, I don’t sympathise with your client.  People probably died because of the weapons that were bought with money from this account.  I am in this just for the money, which leads us to point number two.

 

Secondly, my share.  I don’t care about taxes.  I’ve run several very profitable businesses and have managed not to have to pay taxes for the last 5 years.  I’d take a straight sum deal.  I transfer your USD33.6 million to New Zealand and I keep USD10 million, all taxes, duties and expenses to come out of my share.

 

Thirdly, I’ve opened a special “expenses” bank account just for this deal.  Only I know the details and only I have access to it, so it’s secret and confidential.  I’ve also taken a special Post Office Box just for this enterprise, in case you need to mail me a hard copy of anything.

 

Fourthly, where we can we use only e-mail.  I believe that’s untraceable, yet safe.  I need to think about some way I can be sure you’re not some Russian conman trying to extract all my money out of my bank accounts.  I’ll have a think about this.

 

Now I’m flying to Japan over the weekend, I’ve got to sit through some boring used car auctions in a language which I don’t understand.  But if I’m to get cars to sell on my car yards, I have to go.  I’ll be away for a week, back on the 8th July.  So you get the mechanisms for this transfer underway while I eat all the raw fish I have to.

 

Regards

Neddy Seagoon.

 

 

Now I’d better reply to this message when I arrive back from Japan on the 8th July.  Maybe I’ve been a bit heavy with the Russian mafia references, time to get on with things so i can get Barrister Andy Coker running around chasing false Western Union transfers.

 

 

From: "Barr Andy Coker" <[email protected]

To: <[email protected]>

Sent: Thu 01 Jul, 2004 10:03:42 -0700 (PDT)

Subject:  MAIL!!

 

 

Dear Steve,

Sequel to your mail was noted by me . However i wish to inform you that this transaction is just a mere business proposal which all parties involved will definetly benefit from so, if interested, you kindly inform me swiftly so i can perfect all documents in your favor which will enable you make claim of the consignments on behalf of my client

 

Secondly my self and my client have agreed to offer you 10% of the total funds which is very considerate after the funds have sucessfully gotten to your custody.

 

Now it is left for you to decide if we can proceed on getting this transaction completed with the percentage offered to you by my client or not.

 

Thirdly i find it qiute confusing each time you make mention of the russians because from my contact telephone number which you have,it's obvious that i am from Nigerian.

 

So my brother and friend i will be expecting to read from you soonest after you must have recieved this mail and decided what exactly you want. Furthermore i will be expecting your details i have requested for in my last email to you.

 

My warm regards.

 

Barr Andy Coker

 

 

I come back from my trip to Japan to find this query from Andy Coker.  I hurriedly let him know all is well.

 

 

From: "Barr Andy Coker" <[email protected]

To: <[email protected]>

Sent: Tue 06 Jul, 2004

Subject:  AWAIT RESPONSE

 

Dear Steve

I await your responses to my mails upon your sucessfull arrival from your journey.

Thanks

Barrister.

 

 

From:  <[email protected]>

To:  [email protected]

Sent: Thu, 01 Jul, 2004 11:48:38 +0100 (BST)

Subject: RE: AWAIT RESPONSE

 

Dear Andy,

 

I’ve just arrived home from my trip to Japan, checked my e-mail and wanted to make sure all was ready, that all the mechanisms were in place for this transfer to be made.

 

I’m exhausted, I spent two days at an auction buying 450 used cars and arranging to have them shipped to New Zealand.  I should send someone else to do the job, but who could I trust with over $3.5 million of my money!

 

I will send you another e-mail tomorrow when I’m back at work and fully awake.

 

Regards

Steve (Neddie) Seagoon

 

 

From: "Barr Andy Coker" <[email protected]

To: <[email protected]>

Sent: Wed, 7 Jul, 2004

Subject:  WELCOME BACK

 

 

Dear steve,

Thanks for your mail. I hope your journey to japan went on well as expected ?

 

Actually i want to acknowledge the fact that i recieved your email and shall expect to read from you any time soon like you have promised so we can proceed in the completion of our pending transaction.

 

Please notify me if you recieved this mail

 

Thanks,

 

Barr Andy Coker,

Tel: 234-805-671-8906

 

 

From:  [email protected]

To:  [email protected]

Sent: Thu, 08 Jul, 2004 04:11:51 +0100 (BST)

Subject: Back on track

 

Dear Andy,

 

Thanks for the brief note yesterday titled “Welcome Back”.  I was very tired when I landed late last night after a ten hour flight from Japan.  However, I have had a good night’s sleep and feel fresh and ready to proceed with this transaction.

 

Let me address the points from your e-mail below.

 

Please go ahead and process all the documents required to clear this money to my bank account here in New Zealand.

 

Secondly I agree that asking for $10 million was a bit greedy, just for having this money pass through my bank account.  However, I am taking a huge risk here because in New Zealand the banks are required by law to pass on to the Internal Revenue Department (our taxation service) all movements into bank accounts greater than $50,000.  I would therefore have to pay tax on any money remaining in my bank account, or moved to another bank account here in New Zealand.

 

Therefore I will receive a gross sum of $5.0 million, all taxes, duties and expenses to come out of my share.

 

My mentioning the Russian mafia stems back to an incident where a friend of mine in London lost ₤500,000 from his bank accounts because the Russian mafia obtained his bank account and Visa card details.  However, I have traced the phone number you gave me and it is in fact a Nigerian ITD code.

 

Finally, the contact details you requested.

 

Name:  Stephen Nelson Seagoon

 

Address:  313 Maunganui Rd, Mt Maunganui, New Zealand

 

Postal address:  P O Box xxxx, Mt Maunganui, New Zealand

 

Telephone:  64 25 xxx xxxx

 

Note, this is my mobile number.  It would not be secure to use my business phone number because all calls are routed through my secretary, nor would it be advisable to use my fax number as all my staff members have access to the fax machine.

 

I hate having my mobile ring during meetings or discussions with a customer, so I leave it switched off most of the time and use it only for outwards calls.  Otherwise the damn thing would be ringing all the time.  E-mail me and let me know when you’d like to ring me and I’ll make sure it’s switched on.  Just remember that New Zealand is 11 hours ahead of UK time.

In the interests of security and confidentiality we should use e-mail only.  Any documents needing sending should be scanned and attached to an e-mail.  I can open all common image formats.

 

In the interests of security and confidentiality we should use e-mail only.  Any documents needing to be sent back and forth should be scanned and attached to an e-mail.  I can open all common image formats.

 

Please note also, that the most convenient method of transferring this money to New Zealand is by bank to bank telegraphic transfer.

 

Regards

Steve (Neddie) Seagoon

 

 

Now Barrister Andy Coker turns Irish on me, “Top of the day to me” indeed!  And suddenly become confused with whom he is dealing, I’m now down to Steve Nelson.

 

 

From: "Barr Andy Coker" <[email protected]

To: <[email protected]>

Sent: Thu, 8 Jul, 2004

Subject:  ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF YOUR EMAIL

 

Dear Stephen Nelson.

 

Top of the day to you,

 

Thanks very much for your mail and wellcome back from your trip,hope it was gainful.I commend you for all your efforts towards ensuring the success of the mutual beneficial transaction of my client, please keep it up.

 

The best I can do,is giving you my personal assurance and guarantee that this transaction is 100% legal and out of risk.more so you have to follow my instruction that I shall give to you from time to time to ensure our schedule time frame.

 

Thank you also for understanding about the persentage set aside for you.Please note that I will be ready to deducted any tax or duties from my share when funds transferred into your designated account,I am not self centered,any were in the world they tax incoming or out going funds.

 

I quit agree with you that the most convenient and safe method of transferring this money to New Zealand is by bank to bank telegraphic transfer.But kindly note that two option was giving to us by the security company in Europe.this option include either you coming over to the security company in person for the funds or funds get transferred through wire or telegraphic transfer via an affiliated bank in Canada before getting to your bank in New Zealand,the choice is our's.

 

As soon as all statutory documents are ready,I will send them to you via your email box as you have instructed.But it's very important we talk on the phone for any urgent matters that will arise.

 

Acknowledge receipt of this email and give me the usual feedback.

 

Truly,

 

Barrister Andy.

 

 

Then a follow up, this lad seems hot to trot.  At least I’m back to Steve Seagoon.

 

 

From: "Barr Andy Coker" <[email protected]

To: <[email protected]>

Sent: Fri, 9 Jul, 2004

Subject:  acknowledge receipt of last mail

 

Dear Steve Seagoon.

 

Please kindly acknowledge receipt of last email sent to you.

Urgenly waiting for your reply.

 

Best regards,

 

Barriste Andy Coker.

 

 

I’d better acknowledge and feedback.

 

 

From:  [email protected]

To:  "Barr Andy Coker" <[email protected]>

Sent: Sat, 10 Jul, 2004 04

Subject: Re: ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF YOUR EMAIL

 

Dear Andy,

 

Just to acknowledge receipt of your e-mail below and a couple of points.  Sorry to have been delayed in replying, but there has been much to catch up with since my return from Japan.

 

1.  We will use telegraphic transfer to move the funds to my bank account here in New Zealand.  That is the simplest, most secure and cheapest way.

 

2.  Please, my full name is Stephen Nelson Seagoon.  Stephen is the first of my given names.  Nelson is my second given name.  Seagoon is my family name.  All my friends call me Neddie - please feel free to call me Neddie too Andy.

 

3.  I am quite happy to follow your instructions in delicate matters, I am sure you are very experienced and are quite the master at what you do.

 

4.  Please ensure that all statutory documents are arranged as soon as possible.  Please have them forwarded to me as necessary.

 

Regards

Neddie Seagoon

 

 

I receive this from Barr Andy Coker, it can wait for a reply.

 

 

From: "Barr Andy Coker" <[email protected]

To: <[email protected]>

Sent: Sat 10 Jul, 2004

Subject:  OUR PROJECT (ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF MY EMAIL )

 

Dear Stephen Nelson.

 

Top of the day,

 

Thanks very much for your mail and understanding,I quite understand you as well.As soon as all statutory pre-qualification documents that will entitle you as the legal benefitiary of the funds are out,I will send them to you for your perusal.Very sure on monday the 12-07-2004,they will be out,I will send immediately.Please acknowledge receipt of this mail.

 

Truly,

 

Barrister Andy.

NB:YOU CAN CONTACT ME ON MY OTHER NUMBER:234-80-23164939 FOR ANY URGENT ISSUES.

 

 

No it can’t, I don’t want to be endlessly advising that I’ve received his e-mails!

 

 

From:  [email protected]

To:  "Barr Andy Coker" <[email protected]>

Sent: Mon, 12 Jul, 2004 04

Subject: Re: OUR PROJECT (ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF MY EMAIL )

 

Andy,

 

I don’t have time to reply telling you I’ve received every bloody e-mail.

 

OK, I’ve received this one.  Now, give it a break!

 

Steve

 

 

Well the language has confused him.  That makes us even, because I get confused sometimes with the phraseology he uses.

 

 

From: "Barr Andy Coker" <[email protected]

To: <[email protected]>

Sent: Tue 13 Jul, 2004

Subject:  OUR PROJECT (memorandum of understanding)

 

Dear Stephen Nelson.

 

Thanks for you mail,but actualy could not understand the content of the mail.Saying that you don't have time in replying my bloody e-mail,I realy could not understand your terms,are you calling my transaction a bloody transaction?,I think I need more explanation regarding this statement.remember this is my client family future and he can't place the content of this your mail.

 

Attach is the memorandum of undertanding certificate,you are expected to study it,sign your portion and send it back to me at once.Please note that as soon as the other documents are ready,I will send all to you at once for your perusal,eagerly waiting for your reply.

 

Best regards,

 

Barrister Andy.

 

 

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v409/steveseagoon/memolowres.jpg[/IMG]

 

 

From:  [email protected]

To:  "Barr Andy Coker" <[email protected]>

Sent: Sun, 18 Jul, 2004 04

Subject: Re: OUR PROJECT ( memorandum of understanding )

 

Dear Andy,

 

I’ve been travelling around the country for the last four days.  Sorry I haven’t been able to keep in touch.  I had to clear some business matters up following my trip to Japan.

 

I had a hard day at work on Monday, and you were the person who got told off.  But I don’t feel that I need to reply to every e-mail just to let you know that I have received it.  And your e-mail on Monday had nothing of significance to acknowledge.

 

Now your e-mail below, yes I have received it and the attached memorandum of understanding.  I’ve examined it, and I wonder how legally binding it is for me to print out your memorandum, sign it, scan it and e-mail it back?

 

However, I feels that it is the intent of any legal document that should be binding, therefore I have signed a print of the document, scanned it and attached it as <memo,jpg>.

 

What next?

 

Regards

Steve (Neddie) Seagoon

 

 

From: "Barr Andy Coker" <[email protected]

To: <[email protected]>

Sent: Mon 19 Jul, 2004

Subject:  OUR PROJECT

 

DEAR STEVE,

 

GOOD DAY TO YOU.

 

I ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF YOUR EMAIL.I WILL GET BACK TO YOU WHEN ALL STATUTORY DOCUMENTS ARE READY.THANKS VERY MUCH FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND YOUR TIME.

 

TRULY,

 

BARRISTER ANDY.

 

 

From: "Barr Andy Coker" <[email protected]

To: <[email protected]>

Sent: Thu 22 Jul, 2004

Subject:  OUR PROJECT (CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT)

 

Dear Dear Stephen Nelson.

 

Sorry for taking much time getting back to you.I just got the certificate of deposit,and other certified documents regarding this transaction will be sent to you when clearify.attach here with the certificate of deposit,note that a copy of this certificate will also be sent to the paying bank for confirmation of our funds.acknowledge receipt of this certificate.

 

Truly,

 

Barrister Andy.

 

 

I reply immediately.  How amasing, while Barrister andy Coker’s first e-mail advised that $13.6 million was available, this certificate of deposit is for $33.6 million.  The interest rate in those Nigerian banks must be incredible.

 

 

From:  [email protected]

To:  "Barr Andy Coker" <[email protected]>

Sent: Mon, 26 Jul, 2004 04

Subject: Re: OUR PROJECT (CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT)

 

Dear Andy,

 

Your e-mail received, certificate attached.

 

Regards

Neddie

 

 

I also remember that I have not addressed the matter of the Memorandum of Understanding that Barrister Andy sent me.

 

 

From:  [email protected]

To:  "Barr Andy Coker" <[email protected]>

Sent: Mon, 26 Jul, 2004 04

Subject: Re: Memorandum of Agreement

 

Dear Andy.

 

Couple of matters.

 

I have had time to read the Memorandum of Agreement that you sent me.  I have also taken the time to have a few “business” lunches with a close friend of mine who is a lawyer.  I have not told him of our arrangement, but I have asked him some questions about such agreements where the partners are in different countries.  He has told me the following relevant points:

 

1.  There cannot be jurisdiction in two different legal systems.  In this case either the law of Nigeria or the law of New Zealand should take precedence.  I would suggest the law of New Zealand take precedence, after all that is where we will share the proceeds.

 

2.  He advised me that, under New Zealand contract law, a contract or an agreement is only valid if there is “offer”, “acceptance” and “consideration”.  I would assume that business law in Nigeria has similar definitions.  That means that our Memorandum of Agreement requires you to offer the proposal, for me to accept the proposal (both done) and for you to make some consideration – or payment – to secure my services and seal my agreement.

 

The amount of payment need not be substantial, in fact a payment as small as $US10.00 would be judged as consideration and seal the agreement.  As an aside he pointed out that in days of old, sailors in the Royal Navy were paid one schilling to seal their contract with the Crown to man his Majesty’s ships.  This was referred to as “the King’s schilling”.

 

3.  Back on the 1st July I advised that my share would be $10 million with all taxes, fees and duties to come out of my share.  This offer stands.  The New Zealand Reserve Bank Act requires duties, fees and taxes on money transfers into or out of New Zealand to be paid by a New Zealand citizen, so I would have to make these payments.  These payments would come out of my share.

 

I therefore suggest that your Memorandum of agreement read:

 

     -----------------------------------------------------------

 

Memorandum of Agreement

 

This Memorandum of Agreement made this day 26th day of July, 2004.

 

Between Alhaji I. Gwarzo and Stephen N. Seagoon under virtue of the Law of New Zealand, represented herewith by their own selves.

 

Alhaji I. Gwarzo hereinafter referred to as “The Foreign Partner” on the one hand, and Stephen N. Seagoon, a citizen of New Zealand, hereinafter referred to as “The Local Partner” on the other hand.  Collectively “The Local Partner” and “The Foreign Partner” shall be referred to as “The Partners”.

 

This Agreement witnesses as follows:

 

WHEREAS, “The Local Partner” represents to secure the money transfer and transaction of USD 33.6 million (THIRTY-THREE MILLION SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND US Dollars) from/for “The Foreign Partner”, after the transaction “The Foreign Partner” needs the “The Local Partner” to use his professional techniques to conduct professional investments on behalf of the “The Foreign Partner”.

 

FEES:  That for the services of the “The Local Partner”, the “The Partners” agree that the funds of USD 33.6 million (THIRTY-THREE MILLION SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND US Dollars) of the money transaction should be shared as USD 10.0 million (TEN MILLION US Dollars) for “The Local Partner” and USD 23.6 million (TWENTY-THREE MILLION SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND US Dollars) for “The Foreign Partner”.  All New Zealand duties, fees and taxes regarding the money transfer shall be from the portion of the “The Local Partner”.  Any other expenses shall be reimbursable on completion of the money transfer.

 

CONTRACT AND CONSIDERATION:  Whereas “The Partners” have agreed on the service to be provided and the fees for said service, consideration of USD10.00 (TEN US Dollars) shall be forwarded by “The Foreign Partner” to “The Local Partner”.

 

HEREWITH, the parties have virtually set their hands this date and year as above written.

 

 

Alharji I. Gwarzo

 

Stephen N. Seagoon

 

Witnessed:  Barr. Andy Coker.

 

     -----------------------------------------------------------

 

Regards

Steve (Neddie) Seagoon

 

 

So the “contract” isn’t important huh?  We’ll see about that.

 

 

From: "Barr Andy Coker" <[email protected]

To: <[email protected]>

Sent: Tue 27 Jul, 2004

Subject:  findings

 

Dear Steve Seagoon.

 

This is to acknowledge the reciept of your mail.thank you for the extent of your finding out the good laws regards international transaction.am very okay with your adjustment,but the issue will remain that when after the funds is transfer into your designated account only when I can pay the seal the agreement charges okay.

 

Please note that my resent findings is that our funds can only be transfer through an on-line affiliated bank in Canada to you final account in New Zealand okay.this is due to the fact that they are the clearing bank for foreign accounts and wire and as such all transactions have to go through them and all wire payments can be made directly by them to any account in the world.in this regards you will be require to open new account with this bank in Canada via on-line,and I think this will cost you some little funds.in any case I will refunds any funds spent by you on completion of this transaction okay.waiting urgently for your reply.

 

Truly,

 

Barr. Andy Coker.

 

 

From:  [email protected]

To:  "Barr Andy Coker" <[email protected]>

Sent: Thu, 29 Jul, 2004

Subject: Re: findings

 

Dear Andy,

 

I’m pleased that you feel that my suggested rewording of the contract is acceptable.  Do please go ahead and have it notorised and e-mail me a copy of it for confirmation.

 

I have chatted with my lawyer friend again regarding how the New Zealand legal system views a contract.  He was adamant that in New Zealand a valid contract must show each of the three steps, offer, agreement and consideration.  I feel that for your peace of mind we need to have a valid contract which can be enforced by New Zealand law.

 

He did point out something helpful though.  “Consideration” is taken as meaning payment, and we always assume that it must be in convertible currency, for a New Zealand contract that it must be in currency convertible to New Zealand Dollars.  That is why I asked for $US 10, it is so easy here to convert $US to $NZ.

 

However, I don’t have to be able to take the “consideration” out and be able to spend it.  It can just as easily be in Nigerian money.  So to finalise this contract between Alhaj Gwarzo and myself, all you need to do is send me a Nigerian bank note.  Just get a birthday card or something, and slip a bank note inside it, and airmail it to me.  My mail address is:

 

Steve Seagoon

P O Box 5290

Mt Maunganui

New Zealand

 

Please e-mail me the rewritten Memorandum of Agreement when completed, for me to sign.

 

Regarding the Canadian online bank, please forward the details of how to open an account.

 

I do recall having trouble some time ago transferring money to Canada.  I had negotiated to buy a load of spare parts for classic American cars from a Canadian supplier.  However, our Government had set up trade restrictions on business with Canada.  Our Government is very environmentally conscious, and the Canadian Government still supports whaling and the killing of baby fur seals.  All I remember is that I had a lot of trouble transferring the payment to Canada, and ended up processing it through a holding company in the U.S.A..  I will check that out and let you know.

 

Regards

Neddie Seagoon.

 

 

Andy comes back, alas he is unable to send money out of the country due to “high level of money transfer restriction here in my country”.  Oh well, a contract is not a contract without the exchange of money.

 

 

From: "Barr Andy Coker" <[email protected]

To: <[email protected]>

Sent: Thu 29 Jul, 2004

Subject:  Re: findings

 

Dear Steve Seagoon.

 

Thank you very much for your mail,also I must thank your lawyer as well.Please note that I will scan new memorandum aggreement and send to you okay.but i will like you first to note that I cannot send money out of my country just like that,this is due to high level of money transfer restriction here in my country.I cannot do that okay.funds can only be transfer easy only on contract bases understand.

 

So you can take care of any cost from your end okay,this can be deducted from funds after transfer to designated account of yours okay.so what I want you to do immediately is to send me a copy of your international passport or driver's licence for further documentation and for easy identification when meeting you face to face,as soon as I confirm the reciept of this ID recognition I will send new aggreement at once.also when name of canada bank is confirm I will send contact details to you.waiting for your reply.

 

Regards,

 

Barr. Andy Coker.

 

 

From:  [email protected]

To:  "Barr Andy Coker" <[email protected]>

Sent: Fri, 30 Jul, 2004 04

Subject: Regarding contract

 

Dear Andy,

 

I am a little disturbed that you do not wish to seal the contract we are discussing.  I don’t wish to have a legally binding contract – with all it’s finer points such as the payment of “consideration” completed – just for my own sake.

 

I feel that for your own sake you should have the peace of mind that this transaction, no matter how confidential we keep it, is governed by the laws of New Zealand.

 

I wish us both to be protected against any failure by the other party, and for that I must insist that the full requirements of contract law be met.

 

I will be quite happy to meet incidental costs involved with the transfer of this money.  However, the matter of a contract and the payment of “consideration” is a matter of principle and a matter of the laws of New Zealand.

 

Andy, just do this:

 

Buy or make a “Birthday card”.  It is my birthday in October, so you will only be a little early.

 

Take a Nigerian bank note, and slip it into the birthday card.

 

Mail it to me at, Steve Seagoon, P O Box 5290, Mt Maunganui, New Zealand.  DO NOT mail it to my street address, my P O Box is completely secure, my street address is not!

 

Then you will have made “consideration” to me in return for which I am contracted to provide the service of transferring this money into my account.

 

As for my identification, I will scan and send you a copy of my passport.  I keep my passport in the vault at my bank, so I will go there early next week and get it out and send you an image of it.

 

Seeing that you have brought up the point of identification, I would appreciate some means of identifying you.  What I would like is some form of photographic confirmation of your identity.  Please have a photograph of yourself taken holding a sign on which is clearly written the name GRYTPYPE-THYNNE.

 

I had a close friend who died last year.  He had the unfortunate name of Hercules Grytpype-Thynne.  No-one would ever guess that I was asking you to hold up his name on a sign for identification – so a photograph with that sign in it must be you.  Please make the writing large and bold so that I can read it in a photograph.

 

I look forward to hearing the details of the Canadian bank.  I have checked and the New Zealand Government no longer has any trade or currency restrictions in place with Canada.  therefore it will be simple (and anonymous) to transfer money from Canada to New Zealand.

 

Regards

Neddie Seagoon

 

 

And back comes this e-mail.  I think I’ll need identity confirmation before I send off a copy of my e-mail.

 

 

From: "Barr Andy Coker" <[email protected]

To: <[email protected]>

Sent: Sat 31 Jul, 2004

Subject:  waiting for you now

 

Dear Neddie Seagoon.

 

All details noted,please kindly send your passport immediately so that I can furnish you with all documents require by you regarding this mutual transaction.eagerly waiting for your passport.

 

Best regards,

 

Barrister Andy.

 

 

So I go back and demand identity confirmation before doing anything else.

 

 

From:  [email protected]

To:  "Barr Andy Coker" <[email protected]>

Sent: Mon, 02 Aug, 2004 04

Subject: Items which must be addressed first

 

Dear Andy

 

I am astounded that you wish to proceed with this transaction before addressing the two concerns I expressed in my last e-mail, namely”

 

1.  Confirmation of your identity

 

2.  The redrawn contract / memorandum of agreement and payment of consideration.

 

Considering the first point.  I have my passport handy (I went down to my bank today and retrieved it) and am ready to scan it and send the image to you.

 

However I would like some form of identify confirmation from you before I send my passport image winging away through the internet.

 

As I said in my last e-mail, I had a friend who died only last year.  I want you to have a photograph taken with his name, GRYTPYPE-THYNNE, written in large bold letters on a sign which you hold up in front of your chest.  No-one could know that I am asking for you to show this particular name on a sign, so an image of someone holding this sign must be a photograph of you.

 

Now, taking the second point.  Have you redrawn the memorandum of agreement or contract?  If so, then I would be only too happy to go ahead and sign this redrafted agreement.  However I want any agreement between us to be able to be upheld in the courts of New Zealand.  And for that to be applicable, I need you to forward some ‘consideration” to me.

 

That is for you to send me a small token payment to establish our agreement as a bona fide contract.

 

I am able to meet certain incidental expenses to smooth the way of this transaction, but this 'consideration' must be a payment by you to me.

 

This is for your protection as well as my own.  We may be in total agreement now, but who knows what changes will occur when one of the partners sees all that money sitting in a bank account.

 

I also await hearing the details of the Canadian bank.  Please forward those when available.

 

Regards

Neddie Seagoon

 

 

From: "Barr Andy Coker" <[email protected]

To: <[email protected]>

Sent: Wed 04 Aug, 2004

Subject:  waiting urgently

 

Dear Neddie Seagoon.

 

Thanks very much for your email.I also thank you very much for your advice regading this mutual transaction.Please note that I will mentain my stand.Before contract proceed,you must send photograph of your self which must include your name like an Id card or international passport before your redrawn contract / memorandum of agreement will be attest to okay or before sending you my Confirmation of your identity.waiting urgently for your reply.

 

Best regards,

 

Barr Andy.

 

 

So I send back my fake passport photo, it’s an expense for him in time if not money to get me a photo.

 

 

From:  [email protected]

To:  "Barr Andy Coker" <[email protected]>

Sent: Wed, 04 Aug, 2004 04

Subject: Re: waiting urgently

 

Dear Andy,

 

I have been remiss, I should have sent you a scan of my passport if I expect a photograph proving your own identity.

 

Attached is a scan of the identity page of my passport as file <steve seagoon passport.jpg>

 

I am looking forward to receiving the identity photograph of yourself as I described it, with you holding a sign with the name GRYTPYPE-THYNNE written in large, bold letters on it.  No-one else knows I am asking you to hold a sign with this name on it, so I take this as proof positive of your identity.

 

Regards

Neddie Seagoon

 

 

And Andy does in fact confirm the transaction is “100% risk free”, what a relief!  But, he does not want to pose for a photograph.

 

 

From: "Barr Andy Coker" <[email protected]

To: <[email protected]>

Sent: Wed 04 Aug, 2004

Subject:  waiting urgently

 

Dear Neddie Seagoon.

 

Thank you very much for your mail that include your international passport.business must get very serious since I can identify you when meet face to face.please note that I am the one entrusting funds into your hands,and I must be the one to ask you what to do and not you.I will send you a copy photograph of my family picture,that will include my wife,my children and my self okay.I will not hold any sign as you described in your last email.this sound very low and funny to me and my profession okay,holding sign for what.I should be the one to ask for your identity insisting on holding sign,and not you.if you are ready conclude this mutual transaction with us,please kindly indicate so that we can conclude it at once.I am a man with great family here in my country okay,so I can never be party to any form of illegal activities.so my business is 100% risk free and legal.I will print your redrawn contract / memorandum of agreement and attest to it before sending back to you for confirmation.waiting urgently for your reply.

 

Best regards,

 

Barr Andy.

 

 

So I must take a hard line with this lad, no photo – no transaction.  Also, I make just a little reference to my unseemly wealth to tempt Andy Coker to have his photo taken.

 

 

From:  [email protected]

To:  "Barr Andy Coker" <[email protected]>

Sent:  Thu 05 Aug, 2004 04

Subject:  Re: waiting urgently

 

Andy,

 

I have been helpful and have sent you an image of my passport.  I am absolutely prepared to complete this transaction as soon as possible.

 

However, I am becoming a little unsure whether I should proceed with this transaction.

 

A business project such as this one requires trust between the partners.  And trust is something which is built up, not something which is instantly created.  I only do business with people I trust, and I only trust people that I know.

 

At this time, I do not know you.  At this time, I still do not trust you.  You probably have similar feelings about me.  After all you want me to hold in my bank account and then pass over to you, your share of $13.6 million.  That is why I have tried to get the Memorandum of Agreement soundly confirmed in law as a binding contract – for your protection as well as mine.

 

However, I do insist that I receive a photograph of you holding a sign which I know cannot be duplicated, a sign which no-one else in the world knows about.  I need to receive a photograph of you holding a sign with the large and clear writing on it saying GRYTPYPE-THYNNE”.

 

I should point out again that I am a successful businessman, I am extremely wealthy in my own right, and I can easily handle from my own private resources such local taxes and duties as those imposed that will be on the transfer of such a large sum of money into this country.  I am so wealthy in fact that I am going to donate my entire share of this transaction to charity – the charity that helps kids with cancer.

 

So, consider carefully whether you wish to send me such a photograph.  If you do not want to send me that photograph, then you might be better to find yourself another partner in this transaction.

 

Regards

Neddie Seagoon.

 

 

Uh huh?  Andy wants a photo of me holding a sign.  Has he been baited before?  Slapping time again.

 

 

From: "Barr Andy Coker" <[email protected]

To: <[email protected]>

Sent: Fri 06 Aug, 2004

Subject:  waiting urgently

 

Dear Neddie Seagoon.

 

Thank you very much for your mail.To confirm that you are the person you claim you are,please kindly take a photograph holding that same time,then I will do same and send to you.

 

best regards,

 

Barr Andy.

 

 

From:  [email protected]

To:  "Barr Andy Coker" <[email protected]>

Sent:  Mon 09 Aug, 2004 04

Subject:  Re: waiting urgently

 

Andy,

 

You've got to be kidding!  Let me remind you of two facts which may have escaped the small, imbicile’s brain which seems to reside within your skull.

 

ONE:  You contacted me for help.  YOU APPROACHED ME AND ASKED FOR MY HELP!!!!

 

TWO:  It is YOU who do not seem sincere in this partnership.  Who is it that does not seem to want to complete a legally binding contract?  YOU!!!!  And where is the updated copy of the Memorandum of Agreement?

 

It is because of those two, inescapable, facts that I am wary of progressing this matter until I receive that proof-of-identity photograph and the token of your "consideration" to make our contract / memorandum of agreement valid.

 

You may recall that I was concerned that you could be some Russian fraudster after my banking details so he could empty my account.

 

I still have this concern that you are who you say you are.  So I need an identification photo as I have described to convince me that you are in fact an Nigerian solicitor working to clear the ill-gotten gains of General Abacha from the account of Alhaji Gwarzo.

 

NOW LISTEN TO THIS!  I want to receive within a couple of days:

 

1.  Avice from you that you have airmailed me the "consideration" that will make our agreement valid.

 

2.  A copy of a photograph of you holding a clearly written, bold lettered, sign saying "GRYTPYPE-THYNNE".

 

3.  A copy of the notarised updated Memorandum of Agreement as we have discussed.

 

No more snivelling around, get off your big fat arse and do some work.

 

Seagoon.

 

 

No response from Andy Coker, so I assume this bait has run its course.

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