From: vincentshola2002@mailsurf.com Date: Sat, Aug 17, 2002 03:55 AM Subject: THANKS X-Originating-IP: 63.109.249.162

FROM VINCENT SHOLA{ESQ} 4TH FLOOR,BUSALI PLAZA, 24 SHOMOLU STREET. LAGOS. NIGERIA DEAR TOMMY UDO, I RECEIVED YOUR PROMPT RESPONSE TO MY MAIL. I MUST THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST TO ASSIST THIS TRANSACTION, WHICH SHALL BE BASED ON MUTUAL RESPECT, HONESTY AND ABOVE ALL, THE FEAR OF GOD. I WANT TO BELEIVE THAT YOU ARE SINCERELY READY TO ASSIST US, AS WE CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE THIS BUSINESS. I STUMBLED UPON YOUR PROFILE IN AN INTERNET DIRECTORY IN MY SEARCH FOR A RELIABLE PERSON TO HANDLE THIS VENTURE WITH.THERE IS A LOT OF LUCK,CHANCE AND INSTINCT IN CONTACTING YOU. I CAN ONLY SINCERELY HOPE THAT WE CAN BUILD SUCH A RELATIONSHIP BASED ON MUTUAL INTERESTS WE ARE PREPARED TO HAVE ENTIRE CONFIDENCE IN YOU TO DO THE BUSINESS WITH ALL HONESTY AND TO GIVE US OUR SHARE OF THE MONEY WHEN IT IS FINALLY TRANSFERRED TO YOU. WE WISH THAT YOU HAVE SUCH CONFIDENCE IN US, AND BELEIVE THAT WE ARE CAPABLE AND THAT ALL EFFORTS YOU WILL PUT IN THE TRANSACTION WILL NOT BE IN VAIN. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT WE ADOPT A CODE NOW THAT WE ARE READY TO DO THIS DEAL. OUR CODE IS "193". ANY MESSAGE I SEND TO YOU MUST CARRY THE CODE AND IF I CALL YOU OR YOU CALL ME, YOU MUST ALWAYS BE THE ONE TO ASK ME OF THE CODE BEFORE YOU DISCUSS ANYTHING WITH ME. THE REASON FOR THIS IS TO ENSURE IT IS I YOU ARE DEALING WITH, TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION AS YOU ARE NOW AWARE, I REPRESENT THE ABACHA FAMILY WHO ARE PRESENTLY BEING HOUNDED BY THE CIVILIAN ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT OLUSEGUN OBASANJO. THIS VICTIMIZATION IS PERCEIVED AS TRANSFERRED AGGRESSION AS THE LATE GENERAL SANNI ABACHA FOR COUP PLOTTING ONCE JAILED PRESIDENT OBASANJO. BANK ACCOUNTS OF THE ABACHA FAMILY BOTH IN NIGERIA AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES SUCH AS SWITZERLAND, BRITAIN, FRANCE, GERMANY ETC. HAVE BEEN FROZEN ALL IN A BID TO FRUSTRATE THEM. THE US$75M PRESENTLY ENVISAGED FOR TRANSFER IS ALL THE ABACHA FAMILY HAS LEFT. LIKE I MENTIONED IN MY FIRST LETTER TO YOU, I DID SAY THE FUNDS ARE IN CASH, AND FOR THIS REASON AND CONSIDERING THE PRESENT ORDEAL BEING UNDERGONE BY THE ABACHA FAMILY; THIS FUND CANNOT BE PAID INTO A BANK,BECAUSE IF THE GOVERNMENT KNOWS ABOUT IT, IT IS BIG TROUBLE. SO FOR THIS REASON, THE FIRST BATCH OF US$25M HAVE BEEN ARRANGED AND SECURELY SEALED IN A TRUNK BOX, CRATED AND THEN DEPOSITED WITH A SECURITY COMPANY READY FOR SHIPMENT ABROAD VIA DIPLOMATIC COURIER SERVICE SO AS TO MAKE IT IMMUNE TO CUSTOM AND OTHER BUREAUCRATIC CHECKS AT THE PORTS. THE REASON FOR THIS IS BECAUSE IT IS THE ONLY WAY THE FUNDS CAN BE RANSFERRED WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. THE OFFICIALS OF THE SECURITY COMPANY HAVE BEEN INFORMED THE CRATE CONTAINS AFRICAN WOOD CARVINGS. IMMEDIATELY I RECEIVE YOUR INTENTION TO COOPERATE, I SHALL GIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SHIPMENT OF THE CONSIGNMENT VIA DIPLOMATIC COURIER TO THE DIPLOMATIC COURIER EXPRESS SERVICES OFFICE IN AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND WHERE YOU WILL PRESENT YOURSELF TO TAKE POSSESSION OF THE TRUNK BOX CONTAINING THE CASH. MIND YOU, THE CONSIGNMENT IS CODED, NO ONE MUST KNOW OF ITS TRUE CONTENT. THE OFFICIALS OF THE DIPLOMATIC COURIER SERVICE WILL BE INFORMED THAT THE TRUNK BOX CONTAIN AFRICAN WOOD CARVINGS. PLEASE TAKE NOTE. IT IS AFTER THE FUNDS ARE SUCCESSFULLY IN YOUR POSSESSION THAT WE WILL HAVE THE CAPACITY TO DISCUSS TYPE AND TERMS OF INVESTMENT WE WILL USE OUR SHARE FOR. MY DEAR PARTNER, I HOPE YOU APPRECIATE ALL OUR SECURED ARRANGEMENT IN ORDER TO MAKE SURE WE ACHIEVE A 100% HITCH-FREE AND MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL TRANSACTION WITH YOU AS OUR LIVES AND THAT OF OUR FAMILIES ARE INVOLVED. HAVING PUT IN OVER 20YEARS OF MERITORIOUS SERVICE AS AN ATTORNEY IN MY COUNTRY, ANYTHING THAT WILL TARNISH MY IMAGE MUST BE AVOIDED IN ORDER NOT TO BE LABELLED ECONOMIC SABOTEUR. THEREFORE, I IMPLORE YOU TO KEEP EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BUSINESS STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL UNTIL THE FUNDS HAVE BEEN TRANSFERRED. I HAVE DISCUSSED WITH MY CLIENT AND WE HAVE RESOLVED TO OFFER YOU 20% OF THE TOTAL FUNDS I.E. FOR EVERY TRANSFER OF US$25M, YOU SHALL RECEIVE US$5M. SO BASED ON THE ABOVE, IT IS IMPORTANT YOU COMMUNICATE WITH ME TO LET ME KNOW WHETHER OR NOT YOU ACCEPT TO DO THIS BUSINESS WITH US. ON THE EVENT THAT YOU CANNOT ASSIST US DO THE BUSINESS, I BEG YOU TO STILL KEEP OUR CONTACT AND EXISTENCE OF THIS FUND A SECRET. I WILL REQUIRE YOU TO MAKE AVAILABLE TO ME YOUR CONFIDENTIAL TELEPHONE AND FAX NUMBERS. AFTER MY RECEIPT OF THIS, I WILL THEN GO AHEAD TO GIVE YOU MY CONFIDENTIAL TELEPHONE AND FAX NUMBERS. YOUR IMMEDIATE RESPONSE WILL BE APPRECIATED. TRULY YOURS, VINCENT SHOLA ESQ. "193"

I wonder how many times I can get him to change the "secret code"?

To: vincentshola2002@mailsurf.com Date: Mon, Aug 19, 2002 02:50 PM Subject: Re: THANKS

Vincent, I don't think my previous message to you went through. I will help, but provisionally. First, I feel 20% is too small for my role in this operation. I think 40% is more fair. That will be $10 million per $25 million transaction. Also, I am superstitious, and the code you suggest, 193, has a "13" in it. I feel that is unlucky. I would rather we use the code 69. Looking forward to your reply, Tom Udo

Date: Wed, 21 Aug 2002 08:56:39 +0000 From: vincentshola2002@mailsurf.com Subject: CALL ME Received: (qmail 91217 invoked from network) Received: from unknown (HELO mail-01.luna8.com) (62.146.80.12) Received: from [62.146.80.10] (port=4588 helo=localhost) by mail-01.luna8.com with esmtp (Exim 4.05)i d 17hRG9-000NUG-00 Received: from 192.116.110.3 ( [192.116.110.3]) as user vincentshola2002@mailsurf.com@imap.luna8.com by www.mailsurf.com with HTTP; Wed, 21 Aug 2002 08:56:39 +0000 Message-ID: <1029920199.3d6355c78c7fe@www.mailsurf.com> X-Originating-IP: 192.116.110.3

DEAR FRIEND, MY REGARDS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND I HOPE THIS MESSAGE MEETS YOU IN GOOD HEALTH. I WOULD WANT YOU TO GO TO AMSTERDAM TO ASSIST US COLLECT THE TRUNK BOX AND THEN DEPOSIT THE MONEY IN YOUR ACCOUNT. AS SOON AS I RECEIVE FROM YOU THE EXACT PERIOD YOU CAN BE IN AMSTERDAM, I SHALL ARRANGE FOR THE TRUNK BOX TO BE SHIPPED AS IT IS NOT GOOD THE TRUNK BOX IS LEFT UNCLAIMED FOR TOO LONG SO AS NOT TOATTRACT ATTENTION. AS SOON AS THE TRUNK BOX IS SHIPPED, I SHALL FAX TO YOU THE AIRWAY BILL FOR THE SHIPMENT. YOU WILL TAKE THIS AIRWAY BILL WITH YOU TO AMSTERDAM AS THE TRUNK BOX WILL ONLY BE RELEASED TO YOU UPON YOURPRESENTATION OF THIS AIRWAY BILL. I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR TO YOU THAT YOU HAVE TWO RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE ENTIRE COURSE OF THIS VENTURE. 1.TRANSPORT YOURSELF TO THE NETHERLANDS. 2.OPEN ACCOUNTS IN THE NETHERLANDS WHERE THIS MONIES WILL BE LODGED.TO WHICH YOU WILL BE THE SOLE SIGNATORY. ALSO KEEP IT IN MIND THAT ALL EXPENSES YOU INCUR IN THE COURSE OF THIS VENTURE WILL BE REPLENISHED WHEN THE FUNDS ARE IN YOUR POSSESSION,SO IT IS ADVISEABLE FOR YOU TO KEEP RECIEPTS OF ALL EXPENDITURE.THIS INCLUDES PHONE BILLS. LET ME FURTHER ASSURE YOU THAT WE HAVE DONE EVERYTHING TO ENSURE YOUR SAFETY AS WELL AS OURS IN THIS TRANSACTION FOR WE CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE THIS MONEY. THE TRANSACTION IS COMPLETELY RISK FREE AND I ASSURE YOU, YOU SHALL NOT COME TO ANY HARM BY REASON OF YOUR ASSISTING US TRANSFER THIS MONEY. ALL I ASK IS THAT YOU TRUST AND CONFIDE IN ME JUST AS I HAVE ALSO DECIDED TO TRUST AND CONFIDE IN YOU. I HAVE ALSO RESOLVED TO SEND ONE OF MY JUNIOR COLLEAGUES AND TRUSTED CONFIDANT TO BE WITH YOU IN AMSTERDAM SO AS TO GIVE YOU A SENSE OFSECURITY KNOWING THAT I SENT HIM. HE WILL ARRIVE AMSTERDAM A DAY OR TWO BEFORE YOU AND WILL RECEIVE YOU AT THE AIRPORT. TOGETHER, YOU BOTH WILL GO TO THE OFFICE OF THE DIPLOMATIC EXPRESS COURIER SERVICE TO COLLECT THE CONSIGNMENT. HE WILL ALSO ASSIST YOU OPEN AN ACCOUNT IN AMSTERDAM INTO WHICH THE MONEY WILL BE PAID AS IT MAY NOT POSSIBLE FOR YOU TO TRAVEL BACK TO YOUR COUNTRY WITH THE TRUNK BOX CONTAINING THE CASH. THE ACCOUNT WILL BE OPENED IN YOUR NAME AND YOU SHALL BE THE ONLY SIGNATORY TO THE ACCOUNT SO THAT WE WILL KNOW WHOM TO HOLD RESPONSIBLE IF ANYTHING SHOULD HAPPEN TO OUR MONEY. UPON YOUR ARRIVAL IN YOUR COUNTRY, YOU CAN THEN TRANSFER THEMONEY INTO YOUR SAFE ACCOUNT. PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT WE INTEND TO USE YOU AS A PROXY IN THIS TRANSACTION. THEREFORE THE ACCOUNT AS WELL AS ALL OUR SUBSEQUENT INVESTMENTS SHALL BE IN YOUR NAME. THIS IS TO AVOID TRACING OF THE FUNDS TO THE ABACHAFAMILY BY THE GOVERNMENT MY CONFIDENTIAL TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE 234-1-7731666.+234-8023156345. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL ME AT ANY TIME BEST REGARDS, BENJAMIN IGBO "69"

Now that's weird. My good buddy Barrister Shola has suddenly morphed into Benjamin Igbo. But he knows the secret code, so everything must be alright.

To: vincentshola2002@mailsurf.com Date: Wed, Aug 21, 2002 08:09 AM Subject: Re: CALL ME

Dear Vinnie (or is it Bennie?), I'm not sure what happened. I was corresponding with Barrister Vincent Shola, but now you sign yourself Benjamin Igbo. Is that part of the confidentiality plan? Well, you know the secret code, whoever you are. I propose the following. I live in Foulmouth, North Dakota. I can purchase the following tickets: Northwest Flight 622 (Bismark to Minneapolis) 26 August Northwest Flight 42 (Minneapolis to Amsterdam) 26 August, arriving 0640 on 27 August. Depart: Northwest Flight 39 (Amsterdam to Detroit) 2 September The ticket price is $2600 for coach, or $9600 for first class. Since it looks like I'm about to come into a bit of money, I'll opt for the first class ticket! Speaking of money, you didn't answer me if 40% would be amenable. Please let me know. If you agree, and if 27 August is not too early, then I will go ahead and purchase the tickets. As for calling you, I tried but failed. The first time I dialed 234-1-7731666 I got a pizza parlor in Ohio. Then I tried the other number you gave me: 234-8023156345. That was a radio station in Ohio. I didn't contact you, but I did manage to win tickets to Ozzfest. Unfortunately, the concert is 30 August, and I'll be in Amsterdam. Dammit. Then I realized that you're in Nigeria. Supposedly, the country code is 1881. I tried dialing that, but I got a recorded message telling me the call could not be completed. I had the operator assist me, but it still wouldn't go through. Are you sure the numbers you gave me are correct? You know what the problem might be? My long distance and my business' long distance telephone service is handled by WorldCom. You might have heard of them--they're having some difficulties, and I think their service has gone to hell. I'll keep trying your number, but I'm very busy, and often not by the phone, so I suggest we continue contact by email. Finally, if your friend is going to meet me at the airport, can you email me a photo so I know what he looks like. Thanks. I really appreciate you including me in this incredible business deal. Is there anything else you need? Anything that's hard to get in Nigeria--computers, audio equipment, dildos, etc.? I could bring you a gift when I come. Very warmest regards, Tommy Udo

I decide to pester VinnieBenjie with some more email. Here's some account information for him (Jenny 867-5309-- I crack myself up) to show him how serious I am.

To: vincentshola2002@mailsurf.com Date: Wed, Aug 21, 2002 11:12 AM Subject: Re: CALL ME

Vincent/Benjamin-- Oops, I forgot to 69 you in the last message: the one with my proposed flight info. You said I should open an account in a bank in Amsterdam. I realized that my company has an account already with Credit Suisse, which has a branch in Amsterdam. So, I called them up, and opened a personal account there. They were very nice about it, since my company does a lot of business with them, and they didn't ask any nosey questions about why I needed it. The account number is 867-5309, and the passphrase is "Jenny." Oh, and they gave me a free toaster for opening the account. Isn't that great! This deal's already paying off for me. But I already have four toasters (In America, you're nobody unless you own at least two of them. What's it like in your country?), so maybe you could use one? I can have them hold it, and give it to your associate when we meet up at the bank. If you're not familiar with the area, it's in the Winterthur Verzekeringen building on Prinses Irenestraat. The account should be active in a day or two, but I won't bother moving any money into it. Their phone number is +31 (20) 541 1754. Maybe some of this info can help you coordinate the transfer of funds. Thanks again, Vinnie-or-Benji, I really appreciate you including me in this deal. I look forward to meeting you and your associates soon. Most respectfully and worshipfully yours forever, Tommy Udo 69 69 69 69 69 69 69 69

Date: Fri, 23 Aug 2002 19:01:25 +0000 From: vincentshola2002@mailsurf.com Subject: urgent X-Originating-IP: 63.100.194.162

Dear Tommy, Thank you for mail. At this stage as you have indicated to make the trip to the Netherlands,I believe I would have to reiterate your responsibilities in this transaction.On your arrival in the Netherlands you will open several accounts were the said funds will be lodged.In opening these accounts you will have to have in your possession a certain amount of money which will be used as initial deposits to facilitate the account opening.I cannot say how much you would require to do that right now ,I would need confirmation from my contact in the courier service.Keep it in mind that all the necessary paperwork will be taken care of by my contact man in the Courier service.You should understand that you will be the sole signatory to these accounts,they are your accounts and will be opened in your name.They will serve the temporary purpose of an initial cocoon for these monies until the funds are transferred instalmentally into your regular accounts .I want you to understand that all expenses you incur will be replenished immediately you have these monies in your possession. I hope you completely understand all this it is imperative that you do as I intend to have the consignment shipped to the Netherlands on Monday the 26th. As soon as the consignment gets to the Netherlands you will be contacted by the courier service and informed on further procedure.Considering all this I believe it is pertinent for you to make the trip to Amsterdam on Thursday the 30th.So please make your travelling arrangements to suit this timeframe. In response to your question (1)I have talked to my clients and they agreed to increase your percentage to 35% of the total funds. (2)on the issue of the name,you do not have to bother about that ,I was very busy with some other cases in the court so I had to ask one of the lawyers in my chambers to send the mail,and that was his own name he used,to send the mail,so I will expect you honor the mail,as it is valid. I will expect you to send me your full address,phone and fax numbers,all this will enable me effect the change of ownership to your name and address. since it is difficult for you to reach me on phone,I will expect you send your phone number immediately,so that I can call you and give you an update. Respond to this immediately so we can streamline and finetune all these arrangements .My clients are delighted at your obvious commitment toward assisting them and believe that you will see this through. I await your immediate response. Regards Vincent Shola 69 (this code is in line with your request)

Well that clears that up! Now I know I'm talking to Vinnie, and not Benji.

To: vincentshola2002@mailsurf.com Date: Fri, Aug 23, 2002 02:16 PM Subject: Re: urgent

69 69 69 69 Yo Vinnie, I guess 35% sounds acceptable, especially given the small amount of work I have to do. I have just purchased the tickets for my flight. I will leave here Wed 28 August on Northwest flight 622 to Minneapolis, then Northwest flight 42 to Amsterdam. I will arrive on Thursday 29 August at 0640 in the morning. $9620 for business class tickets, but it'll be well worth it to conclude this deal, right? I assume your associate will meet me there at the airport? I still would like it if you could email me his photo, so I know whom to look for. I have made reservations at Intell Zaandam (Provincialeweg 15) for the duration of my stay. I am not reserving a car--hopefully your buddy can drive me around. We should be all set on the bank accounts--I gave you the information in my previous email about the account I opened. So that's all squared away. As for contacting me, that will be difficult over the next few days, as I am travelling on business. I seriously doubt you'll have any luck with the phone number. Email is definitely going to be the best way to reach me. You can fax me as well, though, as my faxes are redirected to my email. Here is my information: Dr. Thomas X. Udo 69 Bumfodder Drive Foulmouth, North Dakota 87611 fax: [deleted - I gave him my free efax.com number] phone: [deleted - I gave him the number for a phone booth outside a Disneyland restroom] Thank you again so very very much for this wonderful opportunity. And don't forget to send that picture! You can fax it if you like, though, too. Ecstatically, glowingly, slobberingly yours, Tommy Udo

Date: Sun, 25 Aug 2002 13:37:04 +0000 From: vincentshola2002@mailsurf.com Subject: Re: urgent X-Originating-IP: 63.100.194.162

Dear Thomas, Thank you for your mail Everything over here is still moving according to the earlier schedule,the consignment is scheduled to depart the shores of this country by tommorrow,Monday the 26th. I hope and believe all this is clear to you,please respond immediately by either mail or telephone so we can discuss further, I try to call you but your phone rang away. I eargerly await further correspondence from you. Regards, Vincent Shola 69

To: vincentshola2002@mailsurf.com Date: Sun, Aug 25, 2002 11:03 AM Subject: Re: urgent

Hey Vinnie, Glad to hear everything is moving along. I'll be on business travel in the US until just before I leave for Amersterdam. Sorry the phone didn't work. I don't like to carry a cell phone with me--I have enough to do as it is, and I don't need people giving me more to do. Also, I spend a lot of time in meetings, and it's disruptive if the phone rings in them. I'll be in California for a few days, working with the Disney people. The number I gave you was my best guess at a number where I could be reached, but I don't stay put very long. Email is still the best contact method. Is it possible for you to send me a photo of the guy picking me up at the airport? If I'm going to be carrying money with me, I want to make sure I'm contacting the right fellow. Thanks again, Tommy Udo

Date: Mon, 26 Aug 2002 04:13 AM From: vincentshola2002@mailsurf.com Subject: Re: urgent X-Originating-IP: 63.100.194.164

DEAR TOMMY, THANK YOU VERRY MUCH FOR YOUR MAIL THE CONSIGNMENT LEFT THE NIGERIAN SHORES TO THE NETHERLAND S EARLIER TODAY,SO YOU WOULD PROBABLY BE CONTACTED BY THE CONTACT IN THE COURIER SERVICE TOMORROW BY PHONE OR FAX.I WILL ALSO SEND YOU THE AIRWAY BILL EITHER BY FAX OR AS AN ATTACHMENT.IF THE CONTACT IN THE COURIER SERVICE CALL YOU PLEASE FEEL FREE WITH HIM. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING ALL THIS,PLEASE CALL ME TO SRAIGHTEN IT OUT.MY DEAR FRIEND,PLEASE REALISE THAT MY CLIENTS AND I ARE DEPENDING SOLELY ON YOU TO CONCLUDE THIS SUCCESSFULLY. THE NAME OF MY JUNIOR COLLEAGUES IS EDWARD UCHI HE WILL ARRIVE AMSTERDAM WED 28 NIGNT AFTER THAT HE WILL CONTACT YOU ON HIS ARRIVER. I AWAIT YOUR SWIFT RESPONSE. VINCENT SHOLA 69

To: vincentshola2002@mailsurf.com Date: Mon, Aug 26, 2002 10:20 AM Subject: Re: urgent

69 69 69 69 Hey Vinster, That's great! Please send the bill as an attachment--it's easier for me to retrieve than a fax. How will I know Mr. Uchi? What does he look like? What will he be wearing? Thanks again for everything. May I bring Mr. Uchi a gift to give to you for all your help? Is there anything in particular you need that's hard to get in Nigeria: stereos, DVDs, butt plugs? Very truly yours forever, Tommy Udo

I'm having trouble logging in to my Mailspace account. Looks like their server's down. I'll send Vinnie a quick message from my Hotmail account instead.

To: vincentshola2002@mailsurf.com Date: Tue, Aug 27, 2002 11:14 AM Subject: Re: urgent

69 69 69 69 69 Hi Vinnie, It's me Tommy. I'm having trouble accessing my other email (navymail.net), so I'm using my hotmail account instead. If you've sent me anything since your message Monday morning, telling me that Edward Uchi will arrive in Amsterdam 28 Wed, please resend it. I still need either a picture or a description of Edward, so I know who'll be picking me up at the airport. I'll be returning to North Dakota late tonight, and then flying out Wednesday morning, so I really need to know whom I'll be meeting and how much money you want me to bring. Sorry for the trouble, Tommy Udo

Date: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 13:42 From: vincentshola2002@mailsurf.com Subject: Re: urgent X-Originating-IP: 63.100.194.162

Dear Tommy, Top of the day, Have you not got a contact from the courier? Edward Uchi,will contact you as soon as he gets to Holland,he left just an hour ago,so he will have to make you know he has arrived. You should call the contact in the courier service and discuss with him to confirm your arrival,he will be in possition to give you details of how you will move upon your arrival in Holland. The name of the contact person is George Martins Phone:0031-615-344-341. Email address : georgemartins2000nl@yahoo.co.uk You should call him immediately,and get back to me. On the issue of the gift items you are talking about ,you can come with any valuable gift,though I am suggesting you bring along a lap top. I have been very busy with other matters ,I will send you the Airway bill,as soon as possible. Regards, Vincent Shola. 69

Cool! Now I get to correspond with Georgie.

To: georgemartins2000nl@yahoo.co.uk "George Martins" Date: Tue, Aug 27, 2002 13:56 Subject:

Dear Mr. Martins, I am an associate working with the honorable Barrister Vincent Shola, Esq., of the Okeaya Inneh Law Firm in Lagos, Nigeria. Barrister Shola has instructed me to receive a courier shipment in Amsterdam. The parcel should be arriving today or tomorrow. I shall be arriving in Amsterdam on Thursday, 29 August, on flight 42 from Minneapolis. Thereafter, myself, and another associate of Barrister Shola's, Edward Uchi, will need to meet with you so that I may claim my shipment. Sir, I require the following information of you: 1) When and where shall we meet? 2) How much will it cost to claim my shipment? 3) If you or Mr. Uchi will meet me at the airport, I will be most graciously obliged, and willing to compensate you for your time in doing so. Thank you very much for your prompt attention in this matter. Dr. Thomas X. Udo

To: vincentshola2002@mailsurf.com "Vincent Shola" Date: Tue, Aug 27, 2002 14:07 Subject:

69 69 69 Hi Vinnie, No, the courier hasn't called or written me yet. As usual, phoning me isn't the best option. But I wrote him some email, so hopefully he'll get back to me before I take off for Amsterdam tomorrow. Thanks for letting me know what you'd like. I just bought some new computer equipment, and have some unopened boxes sitting at home. I'll bring you one of those. Let's just say, "Dude, you're gettin' a Dell!" (It's a joke--an American commercial.) I'll make sure that the caps lock key on this one works, since it looks like yours is having some problems. Well, I have to go run catch a flight. (I'm writing you on my new wireless KumQuat. It's like a Blackberry only better. And it lets me send email whereever I go. You see now why I don't like phones???) Yours ever, Tommy

Date: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 10:59:46 +0100 (BST) From: georgemartins2000nl@yahoo.co.uk "george martins" Subject: Re: urgent Received: from [212.45.38.50] by web14811.mail.yahoo.com via HTTP

Dear Tommy, Thanks for your E-message, I am willing to meet you at the airport, but you have to give me detailed flight schedule i.e. NAME OF FLIGHT, ARRIVAL TIME. Your consignment has just arrived. There are some charges which are Handling and administrative,and the amount to be paid is US$6,850 (Six thousand eight hundred and fifty USDollars) Edward Uchi call me that he has arrived Amsterdam from Africa,that he can not reach you on your telephone line, promise to call back later but i did'nt disscuss anything with him. Please get back to me as soon as possible on telephone number.+31 615344341. Awaiting your urgent response. George.

To: georgemartins2000nl@yahoo.co.uk "george martins" Date: Wed, Aug 28, 2002 08:22 Subject: RE: VERY URGENT

Hey Georgie, I'm flying in on Northwest Flight 42 from Minneapolis at 0640 (in the morning) your time on Thursday 29 August. Thanks for meeting me at the gate. I was hoping you could drive me to my hotel (Intell Zaandam), and then I thought maybe we could go out for some action, so I can repay you for your generosity. I hear Amsterdam has some pretty kind bud, and I will personally smoke you up. Also I'd like to check out the red light district--the chicks are on me (ha ha). Anyway, I tried to call you, but I'm in the airport right now, and I don't seem to have any luck dialing overseas. I tried your number, but all I got was "Mom's Feed and Live Bait" in some shithole Kansas town. Good thing I have my wireless KumQuat with me so I can send and retrieve email. I'll transfer the money for the shipment to the bank account I opened with Credit Suisse, so that shouldn't be a problem. Georgie, my good man, how will I know you at the airport? Can you send me a picture of yourself, please? I can view attachments on my KumQuat, so then I'll know whom to look for. Barring that, could you please just hold up a sign? But don't use my real name! I travel quite a bit on business to Europe, and I'm trying to keep this business deal confidential, so if there's someone in the airport that knows me, I don't want them to see my name. Please use "Hugh G. Rection" (my father-in-law's name), and that way I'll know it's you. Thanks again, Tommy Udo

Yes, I know--Hugh G. Rection is lame. It would be a lot funnier to use the name of someone on the FBI's terrorist watch list, or even something like "Ihavea Gun", but you really can't do that in today's world. Airports are not funny places.

Date: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 23:46:54 +0100 (BST) From: georgemartins2000nl@yahoo.co.uk "george martins" Subject: Re: urgent Received: from [213.251.169.58] by web14808.mail.yahoo.com via HTTP

Dear Tommy Thanks for your last e-mail, I would want you to give me a disciption of what you are wearing, height and colour so as not miss you. If we do please call me on this number 0615344341 I will be right by your side.I wait for your response as soon as possible. George.

Well, as I write this, it's just about 2 pm in the Netherlands. By now, George has gotten tired of standing around at the airport having people snicker when they see his sign. They're going to wonder what happened to me. There's a couple of ways to go with the scam: Give them both the Secret Service's number and let them hash it out See how long I can keep them on the hook by telling them my flight was delayed and rescheduling The double double-cross Ooooh, let's try the last one. We'll see if we can't get each of them mad at the other. So I wrote the following to George, the bagman:

To: georgemartins2000nl@yahoo.co.uk "george martins" Date: Thu, Aug 29, 2002 07:51 Subject: RE: VERY URGENT

Dearest George, By now you must be wondering why I didn't show up at the airport. I hope you are not too mad at me, but I think after you read this letter, you will be happy I didn't show up. The truth of the matter is that I work for our friend "Barrister Shola." I form the United States arm of our little company. He and I run some small-time "business ventures" over here, if you know what I mean. Unfortunately, he told me that he is not happy with your performance on the previous job in which you were involved. He told me he believes you have been skimming money from the "mugus" and not telling him about it. He is most displeased, and asked me to pose as one of our usual marks and come over to have a little talk with you. He wasn't specific about what a little talk meant, but I could read between the lines. Let's just say I had a baseball bat in my checked luggage, and if things had gone as planned, you'd be drinking your meals through a straw right about now. The big man doesn't like people that double cross him. So there I was, sitting in the Minneapolis airport, waiting for flight 42, when a man sat down next to me and asked if I'd been saved. I didn't know what that meant. So he told me the most amazing story, about how we're all sinners, and how god hates sin. He explained what happens to sinners, how when they die, they burn forever in the lake of fire. It sounds silly, but the honest way he explained it to me and answered all my questions, I felt a great pain in my heart for I knew I'd done wrong. I wept, and told him I had sinned, and didn't want to suffer eternal torment. Then he told me the most wonderful thing! I don't have to! God sent his own son, Jeebus, to Earth, and sacrificed him to take away all my sins. All I have to do is open my heart to Jeebus, and I'll go to heaven. Well, mister, it would have brought a tear to your eye to see me fall to my knees and pray to Jeebus with this man and ask that my sins be forgiven. Now that I'm a new man, I couldn't possibly come and lay the smack-dab down upon you. I'm giving up the life of a con artist. No more will I force my delusions on others and convince them to give me their money. Instead I'm going door to door sharing the word of Jeebus with everyone I meet, and asking them to donate to the church I've joined! So I thought instead of a beating, I'd give you a warning. Watch out for our friend. He has it in for you, and I expect when he doesn't hear from me, he'll try to get someone else to "get" you. Stay safe, and keep looking over your shoulder and remember: Jeebus loves you. Yours in Jeebus, Tommy Udo

...and the following to Vincent, the orginator:

To: vincentshola2002@mailsurf.com "Vincent Shola" Date: Thu, Aug 29, 2002 07:58 Subject: You are a very bad man

Vincent (if that is your real name): I'm sorry now I trusted you. When I got to Amsterdam and met "George" at the airport, he was very nice to me. I asked him to drive me to Credit Suisse so I could retrieve some money from my account. He showed me the sights of the city as we drove and waited with the car while I conducted business in the bank. When I finish and come out to the car, as I was getting it I feel a sharp pain on the back of my head and then I blacked out. When I woke up, I was behind a dumpster, my wallet was gone, my passport gone, my money gone, and my pants were unbuckled and my ass hurt. Oh and "George" was gone too. He isn't answering his phone. He probably gave me the number of a pay phone anyway. I've heard jerks do that. Now I'm sitting in an internet cafe. I had to beg for change so I could afford to send this. There's a big lump on the back of my head, and my ass really hurts. What did he do to me? Why do you do these things to me? I realize now that you are very bad men. Well I tell you this. Once I get back to America I am going to hunt both of you down. I am right now forwarding the emails you and "George" sent to me to the FBI, INTERPOL, the Dutch authorities, the Nigerian authorities, the Secret Service, and my mom. I will spend every last cent of my considerable fortune to hunt you down like the dogs you are. Once my butt stops hurting. Keep looking over your shoulder, "Vincent." Vengeance is coming. Unsincerely and painfully yours, Tommy Udo

So now, hopefully, Vinnie things Georgie is doing some freelance scamming and not sharing the proceeds with him, and Georgie thinks Vinnie wants him whacked. Update! Curses from Vinnie! In the intervening days he must have discussed things with Georgie. Oh boy, now I've got a curse on me. His jojo, or juju, or something is going to get me. It was an important enough curse to mail three times. Sweet!

Date: Fri, 30 Aug 2002 19:49:05 +0000 From: vincentshola2002@mailsurf.com "Vincent Shola" Subject: thank you Received: from [63.100.194.165] as user vincentshola2002@mailsurf.com@imap.luna8.com by www.mailsurf.com

dear Tommy, my jojo will kill you, I have killed your sex life. any girl you will have sex with will die after one yaer that family you love will all die. oloku is after you. die

Date: Fri, 30 Aug 2002 19:49:29 +0000 From: vincentshola2002@mailsurf.com "Vincent Shola" Subject: thank you Received: from [63.100.194.165] as user vincentshola2002@mailsurf.com@imap.luna8.com by www.mailsurf.com

dear Tommy, my juju will kill you, I have killed your sex life. any girl you will have sex with will die after one yaer that family you love will all die. oloku is after you. die

Date: Fri, 30 Aug 2002 19:56:16 +0000 From: vincentshola2002@mailsurf.com "Vincent Shola" Subject: thank you Received: from [63.100.194.165] as user vincentshola2002@mailsurf.com@imap.luna8.com by www.mailsurf.com

Dear Tommy, my juju will kill you my juju as taking over your sex life. any girl you will have sex with most die after one year. family you love will all die. sorry for this, am a nigerian we shall see. you will luck for life and life will see you die

Note that Vinnie's IP address resolves to the "newskies.net" domain. The registrant is "New Skies Satellites N. V.," with an address in the Netherlands. The administrative contact's phone number is 1-703-478-7100, fax: 1-703-478-7101, which is in the Northern Virginia area. Newskies seems to do a pretty good job of providing Nigerian spam to the net.

Georgie-boy's IP resolves to a block of addresses owned by Solcon Internetdiensten, a Dutch ISP.
Update (14 Oct 2002): I've received mail from Solcon, who say that the particular IP used in this scam belongs to one of their customers--an Amsterdam internet cafe. He says that last summer they "spotted the source of the scam and immediately took action by calling the dutch police....[The police] told [Solcon] to warn a specific department by mail, [and they] did immediately. Unfortunately, this department never responded to...(repeated!) e-mails." Too bad. So many ISPs turn a blind eye to this sort of thing, yet when one steps up to the plate, the police ignore them.

Back