Click here for the latest story published 0700am Friday 28 August 2009
Many NZ media outlets (and now Australian, and as of 10am Friday London time) are reporting today that 'The Fake Arab Prince', Abdelkarim Serhani, is in New Zealand, however we have been lead to to believe he is still in Indonesia. Full Story here.
This story is old and has been UPDATED
Click here for the latest story published 0700am Friday 28 August 2009
Whitsundays Online
Update 29 July 2009 here
The stage was set . . . lights, camera, action . . . all for Abdelkarim Serhani at the Proserpine Magistrates' Court on Monday morning, 27 July 2009.Charged with defrauding Hamilton Island of $42,000 worth of goods and services, another business in Airlie Beach for $3,000, and to top it off, he gets arrested for drink driving.
Abdelkarim Serhani was to appear at the Proserpine Magistrates Court on Monday 27 July 2009 to answer to these charges . . . Channel 7 did the run up from Mackay with a camera crew and reporter, and there were several other people milling around the Court House, all waiting presumably for someone who usually likes being the centre of attention.
However, myself and many others did not get to see Mr Abdelkarim Serhani - he is apparently in Melbourne . . . . Mr Abdelkarim Serhani advised His Worship that he has come down with a sudden bout of 'broken legs'. His Worship has allowed Mr Abdelkarim Serhani until midday Wednesday, 29 July 2009, to provide factual documents.
In the meantime, Tourism and Service providers around the World need to be on the alert for people like this. Some say it is a victimless crime - it isn't.
We are all proud when someone we admire, or of public stature, or of royalty, takes an interest in ourselves, our region, our talents and/or our products and services. Sometimes our heart and good nature takes over from the brain, and we make a mistake.
It is not something you want to tell your mates, (and probably your competitors) that you got swindled buy this gentleman. It understandably can be embarrassing. However, we need to teach others the lesson we have been taught, and so that future tourism operators will be more aware and street savvy to people like Abdelkarim Serhani.A friendly local journo working for one of Australia's largest media organizations has requested personal stories from people who have had contact with Abdelkarim Serhani. He wishes to take a 'big picture' look at this man's travels and escapades - to see how he did it - how did he convince staff to let him in to a 6 star unit for over 2 weeks - how did he convince people to loan him Ferrari's.
If we can get a 'big picture' of Abdelkarim Serhani and his methods, then this will help us, our future staff, and our local businesses be more aware of people like this in the future.
Anonymity assured - contact me and I will forward whatever you wish on to the investigative journalist.
Top image - the faces of Abdelkarim Serhani
Bottom image - No show for Abdelkarim Serhani at Proserpine Magistrates' Court
Editors Note: I have begun enquiries with American Express to see if this gentleman actually has a Black Amex Card, or if he possible has a stolen one, or a counterfeit card.
1 comment:
He is in bali now.... doing the same thing!!
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