Some people will go to any lengths to earn a 'quick buck', but what's more worrying is that there organisations out there that actively seeking those very individuals that would sell-out their own brothers and sisters for financial and other gains. Read below the account of a brother from South Africa who was being poached for this very reason. Luckily this brother has a conscience and is God fearing enough to say "No".

Dear MPAC brothers and sisters,

I thought I'd share with you a rather disturbing experience I went through recently; it relates to the great work you are doing, and the pressure/danger associated with it. The following statement serves as an affidavit relating my experience with the world's most famous spy agency:

During August 2006 I sent out my CV in response to an employment advert.

The position offered was "Senior Researcher" at a media monitoring company based in Pretoria.

Having read the job description, I sent my CV by post. There was no contact telephone number or e-mail address on the ad.

A few weeks later, a person (white male) called on my cell-phone, to inform me that "The position you applied for has been filled, but we are impressed with your CV and request permission to pass it on to another department." Without any suspicion, I agreed that my CV could be forwarded elsewhere.

In early September 2006, I was contacted by Doug who called on my cell-phone, indicating that he was in possession of my CV.

"Are you still looking for employment?" he asked, "As we may have something for you." I replied that I am still employed at <Company X>, but would consider another position if the benefits were greater.

At that moment I was concerned about his American accent, and asked for more details about the position, name of company, etc. He replied "The position involves research and reporting, and is offered on a part-time basis."

Doug then requested a meeting to explain the offering in detail, suggesting we meet at a nearby coffee shop. I agreed and suggested that we meet the next day for lunch at <Shopping> Mall, and requested his cell-phone number. I called him the next morning to confirm our appointment.

I arrived at the <Shopping> Mall a little earlier than the time we agreed upon, and arranged a table at the back of the shop. Doug arrived on time, with my CV in one hand and his cell-phone in another. He introduced himself as "The Manager of the Outreach Project which is based at the Embassy."

I froze immediately upon hearing this, but managed to hide my suspicion and uneasiness.

Nonetheless, we ordered coffee and started chatting over a few cigarettes. "So how are things at <Company X>?" asked Doug.

"Not too bad," I replied.

I asked him about the position he was offering, and whether it was based in Pretoria or Johannesburg. He replied "It is not based at our offices, but will require field research and monthly reports."

I explained that I am interested in a "Full-time, office-based position, with good benefits."

He asked me about <a particular employment reference> pointing to it on my CV, and enquired about the reasons why I left. "It was a career development move, and was not based on any problems or difficulties."

He remarked "You certainly have written some nasty things about President Bush."

I replied raucously, "The man is mad! My writings were in direct response to the unjust wars in Afghanistan and elsewhere, which was initiated by the American administration. I have no problem with the American people, but only those who run the military establishments."

He smiled, then remarked "Yes, <the employment reference> is doing a really good job in getting their messages out."

Doug paused for a moment, puffing at a cigarette; he then explained his purpose for the meeting as follows: "The Embassy is working hard to improve our image within the Muslim Community. We need to get the right message out. That is why the Outreach Project has been formed, to allow us the opportunity in advancing our point of view, particularly in the current conflict with Iraq, and related activities."

"If you accept this offer, you will be required to conduct research on the Muslim community, organizations, students and the general public. The information will be used by the Embassy to determine how we respond and interact with South African Muslims."

"However, this is not something which you can put down on your CV as work experience. You will be required to undergo strict security checks, and not disclose anything about our meeting today, even to your wife or family."

The goose bumps were now evident on my arms, yet I remained cool and continued the discussions in the hope of extracting more information. Doug was also determined to extract as much information from me as possible.

He asked personal questions such as:
  •  Do you still live with your parents?
  •  How many children do you have?
  •  What is your current salary?
  •  Which friends do you visit regularly?

I avoided revealing too much information by leading him off track with wrong answers. Eventually I remarked to him "Lets not beat around the bush any longer, but I am not interested in this position. I was hoping you had something full-time, office based. Thanks anyway for the opportunity."

"No problem, I will let you know if something else comes up," remarked Doug as we both stood up to leave the coffee shop.

A few weeks later, Doug called me on my cell phone. "How are you doing?" he asked. "Thought I would call and let you know that we managed to approve some funding for this project, so if you are still interested, when can we meet again?"

I was surprised and annoyed at his determination. "Thanks, but I told you I am not interested in this position."

"OK, let me know if you change your mind," he replied.

A half hour later, Doug called again, "I was hoping you would change your mind, so are you interested in this project?"

"No thanks," I replied again.

  •  To date I have not been contacted by them again.
  •  The cell phone number which he provided always reaches voicemail, yet I spoke with him on the same number during the first encounter.
  •  I informed my family, and few friends, about the episode with this American agent.
  •  Only few months later, in January 2008, I was able to inform <Company X> colleagues, as I was hesitant to speak about it over the telephone.
  •  I hope and pray they are unsuccessful in attempting to ‘buy' other Muslim individuals and to recruit them as spies against the community.
  •  May Allah protect us all.

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