My multidisciplinary background enables me to approach investigations with unique perspectives. Whether examining artwork or documents for authenticity, uncovering fabrications, or conducting global investigative due diligence, I apply rigorous methods drawn from science and engineering, combined with the nuanced perception acquired through precision of art.

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The US four-star general was introduced to me by a Navy intelligence officer, who also served as our military attaché in numerous countries and possessed an in-depth understanding of global trade. Their extensive experience and international assignments had provided invaluable insights into the complexities of military operations and the interconnected nature of worldwide commerce.​​

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General claimed that had received a proof of financial capability issued by the Deutsche Bank in Germany, purportedly for the purchase of crude oil by an energy minister through a front company, which was not an unusual practice at all.

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It has become my habit to conduct thorough due diligence on every document, individual, entity, and piece of evidence, regardless of its origin, position, or the matter at hand. This practice ensures that my assessments and decisions are well-informed, unbiased, and reliable, fostering a culture of integrity and accountability in all aspects of my work.

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Some people love my tactics and become close friends and colleagues. Others may take days or even years to appreciate my techniques. There are also individuals who do not understand the situation entirely and inadvertently end up siding with those who act fraudulently. Ashamed of the outcome, they never return.

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The proof of funds presented to me by general was valued at a staggering five billion dollars. It was presented on the official letterhead of Deutsche Bank Germany, a detail that immediately caught my attention. As someone who maintained a brokerage bank account with Deutsche Bank in New York, I was well-acquainted with the bank’s branding, documentation style, and overall presentation. The document seemed to mirror the authenticity and professionalism that one would expect from an established global financial institution.

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My familiarity with Deutsche Bank paperwork gave me a unique vantage point to evaluate the document’s credibility. The letterhead, terminology, formatting, and even the subtle details of the watermark and font were consistent with what I had previously observed in legitimate communications from the bank. This alignment with known standards increased the document’s perceived legitimacy.

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As a graphic artist and a painter, I often rely on my keen sense of observation and intuition—skills honed through years of creative practice. When reviewing documents such as proofs of funds, I find that my artistic background makes me particularly sensitive to visual inconsistencies, subtle details, and the overall aesthetic integrity of what’s presented.

There was something about this particular proof of fund that didn’t sit right with me. It’s a feeling I’ve experienced many times before, especially in the course of investigations or verifications. No matter how professionally crafted the document appears, there are often elements—perhaps a misaligned logo, an unnatural font choice, or even the spacing of the text—that trigger my suspicion.

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It always happens that way: a subtle red flag, hard to articulate but impossible to ignore. I’ve learned to trust these instincts, even when others might dismiss them as mere artistic fussiness. Time and again, my unease has proven justified, uncovering issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.

I forwarded the general’s Proof of Funds to Deutsche Bank in New York for verification, and they confirmed its authenticity and validity. Nevertheless, I couldn't shake off my intuition, which kept warning me and ultimately stopped me from submitting it to the minister of energy in the supplying country, as I didn't want to jeopardize my credibility.

One of my partners, a former senior executive advisor at Deutsche Bank in Germany, has always been the person I turn to for delicate financial matters. Leveraging his extensive network and deep understanding of international banking protocols, I entrusted him with a special assignment: to make an exclusive inquiry and secure a written confirmation regarding a soft probe on the Proof of Funds.

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Given his experience and reputation, I anticipated a straightforward, if somewhat bureaucratic, response. After all, such verifications are routine in high-level finance, especially when large sums and international transactions are involved. We both understood the importance of having official documentation, not only for compliance purposes but also to instill confidence among all parties involved.

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Five days passed—days filled with cautious optimism and the expectation of a standard reply from the bank’s compliance department. But then, news arrived that completely blindsided me. It was a development I had never anticipated.

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A car dealer in New York could easily fool a retired top government official that he or she (even better) has a direct and personal relationship with a royal highness in the Middle East and could get ten million barrels of crude oil per month. In fact, he heard this by attending a private conference call from someone whose close friend had heard this from his distant cousin.

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Imagine a retired top government official, accustomed to dealing with influential figures and sensitive information, is approached by a car dealer in New York. The dealer claims not only to have direct and personal ties to a royal highness in the Middle East but also asserts the ability to secure a staggering ten million barrels of crude oil per month.

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Many top government officials possess valuable relationships, such as direct connections with influential figures like the minister of oil. However, while they understand how to leverage these relationships to obtain opportunities or resources, they often lack the practical knowledge or skills required to translate these connections into successful private ventures. Specifically, they may know how to secure access to resources, but do not know how to effectively market or sell these opportunities in a private practice or business setting.

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If I had more time, the pages I could fill would be endless. The world of classified trades, private contracts, and fraudulent deals is a tapestry woven with secrecy and cunning. Each chapter would reveal the subtle negotiations behind closed doors, the whispered agreements that shape fortunes, the moments where truth is bent to serve ambition, the royal highnesses, kings, presidents, ministers, and all who could smell the promise of oil in the air. This book is a selection of all those rare and amazing moments.

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But amid the seriousness and shadowy dealings, there would also be a wealth of humor. Life, after all, is not just a tale of deception and intrigue—it's also a collection of unexpected, comical moments. Depending on how you encounter these situations and present them, the very same stories that might seem grave can become sources of laughter and light-heartedness.

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Available March 20, 2026