South African lawyer
Hi, I was contacted by a human rights lawyer, who said that my boyfriend has been detained at the airport in Johannesburg, South Africa. The lawyer says that the charges are wrong but that is the way of it over there and that the official wanted a "bribe" (exact words) by 11am in their time or he will be taken to jail. If the bribe is paid they will withdraw the charges and let him go. He has money but can't access it and I don't have access. How do I find out that this is really a lawyer or one of the officials as I have tried to find him online but can't?
Hi there. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (www.dfat.gov.au) is responsible for helping Australian citizens overseas. If your boyfriend is an Australian citizen, you should contact the DFAT 24-hour consular emergency helpline as soon as possible on 1300 555 135. If possible, your boyfriend should contact the Australian High Commission in South Africa, located in Pretoria, on +27 12 423 6000. DFAT is best placed to help you and your boyfriend in this situation.
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