In 1993 Mr.
VanDerZalm traveled to the Middle East as a financial consultant. He intended
to return to the U.S. in five weeks. When the principals of the firm suddenly
departed, he was held liable for their debts and subsequently sentenced to two years
in a high security Arab prison.
While
in jail, he learned of plans for the simultaneous bombings of two US Embassies in
Africa and future plans of the bombings in the USA. After risking a telephone call
to the U.S. Consulate his reward was an admonishment from the vice consul to
“keep [his] mouth shut” and an intense interrogation by UAE secret
service.
After
his fourth imprisonment, he learned from a judge that there was an order issued that
he would never be allowed to leave the UAE; that judge allowed him 30 days of
freedom to get his affairs in order. Mr. VanDerZalm then disappeared and escaped the
country.
His troubles had just begun…