There appear to be no depths to which Nigerian 419ers will not go in order to feed their lust for riches beyond the wildest dreams of avarice.

Indeed, they are now masquerading as coalition troops stationed in Baghdad who claim to have unearthed one of Saddam's treasure hordes. It's sort of like "Kelly's Heroes" but relocated to Lagos and the the sun-kissed banks of the Tigris.

Still, it looks like a good business opportunity for someone with an immediate need for huge amounts of ready cash. Your own haulage company would probably be handy, too, judging by the proposal:

HELLO DEARLY,

We are teams of American coalition troops writing from Baghdad Iraq!

We are urgently seeking for your willingness to secure the below consignments as shown in the attached photos!

The goods were captured here in Baghdad, abandoned in one of the Saddam Hussein's Treasure House. However, the contents of the box are Gold Bars, Gold coins and huge amount of fund in the sealed boxes!

At moment, we are intending to ship these goods outside Iraq for safekeeping on our behalf but due to law and restriction order, we are unable to transport these goods to AMERICA .We hereby seek for your assistance to recieve the box in Europe.

We are offering you 25% of the entire goods either in cash or in value. Therefore, we will appreciate your effort to get back to us via email confirming your interest to assist us receive the consignment. As soon as we receive your positive reply, we shall furnish you with further details.

Please, note, this issue must be handled with utmost confidentiality as to avoid publicity!

Yours truly.

Capt. STELLA .A (Team Leader)

Anyone interested in taking up Captain Stella's offer should forward their credentials and full details of their bank accounts (including sample signatures, etc.) to us at El Reg and we will ensure that they are delivered to the relevant military authorities.

We will keep you fully posted on any further dictators/bullion/gold coins unearthed in palaces or small holes in the ground, and any business opportunities which may arise from such discoveries. ®