london richard branson billionaire founder virgin group reveal target fraudster pose britain defense minister try get contribute million suppose secret ransom payment appeal information help identify conman branson say suspect person late impersonate steal million friend pretend raise fund people affect hurricane irma story sound like come straight john le carre book jam bond film sadly true branson write blog instantly recognizable wavy blond hair beard branson one britain best-known businessmen virgin brand license use range businesses airlines train company telecoms gyms branson write six months ago elaborate set-up involve note fake government notepaper speak phone someone purport defence secretary michael fallon man tell branson british diplomat kidnap hold ransom terrorists say government pay ransom particularly sensitive reason diplomat save government confidentially ask syndicate british business people step ask contribute million ransom money assure british government would find way pay back branson write feel suspicious branson check government tell fallon speak matter report police six months branson learn friend describe successful businessman unite state call conman pose call happen conman extremely accurate impression spin big lie urgently need loan try mobilize aid bvi british virgin islands write branson own small island bvi archipelago well publicize devastate hurricane irma caller take advantage context claim get hold bank uk communications go europe manage make satellite call businessman america branson write business person incredibly graciously give million promptly disappear spokesman fallon say aware two attempt one involve branson impersonate minister illicit gain fallon office assist police efforts try catch responsible billionaire branson target million scam 'straight le carre