A multi-millionare businessman with a far-flung jewelry business---including a retail store in Muslim Saudi Arabia---who deals in buying and selling sophisticated, high-end precious gems----is "naive" ?
I don't think so.
Let me add that your elitist contempt for the intelligence level of the Free Republic Forum is extraordinarily offensive.
I am neither elitist or disparaging of the intelligence level of FR posters. It is you who must resort to name-calling to bolster your position.
When this story first surfaced last year, it was noted by several FReepers that this kind of transaction is common among immigrant communities. Yehuda was defended by several of the Jewish Freepers on this forum who were familiar with the Middle Eastern way of doing business. It is not our way of doing things, but in many parts of the world, it is understood that it is often best to not ask questions outside of limited parameters.
One of the features of FR is the wide-ranging experience and knowledge of those who post here. I would suggest that, rather than bring your pre-conceived notions of reality to bear, that you try opening up and learning a little of the way that the world works outside of your own limited conclave.