Photographer Flew to Kenya After Falling for Faux Nat Geo Explorer Provide

A photographer was reportedly tricked into believing he had been chosen by National Geographic to shoot a wildlife venture in Kenya. The rip-off led to 1000’s of {dollars} in donations from sponsors.

32-year-old photographer Tinesh Sritharan grew to become a nationwide hero in his residence nation of Malaysia after it was reported that he had been chosen for National Geographic’s prestigious Explorer program.

On November 4, 2024, Sritharan says he pitched a wildlife images venture, titled “Echoes of the Savannah”, to seize the Great Migration on the Masai Mara in Kenya. The photographer despatched the proposal through e-mail to Sadie Quarrier, National Geographic’s senior director of storytelling.

Months later, in April, Sritharan proudly shared what seemed to be an acceptance letter from Quarrier, together with emails supposedly from National Geographic confirming that he had been chosen to doc the migration.

The correspondence supposedly from the National Geographic acknowledged he would wish to finance the journey himself. Because the task was unpaid, Sritharan sought funds to cowl flight tickets, meals, lodging, an area information, and floor transportation.

Malaysian media celebrated the news that certainly one of their photographers had been chosen for the venture. Sritharan spoke with the press in regards to the choice and acquired 1000’s of {dollars} in donations and sponsorships, together with a $3,500 (RM15,000) contribution from The Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), a significant political celebration, where a ceremony was even held to celebrate his achievement. The photographer additionally reportedly instructed Malaysian media that his venture had backing from sponsors akin to Sony Malaysia. In a post on Instagram, Sritharan claimed that Sony had supplied with a FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens for the venture.

‘A Fraudulent Letter’

But simply two weeks after the celebration, it was revealed that Sritharan’s supposed letter and emails from National Geographic have been pretend. Other Malaysian photographers questioned the supply, and the rip-off was confirmed when Malaysian news outlet SAYS tried to confirm Sritharan’s story.

SAYS discovered no report of Sritharan within the official National Geographic Explorer listing. After contacting the corporate immediately, SAYS acquired a reply from Natasha Daly, National Geographic’s senior supervisor and editor, stating: “Tinesh Sritharan is not an Explorer. The letter you’ve attached is a fraudulent letter that is not genuine.”

It was additionally found that the emails had come from a Gmail handle somewhat than an official National Geographic account.

The revelation led Malaysian media to question Sritharan, elevating public backlash and considerations over the donated funds. By the time the scandal emerged, Sritharan was reportedly already within the Masai Mara taking pictures his venture.

‘Did Someone Play a Prank on Me?’

Sritharan maintains that he was the sufferer of a rip-off and wonders if somebody intentionally focused him. He says he by no means acquired the “briefing packet” promised within the pretend acceptance letter.

“I just don’t understand what is going on at the moment,” Sritharan tells SAYS. “Did someone play a prank on me or something? I would not have troubled anyone and myself to come down here to Africa.”

Some of Sritharan’s sponsors, together with the MIC, have expressed continued help for him and his venture — saying the photographer was a sufferer of a rip-off.

“It is important to emphasize the fraud lies in the letter, not in the young man,” the MIC says. “He is a genuine photographer, and nothing in this incident changes that fact. If indeed he has been scammed or defrauded, then we feel sympathy for him. No young person should have their dreams manipulated by false promises.”

The MIC added that regardless of the embarrassment, Sritharan ought to full his venture within the Masai Mara: “He is still representing Malaysia with his camera. That’s worth something.”

Image credit: Header picture licensed through Instagram/@stineshinarw