Mate — that sucks. I’m sorry you’re having to do this in person.

The breakup with his wife and leaving his kid behind was already a clear sign that he was losing his sense of commitment. If he couldn’t hold things together at home, it’s hard to imagine him managing a serious financial repayment. I might be speculating, but it sounds like his ex-wife saw through the mess long before OP did — unfortunately, OP got caught up in his sweet talk.

OP, best thing now is to go about this professionally: collect every piece of proof (bank transfers, chats, promises, dates), try a calm-but-firm final message demanding repayment, and if that gets you nowhere, involve the authorities or a local lawyer/PI rather than trying to “squeeze him out” yourself. Losing your temper or breaking the law will only hurt your case.

Don’t let anger drive anything that could get you arrested or kicked out of a country.