I think if your poc (an Algerian living in NY) is forwarding your info to Walid then he must be a good friend; I know Walid and he has wide experience having worked in in the industry for at least 30 years culminating in senior positions. He has JAR 66 A, B1, B2 & C AML License with JAR 66 ratings on a huge range of aircraft and has worked for a wide range of companies ranging from Kuwait Airlines, Virgin Atlantic to Airbus to name but a few. He knows many CEO's and owners personally and has a huge and far reaching network of contacts and friends in the industry.
Whilst he is UK educated, one would expect a Middle Eastern accent would be an asset when dealing with the Hajj. Walid has worked on and off for Askari Aeroparts Ltd based nearby in Horsham so it's no surprise to me he called from that area.
You were lucky to be given the opportunity of an introduction to Walid.