Basically, I think his story indicates to me that there were people who were given money? Or maybe they were promised, but never received it, don't know.
Point is: Be careful making a business in 3rd world country.
Edit: Do you have his phone number or somehow to contact him? Maybe I could help him or something.
BTW, the author's story would actually be much more powerful if he used a more neutral tone and avoided references to "bunch of fucking assholes".
Most non-western countries have a habit of under-quoting software development, blowing out schedules and producing poor quality code. It's simply a culture gap because of pressures to preform. Countries where there's no social welfare, government labour oversight or business ethics tend to resort to these tactics just to stay alive. I can't blame them as I'd do the same thing in their shoes. Private contracts are no different to business contracts, so everyone's in the same boat.
NEVER, EVER do a business in a third-world country where the law isn't imposed properly. NEVER, EVER do business with a third-world company before taking up-front payment. Know this: It's impossible for them to transfer money. There are few cases when they can, and it'll take it to their central bank authorization before the money makes your hands.