Unfortunately it is entirely true- was talking to him today and he is still hoping someone can help track the scammer/s down and there are a few leads in addition to our tracing of the Bitcoin to HTX - for example he is still in contact with the scammer- via Telegram. I told him the chances now of retrieving anything are pretty much zero but it would be still interesting to try to track the scammer/s down. If anyone knows of anyone skilled in this area please let me know. I am pretty sure he would pay a bounty for any funds recovered.