So we're back to everyone being shorted because the organizers either made a really bad deal to buy the coins, or they're lying about the money paid for them. Or both.

It's also possible this wasn't premeditated. For example, maybe he really wanted to do it totally legit and just give certificates to pick up the coins at a legit dealer, but then a decision was made to pay out the coins on the spot. Then perhaps an idea was had to BS about the value paid. Or perhaps whoever bought the coins was just a dumbass and got gouged, and the tour operator didn't want to eat the difference, so he bailed so he wouldn't have to hear complaints.

I think there's a good chance you never get paid, and that there will be a few token people "taken care of" so as to give the air of having it solved. Guess we will see.

Who bought the coins? The charity, or the tour operator? Or someone else?