Ex's friend contacted me out of the blue

[Ellaineeeee]

Recently my ex's friend contacted me out of the blue after not speaking for a long time (years). He was very inquisitive about whether I was still working in the same company, and more particularly in where I was living these days (country-wise). Why would he randomly message me asking such pointed questions?

He is

1. interested in your line of work, maybe wants a recommendation or advice.
2. thinking about moving to where you are, maybe also looking for a job and recommendation
3. interested in you and or any of the above.

I would say he's after a job

He's a serial killer.

Were you close before?

Could be trying to make a work connection. Possibly applying for a job at the office in question and wants to know if you have any info/ contacts.

Ask him? It’s not hard to message back ‘can I ask why you’re asking?’

Is he being nosy on behalf of your ex?

If you are over your ex, moved on and want no further contact or involvement I'd be very uncomfortable answering these questions and would ignore the contact.
You are under no obligation to reply. If unwanted messages continue it's harassment!

Interested in your work. You could ask him why the sudden interest.

This.

It's possible the friend could be your ex's flying monkey.