Kobi Alexander’s extradition hearing in Namibia is happening today (might’ve already happened, not sure with the time difference). The biggest charge in his 35-count federal indictment is money laundering. But he may not be going downtown for his little fraud dealings. Why? Since he fled to his African hideaway last October, Alexander’s been building affordable housing units, setting up scholarships for gifted students, and generally doing good humanitarian-type stuff*. The kind of stuff that might perhaps save one from those damn U.S. white-collar criminal courts. Someone had to say it.
And apparently we’re not the only cynical assholes to think this might be the case. CNBC’s Senior African Extradition Hearing Correspondent and Windhoek Bureau Chief, Scott Cohn, wondered aloud yesterday, “Of all the places in the world that need help with education, why Namibia? Could it be because in this young country—just 17 years old—money laundering, per se, is not a crime?"
According to Alexander’s attorney, absolutely not. Kobi’s not trying to buy off Namibia. As “an Israeli citizen,” Richard Metcalfe said yesterday, “Alexander is continuing the esteemed Jewish tradition of t’zedakah-- good works, charity, empowering those less fortunate.”
Update: Hearing postponed to June 25.
Reporter's Diary: 'Kobi' Alexander's Namibia [CNBC]
*with what not a few people believe is shareholder money.
Posted by , Jun 08, 2007 11:51AM
that graphic is AWESOME
Posted by Anon , Jun 08, 2007 11:55AM
The Jewish tradition is to help others only when doing so benefits yourself and your people.
Posted by , Jun 08, 2007 11:56AM
that picture takes me back. WAY BACK.
Posted by , Jun 08, 2007 12:00PM
bess, you know you're not a "cynical asshole" you old softie. c'mon!
Posted by 11:55 , Jun 08, 2007 12:20PM
I think the tradition you are talking about applies to almost all people. Keep in mind we work in finance. Well, at least I do. You probably are saving dyslexic baby whales off the southern coast of Angola. If you can find time, look up Tikkun Olam . I'm irish catholic, and the four people who have helped me most are Jewish (and no, I am not counting Jesus or any disciples in that).
Posted by anon , Jun 08, 2007 12:27PM
No! It's only Jews who are greedy!
Posted by Stringer Bell , Jun 08, 2007 12:57PM
Why is money laundering illegal? Is it for the same reasons growing hemp is illegal?
Posted by anon anon anon , Jun 08, 2007 1:17PM
yea he is following in the footsteps of St. Marc Rich. ML is illegal because the govenrment wants to tax all income including illegal income and ML statutes try to stop ML. The gov can make anything illegal that is the way we run the world. Get used to it.
Posted by anon anon anon , Jun 08, 2007 1:25PM
if he is not putting money in the pockets of politicians or their relatives he will be "Back in the USA". And he may still be "renditioned" back to the USA. And if he steps outside his new country (into some honey trap), he will be "Back in the USA". Best bet Kobi: Make a donation to the new Bush predential library (buy a comic book for it) and get a Pardon.