Oil For Food Indictments

The former head of the United Nations Oil for Food Program with Iraq has been indicted by a Federal grand jury. Benon Sevan along with his associate, Ephraim Nadler, are charged with wire fraud, bribery concerning an organization that receives more than $10,000 annually from the federal government (the UN) and conspiracy to commit these offenses. Nadler was also charged with an additional count of "conspiracy to commit wire fraud by engaging in prohibited financial transactions with Iraq and violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act." Sevan faces up to 50 years in Federal prison if convicted, Nadler could see up to 112 years.

Warrants have been issued for the two through Interpol.

Sevan, through his lawyers, has denied that any funds were obtained illegally.

The career diplomat is thought to be currently living in Cyprus. That nation's extradition treaty with the U.S. does not cover financial crimes, so it is unclear as to what impact the charges would have on Sevan.

In February 2005, FOX News reported that then Manhattan District Robert Morgenthau had launched a criminal probe into Sevan, who had what was being called a "serious conflict of interest" while overseeing the program. At the time, Sevan was thought to have received about $1 million worth of lucrative oil vouchers.

About a week earlier, in a report detailing an extensive investigation, Volcker said Sevan had "seriously undermined" the integrity of the United Nations.

"Our conclusion is he placed himself in a serious conflict of interest," Volcker said at a news conference. "Our investigation continues into what other implications there may be if any."

Took them long enough. Let's hope Sevan can be brought in to face trial now. Of course, there's always the chance Sevan could be convinced to roll over on some other folks. If I was a certain former Secretary General, I'd be getting a wee bit nervous right now.

UPDATE: Others: Hot Air, A Blog For All, Atlas Shrugs, RightWinged.com, Ed Driscoll.com, Wake up America, It Shines For All,

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  By Bobn, Tuesday, 16 January , 2007 @ 2:24 pm

  Naw, he’ll walk like Sandy Berger did.

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  By gary, Tuesday, 16 January , 2007 @ 10:34 pm

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  If Ban is to make any progress towards reforming the United Nations, he needs to enforce a policy of 100% transparency in all aspects of the operation.

  gary

  UnitedDemocraticNations.org

Other Links to this Post

1. Tel-Chai Nation — Tuesday, 16 January , 2007 @ 4:49 pm

2. A Blog For All — Tuesday, 16 January , 2007 @ 8:51 pm