International Law

Buying Immunity?

By Ptowns

Jacob "Kobi" Alexander was out of the US when he learned he was going to be indicted on various fraud charges in connection with backdating stock options in June of 2006. Instead of returning to the country to face the charges he made his way to Namibia where he was caputred by Interpol in September 2006. By this time the wealthy found of Comverse Technology had already transferred $40 million into an Israeli bank account and since has allegedly put $12 million of that in Namibian banks. He has bought a house in Namibia and pledged to spend millions in investment, including hundreds of thousands in scholarships.

Meanwhile, his extradition hearing has been rescheduled numerous times, leading many to wonder if Alexander has been able to buy enough support in Namibia to eventually avoid extradition altogether. Alexander's attorneys claim they need more time to research extradition law. They are also busy trying to get the person appointed to hear the case, the Chief of Lower Courts, removed because he is "not a magistrate."

Alexander's hearing is now scheduled for July 9, but one is left to wonder if he can throw around enough money to avoid it altogether.

Full post as published by International Law Blog on June 26, 2007 (boomark / email).