Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09NASSAU140
2009-03-06 18:25:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Nassau
Cable title:
FORMER AG CLAIMS U.S. LAW ENFORCEMENT ILLEGALLY
how-toVZCZCXYZ0008 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHBH #0140 0651825 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 061825Z MAR 09 FM AMEMBASSY NASSAU TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6180 INFO RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RUEAWJA/DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHDC RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC
C O N F I D E N T I A L NASSAU 000140
SIPDIS
STATE FOR WHA/CAR
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/06/2019
TAGS: ECON EFIN BF
SUBJECT: FORMER AG CLAIMS U.S. LAW ENFORCEMENT ILLEGALLY
APPROACHING BAHAMIAN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Classified By: Charge Zuniga-Brown for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L NASSAU 000140
SIPDIS
STATE FOR WHA/CAR
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/06/2019
TAGS: ECON EFIN BF
SUBJECT: FORMER AG CLAIMS U.S. LAW ENFORCEMENT ILLEGALLY
APPROACHING BAHAMIAN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Classified By: Charge Zuniga-Brown for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).
1. (U) On March 4 local media reported remarks by former
Attorney General Alfred Sears that U.S. federal agents and
prosecutors have been illegally approaching financial
institutions in The Bahamas for information. Sears cited no
specific cases but said it is becoming common for U.S.
officials to "coerce" local banks directly for assistance,
rather than go through the procedures laid out in the Mutual
Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) or the Tax Information
Exchange Agreement (TIEA). Sears called for government
intervention in the matter and urged the GCOB to make a "very
strong diplomatic protest" against these practices. Sears
emphasized that a formal protest would give The Bahamas "the
moral high ground" and protect local financial institutions
and their clients from abuse. State Finance Minister
Zhivargo Laing told local media he has no knowledge of these
incidents occurring.
2. (C) Comment: This is the second time in two months Sears
has received coverage on this matter in local media.
The PD officer received four calls about this issue from
media on March 5. Post has received no official
communication
or complaints from the GCOB about this matter and is not
aware of any specific incidents of U.S. law enforcement
directly approaching local institutions. If queried, post
will reiterate to GCOB that all official communications or
reports to any Bahamian entity must be coordinated through
the U.S. Embassy. Post will follow up with the opposition
to clarify if they can provide details to support the
allegation.
ZUNIGA-BROWN
SIPDIS
STATE FOR WHA/CAR
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/06/2019
TAGS: ECON EFIN BF
SUBJECT: FORMER AG CLAIMS U.S. LAW ENFORCEMENT ILLEGALLY
APPROACHING BAHAMIAN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Classified By: Charge Zuniga-Brown for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).
1. (U) On March 4 local media reported remarks by former
Attorney General Alfred Sears that U.S. federal agents and
prosecutors have been illegally approaching financial
institutions in The Bahamas for information. Sears cited no
specific cases but said it is becoming common for U.S.
officials to "coerce" local banks directly for assistance,
rather than go through the procedures laid out in the Mutual
Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) or the Tax Information
Exchange Agreement (TIEA). Sears called for government
intervention in the matter and urged the GCOB to make a "very
strong diplomatic protest" against these practices. Sears
emphasized that a formal protest would give The Bahamas "the
moral high ground" and protect local financial institutions
and their clients from abuse. State Finance Minister
Zhivargo Laing told local media he has no knowledge of these
incidents occurring.
2. (C) Comment: This is the second time in two months Sears
has received coverage on this matter in local media.
The PD officer received four calls about this issue from
media on March 5. Post has received no official
communication
or complaints from the GCOB about this matter and is not
aware of any specific incidents of U.S. law enforcement
directly approaching local institutions. If queried, post
will reiterate to GCOB that all official communications or
reports to any Bahamian entity must be coordinated through
the U.S. Embassy. Post will follow up with the opposition
to clarify if they can provide details to support the
allegation.
ZUNIGA-BROWN