AP: U.N. oil-for-food probe hindered by ghost firms

[Catchawave]

http://www.indystar.com/articles/0/204872-3390-010.html

GENEVA -- The United Nations probe into oil-for-food corruption is being seriously hampered by a web of ghost firms set up around the world to cover the tracks of bribes to Saddam Hussein as he cheated the $60 billion program, a top investigator said.

Some front companies in this global oil trading center and elsewhere that dealt with Hussein have been liquidated or have hidden ownership, complicating the search for evidence of financial improprieties, said Swiss criminal lawyer Mark Pieth. He's one of three commission members leading the probe headed by former U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker.

Major oil trading companies and individuals -- from American businessmen to French, Chinese and Russian politicians -- are suspected of benefiting from Iraqi oil contracts that involved kickbacks, according to the independent panel's initial findings.

*****
American businessmen?

[acmavm]

1. American businessmen? Of course, could there be any doubt? The

subject of the investigation is OIL.

[Catchawave]

3. I thought it was Germany and France ?

...and their pals in the U.N. ? Heh.

I would love a few names...hopefully leading to several Bushie donors:evilgrin:

[oneighty]

2. Preposterous

American businessmen? No way man! No way!

180

[Moderator]

4. duplicate topic

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1098557