Man Refuses Extradition to U.S. for Tax Evasion

Associated Press | 2/12/02

[al-andalus]

Copyright © 2002 AP Online
The Associated Press

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (February 12, 2002 7:49 p.m. EST) -
The creator of an alleged tax-avoidance system targeted by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service refused voluntary extradition to the United States on Tuesday.

Police arrested Anderson's Ark founder Keith Anderson on Saturday in Heredia, near the capital, San Jose. He is wanted on U.S. charges that include money laundering, fraud, and tax evasion.

Court spokeswoman Maria Isabel Hernandez said Anderson refused voluntary extradition to the United States and will remain in a San Jose jail while his case is decided. Costa Rican law requires such cases be decided within three months.

His lawyer, Moises Vincenzi, had previously said Anderson, who has lived more than two years in Costa Rica, considered the charges a "frameup" by the U.S. government.

The U.S. attorney's office in Boston last year announced a 12-count indictment on charges of conspiracy and money laundering against Anderson and five other people.

The indictments allege that a Costa Rican offshore trust operation called Anderson Ark helped clients launder money and avoid paying U.S. taxes.

Prosecutors allege that from 1998 to 2001, Anderson's company obtained more than $30 million in illegal tax refunds for between 1,500 and 2,000 clients, and received about $50 million in fees and other funds from them.

[al-andalus]

I am shocked that, of all places, this guy was found in Costa Rica.

[Rain-maker]

Costa Rica has some of the largest American retirement villages in Central America and a stable democracy.
1000's of ex-patriates there, and surfing the Salsa Brava is primo.

[NoCurrentFreeperByThatName]

ping

[AlKipple]

Basically, this guy found a way to use international boundries to legally avoid some taxation for very rich investors. Actually, not even avoid but delay. Now IRS is on a vendetta because he found holes in their regulations. Their point is not that his clients violated the law, but that they violated the 'intent' of the law.

[al-andalus]

Yes, I know all about Costa Rica. It is a nice place, but also has the well-justified reputation as a country where the criminal justice system can be bought. As a result, it is well-known as a haven for fugitives from many countries, the most famous of which was Robert Vesco.

Many Costa Ricans themselves lament their reputation by referring to themselves as the 'gallinera' of the United States, a place where Americans with legal problems often flee.

[Rain-maker]

I see, shocked as in being arrested...gotcha.

[al-andalus]

Actually, I kind of meant that I wasn't shocked, nor surprised to see that the guy headed straight for Costa Rica. Without knowing the particulars of Anderson's case, I only meant to say 'how typical' that he went to Costa Rica, thinking he would have a good shot at not being extradited.

By the way, nice homepage! Au Natural Airlines BUMP!!

[al-andalus]

IRS on a vendetta?? Now that is shocking.

[lewislynn]

The indictments allege that a Costa Rican offshore trust operation called Anderson Ark helped clients launder money and avoid paying U.S. taxes.

Hmmm, but when Enron or other corporations do it with 800+ off shore accounts....

Enron Avoided Income Taxes in 4 of 5 Years