Bail set for suspect in smuggling plot (OUTRAGE ALERT)

capitalnews9.com ^ | 8/16/2003 3:20 PM | Capital News 9 web staff

[Destro]

Bail set for suspect in smuggling plot

8/16/2003 3:20 PM

By: Capital News 9 web staff

The only U.S. citizen arrested in an alleged arms smuggling plot is eligible for release on $10 million bail.

A judge ruled Friday that Manhattan diamond dealer Yehuda Abraham must remain in federal custody in until court officials interview at least 10 friends and relatives willing to post bond.

Abraham is among three men arrested after an international sting operation in which a Briton allegedly tried to sell a shoulder-fired missile to an undercover agent posing as a terrorist.

[Destro]

"Sure, Mr. Abraham is an American citizen, but why isn't he being held, a la John Lindh and Jose Padilla, as an "enemy combatant"? More than a few interesting questions come up if we look a little closer at this case, including what's up with the lawsuit brought by a BBC journalist against Newsweek, over the latter's report that the Beeb leaked news of the arrests before the feds could go after their real quarry. There is a lot more here than meets the eye."

[WestPacSailor]

Perhaps I haven't seen all the facts but it does appear that the individual in question tried to sell an illegal weapon, one designed solely to shoot down aircraft.

If I were selling illegal weapons I really couldn't be too surprised if I got busted and sent to jail.

[Destro]

I would also be suprised if I got bail instead of a ticket to Cuba's Gitmo in such a case.

[sarasota]

Maybe they think by identifying 10 "relatives and friends" they will broaden the net for more information?

[Destro]

I wish...

[sport]

You have to realize that this is New York State.

It is run by chuch Shumer, hillary clinton.

Everything bad that happens there is President Bush's fault.

[expatpat]

I'm not apologizing for Abraham, but to be fair I believe his crime was essentially money laundering, and my impression is that he didn't know what the money was for.

[ken5050]

good point...also, I believe that the gov't has the right to examine the sources of the collateral offered, to ensure that it's not tainted...i.e. that the money doesn't arrive in a wire transfer from Riyad..