In June 2007, UBS whistleblower Bradley Birkenfeld revealed detailed information about high-profile individuals and banks, including Credit Suisse, to the United States Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service. Today, World Radio Switzerland (WRS) released their interview with Stephen M. Kohn, Birkenfeld’s attorney and Executive Director of the National Whistleblowers Center. WRS also released their interview with other renowned whistleblower advocates such as Jesselyn Radack, former Justice Department Ethics Advisor, and Edward Robbins, an attorney specializing in tax controversies.
WRS reports that while he was working in Switzerland, Birkenfeld uncovered fraudulent activities of at least four Credit Suisse bankers who were helping Americans evade taxes and hide their assets. The list includes senior manager in Credit Suisse American Operations, Marco Parenti Adami. Currently, Bradley Birkenfeld is serving 40-months in prison.
Stephen M. Kohn said:
“He turned in information about the bank [Credit Suisse] to the Justice Department including the identities of persons who are now subject to criminal indictment.”
In response to the U.S. Justice Department’s three and a half year delay, former Justice Department Ethics Advisor Jesselyn Radack says, “it is more for show” and that justice should not just be selective.
The U.S. Justice Department refuses comment but Credit Suisse is cooperative with, and not a target of, the investigation.
Listen in on Daniel Ryntjes’ report
*Sabeen Khanmohamed (a NWC intern) contributed to this posting