Namibia: High Court Rules in Alexander's Favour
Government has complied with the High Court ruling, in effect concurring with fugitive Jacob Kobi Alexander's legal team, that a chief of Lower Court is a public ser-vant and not a magi-strate, hence a person occupying that office could not hear cases such as Alexander's extradition case.
Cabinet has now instructed the Ministry of Justice to delete the definition of the chief of Lower Court in the Magistrate Act and substitute it with the proper definition and expressions.
Alexander, wanted in the United States to face 33 criminal charges consisting mostly of counts of fraud, has been fighting extradition to the US since his arrest in Windhoek in September 2006.
Alexander's legal team has to date mounted a successful legal fight, that has been characterised by legal delaying tactics as well as a challenge that parts of the Extradition Act are not constitutional.
The biggest challenge, however, was when Alexander's legal team protested that the Chief of Lower Court, Petrus Unengu, could not hear the extradition case because he is a public ser-vant and not a magistrate. The legal team wanted the case to appear before Uaatjo Uanavi, the magistrate before whom the case was first heard and who granted the N$10 million bail to Alexander in October 2006.
The legal team argued that as a public servant, the chief of Lower Court could neither be nor regarded as independent. The case went before the High Court that ruled in favour of Alexander. The High Court ruled that the concept of judicial independence stands on two inseparable pillars of individual independence and institutional independence, which as such means complete liberty of individual judges and magistrates to hear and decide the cases that come before them.
At its 20th ordinary meeting on October 28, Cabinet, in principle, permitted the Ministry of Justice to make the required amendments. The amendments are "so as to delete the definition of chief of Lower Court to define the expression chief magistrate, to provide for the administrative head of the magistracy, to substitute the expression chief magistrate for the expression chief of Lower Court, wherever it occurs in certain legislation and to provide for incidental matters," a statement from Cabinet said.
It is alleged Alexander committed fraud while he was Chief Executive Officer of the New York-based Comverse Technology, a software and system company he co-founded in the 1980s. Alexander is alleged to have profited illegally through illegal stock option backdating schemes, earning himself nearly US$10 million in profits.
Original article posted here.
Showing posts with label Jacob "Kobi" Alexander. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jacob "Kobi" Alexander. Show all posts
Friday, November 14, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
911 Insider should be in jail, instead he's living the life of Riley in Africa
Fugitive CEO hosts luxury simchah
(JTA) n An Israeli-American millionaire on the run from the FBI threw a luxurious bar mitzvah in his African hideaway.
Jacob “Kobi” Alexander, the former CEO of Comverse Technology, flew 250 guests from Israel and the United States to Namibia recently to attend the bar mitzvah of his oldest son. Alexander fled the United States two years ago as federal authorities issued a warrant for his arrest on suspicion of securities fraud. He has set up a new home with his wife and three children in Windhoek, Nambia, where he enjoys immunity from extradition.
Original article posted here.
(JTA) n An Israeli-American millionaire on the run from the FBI threw a luxurious bar mitzvah in his African hideaway.
Jacob “Kobi” Alexander, the former CEO of Comverse Technology, flew 250 guests from Israel and the United States to Namibia recently to attend the bar mitzvah of his oldest son. Alexander fled the United States two years ago as federal authorities issued a warrant for his arrest on suspicion of securities fraud. He has set up a new home with his wife and three children in Windhoek, Nambia, where he enjoys immunity from extradition.
Original article posted here.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
The bad joke that never ends: 911 insider Kobi Alexander still safely ensconced in Namibia though never ending adjournments
Alexander extradition proceedings postponed; former Comverse CEO arrested in September
WINDHOEK, Namibia: A lawyer for a multimillion dollar fraud suspect says Namibian extradition proceedings have again been postponed.
Jacob "Kobi" Alexander is accused in the U.S. in a scheme to pocket millions by manipulating stock options. His lawyers argue extradition proceedings should wait until a higher court decides on their request for a new magistrate. The High Court will consider that request starting June 16.
According to Alexander's lawyer Louis Du Pisani, the extradition hearing originally set for Monday now is set for June 26. It is the latest in a string of postponements. Alexander remains free on bail.
The former chief executive of voicemail-software maker Comverse Technology Inc. was arrested in Namibia in September.
Original article posted here.
WINDHOEK, Namibia: A lawyer for a multimillion dollar fraud suspect says Namibian extradition proceedings have again been postponed.
Jacob "Kobi" Alexander is accused in the U.S. in a scheme to pocket millions by manipulating stock options. His lawyers argue extradition proceedings should wait until a higher court decides on their request for a new magistrate. The High Court will consider that request starting June 16.
According to Alexander's lawyer Louis Du Pisani, the extradition hearing originally set for Monday now is set for June 26. It is the latest in a string of postponements. Alexander remains free on bail.
The former chief executive of voicemail-software maker Comverse Technology Inc. was arrested in Namibia in September.
Original article posted here.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Isn't law fun when you realize how bullshit it is?
Fugitive in options case wants Namibian magistrate removed
WINDHOEK, Namibia: Jacob Alexander, the former chief executive of Comverse Technology, who faces charges in the United States of options fraud and is regarded as a fugitive, has taken his latest step to fight extradition from Namibia to New York.
In a 94-page application filed Friday that will be part of a hearing on Monday, Alexander is asking the Namibian High Court to declare as unconstitutional the appointment of Petrus Unengu, the chief of Namibia's lower courts, as presiding officer at his extradition hearing.
In his affidavit, he argued that Unengu's appointment violated Namibian legal principles of the separation of powers because Unengu is an administrative official. Alexander wants the Ministry of Justice to reinstate Magistrate Uuatja Uuanivi, who originally granted Alexander bail of $1.4 million last October.
If the move is successful, Unengu will be the second magistrate Alexander has forced to step down from the case, which has been postponed nine times since his arrest last September at his home outside Windhoek.
A deputy prosecutor, Johnny Truter, acknowledged that if Alexander's application was successful, it could mean that all rulings made by Unengu since taking his current position in 2005 would have to be set aside. "It would be a disaster," he said. "We have a backlog of hundreds of cases."
Alexander, 55, known as Kobi, faces charges in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn, including conspiracy, securities fraud and money laundering, in connection with the backdating of Comverse stock options.
Alexander was declared a fugitive by the United States last year when he failed to return from a family holiday in Israel to face questions from prosecutors investigating the options matter.
He was indicted in September on 35 counts of securities fraud, wire fraud and tax evasion, and an Interpol warrant was issued for his arrest after it became apparent that he would not return.
He fled with his family to Windhoek, where he bought a $450,000 home at a golf resort and enrolled his children in a local school.
In his extradition fight, Alexander has taken advantage of an understaffed Namibian legal system, lawyers close to the case said, and he may be able to stave off extradition for years until his appeals have been exhausted.
Last December, Alexander won control over his local bank accounts, which had been frozen on orders from the central bank of Namibia.
Since Alexander's arrival, he has invested in three low-cost housing projects with politically connected partners. Last week, he succeeded in having his bail conditions relaxed to allow him to travel outside of Windhoek to visit the building projects. Judge Elton Hoff ruled that Alexander should be allowed to leave the magisterial district of Windhoek as long as he gives 24 hours' notice to an Interpol representative.
But Alexander may still face trouble on a separate front. The Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs said in a filing in the bail matter that it was investigating his original application for a two-year work visa, which was granted soon after he entered the country.
The ministry's secretary, Samuel Goagoseb, said in an affidavit that Alexander's application might have included "some misrepresentation" for failing to mention the 10 years he had lived in New York.
Original article posted here.
In a 94-page application filed Friday that will be part of a hearing on Monday, Alexander is asking the Namibian High Court to declare as unconstitutional the appointment of Petrus Unengu, the chief of Namibia's lower courts, as presiding officer at his extradition hearing.
In his affidavit, he argued that Unengu's appointment violated Namibian legal principles of the separation of powers because Unengu is an administrative official. Alexander wants the Ministry of Justice to reinstate Magistrate Uuatja Uuanivi, who originally granted Alexander bail of $1.4 million last October.
If the move is successful, Unengu will be the second magistrate Alexander has forced to step down from the case, which has been postponed nine times since his arrest last September at his home outside Windhoek.
A deputy prosecutor, Johnny Truter, acknowledged that if Alexander's application was successful, it could mean that all rulings made by Unengu since taking his current position in 2005 would have to be set aside. "It would be a disaster," he said. "We have a backlog of hundreds of cases."
Alexander, 55, known as Kobi, faces charges in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn, including conspiracy, securities fraud and money laundering, in connection with the backdating of Comverse stock options.
Alexander was declared a fugitive by the United States last year when he failed to return from a family holiday in Israel to face questions from prosecutors investigating the options matter.
He was indicted in September on 35 counts of securities fraud, wire fraud and tax evasion, and an Interpol warrant was issued for his arrest after it became apparent that he would not return.
He fled with his family to Windhoek, where he bought a $450,000 home at a golf resort and enrolled his children in a local school.
In his extradition fight, Alexander has taken advantage of an understaffed Namibian legal system, lawyers close to the case said, and he may be able to stave off extradition for years until his appeals have been exhausted.
Last December, Alexander won control over his local bank accounts, which had been frozen on orders from the central bank of Namibia.
Since Alexander's arrival, he has invested in three low-cost housing projects with politically connected partners. Last week, he succeeded in having his bail conditions relaxed to allow him to travel outside of Windhoek to visit the building projects. Judge Elton Hoff ruled that Alexander should be allowed to leave the magisterial district of Windhoek as long as he gives 24 hours' notice to an Interpol representative.
But Alexander may still face trouble on a separate front. The Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs said in a filing in the bail matter that it was investigating his original application for a two-year work visa, which was granted soon after he entered the country.
The ministry's secretary, Samuel Goagoseb, said in an affidavit that Alexander's application might have included "some misrepresentation" for failing to mention the 10 years he had lived in New York.
Original article posted here.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Another day, another delay. Jacob "Kobi"Alexander and the never ending mockery of justice (What are the chances Chertoff will drop the extradition?)
Namibia again delays U.S. software fugitive case
By John Grobler
WINDHOEK, Aug 13 (Reuters) - Fugitive U.S. millionaire Jacob "Kobi" Alexander, who has made political connections and pledged to invest millions of dollars in Namibia, secured another delay in his extradition hearing on Monday.
Alexander, 55, dressed in a black suit and white shirt, was quiet as his lawyer successfully argued the former Comverse Technology Inc. executive had a constitutional right to challenge which judge should hear his case.
His attorney seemed confident that he would have time to make his case, despite U.S. pressure for his extradition.
"It is extremely unlikely that the Kobi Alexander extradition case would take place before the end of this year," said Louis du Pisani.
The case was postponed to Nov. 12 by mutual agreement.
Alexander is wanted in the United States on multiple counts in connection with an alleged scheme to backdate millions of executive stock options at Comverse Technology Inc.
Defence lawyers argue that Petrus Unengu, who was appointed by Namibia's justice minister to hear the extradition, be removed from the case because his appointment threatened Alexander's right to a fair trial.
The defence wants Uaatjo Uanivi, the magistrate who freed the Israeli-born Alexander on bail of $1.4 million -- among the highest in Namibia's history -- last October, to oversee the hearing.
He has fought extradition since his arrest last year.
Repeated delays in the case have prompted Alexander's critics to accuse him of trying to buy support in Namibia and avoid extradition by funding aid projects and making promises of future investments.
A HOME AND AN SUV
Alexander, the founder and former chief executive of New York-based Comverse has kept a high profile in Namibia, where he has pledged to invest $14 million in businesses and charitable projects through his Kobi Alexander Enterprises venture.
His lawyers testified in a bail hearing that Alexander had transferred several million dollars to Namibia, bought a home and a new SUV, enrolled his children at a local private school and invested in politically well-connected businesses.
His neighbours have praised his family, who live on a golf estate, and said they had been attending services at the local synagogue in his gated community, located about 200 metres (656 ft) from the nearest airstrip.
Namibia's government has described Alexander as "very passionate" about the country and its 2.1 million people.
Du Pisani denied allegations that his client was taking advantage of the Namibian legal system, which has poor resources. He said legal obstacles were the Namibian government's own making.
"We're just here to ensure that Mr. Alexander receives a free and fair trial like anyone else," he said.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
The never ending cover up, new day, new delay
Fugitive Alexander secures extradition Delay
By John Grobler
WINDHOEK (Reuters) - Fugitive U.S. millionaire Jacob "Kobi" Alexander, who has made political connections and pledged to invest millions of dollars in Namibia, secured another delay in his extradition hearing on Monday.
Alexander, 55, dressed in a black suit and white shirt, was quiet as his lawyer successfully argued the former Comverse Technology Inc. executive had a constitutional right to challenge which judge should hear his case.
His attorney seemed confident that he would have time to make his case, despite U.S. pressure for his extradition.
"It is extremely unlikely that the Kobi Alexander extradition case would take place before the end of this year," said Louis du Pisani.
The case was postponed to November 12 by mutual agreement.
Alexander is wanted in the United States on multiple counts in connection with an alleged scheme to backdate millions of executive stock options at Comverse Technology Inc.
Defense lawyers argue that Petrus Unengu, who was appointed by Namibia's justice minister to hear the extradition, be removed from the case because his appointment threatened Alexander's right to a fair trial.
The defense wants Uaatjo Uanivi, the magistrate who freed the Israeli-born Alexander on bail of $1.4 million -- among the highest in Namibia's history -- last October, to oversee the hearing.
He has fought extradition since his arrest last year.
Repeated delays in the case have prompted Alexander's critics to accuse him of trying to buy support in Namibia and avoid extradition by funding aid projects and making promises of future investments.
A HOME AND AN SUV
Alexander, the founder and former chief executive of New York-based Comverse has kept a high profile in Namibia, where he has pledged to invest $14 million in businesses and charitable projects through his Kobi Alexander Enterprises venture.
His lawyers testified in a bail hearing that Alexander had transferred several million dollars to Namibia, bought a home and a new SUV, enrolled his children at a local private school and invested in politically well-connected businesses.
His neighbors have praised his family, who live on a golf estate, and said they had been attending services at the local synagogue in his gated community, located about 200 meters (656 ft) from the nearest airstrip.
Namibia's government has described Alexander as "very passionate" about the country and its 2.1 million people.
Du Pisani denied allegations that his client was taking advantage of the Namibian legal system, which has poor resources. He said legal obstacles were the Namibian government's own making.
"We're just here to ensure that Mr. Alexander receives a free and fair trial like anyone else," he said.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
The Fix Is In: 911 Knowledgeable Jacob 'Kobi' Alexander getting eased out of justice system
Namibia: Kobi's Bail Conditions Eased
ISRAELI extradition target Jacob 'Kobi' Alexander won another round in the High Court in Windhoek yesterday with the easing of a restriction that has kept him confined to the Windhoek district for the past 10 months.
Alexander will now be allowed to leave the Windhoek district as long as he gives 24 hours' notice to Police Inspector Rudolph Mbumba, who heads Interpol's office in Namibia.
This is in terms of an order given by Judge Elton Hoff yesterday after a day-long hearing on an application from Alexander for his bail conditions to be altered or scrapped altogether.
Alexander, who is the target of an extradition request that the government of the United States of America submitted to its Namibian counterpart in late October last year, also tasted success in the High Court in December last year, when he was granted an order that ended the freezing of two bank accounts that he has in Namibia.
Alexander has been confined to the Windhoek district since being released on bail of N$10 million on October 3 last year following his provisional arrest while the U.S. extradition request was being finalised.
One of his bail conditions was that he had to get permission from Inspector Mbumba if he wanted to travel out of the district.
Attempts to get this permission have however been unsuccessful.
After his latest bid to get Mbumba's permission to leave the Windhoek district in order to visit Walvis Bay was met with a refusal from the Inspector General of the Namibian Police early in July, Alexander lodged the application in the High Court from which he emerged as the victor yesterday.
In the case that was argued before Judge Hoff, Alexander informed the court that he was investing millions of Namibia dollars in housing development projects at Walvis Bay.
He needed to travel to the harbour town for site inspection meetings connected to these projects today and tomorrow, Alexander informed the court.
Alexander's application, in which he cited Mbumba, the Inspector General, the Minister of Justice and the Prosecutor General as respondents, was opposed.
One of the grounds for the opposition was that the risk of Alexander absconding from Namibia would increase if he was allowed to visit the coast.
One of Alexander's lawyers, Cape Town senior counsel Peter Hodes, derided this claimed concern as "absurd" during yesterday's hearing.
In Windhoek, Alexander lives only about 200 metres from Eros Airport, Hodes noted - but this seems not to be a reason for the authorities to fear that Alexander might try to flee from Namibia while the extradition proceedings against him are pending.
Alexander in any event knows that if he leaves Namibia he will be arrested elsewhere, as Interpol has issued a worldwide "red notice" alert on him, the lawyer added.
Hodes also took aim at claims that the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration, Samuel Goagoseb, made in an affidavit filed with the court about the circumstances under which Alexander was granted a two-year work permit in Namibia near the end of August last year.
Goagoseb informed the court that the Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration would "shortly" conduct an investigation on a suspicion that Alexander had received his work permit on the basis of misrepresentations that he had made to the Immigration Selection Board.
In his application for permanent residence in Namibia, Alexander failed to mention that he had been resident in the U.S. during the past ten years, and also failed to provide a police certificate from the U.S. to show that he has a clean criminal record in that country, Goagoseb stated.
He charged that Alexander had "deliberately and purposively misrepresented" to the Ministry and the Board that he was a resident of Israel.
Had the Board known the true state of affairs, according to Goagoseb, a work permit would never have been granted to Alexander.
Another of Alexander's lawyers, Richard Metcalfe, however pointed out in another affidavit that documentation in the Ministry's own file on Alexander's applications for permits allowing him to stay and work in Namibia clearly showed that Alexander had stated in a résumé submitted to the Ministry that he had residential addresses in both Israel and New York City.
No fewer than seven copies of this curriculum vitae were found on the Ministry's file, Metcalfe added.
He also stated that on Alexander's application for a work permit, Alexander gave clear information that he had been employed as the Chief Executive Officer of Comverse Technology Inc in New York City from 1982 to 2006 - showing that Alexander in fact did provide information on the time he had spent in the U.S., Metcalfe stated.
Hodes in any event argued that a request from the Home Affairs Minister to be allowed to intervene as an interested party in the application should be dismissed, as the Minister does not have any direct interest in the issue of Alexander's bail conditions.
Judge Hoff appears to have agreed with Hodes's arguments.
He dismissed the Minister's application to intervene.
He also ordered the respondents, who were represented by Deputy Government Attorney Nixon Marcus, to pay Alexander's legal costs in the case.
Alexander is wanted in the U.S. on 35 charges related to allegations of fraud that he is claimed to have been committed while he was the CEO of Comverse Technology Inc.
He is denying the charges, and will be contesting them if he is extradited, Alexander has stated.
Original article posted here.
ISRAELI extradition target Jacob 'Kobi' Alexander won another round in the High Court in Windhoek yesterday with the easing of a restriction that has kept him confined to the Windhoek district for the past 10 months.
Alexander will now be allowed to leave the Windhoek district as long as he gives 24 hours' notice to Police Inspector Rudolph Mbumba, who heads Interpol's office in Namibia.
This is in terms of an order given by Judge Elton Hoff yesterday after a day-long hearing on an application from Alexander for his bail conditions to be altered or scrapped altogether.
Alexander, who is the target of an extradition request that the government of the United States of America submitted to its Namibian counterpart in late October last year, also tasted success in the High Court in December last year, when he was granted an order that ended the freezing of two bank accounts that he has in Namibia.
Alexander has been confined to the Windhoek district since being released on bail of N$10 million on October 3 last year following his provisional arrest while the U.S. extradition request was being finalised.
One of his bail conditions was that he had to get permission from Inspector Mbumba if he wanted to travel out of the district.
Attempts to get this permission have however been unsuccessful.
After his latest bid to get Mbumba's permission to leave the Windhoek district in order to visit Walvis Bay was met with a refusal from the Inspector General of the Namibian Police early in July, Alexander lodged the application in the High Court from which he emerged as the victor yesterday.
In the case that was argued before Judge Hoff, Alexander informed the court that he was investing millions of Namibia dollars in housing development projects at Walvis Bay.
He needed to travel to the harbour town for site inspection meetings connected to these projects today and tomorrow, Alexander informed the court.
Alexander's application, in which he cited Mbumba, the Inspector General, the Minister of Justice and the Prosecutor General as respondents, was opposed.
One of the grounds for the opposition was that the risk of Alexander absconding from Namibia would increase if he was allowed to visit the coast.
One of Alexander's lawyers, Cape Town senior counsel Peter Hodes, derided this claimed concern as "absurd" during yesterday's hearing.
In Windhoek, Alexander lives only about 200 metres from Eros Airport, Hodes noted - but this seems not to be a reason for the authorities to fear that Alexander might try to flee from Namibia while the extradition proceedings against him are pending.
Alexander in any event knows that if he leaves Namibia he will be arrested elsewhere, as Interpol has issued a worldwide "red notice" alert on him, the lawyer added.
Hodes also took aim at claims that the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration, Samuel Goagoseb, made in an affidavit filed with the court about the circumstances under which Alexander was granted a two-year work permit in Namibia near the end of August last year.
Goagoseb informed the court that the Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration would "shortly" conduct an investigation on a suspicion that Alexander had received his work permit on the basis of misrepresentations that he had made to the Immigration Selection Board.
In his application for permanent residence in Namibia, Alexander failed to mention that he had been resident in the U.S. during the past ten years, and also failed to provide a police certificate from the U.S. to show that he has a clean criminal record in that country, Goagoseb stated.
He charged that Alexander had "deliberately and purposively misrepresented" to the Ministry and the Board that he was a resident of Israel.
Had the Board known the true state of affairs, according to Goagoseb, a work permit would never have been granted to Alexander.
Another of Alexander's lawyers, Richard Metcalfe, however pointed out in another affidavit that documentation in the Ministry's own file on Alexander's applications for permits allowing him to stay and work in Namibia clearly showed that Alexander had stated in a résumé submitted to the Ministry that he had residential addresses in both Israel and New York City.
No fewer than seven copies of this curriculum vitae were found on the Ministry's file, Metcalfe added.
He also stated that on Alexander's application for a work permit, Alexander gave clear information that he had been employed as the Chief Executive Officer of Comverse Technology Inc in New York City from 1982 to 2006 - showing that Alexander in fact did provide information on the time he had spent in the U.S., Metcalfe stated.
Hodes in any event argued that a request from the Home Affairs Minister to be allowed to intervene as an interested party in the application should be dismissed, as the Minister does not have any direct interest in the issue of Alexander's bail conditions.
Judge Hoff appears to have agreed with Hodes's arguments.
He dismissed the Minister's application to intervene.
He also ordered the respondents, who were represented by Deputy Government Attorney Nixon Marcus, to pay Alexander's legal costs in the case.
Alexander is wanted in the U.S. on 35 charges related to allegations of fraud that he is claimed to have been committed while he was the CEO of Comverse Technology Inc.
He is denying the charges, and will be contesting them if he is extradited, Alexander has stated.
Original article posted here.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
The joke marches on. As weazl has said, this case will NEVER get resolved: the unwanted answer to 9/11
Namibia again postpones US software fugitive case
WINDHOEK, July 9 (Reuters) - A Namibian court on Monday postponed yet again the extradition hearing of fugitive U.S. millionaire and ex-software executive Jacob "Kobi" Alexander after proceedings stalled over which judge should hear the case.
Alexander, wanted in the United States in connection with an alleged scheme to backdate millions of executive stock options at Comverse Technology Inc., has fought extradition since his arrest in the southwestern African nation last year.
The case has been postponed three times and is now set to begin on Aug. 13 in a magistrate court in the Namibian capital Windhoek. Alexander, who faces U.S. charges of conspiracy, securities fraud and other wrongdoing, is free on bail.
The decision to delay the hearing came hours after defence lawyers argued that Petrus Unengu, who was appointed by Namibia's justice minister to hear the extradition, be removed from the case because his appointment threatened judicial independence and Alexander's right to a fair trial.
Unengu is Namibia's chief of lower courts.
"Our contention is that the chief of the lower courts is not a magistrate," defence attorney Peter Hodes told the court. He added that there could be a "reasonable" expectation of bias because Unengu was a public servant in the Ministry of Justice.
The defence wants Uaatjo Uanivi, the magistrate who freed the Israeli-born Alexander on bail of $1.4 million last October, to oversee the hearing.
Alexander, the founder and former chief executive of New York-based Comverse has kept a high profile in Namibia, where he has pledged to invest $14 million in business and charitable projects through his Kobi Alexander Enterprises venture.
Namibia's government has described Alexander as "very passionate" about the country and its 2.1 million people.
Critics, however, say he has tried to buy support in Namibia and avoid extradition by funding aid projects and making promises of future investments.
Original article posted here.
WINDHOEK, July 9 (Reuters) - A Namibian court on Monday postponed yet again the extradition hearing of fugitive U.S. millionaire and ex-software executive Jacob "Kobi" Alexander after proceedings stalled over which judge should hear the case.
Alexander, wanted in the United States in connection with an alleged scheme to backdate millions of executive stock options at Comverse Technology Inc.
The case has been postponed three times and is now set to begin on Aug. 13 in a magistrate court in the Namibian capital Windhoek. Alexander, who faces U.S. charges of conspiracy, securities fraud and other wrongdoing, is free on bail.
The decision to delay the hearing came hours after defence lawyers argued that Petrus Unengu, who was appointed by Namibia's justice minister to hear the extradition, be removed from the case because his appointment threatened judicial independence and Alexander's right to a fair trial.
Unengu is Namibia's chief of lower courts.
"Our contention is that the chief of the lower courts is not a magistrate," defence attorney Peter Hodes told the court. He added that there could be a "reasonable" expectation of bias because Unengu was a public servant in the Ministry of Justice.
The defence wants Uaatjo Uanivi, the magistrate who freed the Israeli-born Alexander on bail of $1.4 million last October, to oversee the hearing.
Alexander, the founder and former chief executive of New York-based Comverse has kept a high profile in Namibia, where he has pledged to invest $14 million in business and charitable projects through his Kobi Alexander Enterprises venture.
Namibia's government has described Alexander as "very passionate" about the country and its 2.1 million people.
Critics, however, say he has tried to buy support in Namibia and avoid extradition by funding aid projects and making promises of future investments.
Original article posted here.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
The joke is on you: Once again "justice" postponed in farcical charade of Jacob "Kobi" Alexander
Namibia: US software fugitive case postponed
(SomaliNet) In order to allow defence lawyers time to build a case opposing his return to the United States, a Namibian court on Monday again postponed an extradition hearing for fugitive US millionaire Jacob "Kobi" Alexander.
The court in the Namibian capital Windhoek said the hearing, which has been postponed several times since Alexander's arrest late last year, will be heard on July 9.
Alexander, the former chief executive and founder of Comverse Technology Inc have been charged by US authorities with conspiracy, securities fraud and other wrongdoing in connection with an alleged scheme to backdate millions of executive stock options at the New York-based software maker.
Alexander's lawyers had argued they needed more time to study extradition law as well as seek legal advice from South Africa, which has far more experience with extradition hearings than its smaller neighbour.
The defence also wants Petrus Unengu, who was appointed by Namibia's justice minister to hear the extradition, removed from the case. "He is an administrative head and not a magistrate," one of Alexander's lawyers said on Monday.
Unengu is Namibia's Chief of Lower Courts.
The Israeli-born Alexander remains free on bail of NAM$10-million (about R8-million) - believed to be one of the highest ever in the Southern African country - after six days in custody.
Alexander has expressed a desire to stay in Namibia and pledged to invest a total of NAM$100-million in the nation during the next five years through his Kobi Alexander Enterprises venture since his arrest.
The Namibian government has described Alexander as "very passionate" about the country and its people, and Alexander and his wife in April announced they were launching a NAM$150 000 annual scholarship fund for top performing students both at primary and secondary schools.
Critics say he has tried to buy support in Namibia and avoid extradition by funding aid projects and making future pledges.
Original article posted here.
(SomaliNet) In order to allow defence lawyers time to build a case opposing his return to the United States, a Namibian court on Monday again postponed an extradition hearing for fugitive US millionaire Jacob "Kobi" Alexander.
The court in the Namibian capital Windhoek said the hearing, which has been postponed several times since Alexander's arrest late last year, will be heard on July 9.
Alexander, the former chief executive and founder of Comverse Technology Inc have been charged by US authorities with conspiracy, securities fraud and other wrongdoing in connection with an alleged scheme to backdate millions of executive stock options at the New York-based software maker.
Alexander's lawyers had argued they needed more time to study extradition law as well as seek legal advice from South Africa, which has far more experience with extradition hearings than its smaller neighbour.
The defence also wants Petrus Unengu, who was appointed by Namibia's justice minister to hear the extradition, removed from the case. "He is an administrative head and not a magistrate," one of Alexander's lawyers said on Monday.
Unengu is Namibia's Chief of Lower Courts.
The Israeli-born Alexander remains free on bail of NAM$10-million (about R8-million) - believed to be one of the highest ever in the Southern African country - after six days in custody.
Alexander has expressed a desire to stay in Namibia and pledged to invest a total of NAM$100-million in the nation during the next five years through his Kobi Alexander Enterprises venture since his arrest.
The Namibian government has described Alexander as "very passionate" about the country and its people, and Alexander and his wife in April announced they were launching a NAM$150 000 annual scholarship fund for top performing students both at primary and secondary schools.
Critics say he has tried to buy support in Namibia and avoid extradition by funding aid projects and making future pledges.
Original article posted here.
Monday, June 11, 2007
The propaganda and psy op campaign to keep 9/11 insider from coming to US continues. Kobi Alexander's case delayed yet again
Friday, June 08, 2007
Whitewashing a 9/11 insider: MSNBC conducts "Reporter's Diary" with fugitive Mossad backed Kobi Alexander
Reporter's Diary: 'Kobi' Alexander's Namibia
SWAKOPMUND, NAMIBIA -- You instantly notice something is different when you look into the night sky here in Africa, but you can’t quite put your finger on it. Then, you are reminded. You are on the opposite side of the world now—the constellations are all turned around. Same sky, different hemisphere. That begins to explain Namibia, where former Comverse Technology CEO Jacob “Kobi” Alexander has come to start a new life—and maybe avoid prosecution on options fraud charges in New York.
Everything here is just a little bit different from the U.S., from a gloriously desolate landscape—unlike any desert on earth, they say--to the way people do business here. No one “cuts to the chase” in Namibia, the way we insist on doing back home. A meeting begins slowly. A little greeting. Casual chit-chat. Coffee, anyone? Tea? For Alexander, who helped invent voice mail, and turned Comverse from a start-up into a $1.5 billion a year company, doing business here will mean cracking that Namibian code. If that is what he is really up to.
Among the charges in his 35 count federal indictment is money laundering. Authorities say Alexander began moving millions of dollars out of the U.S. last year, when it became obvious he might be indicted for backdating Comverse options.
Some officials here in Namibia suspect his business ventures in this country are more of the same. Like 215 units of affordable housing, built for below cost, and sold for below market value. Then, you are reminded. Namibia, like many parts of the developing world, has a housing crisis. Government workers, who are paid roughly US$400 per month, can afford little more than a shack to live in. The “Kobi homes” have tile floors, finished ceilings, and, Alexander’s representatives say, a healthy dose of pride for their new occupants. Looking into the eyes of the residents of the impoverished townships around Walvis Bay, where we are reporting for CNBC today, it is hard to imagine there is anything sinister about building real homes for these people. Then, you are reminded. An attorney for Comverse investors claims the project is being built with shareholders’ money (a charge Alexander’s attorney denies).
The children in the townships here are poor—tragic, almost—but like any child, full of potential. So what is the harm in Alexander’s education initiatives—an academic competition for high school students, and a college scholarship program for science and technology? (We incorrectly reported in our first video dispatch from here on Wednesday that the education money was going to the Ministry of Education. In fact, we are told, the plan is to pay the students directly.) Then, you are reminded, again. Shareholders’ money. And of all the places in the world that need help with education, why Namibia? Could it be because Alexander is trying to stay here—and out of the U.S. courts? Could it be because in this young country—just 17 years old—money laundering, per se, is not a crime?
Asked if his client is trying to buy off Namibia, Alexander’s attorney, Richard Metcalfe, said, “Absolutely not.” Metcalfe says his client is investing with his own money, as he is entitled to do. And Alexander, an Israeli citizen, is continuing the esteemed Jewish tradition of t’zedakah—good works, charity, empowering those less fortunate. And what better place to do that than here? Even the shareholders’ attorney, Patrick Dahlstrom of Pomerantz, Haudek, Block, Grossman & Gross, concedes Alexander can probably do a lot of good here.
Having covered some of the biggest white collar cases in the past 20 years, from Archer Daniels Midland to Enron, I know that nuance is always one of the first casualties of the process. Prosecutors like to paint defendants in black and white, and so do defense attorneys. The fact that the defendant in this case is fighting the charges from Namibia adds a layer of nuance as thick as the morning mist that rolls off the massive desert sand dunes here (that sight alone is worth the trip, by the way).
Tomorrow, Alexander will be back in court for a hearing in his extradition case, and we will be there. (It’s a procedural hearing, maybe one of many. This is Namibia, remember?) And we will continue to track every turn in his case—and his travels. Is he a technical genius, or a criminal one? A philanthropist for all continents, or a modern-day Robin Hood? That’s our Search for Kobi Alexander. Same guy, different hemisphere.
Friday, April 27, 2007
The whitewash rolls on unabated (and enabled by this flowery Israeli story)
Kobi Alexander's extradition hearing postponed to June at prosecution request
By Shirley Yom-Tov
The hearing on Jacob (Kobi) Alexander's extradition from Namibia to the U.S., which was scheduled to begin yesterday, was postponed until June 8. Alexander's attorneys did not object to the prosecution's request for the delay, no reason for which was cited. The date for the hearing, which will be held in the Namibian capitol, Windhoek, was set six months ago.
Alexander and other officers at the Israeli technology company Comverse Technologies are accused of back-dating and front-loading stock option grants, creating a slush fund of options for workers they wished to reward, giving options to imaginary people and many other charges. Two Comverse officers surrendered to the FBI, but Alexander fled and then resurfaced in Namibia, to which he had transferred much of his personal fortune and established himself. The United States is trying to extradite him for prosecution.
The continuance request may be related to the campaign launched by Alexander's public relations, firm, TBWA. In his latest effort to capture the hearts of the Namibian people, Alexander has announced a scholarship fund, named for himself and his wife Hana and totalling 150,000 Namibian dollars (about $21,000).
On Tuesday The Namibian reported that the announcement of the scholarship was accompanied by a long press release from the Windhoek Education Ministry, praising Alexander for his contributions to the country. Alexander has been living in Namibia since last August. A function to celebrate the announcement was canceled - at Alexander's request, according to the spokesman for the Education Ministry.
Alexander pledged to invest 100 million Namibian dollars (about $14 million) in Namibian education over five years via Kobi Alexander Enterprises, the Namibian press says. According to "Namibia: Wanted U.S. millionaire starts up a scholarship fund," an article on the SomaliNet Web site, some of the money will be used to "reward top performing students both at primary and secondary school levels."
Billboards praising Alexander have also appeared on Windhoek streets in the past few days.
While the Namibian government has described Alexander, who the Windhoek court set free on bail, as "very passionate" about the country and its people, the country's main newspaper is still critical in its coverage of the Alexander affair. Alexander's technological and business background may win applause, The Namibian states, while pointing out that the Education Ministry's press release failed to mention the circumstances of his love assault on the country - the fact that he is a wanted man.
Alexander faces more than 30 counts in the American courts, including attempted bribery, which aren't mentioned in the giant billboard set up in Windhoek that praises his local activities. Alexander is thought to have gained only about $6 million personally from backdating options, while his personal fortune amounts to much more than that.
At present more than 100 companies are being investigated for backdating. Comverse can claim the dubious honor of having been one of the first.
The Namibian may also be dubious about the honor of hosting Alexander in the country, but he's won the hearts of many a local power with his investments in the southern African country. Namibia is ravenous for foreign investment and management skills, and it doesn't necessarily stand to attention when America snaps its fingers. It may well be able to avail itself of Kobi Alexander's management skills for many a year to come.
Original article posted here.
By Shirley Yom-Tov
The hearing on Jacob (Kobi) Alexander's extradition from Namibia to the U.S., which was scheduled to begin yesterday, was postponed until June 8. Alexander's attorneys did not object to the prosecution's request for the delay, no reason for which was cited. The date for the hearing, which will be held in the Namibian capitol, Windhoek, was set six months ago.
Alexander and other officers at the Israeli technology company Comverse Technologies are accused of back-dating and front-loading stock option grants, creating a slush fund of options for workers they wished to reward, giving options to imaginary people and many other charges. Two Comverse officers surrendered to the FBI, but Alexander fled and then resurfaced in Namibia, to which he had transferred much of his personal fortune and established himself. The United States is trying to extradite him for prosecution.
The continuance request may be related to the campaign launched by Alexander's public relations, firm, TBWA. In his latest effort to capture the hearts of the Namibian people, Alexander has announced a scholarship fund, named for himself and his wife Hana and totalling 150,000 Namibian dollars (about $21,000).
On Tuesday The Namibian reported that the announcement of the scholarship was accompanied by a long press release from the Windhoek Education Ministry, praising Alexander for his contributions to the country. Alexander has been living in Namibia since last August. A function to celebrate the announcement was canceled - at Alexander's request, according to the spokesman for the Education Ministry.
Alexander pledged to invest 100 million Namibian dollars (about $14 million) in Namibian education over five years via Kobi Alexander Enterprises, the Namibian press says. According to "Namibia: Wanted U.S. millionaire starts up a scholarship fund," an article on the SomaliNet Web site, some of the money will be used to "reward top performing students both at primary and secondary school levels."
Billboards praising Alexander have also appeared on Windhoek streets in the past few days.
While the Namibian government has described Alexander, who the Windhoek court set free on bail, as "very passionate" about the country and its people, the country's main newspaper is still critical in its coverage of the Alexander affair. Alexander's technological and business background may win applause, The Namibian states, while pointing out that the Education Ministry's press release failed to mention the circumstances of his love assault on the country - the fact that he is a wanted man.
Alexander faces more than 30 counts in the American courts, including attempted bribery, which aren't mentioned in the giant billboard set up in Windhoek that praises his local activities. Alexander is thought to have gained only about $6 million personally from backdating options, while his personal fortune amounts to much more than that.
At present more than 100 companies are being investigated for backdating. Comverse can claim the dubious honor of having been one of the first.
The Namibian may also be dubious about the honor of hosting Alexander in the country, but he's won the hearts of many a local power with his investments in the southern African country. Namibia is ravenous for foreign investment and management skills, and it doesn't necessarily stand to attention when America snaps its fingers. It may well be able to avail itself of Kobi Alexander's management skills for many a year to come.
Original article posted here.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
An ongoing story that speaks volumes of the US' desire (or lack thereof) to have someone with real knowledge of 9/11 being brought to justice
Namibia court defers Kobi Alexander hearing
Alexander’s media campaign reportedly led to the prosecution’s request for a deferral of the extradition hearing.
Shay Niv
A Namibian court has deferred a hearing, scheduled for today, on the extradition of former Comverse Technology Inc. (Pink Sheets: CMVT.PK) chairman and CEO Kobi Alexander until June 8. The prosecution asked for the deferral.
The hearing will last for several days, after which the court will decide whether to agree to the US extradition request or allow Alexander to continue to reside in the country as a temporary resident. Alexander fled to Namibia in July 2006.
Alexander’s attorney did not object to the request for a deferral. The request was made against the backdrop of a media campaign launched by Alexander a few days ago, using newspaper ads and billboards in Namibia’s capital, Windhoek. He has hired a media advisor from international advertising agency TBWA. The Americans were apparently concerned by the public mood that Alexander has created in his favor.
The US authorities have charged Alexander with over 30 criminal counts, beginning with the backdating of stock option grants for himself and Comverse employees in order to maximize their profits when the options were exercised at the expense of the public shareholders in the company. The indictment says that he gained $6 million by this method.
Original article posted here.
Alexander’s media campaign reportedly led to the prosecution’s request for a deferral of the extradition hearing.
Shay Niv
A Namibian court has deferred a hearing, scheduled for today, on the extradition of former Comverse Technology Inc. (Pink Sheets: CMVT.PK) chairman and CEO Kobi Alexander until June 8. The prosecution asked for the deferral.
The hearing will last for several days, after which the court will decide whether to agree to the US extradition request or allow Alexander to continue to reside in the country as a temporary resident. Alexander fled to Namibia in July 2006.
Alexander’s attorney did not object to the request for a deferral. The request was made against the backdrop of a media campaign launched by Alexander a few days ago, using newspaper ads and billboards in Namibia’s capital, Windhoek. He has hired a media advisor from international advertising agency TBWA. The Americans were apparently concerned by the public mood that Alexander has created in his favor.
The US authorities have charged Alexander with over 30 criminal counts, beginning with the backdating of stock option grants for himself and Comverse employees in order to maximize their profits when the options were exercised at the expense of the public shareholders in the company. The indictment says that he gained $6 million by this method.
Original article posted here.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Former Mossad Agent and 9/11 Profiteer tries to buy his way out of justice (with of course complicity of criminal Bush cabal)
Extradition hearing for fugitive U.S technology executive set for Wednesday in Namibia
Fugitive businessman Jacob "Kobi" Alexander has taken out full-page ads and erected billboards touting his commitment to Namibia, where a judge planned a hearing Wednesday on whether to send him to the United States to face trial on stock-options fraud charges.
Alexander, the former chief executive of voicemail software maker Comverse Technology Inc., was arrested Sept. 26 in the Namibian capital, Windhoek, at the request of the FBI after a two-month manhunt.
Alexander, 54, an Israeli citizen who had been living in the southern African desert country since July, was granted bail of $1.3 million.
In an affidavit at the time of his arrest, Alexander said he had entered the country lawfully with his wife and three children and that he had plans for businesses and investments in Namibia.
Since then, he has not been shy about promoting his Namibian company, Kobi Alexander Enterprises.
He placed full-page advertisements in four local dailies hailing his investment in the construction of 200 low-cost housing units in the coastal town of Walvis Bay.
"Mr. Kobi Alexander, its founder, brings with him a wealth of business acumen," the advertisement said, citing his work as founder of Comverse Technology.
A billboard erected in front of a government office park in Windhoek recently reads: "Namibija Saying yes to investment" _ a play on the German phrase "Namibia, ja," or "Namibia, yes." Namibia is a former German colony.
Alexander is accused in the U.S. of hatching a scheme to pocket millions of US dollars by secretly manipulating stock options.
Comverse's former general counsel and former head of finance both have pleaded guilty in the case, and both said in U.S. federal court that they conspired with Alexander to backdate options to low points in the stock price and falsify financial statements to conceal the fraud from shareholders.
Comverse executives were among the first to be brought to trial in the wide-reaching U.S. government investigation into stock options backdating.
Original article posted here.
Fugitive businessman Jacob "Kobi" Alexander has taken out full-page ads and erected billboards touting his commitment to Namibia, where a judge planned a hearing Wednesday on whether to send him to the United States to face trial on stock-options fraud charges.
Alexander, the former chief executive of voicemail software maker Comverse Technology Inc., was arrested Sept. 26 in the Namibian capital, Windhoek, at the request of the FBI after a two-month manhunt.
Alexander, 54, an Israeli citizen who had been living in the southern African desert country since July, was granted bail of $1.3 million.
In an affidavit at the time of his arrest, Alexander said he had entered the country lawfully with his wife and three children and that he had plans for businesses and investments in Namibia.
Since then, he has not been shy about promoting his Namibian company, Kobi Alexander Enterprises.
He placed full-page advertisements in four local dailies hailing his investment in the construction of 200 low-cost housing units in the coastal town of Walvis Bay.
"Mr. Kobi Alexander, its founder, brings with him a wealth of business acumen," the advertisement said, citing his work as founder of Comverse Technology.
A billboard erected in front of a government office park in Windhoek recently reads: "Namibija Saying yes to investment" _ a play on the German phrase "Namibia, ja," or "Namibia, yes." Namibia is a former German colony.
Alexander is accused in the U.S. of hatching a scheme to pocket millions of US dollars by secretly manipulating stock options.
Comverse's former general counsel and former head of finance both have pleaded guilty in the case, and both said in U.S. federal court that they conspired with Alexander to backdate options to low points in the stock price and falsify financial statements to conceal the fraud from shareholders.
Comverse executives were among the first to be brought to trial in the wide-reaching U.S. government investigation into stock options backdating.
Original article posted here.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Mossad agent, insider trader, and key to 911 getting positive spin job in Israeli propaganda press while living luxuriously in Namibia
Alexander invests in Namibia poor
Former Comverse Technology Inc. CEO, who is wanted by US authorities, to build low budget solar housing project for 100 low income Namibian families. Cost so far – USD 1.7 million
Israeli Millionaire Jacob "Kobi" Alexander, the ex-head of Comverse Technology Inc. who is wanted by US authorities on charges of manipulating stock options and is currently in Namibia awaiting an extradition hearing has decided to invest in a solar housing project for the poor.
The project, as was reported this past weekend by the "Namibian" newspaper, will be built in Kuisebmond, in the Walvis Bay area. The project will accommodate 100 low income Namibian families.
According to the report, the Claudia Ramos Miramax Real Estate Agency which is involved in the deal said that Alexander has purchased over 21 thousand square meters (about 226 square feet) near the Namport residential area, which is in Walvis Bay.
According to Ramos, Alexander has already invested NAD (Namibian Dollars) 12.3 million, which amounts to about USD 1.7 million.
Ramos said that the area will be used for the construction of 82 housing units, each of which will be equipped with solar generators for the production of electricity. "Even the oven, everything will run on solar energy – and they will only have to pay for the water," said Ramos.
At the moment, the potential tenants are waiting for the Municipality to allocate the land to be built on, and once the houses are completed, they will be sold for about NAD 150,000 (about USD 20,000) each.
Awaiting extradition hearing on April 25th
Alexander was arrested on the 27th of November, 2006, in Windhoek, capital of the southwest African country, where he had been living with his family, and was released on bail for NAD 10 million (USD 1.3 million).
On the 25th of April, a hearing on his extradition to the United States will take place. In the US, he has been charged with 32 criminal counts, ranging from alleged conspiracy to securities fraud and money laundering and could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
Since Alexander's arrival in Namibia in the end of July, he has transferred some USD 17 million from Israel to Namibia.
Other than the purchase of a home in Windhoek at the cost of about half a million USD, Alexander has invested some USD 1.5 million in local business partnerships, including real estate development in cooperation with the head of Windhoek's government military material manufacturer.
Original article posted here.
Earlier weazl posts on Kobi Alexander. Click here and here.
Former Comverse Technology Inc. CEO, who is wanted by US authorities, to build low budget solar housing project for 100 low income Namibian families. Cost so far – USD 1.7 million
Israeli Millionaire Jacob "Kobi" Alexander, the ex-head of Comverse Technology Inc. who is wanted by US authorities on charges of manipulating stock options and is currently in Namibia awaiting an extradition hearing has decided to invest in a solar housing project for the poor.
The project, as was reported this past weekend by the "Namibian" newspaper, will be built in Kuisebmond, in the Walvis Bay area. The project will accommodate 100 low income Namibian families.
According to the report, the Claudia Ramos Miramax Real Estate Agency which is involved in the deal said that Alexander has purchased over 21 thousand square meters (about 226 square feet) near the Namport residential area, which is in Walvis Bay.
According to Ramos, Alexander has already invested NAD (Namibian Dollars) 12.3 million, which amounts to about USD 1.7 million.
Ramos said that the area will be used for the construction of 82 housing units, each of which will be equipped with solar generators for the production of electricity. "Even the oven, everything will run on solar energy – and they will only have to pay for the water," said Ramos.
At the moment, the potential tenants are waiting for the Municipality to allocate the land to be built on, and once the houses are completed, they will be sold for about NAD 150,000 (about USD 20,000) each.
Awaiting extradition hearing on April 25th
Alexander was arrested on the 27th of November, 2006, in Windhoek, capital of the southwest African country, where he had been living with his family, and was released on bail for NAD 10 million (USD 1.3 million).
On the 25th of April, a hearing on his extradition to the United States will take place. In the US, he has been charged with 32 criminal counts, ranging from alleged conspiracy to securities fraud and money laundering and could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
Since Alexander's arrival in Namibia in the end of July, he has transferred some USD 17 million from Israel to Namibia.
Other than the purchase of a home in Windhoek at the cost of about half a million USD, Alexander has invested some USD 1.5 million in local business partnerships, including real estate development in cooperation with the head of Windhoek's government military material manufacturer.
Original article posted here.
Earlier weazl posts on Kobi Alexander. Click here and here.
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