US Government Says 'Credible Evidence' Links Former Bahamas Bank To Terrorism

by Amanda Banks, Tax-News.com, London

29 July 2002

The Bush administration last week responded angrily to the challenge issued by Bahamian attorney, Sean Hanna.

Mr Hanna, who represents the principal of Bank Al-Taqwa, which is currently in the process of liquidation, asked the US government to provide some evidence linking his client to terrorist financing, following US Attorney General, John Ashcroft's request to list the bank and three of its affiliates as terrorist organisations.

'I don't support anyone involved in terrorism. My client is not involved in any type of activity.' Speaking to the Nassau Guardian with regard to Mr Ashcroft's request, Mr Hanna stated that: 'I don't lend any credence to that until they are prepared to show evidence. As far as I am aware, no attempt has been made to extradite anyone.'

However, the US government hit back at the Bahamian attorney's challenge, arguing last week that it has 'credible evidence' linking Bank Al-Taqwa with terrorist activities, but that it will not release such proof when to do so might 'prejudice ongoing investigations or criminal cases that are being developed.'

'Perhaps Mr Hanna should think long and hard about his association with Bank Al-Taqwa, about how much he really knows about the origin and destination of the funds that flowed through it and related organisations, before he makes his choice and before he acts again as a mouthpiece for this terrorist organisation,' the government said in a statement.

However, according to the Nassau Guardian, Mr Hanna was standing firm last week, and reiterated his challenge.

The US government also took the opportunity to thank the Bahamas government and its people for their support in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing, explaining that the jurisdiction's companies and inhabitants have 'overwhelmingly' chosen to stand with the United States on this issue, and that 'we have been gratified and strengthened by your support in the war on terrorism.'

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