How Israeli, Middle Eastern and African Individuals Should Respond to Criminal Allegations from Foreign Governments
As U.S. and other Western enforcement agencies aggressively step up cross-border actions, Israeli and other Middle Eastern and African nationals are increasingly in the crosshairs, often over what can be overstated allegations. We explain how those targeted should push back and correct the record to protect their assets, reputation and liberty.
May 10, 2023
Israeli and other Middle Eastern and African nationals have been scrutinized and prosecuted by U.S. and other Western enforcement agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Many of these agencies have recently redoubled their efforts to aggressively pursue cross-border actions against high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), putting their liberty, assets and reputation at risk over what – in many cases – can be overstated allegations.
Countries like Israel are likely to work closely with the U.S.; requests from Israeli authorities may ultimately be on behalf of their U.S. counterparts. If an HNWI is not adequately prepared, these accusations can rapidly spiral into global asset freezes and seizures, INTERPOL Red Notices and extradition requests, financial sanctions, and even arrest and trial. One viable strategy for HNWIs who come under government scrutiny, particularly where the accusations do not accurately capture the facts, can be to stand up and push back as early as possible.
As the DOJ and other global agencies aggressively ramp up their cross-border enforcement efforts, Israeli, Middle Eastern and African high-net-worth individuals potentially risk having their liberty, assets and reputations come under threat over possible misunderstandings and misinterpretations by Western prosecutors. A pre-emptive multijurisdictional strategy, grounded by an on-the-ground team of former Western government lawyers, can make the biggest difference in helping at-risk targets protect themselves.
Kobre & Kim is a global law firm that focuses on cross-border disputes and investigations, often involving fraud and misconduct.
To preserve the assets, liberty and reputation of UHNWIs with global business interests, our firm: