Torkildsen Financing
Torkildsen Financing
Torkildsen Financing
I. Personal Background
7. From January 2001 to the present, I have been an investigator with the Office of
the Prosecutor (hereinafter the "OTP") at the International Criminal Tribunal for
the Former Yugoslavia (hereinafter the "ICTY"). Attached hereto as "Attachment
A" is my curriculum vitae.
A: (i) review and analyse the documents collected by the Office of the
Prosecutor that relate to the financing of the Republic of Serbia
Ministry of the Interior (hereinafter the "MUP") and the army of the
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (hereinafter the "VJ"); and
(ii) based on this review and analysis, provide a description of the
financial structure(s), (if any), illustrated by these documents that was
used to finance and supply the military and police units from the VJ
and MUP that operated in Kosovo between 1 January and 20 June
1999.
5. The source of funds for the scheme was the Federal Customs Administration
or the "SUC". Between 1994 - 2000, the SUC had the ability to acquire large
amounts of both foreign and domestic currency. Mr Slobodan Milo{evi}, in
his capacity as President of the Republic of Serbia and later as the President of
the FRY, ordered that funds from the Federal Customs Administration be
diverted to finance the activities of various federal and Republic of Serbia
institutions. The Director of the Federal Customs Administration (who from
1994 - 2000 was Mihalj Kertes) provided the large sums of cash directly to the
Federal and Republic of Serbia entities. In addition, large sums of cash were
transferred from the Federal Customs Administration to Yugoslav banks (such
as "Beobanka") and to foreign banks, including banks in Cyprus and Greece.
"Front companies"1 were created and these companies then opened bank
accounts with banks located in Cyprus and Greece. The bank accounts of
these "front companies" were managed by employees from BB COBU who
organized the deposit of funds into the “front companies'” bank accounts and
then arranged the transfer of funds to various third parties, including the
suppliers of weapons, equipment and other materials used by the VJ and the
forces of the MUP.
6. The financial structure created had two parts: a domestic part to serve the
internal funding needs of crucial FRY and Republic of Serbia institutions,
including the VJ and MUP, and an international part, operated by BB COBU
and based in Nicosia, Cyprus, that was used to provide funding for the import
of goods, including goods for the VJ and MUP. The necessity to create the
international part of the financial structure and to locate its organization and
operation in Cyprus grew from the international economic sanctions that were
in place against the FRY during certain periods between 1991 and 2001.
These sanctions severely limited the ability of the FRY and the Republic of
Serbia to purchase arms and military supplies through traditional methods,
such as direct purchase by the FRY military institutions from arms
1
For the purpose of this report, a "front company" is an enterprise whose primary function is to
receive, hold and transfer funds in its name but on behalf of other entities, and does not produce goods
or services.
V. Review of Records
8. A description of all the documents that were supplid by the Office of the
Prosecutor and that I have relied on in writing this report are listed in the
indexes to the attachments to the report. The documents that I have relied on
2
Attached hereto as "Attachment B" to this report are reports obtained from the internet concerning
these international economic sanctions imposed against the FRY.
3
See R4, discussed below.
in Part A are marked as R1 to R13 and are attached to this report. The
documents that I have relied on in Part B are also attached.
VI. Report
Part A: A description of the financial structure that was used, inter alia, to
finance and supply the VJ units and MUP forces that operated in
Kosovo between 1 January and 20 June 1999
Introduction
10. The Federal Customs Administration was in a unique position in the FRY as it
was the only institution that could easily collect foreign and domestic
currency.
11. Professor Vuk Ognjanovi} was the Federal Minister of Finance in the FRY
(July 1993 - March 1994). He confirms that the Federal Customs
Administration was the main supplier of foreign currency both to the federal
government and the government of the Republic of Serbia, and as such,
Slobodan Milo{evi} installed a loyal supporter, Mihalj Kertes, to run the
SUC:4
“After my resignation as Governor of the NBY, I still had the support
of the Montenegrin members of the Federal Parliament and was
appointed as Minister of Finance of the FRY in July 1993. I held this
position for approximately 12 months, until I was dismissed by the
Prime Minister of the FRY following disagreements over a number of
financial and economic reforms that I had proposed. Jovan Zebi}, a
senior official of the SPS party, first took over as the Minister of
Finance and subsequently Tomica Racevi}, who is also a senior SPS
official, was appointed as the Minister of Finance. During the period
that I was the Minister of Finance, the Federal Department of Customs
were under the control of the Federal Ministry of Finance. Following
my departure, the Federal Customs Department was separated from the
Federal Ministry of Finance and Mihalj Kertes was appointed as the
Director of Customs. From my involvement in FRY politics, I am able
to state that Zebi}, Raicevi} and Kertes were all very loyal members of
the SPS and were very obedient to Milošević.
Mihalj Kertes' Description of the Use of the Funds of the Federal Customs
Administration
4
In October and December 2001, OTP investigators interviewed Mr. Vuk Ognjanovi}. The notes of
these meetings (attached hereto as "R1") were read back to Mr. Ognjanovi} on 24 January 2002.
During this read back, Mr. Ognjanovi} made several corrections and then accepted these notes as an
accurate record of the statements he had made.
5
R1, p.1.
12. Mihalj Kertes was the Director of the Federal Customs Administration from
4th May 1994 to 6th October 2000, including the period of time when the FRY
was subject to international economic sanctions. The material provided to me
by the OTP includes three written statements Mr. Kertes provided to the MUP,
a record of questioning of Mr. Kertes by a Belgrade investigating judge and
the transcript of a suspect record of interview conducted by investigators from
the OTP.6
6
On 17, 18, 19 and 20 January 2002, OTP investigators interviewed Mihalj Kertes. Excerpts of the
transcript of this interview are attached hereto as R2(a). During this interview, three statements that
had previously been provided to the OTP by officials from the Republic of Serbia Ministry of Interior
(hereinafter the "MUP") were shown to Mr. Kertes. These statements related to a domestic criminal
prosecution against Mr. Kertes in the Republic of Serbia. Statement 1, made on 12 December 2000,
has OTP evidence reference number 02051595 to 02051602 and 0300-4426-0300-4430. Statement 2,
made on 15 March 2001, has OTP evidence reference number 02051175 to 02051180 and 0300-4497-
0300-4501. Statement 3, made on 19 March 2001, has OTP evidence reference number 02051181 to
02051186 and 0300-4460-0300-4464. In addition, during the same interview, Mr. Kertes informed the
representatives of the OTP of the existence of an additional, fourth record: an interview that Mr. Kertes
provided to a Belgrade Investigative Judge on 3 April 2001. Mr. Kertes described this interview as the
most complete and accurate version of the circumstances concerning the transfer of funds from the
Federal Customs Administration of the FRY. The OTP has obtained a copy of this fourth record,
which has OTP evidence reference number 03036326 to 03036341 (English). Copies of these
statements are attached hereto as R2(b), R2(c), R2(d) and R2(e), respectively. During the interview,
Mr. Kertes stated that R2(b), R2(c), R2(d) and R2(e) are statements that he made voluntarily and that
the information contained in these statements is correct.
14. Mr. Kertes’ statements reveal that under the general direction of Slobodan
Milo{evi}, Federal Customs Administration funds were used to finance
workers’ salaries, the purchase of equipment for the Serbian MUP and
Yugoslav Army, the production of weapons, elections and in the second half
of 1998, weekly payments to the RDB for salaries, vehicles and the RDB's
Special Operations Unit. On three occasions, Mr. Kertes gave money directly
to Milan Milutinovi}, President of Serbia, and also provided funds to Nikola
[ainovi}, Deputy Prime Minister of the FRY, and others. Slobodan Milo{evi}
was often personally involved in the above processes by initiating transfers of
funds, personally ordering Mr. Kertes to effect transfers and directing Mr.
Kertes to hand over money to whomever requested it. Mr. Kertes was also
involved in the creation and maintenance of the international part of this
financial structure and on at least one occasion in December 1998, he
personally escorted cash to Cyprus where it was deposited in a bank.
R2(b)
15. In statement R2(b), Mr. Kertes says, inter alia:
The cash was transported from the customs offices by courier to the
ERC /Electronic Computing Centre/. And the disbursements, with
receipts, were made by me on orders from the highest place in the
state. Again, for the financing of all state institutions, /illegible/ social
and health institutions and for other functions of the state.7
7
R2(b), pp. 1-2.
R2(c)
“As for the collection of foreign currency funds necessary for the
survival of the State and the work of its organs, as well as for the
acquisition of necessary equipment for the MUP of Serbia and the
Army of Yugoslavia: these were the two key services which Customs
financed so that they could survive, especially regarding investments. I
repeat, all this happened during the embargo. .....
I cannot remember how much foreign currency and dinars I gave, but
this happened several times. I gave money on this basis in 1998, 1999
and 2000. I do not know how much was given on these three bases,
but it is certain that it amounts to several million dinars and several
million marks. How much was spent, what on and how, was not for
me to know. But I fulfilled all requests. I gave money for all three
purposes directly to President MILUTINOVI], occasionally in the
presence of my then head of security, Milan RA[ETA, an SDB/State
Security Service/ employee, who carried the money.
“While I was Director, I also set aside funds in cash and personally
took them, on several occasions, to the Serbian MUP for payment of
salaries and per diems. I did the same for the Army of Yugoslavia.
Further, I forwarded money for pension payments to the Pension Fund
and in cash, via Beobanka. The last payment of a large amount for the
Army of Yugoslavia amounted to about 100,000,000 dinars which I
procured and forwarded urgently to be paid to reserve soldiers
returning from Kosovo and Metohija. The Federal Customs
Administration bore the brunt of equipment purchases for the Serbian
MUP and, partly, for the Army of Yugoslavia. Petrol and derivatives,
including kerosene, were also bought. The Federal Customs
Administration bore all the costs. About 2,000 vehicles were procured
for organs of State and given for their use. When any kind of help was
needed, it was provided by Customs. Most State institutions profited
from Customs, especially regarding equipment and salaries. The SUC
also assisted individuals – seriously ill persons for whom we paid for
drugs, prosthetic devices and organ transplants – and outpatients’
clinics and hospitals, which received hundreds of ambulance vehicles
and several hundred tonnes of drugs, medical supplies and food.8
R2(d)
17. In statement R2(d), Mr. Kertes described how the Federal Customs
Administration issued various goods, such as automobiles, television sets,
VCRs and computers to individuals and institutions.9 He also described the
distribution of several hundred thousand German Marks pursuant to the orders
of Slobodan Milo{evi}.10
8
R2(c), pp. 1-9.
9
R2(d), pp. 1-8.
10
Ibid, at p. 9.
R2(e)
18. In R2(e), the record of Mr. Kertes' interview with a Belgrade Investigative
Judge, Mr. Kertes described how in the middle of 1994, when he was an
employee of the federal government of the FRY, Slobodan Milo{evi}, then the
President of the Republic of Serbia, ordered Mr. Kertes to set aside a portion
of the daily income from the Federal Customs Administration to pay for the
needs of state enterprises of the Republic of Serbia.11 In April or May 1995,
Slobodan Milo{evi} ordered Mr. Kertes to create a cash fund from the
proceeds of the Federal Customs Administration in order to "purchase various
basic resources for the needs of the MUP of Serbia and the Yugoslav Army".12
In June 1996, Slobodan Milo{evi} ordered Mr. Kertes to provide funds to
senior state officials each time that a senior state official requested financial
assistance.13 For example, on one occasion in 1996, Mr. Kertes handed over
DM 900,000 to Deputy FRY Prime Minister Nikola [ainovi}.14
19. During the second half of 1998, Slobodan Milo{evi} directed Mr. Kertes to
provide funds for the needs of the RDB.15 Accordingly, Mr. Kertes provided
the RDB with funds from the Federal Customs Administration approximately
on a weekly basis.16 On several occasions between 1995 and 1999, when
international economic sanctions were imposed against the FRY, cash funds
were removed from the FRY without the approval of the National Bank of
Yugoslavia (hereinafter the "NBY").17 This cash originated from the Federal
Customs Administration and was used solely for the purchase of equipment
for the MUP.18 According to Mr. Kertes, Slobodan Milo{evi} ordered him to
hand over the money "to whoever came to pick it up."19 Mr. Kertes described
how on one occasion he personally carried the cash funds to Cyprus and
11
R2(e), pp. 3 - 4. Present on this occasion, apart from Mr. Kertes and Mr. Milo{evi}, were Nikola
[ainovi}, Deputy Prime Minister of the FRY, and Jovan Zebi}, Deputy Prime Minister of the FRY.
12
Ibid, at p. 5. Also present on this occasion were Deputy Prime Ministers Nikola [ainovi} and Jovan
Zebi}.
13
Ibid, at p. 11.
14
R2(e) at p. 10. On this occasion, Slobodan Milo{evi} called Mr. Kertes and ordered him to provide
900,000 German Marks to Mr. [ainovi}. On subsequent occasions, Mr. Kertes gave Mr. [ainovi} DM
150,000 and DM 100,000, following Slobodan Milo{evi}'s instructions to provide Mr. [ainovi} with
funds whenever Mr. [ainovi} came and asked for it. Ibid, at p. 11.
15
As stated above, the RDB is also sometimes referred to as the "SDB".
16
R2(e), at pp. 7 - 8.
17
R12
18
R2(e), at p. 13.
deposited the money in a Cyprus bank. Mr. Kertes explained that he wanted
to see Ms. Borka Vu~i} in Cyprus and her husband, who was a close friend of
Mr. Kertes.20 The role of Ms. Borka Vu~i} in the creation and operation of
this financial structure will be described below.
20. Mr. Kertes described how he received a telephone call from Slobodan
Milo{evi} on 4 October 2000. Slobodan Milo{evi} directed Mr. Kertes to
provide two million German Marks for Mr. Uros [uvakovi}, who was then a
senior police official.21 In order to raise this amount of foreign currency, Mr.
Kertes contacted Ms. Borka Vu~i} and asked Ms. Vu~i} to send him one
million German Marks in exchange for 41 million dinars. On that same day,
Mr. Uros [uvakovi} came to Mr. Kertes' office and collected the money. Mr.
Kertes conceded that these funds might have been contained in bags, although
such funds were usually wrapped in "packing paper."22
R2(a)
21. During the interview with Mr. Kertes (R2(a)) referred to in footnote 6, Mr.
Kertes confirmed that during his tenure as Director of the Federal Customs
Administration, at meetings attended by Mr. Kertes, Slobodan Milo{evi},
Nikola [ainovi} and Jovan Zebi} (then FRY Minister of Finance), a decision
was made to divert customs revenue to fund the institutions of the Republic of
Serbia.23 Mr. Kertes explained that international economic sanctions were in
force against the FRY at the time and the FRY economy was functioning
poorly. Mr. Kertes was instructed to open an account at BeoBanka Bank in
Belgrade. Mr. Kertes then transferred "surplus" revenue (in cash) from the
Federal Customs Administration into this account, and the funds were used to
supply the salaries of a number of institutions, including the MUP and the
VJ.24 Sometimes representatives of the Federal Customs Administration took
the cash directly to the beneficiaries.25 On occasion, Mr. Kertes informed
19
Ibid.
20
Ibid.
21
Ibid, at p. 12.
22
Ibid.
23
R2(a), Transcript of Interview (V000-3792), 20 January 2002, p. 48; V000-3792, 20 January 2002,
13:35 - 13:36, and 14:58.
24
Ibid, pp. 49 and 61 of transcript and at 13:37 - 13:42 and 14:39 of video.
25
Ibid, at p. 61 of transcript and 14:43 of video.
Slobodan Milo{evi} by telephone "about who had requested money, who had
received money, and which amounts."26 In addition, at times "goods were
exchanged for goods" in order to compensate suppliers of government
institutions, or the Federal Customs Administration would directly compensate
government suppliers. For example, on 30 April 1998, the Federal Customs
Administration entered into an agreement to compensate suppliers of the VJ
for oil derivatives, sanitary materials and food provided to the VJ.27 The
Federal Customs Administration provided funds and goods according to these
processes "on a daily basis" until October 2000 when Mr. Kertes was forced
out of his position.28
22. Mr. Kertes confirmed that when Radomir Markovi} became the head of the
RDB in 1998, Mr. Markovi} would inform Slobodan Milo{evi} about financial
needs of the RDB and Slobodan Milo{evi} would call Mr. Kertes and instruct
him to fulfil the request of Mr. Markovi}:
I was told by Slobodan Milo{evi}, when Radomir Markovi} calls for official
state needs …. if I had the funds, I should provide it to him. The Federal
Customs Administration should ensure the funds for the MUP so that it could
cover its material expenses…. He [Slobodan Milo{evi}] told me, whenever
they would call, I should give them the amount if we have that money.29
23. Mr. Kertes specifically acknowledged that he, in his role as Director of the
Federal Customs Administration, provided the salaries, vehicles and
equipment that the Special Operations Unit (hereinafter the "JSO") of the RDB
needed to operate.30 Mr. Kertes explained that the members of the JSO were
aware of the source of their funding and in recognition of Mr. Kertes' efforts,
the JSO bestowed an award upon Mr. Kertes in 1997.31 Mr. Kertes recalled
that Franko Simatovi} was present on that occasion and congratulated Mr.
Kertes.32 Franko Simatovi} is named as a "participant or co-perpetrator" in the
indictment against Slobodan Milo{evi} pertaining to events in Croatia.
Allegedly, Mr. Simatovi}, as head of the JSO of the RDB, "commanded,
26
Ibid, at p. 64 of transcript and 14:53 of video.
27
Ibid, at p. 53 of transcript and 13:56 of video.
28
Ibid, at p. 52 of transcript and 13:55 of video.
29
Ibid, at pp. 63 - 64 of transcript and 14:53 of video.
30
Ibid, V000-3789, 19 January 2002, English Transcript, pp. 23-24.
31
Ibid, at pp. 1-5 and 37 of transcript.
32
Ibid, at pp. 1 - 2 of transcript.
directed, or otherwise exercised effective control" over agents of the RDB who
perpetrated crimes specified in the indictment.33
24. Mr. Kertes acknowledged to OTP investigators that on at least one occasion
when he travelled to Cyprus, cash funds originating from the Federal Customs
Administration were on the same plane and these funds were transferred to a
Cyprus bank upon Mr. Kertes' arrival in Cyprus.34 When asked why money
was taken to Cyprus, Mr. Kertes responded: "Probably there, there was a
passage to the world."35
25. Mr. Kertes also stated that he knew both Vesna Simatovi} and Slobodan Rajh
and Mr. Kertes knew that Vesna Simatovi} was Franko Simatovi}'s wife.36
The activities of both Vesna Simatovi} and Slobodan Rajh will be discussed
further below. Mr. Kertes further said that he met Slobodah Rajh "a very long
time ago" but that he had not seen Mr. Rajh for "two and a half to three years,"
i.e. since early or mid 1999.37
26. In addition, Mr. Kertes described the close relationship that he had with Ms.
Borka Vu~i}, whose activities are described in greater detail below. Mr.
Kertes opined that Borka Vu~i} was one of the persons primarily responsible
for the survival of the FRY as a state.38 For a period of time, Ms. Vu~i} was at
"the bank" while the bank director was Slobodan Milo{evi}.39 In Mr. Kertes'
opinion, "whatever Milo{evi} learned about the banking system, he learned
from Borka Vu~i}."40
33
IT-01-5-I at paragraph 15.
34
R2(a), V000-3790, English Transcript, 18 January 2002, Tape 1 of 2, pp. 65 - 66.
35
Ibid, V000-3792, English Transcript, 20 January 2002, p. 62; V000-3792, 20 January 2002, Tape 1
of 2, at 14:46.
36
Ibid, at pp. 71 - 72 of Transcript and 15:26 - 15:27 of video.
37
Ibid, at p. 71 of Transcript and 15:26 of video.
38
Ibid, at pp. 74 - 76 of transcript and 15:36 of video.
39
Ms. Vu~i} was previously an Executive Vice President of the Udruzena Beogradska Banks when
Slobodan Milo{evi} was the President of this bank. Udruzena Beogradska Banka later merged with
another Yugoslav bank to become Beogradska Banka a.d.
40
R2(a), V000-3792, English Transcript, 20 January 2002, p. 75; V000-3792, 20 January 2002, Tape 2
of 2, at 15:37-15:38.
27. The Office of the Prosecutor has obtained some of the travel records of Mihalj
Kertes, and I have reviewed a copy of these records. These travel records
disclose that Mr. Kertes has visited Cyprus on several occasions.41 These
visits included trips to Cyprus on 8 October 1996 for approximately two days,
26 February 1998 for approximately three days, 21 September 1998 and on 27
December 1998 for less than twenty-four hours.42 On 27 December 1998, Mr.
41
R3(a) Diplomatic Passport of Mihalj Kertes(z), ERN 02051314-02051329:
R3(a)(i)ERN 02051323, Arrival Stamp, Immigration Control, Cyprus, 27 December 1998 and
Departure Stamp, Immigration Control, Cyprus, 28 December 1998.
R3(a)(ii) ERN 0251322, Arrival Stamp, Immigration Control, Cyprus, 26 February 1998 and
Departure Stamp, Immigration Control, Cyprus, 1 March 1998.
Arrival Stamp, Immigration Control, Cyprus, 8 October 1996 and Departure Stamp,
Immigration Control, Cyprus, 10 October 1996.
42
R3(b) Notes Verbales
R3(b)(i) ERN 02051172, 25 December 1998, Note Verbale from Embassy of FRY in Cyprus to
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Cyprus, Protocol Division, Nicosia:
"The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia presents its compliments to the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus and has the honour to request the V.I.P. lounge at
Larnaca Airport for Member of the Federal Government of Yugoslavia, Mr. Mihalj Kertes,
arriving to the Larnaka Airport by special flight, on December 27 1998 at 13:25.
The Federal Minister will be welcomed by H.E. the Ambassador of Yugoslavia, Ivan Mrki}.
The same facilities are requested for December 28, 1998 due to the departure of the Yugoslav
Minister, at 0800."
…..
R3(b)(ii) ERN 02051168, 21 September 1998, Note Verbale from Embassy of FRY in Cyprus to
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Protocol Division, Nicosia:
"The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia presents its compliments to the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus and has the honour to request for (sic) VIP
Lounge at Larnaca Airport for H.E. the Ambassador Ivan Mrki}, who will welcome Mr.
Mihalj KERTES, member of the Federal Government of Yugoslavia and director of the
Customs, arriving by special flight from Belgrade on September 21, 1998, at 13:00."
…..
R3(b)(iii) ERN 02051169, 8 October 1996, Note Verbale from Embassy of FRY in
Cyprus to Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicosia:
"The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia presents its compliments
to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus and has the
honour to request for (sic) the V.I.P. Lounge at the Larnaca Airport on
October 8, 1996, at 21:00.
Miss Melina Krtinic, Second Secretary, will be at the Airport to welcome the Delegation
headed by the General Director of Federal Customs Authorities Mr. Mihalj Kertes, who is
coming on a short unofficial visit to Cyprus.
Mr. Kertes is accompanied by Mr. Slobodan Grahovac, director, his wife, Mr. M. Sarac,
director, Mr. Zoran Malkovi}, executive director of Beogradska Banka and Mrs. Borka Vu~i}.
….
The same facilities are requested for October 9th, 1996, at 18.00." …..
43
R3© ERN F1026923, 27 December 1998, Customs Declaration by "Drakomir" Stojkovic, to
Central Bank of Cyprus:
"For Browncourt Enterprises Ltd. Account with Cyprus Popular Bank, Ltd.
I, 'Drakomir' Stojkovic, resident of Yugoslavia,
….
On arrival at Larnaca Airport in the Republic of Cyprus per Private Flight from Belgrade
hereby declare that I have in my possession the following currency/bank notes and/or gold:
DFM 34838895000 - (Thirty four million, eight hundred thirty eight thousand and eight
hundred ninety five D. Marks),
NOK 3,600.00 (Three thousand six hundred Norewegian Kroner),
PTE 2000.00 (Two Thousand Portugese Escudo),
SEL 6320.00 (Six Thousand Three Hundred and Twenty Swedish Kroner),
CHF 709200.00 (Seventy Thousand and nine hundred twenty Swiss Francs),
GP 580.00 (Five hundred Eighty Sterling Pds),
USD 149,142.00 (One hundred forty nine thousand and one hundred forty two US Dollars."
44
Ibid.
45
F1027035 and F1027033 (Deposit Vouchers), and F100 1007 (Bank Statement of Browncourt
Enterprises Ltd.
the Republic of Serbia. These funds were used to support, inter alia, the
security organs of the governments of the FRY and the Republic of Serbia.47
29. On Sunday, 1 April 2001, Mr. Milošević was arrested on domestic charges and
taken into custody by Officers from the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of
Serbia. Mr. Milošević was charged with the offences of misuse of official
position and organising to commit criminal acts under the Criminal Code of
the Republic of Serbia and the Criminal Code of the Federal Republic of
Yugoslavia. These charges relate, in part, to allegations that whilst serving in
the capacity as the President of the Republic of Serbia to 17 May 1997 and
subsequently serving in the capacity of the President of the Federal Republic
of Yugoslavia (“FRY”) until 5 October 2000, Mr. Milošević misused his
official position to “obtain material and other benefits for himself, for a
number of other persons and the Socialist party of Serbia and the President of
the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia”.48
46
R2(a), V000-3790, 18 January 2002, English Transcript, Tape 2 of 2, pp. 65-66.
47
The OTP has received copies of two statements provided by Slobodan Milo{evi} in a domestic
criminal proceeding against him in the FRY. I have reviewed these statements (hereinafter referred to
as "R4(b)" and "R4(c)").
48
R4(a)
49
Ibid.
50
The MUP provided a transcript of this interview to the OTP. I have reviewed a copy of this
transcript (attached hereto and hereinafter referred to as "R4(b)").
32. On 2 April 2001 Slobodan Milošević also issued a three page signed statement
to the Investigative Judge of the Regional Court in Belgrade appealing against
the decision by that judge to detain him in custody.51 In this signed statement,
Slobodan Milošević said, inter alia:
"Those “others” whose benefit was the sole object throughout this
period are our state and people, the defence and security of our
country, and our economy…..
33. I have examined additional material provided by the OTP to determine if this
material corroborates the statements made by Mihalj Kertes and Slobodan
Milo{evi} concerning the financial structure.
34. Former Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Finance Minister Jovan Zebi}
confirmed that Slobodan Milo{evi}, as President of the Republic of Serbia,
played a central role in the decision to use cash funds from the Federal
Customs Administration to finance state institutions:52
….
"Sometime in 1995 we had another meeting with President MILO[EVI] as a
part of on-going co-ordination. President MILO[EVI] and myself were
present on that occasion, I cannot remember if [AINOVI] or KONTI] were
also there. It was agreed that a part of the customs taxes could be paid in cash.
On that occasion President MILO[EVI] explained that circumstances were
hard and that it is not possible to ensure normal financing of the state bodies
so it had to be done in that way. So he explained it all with the current
situation, we did not make any comments and we agreed.
….
At the time the President of FRY was Zoran LILI], MILO[EVI] came only
in 1997. All the above-mentioned consultations that we had until 1997 we had
with the President of Serbia, Slobodan MILO[EVI]. LILI] was almost
always present on these occasions, he would preside the meeting but would
not interfere. There consultations were held in the office of President
MILO[EVI] on Andri}ev venac, and most frequently in Boti}eva Street.
Whenever I went to Boti}eva street LILI] would be there."
35. Nikola [ainovi} is the former Deputy Prime Minister of the FRY. In a
53
statement provided during a criminal proceeding in the FRY, Mr. [ainovi}
described how on several occasions, in his capacity as vice-president of the
52
The OTP had received a copy of a statement made by Jovan Zebi} on 29 March 2001. This
statement bears ERN 0205-1187-0205-1189 and is attached hereto.
53
The OTP has obtained a copy of this statement, dated 16 May 2001 and bearing ERN 03021631 -
03021637.
"Between March 1996 and sometime around March 1997 I was vice-president
of the SPS/Socialist Party of Serbia/, and before and after this I was a member
of the main board of the party. Every party, including the SPS, is financed by
donors. The money is used for conducting party activities, particularly in an
election year, as was the case in 1996. The money is spent on paying activists,
organising rallies, transport to these rallies, printing material and everything
else. Donors invested not only money, but various assets, services and work.
All of us in the SPS leadership contacted people who might be donors for the
party, so I had contact with various people in this period, seeking money for
financing the party without obligation of repayment. I consequently had
contact with Mihalj KERTES on several occasions. He was also a member of
the senior SPS leadership. On three occasions he gave me German marks as
had been previously agreed.
KERTES gave me this money with no obligation for repayment, and I did not
ask him even once where it had come from. I assumed that he had collected
the money from various donors. It did not cross my mind that this was
Customs money even though I took it in his office. I could not have known
that and nor did I ask.
On all three occasions, I took the money in envelopes. There was no one
present apart from those I have mentioned when I took the money.
On all three occasions I handed the money over to the Service dealing with
finance in the SPS. As far as I know, the money was used for the purpose I
have previously described."
….
36. Jovica Stani{i} was head of the RDB from 1991 until 27 October 1998, when
he was replaced by Mr. Radomir Markovi}.54 With respect to the funding of
the RDB during this period, Mr. Stani{i} confirmed that funds from the
Federal Customs Administration financed the RDB:55
"Bernard O'Donnell: When we were talking on Frid.. err on Thursday actually, there
was a discussion of Mihajlo KERTES, and you said that some of the revenue
from the federal custom service went directly to the Serbian Government?
Jovica Stani{i}: Yes.
Bernard O'Donnell: And that the Serbian MUP was financed in this way?
Jovica Stani{i}: Yes.
Bernard O'Donnell: Including the DB and the JB?
Jovica Stani{i}: Yes.
…..
Bernard O'Donnell: Do you know how much of the funding of the DB came from
the custom service as opposed to from any other regular budget?
Jovica Stani{i}: I think this was quite a lot, this went on for two three years. The
Government crisis was was was great crisis. But there is no answering to this,
because he gave to everybody, to the government, to companies, to to
hospitals, to to counts the hundreds of institutions. I know that this helped the
Ministry a lot. He gave cars, we couldn’t get cars otherwise we were under
sanctions. He would -- if they would have a car of the borders – err of the
customs he would write a decision about this and hand it over to the Ministry.
The same thing happened with the hospitals, and to the Army. These were
hundreds and hundreds, thousands of cars. This was a huge help."
….
54
Between 8 November 2001 and 13 November 2001, investigators from the OTP interviewed Mr.
Jovica Stani{i}. I have reviewed the transcript of this interview, portions of which are attached hereto
as R7.
55
R7, p. 171 - 172.
37. Radomir Markovi} was the head of the RDB from October 1998 to January
2001. Mr. Markovi} confirms the relationship between Mr. Kertes and
Slobodan Milo{evi} as well as the transfer of foreign currency funds from the
Federal Customs Administration for the use of the RDB. Mr. Markovi}
provided two statements to the MUP and participated in a suspect interview
with OTP investigators.56 In these statements and interview, Mr. Markovi}
confirms: the personal involvement of Slobodan Milo{evi} in procuring funds
for the RDB; that he would inform Slobodan Milo{evi} of the RDB’s needs
during “direct and regular work contacts”; and that Slobodan Milo{evi} would
then communicate directly with Mr. Kertes to meet these needs. Mr.
Markovi} describes two occasions when Slobodan Milo{evi} ordered that
foreign currency reserves be procured which were then used to procure
helicopter equipment and special vehicles for the RDB's Special Operations
Unit.
I did not see this foreign currency, but as far as I know it went to a
bank which transferred it to a bank account through which this
56
On 17, 18 and 21 January 2002, OTP investigators interviewed Mr. Rade Markovi}. Mr. Markovi}
was head of the RDB from October 1998 through January 2001. During this interview, two statements
that had previously been provided to the OTP by officials from the MUP were shown to Mr. Markovi}.
I have reviewed these statements, which relate to a domestic criminal prosecution against Mr.
Markovi}. Statement 1, made on 22 May 2001, has OTP evidence reference number 02051418 to
02051421. Statement 2, made on 28 March 2001, has OTP evidence reference number 02051194 to
02051195. Copies of these statements are attached hereto as R8(b) and R8(c), respectively. During the
interview, Mr. Markovi} stated that R7(b) and R7(c) are statements that he made voluntarily to
representatives of the MUP and that the information contained in these statements is correct.
equipment was paid for abroad. I do not know about the technicalities
of this payment because it was all finished relatively quickly in a
period of 1-3 months and the equipment was used as intended for the
requirements of the service of which I was head.
…………………………………..
Using the RDB budget in MUP could usually solve the problems.
Slobodan MILO[EVI] would afterwards in direct contact with
KERTES order him to meet our requests and what happened
afterwards depended on the current SUC resources. Technically the
agreements would be carried out in the usual manner. The actual
paying for the needed equipment and supplies was carried out via
Beogradska Bank and other banks that I was not familiar with. After
MILO[EVI] had issued orders to KERTES, I would get in touch with
KERTES and discuss the realization. It was usually carried out by
Marjan ZOVI] and Ra{a KANDI] from RDB. (emphasis added)
39. In R8(a), the transcript of the interview with Mr. Markovi}, Mr. Markovi}
confirmed that Mihalj Kertes, on the orders of Slobodan Milo{evi}, provided
funds for certain departments and services of the RDB as well as funds for the
purchase of arms and equipment for the RDB.57 Mr. Markovi} explained that
Slobodan Milo{evi} had "exceptional confidence" in Mr. Kertes.58 Mr.
Markovi} also confirmed that "all the units that formed part of the Ministry of
Interior were sent to Kosovo."59
40. On 20 February 2001 Ms. Borka Vu~i} (formerly the Chief of the Beogradska
Bank Offshore Banking Unit located in Cyprus and the FRY minister
responsible for negotiating with international financial institutions) was
interviewed by two officials of the MUP.60 The notes of the meeting with Ms.
Vu~i} state, inter alia, that:
“She stated that a need of special state interest for paying orders /bills/
occurred in 1997. Due to the nature of the business she did not
investigate the details but she was taking care for the realisation of the
orders /bills/. Money for these purposes would be provided by Federal
Customs Services either in the way of the Customs workers bringing
the money directly to Cyprus, or by deposit in vault of Beogradska
banka in Belgrade as open storage room for transfer to Cyprus. On the
side of delivering cash, instructions for urgent paying without noting of
the purpose had been announced.
57
R8(a), 17 January 2002, Tape 2, p.2 and 21 January 2002, Tape 1, p. 13.
58
Ibid, at p. 12.
59
R8(a), 13 March 2002, Tape 1, p. 6.
60
I have reviewed a copy of the notes made during this interview (hereinafter referred to as "R9")
which are attached hereto.
As she knows, bills for 38.400.000 German Marks for equipment for
special purposes for Army of Yugoslavia and MUP of Republic Serbia
were paid through BB COVU (company) to the following beneficiaries:
41. Between 23 and 25 April 2001, senior officials from the MUP met with OTP
investigators.61 According to the notes of this meeting, the senior officials of
the MUP told the investigators, inter alia, that:
i. In order to avoid the United Nations sanctions, the authorities of
Yugoslavia had set up a number of companies and bank accounts
based in Cyprus and Greece. The actual controllers of these companies
were concealed from the banking officials in Cyprus and Greece. This
concealment was achieved by placing the names of individuals who
had no knowledge of the companies, and who were, in effect,
unwitting and unknowing participants in the scheme, on the official
bank disclosure documents. These companies traded on behalf of
Yugoslav companies. However these companies appeared to third
parties to be Cypriot or Greek companies; and
ii. Mihalj Kertes had used several entities in his scheme to transfer cash
from the Federal Customs Administration to accounts held in the name
of offshore (non-Yugoslavian) companies. The following entities were
identified as being the receivers of the illegal cash: Abridge, Neocom,
C.C. Chidiac, Avia Trend, Microtri and Nitraco.
61
I have reviewed a copy of the notes taken from this meeting (hereinafter referred to as "R10(a)"),
which are attached hereto.
42. Between 16 - 18 October 2001, OTP investigators again met with Senior
members of the MUP.62 According to the notes produced at this meeting an
individual named Slobodan Rajh, through the company Abridge Trading Ltd.,
supplied the MUP with weapons and other material during the wars in Croatia,
Bosnia and Kosovo. Mr Slobodan Rajh is a close friend of Mr. Franko
Simatovi}.
R11 Notes of Meeting with Du{an Lali}, General Manager of the National
Bank of Yugoslavia
43. On 11 July 2001 staff from the OTP met with Mr. Du{an Lali}, a General
Manager (for the Legal Department) of the NBY.63 In relation to the overseas
banking transactions conducted by the FRY during the 1990’s, Mr. Lali}
stated:
44. These comments by Mr. Lali} confirm the important position that Ms. Vu~i}
had in Yugoslav banking during the 1990’s and the reason why she was sent to
the Republic of Cyprus.
62
I have reviewed a copy of the notes taken from this meeting (hereinafter referred to as "R10(b)"),
which are attached hereto.
63
I have reviewed a copy of the notes taken during this meeting (hereinafter referred to as "R11")
which are attached hereto.
45. On 15 December 2000, the current Governor of the NBY, Mladjan Dinki},
wrote a letter (hereinafter "R12") to Afxentis Afxentiou, the Governor of the
Central Bank of Cyprus64 This letter explains, in part, the role of offshore
business units in Cyprus to complete financial transactions on behalf of the
Milo{evi} regime:
46. In the interview of Ms. Borka Vu~i} described above, she identifies six
companies that were the recipient of funds in this financial structure. These
companies were provided with the funds to purchase equipment for the MUP
and VJ. According to Ms. Vu~i}, the names of the enterprises and the
amounts these companies received are:
47. Senior officials of the MUP also identified these six companies as being the
“receivers of illegal cash”. I presume that these senior officials based this
statement on their interview of Ms. Borka Vu~i}.
64
I have reviewed a copy of R12 obtained by the OTP, attached hereto.
49. Mr. Rajh stated that through his friendship with Franko Simatovi}, he met
Jovica Stani{i}, the head of the RDB. Mr. Rajh explained that "all my
business activities went through bank transfers" and stated that most of
Abridge Trading's banking activities were conducted with the Hellenic Bank
in Cyprus:66
I began, again, to practice my basic profession that I had been doing with
Yugoheijma, namely, cooperating with Serbian and Federal Government
ministries to assist them in arranging supplies for their needs. This business
lasted until sanctions again were placed on foreign dealings with Yugoslavia
in 1999.67
65
This statement, referred to as "R13", bears ERN F104-3005-F104-3017 and is attached hereto. In
R13, Mr. Rajh describes himself as a businessman, "electronical engineer" and "foreign trade expert"
and explains how for eighteen years, from 1974 to 1992, he worked for the Yugoslav company
"Jugohemija." Mr. Rajh's role at Jugohemija was to negotiate with international suppliers and purchase
the equipment and machinery necessary for the Yugoslavian and Republic government and their
ministries. Mr. Rajh expressly denied that he has ever been an agent of the RDB. In 1994, Mr. Rajh
decided to move to Cyprus to operate a trading company. The name of the company that Mr. Rajh
operated in Cyprus was called "Abridge Trading". Abridge Trading became an active trading company
in early 1994.
66
Ibid, at pp. 7 - 8.
51. Swiss banking records disclose that Aviatrend was incorporated in Gibraltar on
13 July 1994. The beneficial owners of Aviatrend were identified as Valeri
Tchernyi, born on 23 April 1949, and Alexandre Chtchegolev, who each have
a 50% stake in the company through their nominee companies. Valeri
Tchernyi is a Russian citizen. According to banking documentation, when
Aviatrend opened a Swiss bank account, Valeri Tchernyi was stated to be the
sole beneficial owner of Aviatrend. Valeri Tchernyi is a signatory of the
Aviatrend accounts held with the Commercial Bank Neftinvestbank in Sofia,
Bulgaria and with the Compagnie Bancaire Geneve in Switzerland. Bulgarian
police officials have stated to the OTP that Valeri Tchernyi is also known by
Interpol under the name Viktor Vassilievich Dudenkov and is alleged to be
connected with arms trafficking. A recent United Nations report also alleged
that Mr. Tchernyi (or "Cherny") was involved in arms trafficking.73
67
Ibid, at p. 8.
68
Ibid.
69
Ibid.
70
Ibid.
71
Ibid, at p. 12.
72
Ibid, at p. 10.
73
Part of the Executive Summary of this report is attached hereto as "Attachment C."
53. Nitrako Inc. is a Panamanian company and was incorporated on 5 May 1993.
The Director of the company is Mr. Yan Shukun who is a Chinese National,
born on 8 January 1954. On 3 February 1994 Mr. Shukun issued a Power of
Attorney (backdated to 24 November 1993) to Mr. Momcilo Katani}, born 30
December 1947, and a Yugoslav national “to open and close accounts and to
withdraw and receive funds”. On 3 November 1993, Mr. Yan Shukun issued
an authorisation to Ms. Ljiljana Katani} and Mr. Zeljko Miksi} to operate
various USD, DM and ITL denominated bank accounts that Nitrako Inc. had
opened with the Bank Fur Arbeit und Wirschaft.
Part B
55. From my review of the banking documentation that relates to the Cyprus
Popular Bank, I can state that in the years 1990 and 1991 the National Bank of
Yugoslavia maintained and operated bank accounts with BB COBU. From
1992 until 2000 these accounts were either dormant or the funds in these
accounts were frozen by the Republic of Cyprus acting on the requests of
successor states (Croatia and Slovenia).
57. Cypriot law allows for nominee individuals to be named as the Directors and
Shareholders of Cypriot companies on company incorporation documents, and
only requires the identity of the actual controller of the company (the
"nominated beneficial owner") to be provided to the National Bank of Cyprus.
The Cyprus National Bank documents record the beneficial owners of these
companies as: Vantervest: -Ms. Zagorka Corovi}; Antexol: -Ljlijana
Randenkovi} (until 1995) then Ms. Radmilla Budisin; Lamoral: -Mrs. Olga
Niki}; Hillsay: -Ms. Zagorka Corovi}; Southmed - incorporated in Guernsey
on 23 April 1993 and established in Cyprus by the law firm of Tassos
Papadopoulos in December 1993. Cabcom was incorporated in the British
Virgin Islands on 28 February 1997 (under Cypriot law, as Southmed and
Cabcom are incorporated in a foreign jurisdiction, there is no requirement to
forward the names of the beneficial owner(s) of the company to the Central
58. Notes of an OTP interview with Ms. Radmila Budisin disclose that Browncourt
was created without her signature, knowledge, or permission and she had no
control of the company since its inception in June 1995.74 Ms. Budisin further
stated that she has no knowledge of the company Antexol being transferred to
her in 1995 and this transfer was done without her signature, knowledge or
permission. She is the distant relative of Borka Vu~i}’s deceased husband.
59. A statement provided by Ms. Ljlijana Radenkovi}75 to the OTP discloses that
since 1989 she has worked for the Anglo- Yugo Bank (“AY Bank”) in
London. Beogradska Bank, Belgrade is the majority shareholder of AY Bank.
In late 1995 or early 1996, Borka Vu~i} told her that in order to prevent the
seizure of the assets of Beogradska, as a result of a large lawsuit, Ms. Vu~i}
was planning to establish several trading companies under different names and
to transfer Beogradska Bank’s liquid assets to the accounts of these
companies. Ms. Radenkovi} was told by Ms. Vuci} to sign an undated
document that referred to the establishment of a company in Cyprus known as
Antexol. The document authorised Beogradska Banka, Offshore Banking
Unit, Nicosia to handle all the affairs and transactions of the company. Ms.
Radenkovi} had no further discussion with any officials regarding Antexol.
60. The Cypriot companies operated bank accounts with banks located in the
Republic of Cyprus and the Republic of Greece. An examination of the
banking records provided by the Republic of Cyprus to the OTP reveals that
many of the transactions conducted by these eight companies were performed
following instructions from staff at BB COBU, including Ms. Borka Vu~i}.
74
A copy of these notes is attached hereto as R14.
75
OTP Investigator Rohan Schaap interviewed Liljana Radenkovi} on the 25th and 27th of March 2001.
Witness statement Radenkovi}, OTP evidence reference no. FI008295 - FI008299.
61. I have analysed the banking records for the eight Cypriot companies to
determine the origin of the deposits made into their Cypriot bank accounts.
My analysis reveals that large amounts of foreign currency in various
denominations were deposited into these accounts in the period July 1992 –
June 2000. I have been able to determine that the total of the cash deposits
made into the Cypriot bank accounts of these companies in the period July
1992 - June 2000 was at least:
DEM 1.032.207.200,00
USD 80.038.242,00
CHF 63.809.060,00
ATS 390.241.674,00
AUD 546.843,00
SEK 1.940.213,00
FRF 23.509.234,00
GBP 312.926,00
BEF 223.876,00
ITL 589.233.348,00
62. I have further been able to determine that for the period January 1998 - June
1999 that the total of the cash deposits made into the Cypriot bank accounts of
these companies was at least:
DEM 508.569.995,00
USD 20.652.385,00
CHF 15.907.727,00
ATS 257.909.414,00
AUD 9.990,00
SEK 793.240,00
FRF 6.047.537,00
GBP 61.374,00
BEF 223.876,00
63. From my analysis I can state that the three companies, Vantervest, Browncourt
and Vericon, were the major recipients of these cash deposits. There was
relatively little cash deposited into any of the bank accounts of the eight
Cypriot Companies after March 1999.
64. I have reviewed the documents relating to the deposits of cash in the bank
accounts of the eight Cypriot companies. These documents include the
Cypriot Customs declarations completed by the individuals transporting the
cash into Cyprus. The customs declarations require the name and passport
number of the person taking the cash into Cyprus (“the cash courier”). The
cash couriers are all revealed to be Yugoslavian citizens, who accompanied
the cash on private and commercial flights from the FRY, Greece, Bulgaria
and Hungary.
65. Several of the names of the cash couriers are identical to the names of persons
listed as employees of Beogradska Banka A.D. in Belgrade and BB COBU in
Cyprus. The Cypriot customs declarations disclose that Mr. Zoran Markovic
and Mr. Slobodan Acimovic accompanied the cash on a number of occasions.
Mr. Zoran Markovi} was an Executive Director with Beogradska Banka A.D.
in Belgrade and a Mr. Slobodan Acimovic was an Assistant Managing
Director at BB COBU in Cyprus76.
66. Cypriot customs forms reveal that Mr. "Drakomir" or "Dragomir" Stojkovic
declared large amounts of foreign currency to Cypriot Customs officials on
many occasions. On one occasion, on 27 December 1998, he declared that he
was importing a total of DEM 34.838.895,00 into Cyprus. This declaration
date of 27 December 1998 is the same date that Mihalj Kertes visited Cyprus.
Mr. Kertes acknowledged that on one occasion, he accompanied a large
amount of cash that he knew to have originated in the Federal Customs
Administration. In total, "Drakomir" or "Dragomir" Stojkovi} declared a total
of DEM 453.063.376,00 through Cypriot Customs in the period March 1998 -
March 1999, and all of this amount was credited to the DEM account,
76
FI025410 - FI025442: 1995 Annual Report for Beogradska Banka A.D. in Belgrade (Zoran
Markovi} is on FI025438)
67. Below is a detailed breakdown of the cash deposits into Browncourt's DEM
account no. 048-33-17016 with Cyprus Popular Bank in the Republic of
Cyprus in the period January 1998 - March 1999. The table also makes
reference to the Customs declarations relevant for these cash deposits. Apart
from one cash deposit made on 9 April 1998, I have been able to trace all of
the cash deposits in the period January 1998 to June 1999 to Cyprus customs
declarations.
1992 FI025404 - FI025409, 1992 Annual Report for Beogradska Banka D.D. Cyprus Offshore Unit.
(Borka Vu~i} and Slobodan Acimovi} appear on FI025405).
22/06/98 Purchase Foreign Currency DEM 8,566,854 FI000979 FI026972 Stojkovic FI026971
Notes
02/07/98 Purchase Foreign Currency DEM FI000981 FI026975 Stojkovic FI026974
Notes 20,434,215
13/07/98 Purchase Foreign Currency DEM FI000983 FI026978 Stojkovic FI026977
Notes 12,971,925
20/07/98 Purchase Foreign Currency DEM 8,120,451 FI000983 FI026980 Stojkovic FI026979
Notes
27/07/98 Purchase Foreign Currency DEM 9,287,867 FI000985 FI026983 Stojkovic FI026982
Notes
03/08/98 Purchase Foreign Currency DEM FI000985 FI026985 Stojkovic FI026984
Notes 14,369,616
10/08/98 Purchase Foreign Currency DEM FI000987 FI026988 Stojkovic FI026987
Notes 14,437,333
24/08/98 Purchase Foreign Currency DEM FI000989 FI026991 Stojkovic FI026990
Notes 14,763,276
31/08/98 Purchase Foreign Currency DEM 9,267,463 FI000989 FI026993 Stojkovic FI026992
Notes
07/09/98 Purchase Foreign Currency DEM FI000991 FI026996 Stojkovic FI026995
Notes 10,146,553
14/09/98 Purchase Foreign Currency DEM 9,534,241 FI000993 FI026999 Markovic FI026998
Notes
17/09/98 Purchase Foreign Currency DEM FI000993 FI027001 Stojkovic FI027000
Notes 15,667,157
22/09/98 Purchase Foreign Currency DEM 6,401,671 FI000993 FI027003 Stojkovic FI027002
Notes
02/10/98 Purchase Foreign Currency DEM FI000995 FI027006 Stojkovic FI027005
Notes 19,764,370
15/10/98 Purchase Foreign Currency DEM FI000997 FI027009 Stojkovic FI027008
Notes 15,140,209
02/11/98 Purchase Foreign Currency DEM FI000999 FI027012 Stojkovic FI027011
Notes 23,182,913
09/11/98 Purchase Foreign Currency DEM 9,846,188 FI000999 FI027014 Stojkovic FI027013
Notes
16/11/98 Purchase Foreign Currency DEM 9,969,805 FI001001 FI027017 Stojkovic FI027016
Notes
23/11/98 Purchase Foreign Currency DEM 8,409,327 FI001001 FI027019 Stojkovic FI027018
Notes
30/11/98 Purchase Foreign Currency DEM 5,810,748 FI001003 FI027022 Stojkovic FI027021
Notes
09/12/98 Purchase Foreign Currency DEM 8,986,099 FI001005 FI027025 Stojkovic FI027024
Notes
14/12/98 Purchase Foreign Currency DEM 6,003,835 FI001005 FI027027 Stojkovic FI027026
Notes
21/12/98 Purchase Foreign Currency DEM FI001005 FI027029 Stojkovic FI027028
Notes 32,829,022
23/12/98 Purchase Foreign Currency DEM FI001005 FI027031 Markovic FI027030
Notes 13,133,273
28/12/98 Purchase Foreign Currency DEM FI001007 FI027034 Stojkovic FI027033
Notes 17,982,000
28/12/98 Purchase Foreign Currency DEM FI001007 FI027034 Stojkovic FI027035
Notes 16,822,056
68. From my analysis of the bank statements, customs declarations and vouchers
of the eight Cypriot companies, it is my opinion that large amounts of foreign
currency were deposited in cash into the account of Browncourt. As the
deposits were in cash, it is impossible with absolute certainty to ascertain the
source of the funds when conducting only an examination of the banking
vouchers and bank statements. However, it is my opinion that based on the
names of the individuals depositing the currency, the method of deposit via
plane from Yugoslavia, the large amounts involved and the account into which
these deposits were made, (an account controlled by representatives of BB
COBU), the deposits corroborate information concerning the financial
structure described in Part A of this report.
69. For the period January 1998 to June 1999, I have traced a number of the debits
(payments) from the DEM Browncourt accounts held with the Cyprus Popular
Bank to external sources. By "external sources" I mean transactions not going
to an account of one of the eight Cypriot companies. These debits total
approx. DEM 62 million, consisting of 290 transactions. I have also traced a
70. Included in the payments that I have been able to trace are payments to
Abridge Trading Ltd., Aviatrend Ltd., Microti Ltd., Neocom Trading Ltd. and
Nitrako Inc. Also, I have been able to trace payments to CC Chidiac, but these
transactions occurred outside of the period from 1 January 1998 to 30 June
1999. According to Ms. Borka Vu~i}, Abridge Trading Ltd., Aviatrend Ltd.,
Microti Ltd., Neocom Trading Ltd. and Nitrako Inc. are five of the six
companies that received payments on behalf of the MUP and the VJ for the
purchase of "special purposes equipment."77
71. Abridge was established in Cyprus in June 1992. At the time it was established
the shareholders of the company were Mr. Slobodan Rajh and Mr. Branko
Jeremi} both from Belgrade, Yugoslavia. They both held an equal share of
Abridge, either as direct owners or through a nominee company. The directors
of Abridge are stated as being Branko Jeremi}, Slobodan Rajh and Vesna
Simatovi} and the signatories to Abridge accounts are Vesna Simatovi} or
Slobodan Rajh.
72. I have reviewed the bank statements, account opening documentation and
vouchers for the bank accounts of Abridge held with the Hellenic Bank,
Limassol Main Branch (one USD account and one DM account) and the
Federal Bank of the Middle East (FBME) Limassol Branch (two USD
77
R9
78
R13(A) ERN F1021916, Document Establishing Abridge Trading Limited in Cyprus, 26 June
1992. Fifty percent of ownership pertained to Mr. Branko Jeremi} and fifty percent
of ownership pertained to Mr. Slobodan Rajh.
R13(B) ERN F1021913, Certificate Establishing Directors of Abridge Trading Limited:
Slobodan Rajh, Branko Jeremi} and Vesna Simatovi}, 6 September 1994.
R13(a) ERN F1025925, 9 December 1996, Transfer of USD 127,500 from Abridge Trading,
Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Elop Electro Optics Industries, Ltd., Bank
Hapoalim BM, Rehovot, Israel.
R13(b) ERN F1025949, 18 May 1997, Request for Transfer of USD 706,500 from Abridge
Trading, Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Elop Electrooptics Industries,
Ltd., Bank Hapoalim BM, Rehovot, Israel, Signed by "S. Rajh".
R13(c) ERN F1025948, 21 May 1997, Transfer of USD 706,500 from Abridge Trading,
Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Elop Electrooptics Industries, Ltd., Bank
Hapoalim BM, Rehovot, Israel.
R13(d) ERN F1025983, 10 October 1997, Transfer of USD 33,553 from Abridge Trading,
Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Radom Aviation Products Manufacturing
1989 Ltd., Bank Leumi, Petach Tikva, Israel.
R13(e) ERN F1026026, Request for Transfer of GBP 5,000 from Abridge Trading, Ltd.,
Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Slingsby Amphibious Hovercraft, Ltd., Lloyd's
Bank, London and Request for Transfer of USD 127,500 from Abridge Trading, Ltd.,
Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of "Elop", Bank Hapoalim BM, Rehovot, Israel.
R13(f) ERN F1026028, 27 January 1998, Transfer of USD 127,500 from Abridge Trading,
Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of "Elop", Bank Hapoalim BM, Rehovot,
Israel.
R13(g) ERN F1026030, 29 January 1998, Transfer of USD 52,750 from Abridge Trading,
Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Afid Spe Ltd., United Mizrahi Bank Ltd.,
Tel Aviv ("Payment for Goggles Advance")
R13(h) ERN F1026049, 26 February 1998, Request for Transfer of USD 64,275 from
Abridge Trading, Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Afid s.p.e. Ltd., Mizrahi
Bank Ltd., Israel, "Advance Payment for 10 Goggles" (signed by "S. Rajh").
R13(i) ERN F1026048, 27 February 1998, Transfer of USD 64,275 from Abridge Trading,
Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Afid S.P.E. Ltd., Mizrahi Bank Ltd.,
Israel.
R13(j) ERN F1026057, 9 March 1998, Request for Transfer of USD 22,500 from Abridge
Trading, Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Elop, Bank Hapoalim Ltd.,
Rehovot, Israel, Signed by "S. Rajh," partial payment for Invoice No. 98018951, sent
to:
Staza Ltd., Mientija Popovica 6, Apartment 111, Belgrade, Yugoslavia.
R13(k) ERN F1026058, 9 March 1998, Debit Advice Regarding Transfer of USD 22,500
from Abridge Trading, Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus.
R13(l) ERN F1026069, 27 March 1998, Application for Foreign Exchange Transfer of USD
117,855 from Abridge Trading Ltd., to Elop Electro-Optics Industries, Ltd., Bank
Hapoalim BM, Rehovot, Israel.
R13(m) ERN F1026059, 30 March 1998, Transfer of USD 37,500 from Abridge Trading,
Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Elop Industries, Ltd., Bank Hapoalim BM,
Rehovot, Israel.
R13(n) ERN F1026067, 2 April 1998, Transfer of USD 117,855 from Abridge Trading Ltd.,
Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Electro Optics Industries Ltd., Bank Hapoalim
BM, Rehovot, Israel.
R13(o) ERN F1026068, 2 April 1998, Verification of Transfer of USD 117,855 from
Abridge Trading Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Electro Optics Industries
Ltd., Bank Hapoalim BM, Rehovot, Israel.
R13(p) ERN F1026146 - F1026148, 7 May 1998, Credit Documents concerning eventual
transfer of USD 85,675 from Abridge Trading, Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to
account of M/S International Technologies (Lasers) Ltd., Israeli Discount Bank, Ltd.,
Tel Aviv, Israel, for Transportation from Israel Airport to Belgrade Airport.
R13(q) ERN F1026088, 18 May 1998, Transfer of USD 60,000 from Abridge Trading Ltd.,
Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Electro Optics Industries Ltd., Bank Hapoalim
BM, Rehovot, Israel.
R13(r) ERN F1026109, 23 June 1998, Request for Transfer of USD 20,000 from Abridge
Trading Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Afid S.P.E. Ltd., United Mizrahi
Bank Ltd., Israel, signed by "S. Rajh."
R13(s) ERN F1026228 - F1026229, 23 June 1998, Application for Documentary Credit,
Applicant: Abridge Trading Ltd., Cyprus, Beneficiary: Noga Lite Ltd., Israel,
Amount: USD 140,000, Description of Goods: 20 Pocket Scope and 20 D/N Units,
CIF Belgrade Airport, Goods Consigned to M/S Abridge Trading Ltd., Belgrade
Office.
R13(t) ERN F1026230, 25 June 1998, Credit documents concerning eventual transfer of
USD 140,000 from Abridge Trading Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Noga
Lite Ltd., Bank Leumi, Tel Aviv, Israel.
R13(u) ERN F1026103, 25 June 1998, Transfer of USD 70,500 from Abridge Trading Ltd.,
Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Electro Optics Industries Ltd., Bank Hapoalim
BM, Rehovot, Israel.
R13(v) ERN F1026113, 2 July 1998, Transfer of USD 43,350 from Abridge Trading Ltd.,
Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Radom Aviations Systems Ltd., Bank Leumi,
Israel.
R13(w) ERN F1026172, 31 July 1998, Application for Foreign Exchange Transfer of USD
20,000 from Abridge Trading Ltd., to Afid S.P.E. Ltd., United Mizrahi Bank, Ltd.,
Tel Aviv, Israel, "Rest of Payment for RunFlat Systems".
R13(x) ERN F1026167, 31 July 1998, Transfer of USD 50,000 Abridge Trading Ltd.,
Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Afid SPE Ltd., United Mizrahi Bank, Ltd., Tel
Aviv, Israel.
R13(y) ERN F1026173, 5 August 1998, Transfer of USD 37,500 from Abridge Trading Ltd.,
Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Elop Electrooptics, Bank Hapoalim BM,
Rehovot, Israel.
R13(z) ERN F1026179, 18 August 1998, Request for Transfer of USD 50,000 from Abridge
Trading Ltd., to AFID S.P.E., United Mizrahi Bank, Ltd., Karnei Shomron Branch,
Israel, "Payment for M.D.T." Signed by "S. Rajh."
R13(aa) ERN F1026183, 26 August 1998, Request for Transfer of USD 48,000 from Abridge
Trading Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Elop Electrooptics, Bank
Hapoalim BM, Rehovot, Israel, signed by "S. Rajh."
R13(ab) ERN F1026187, 31 August 1998, Request for Transfer of USD 50,000 from Abridge
Trading Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of M.D.T., Bank Leumi, Oryehuda,
Israel, "Payment for Material and Installation-3 Vehicles," Signed by "S. Rajh."
R13(ac) ERN F1026205, 9 September 1998, Transfer of USD 20,000 from Abridge Trading
Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of AFID SPE LTD., United Mizrahi Bank,
Ltd., Tel Aviv, Israel.
R13(ad) ERN F1025803, 18 September 1998, Request for Transfer of USD 43,200 from
Abridge Trading Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Noga Lite, Bank Leumi,
Tel Aviv, Israel, signed by "S. Rajh."
R13(ae) ERN F1025799, 14 October 1998, Request for Transfer of USD 38,976 from
Abridge Trading, Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Afid Spe Ltd., United Mizrahi
Bank Ltd., Israel, Signed by "S. Rajh."
R13(af) ERN F1025787, 21 October 1998, Transfer of USD 48,000 from Abridge Trading
Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Elop Electro Optics Industries Ltd., Bank
Hapoalim BM, Rehovot, Israel.
R13(ag) ERN F1025774, 2 December 1998, Transfer of USD 34,500 from Abridge Trading
Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Elop Electro Optics Industries Ltd., Bank
Hapoalim BM, Rehovot, Israel.
R13(ah) ERN F1025682, 23 December 1998, Request for Transfer of USD 78,000 from
Abridge Trading Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Elop Electro Optics
Industries Ltd., Bank Hapoalim BM, Rehovot, Israel, for "9 Pieces of Converter,"
signed by "S. Rajh."
R13(ai) ERN F1025685, 24 December 1998, Request for Transfer of USD 15,000 from
Abridge Trading Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to M.D.T. Protective Industries, Ltd.,
Bank Leumi, Israel, "For Material and Installation," Signed by "S. Rajh."
R13(aj) ERN F1025680, 29 December 1998, Transfer of USD 78,000 from Abridge Trading
Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Elop Electro Optics Industries Ltd., Bank
Hapoalim BM, Rehovot, Israel.
R13(ak) ERN F1025681, Verification of Transfer of Transfer of USD 78,000 from Abridge
Trading Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to Bank Hapolaim B.M. Tel Aviv, Israel for
Elop Electro Optics Industries Ltd.
R13(al) ERN F1025686, 29 December 1998, Transfer of USD 50,000 from Abridge Trading
Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Elop Electro Optics Industries Ltd., Bank
Hapoalim BM, Rehovot, Israel.
R13(am) ERN F1025693, 14 January 1999, Transfer of USD 219,000 from from Abridge
Trading Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Elop Electro Optics Industries
Ltd., Bank Hapoalim BM, Rehovot, Israel.
R13(an) ERN F1025740, 19 January 1999, Application for Foreign Exchange Transfer of
USD 24,960 from Abridge Trading Ltd., to M.D.T. Yehud Israel, Bank Leumi.
R13(ao) ERN F1025738, Transfer of USD 24,960 from Abridge Trading Ltd., Hellenic Bank,
Cyprus to account of M.D.T. Yehud Israel, Bank Leumi, Tel Aviv, Israel.
R13(ap) ERN F1025739, 26 January 1999, Verification of Transfer of USD 24,960 from
Abridge Trading Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of M.D.T. Yehud Israel,
Bank Leumi, Tel Aviv, Israel.
R13(aq) ERN F1025761, 16 February 1999, Request for Transfer of USD 38,240 from
Abridge Trading Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of M.D.T. Protective
Industries, Ltd., Bank Leumi, Israel, handwritten: "Confirm by Mr. Rajh," Signed by
"S. Rajh."
R13(ar) ERN F1025752, 17 February 1999, Transfer of USD 21,900 from El-Op-Electro
Optics Industries Ltd. (Bank Hapoalim B.M., Tel Aviv, Israel), to Abridge Trading
Ltd.
R13(as) ERN F1025732, 17 March 1999, Request for Transfer of USD 20,000 from Abridge
Trading Ltd., Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of M.D.T. Protective Industries, Ltd.,
Bank Leumi, Israel, signed by "S. Rajh."
R13(at) ERN F1025663, 10 January 2000, Request for Transfer of USD 60,000 from Abridge
Trading, Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to account of Slobodan Rajh, Bank Leumi, Tel Aviv,
Israel, signed by "S. Rajh."
R13(au) F1025661, 11 January 2000, Transfer of USD 60,000 from Hellenic Bank, Cyprus to
account of Slobodan Rajh, Bank Leumi, Tel Aviv Israel.
R13(av) F1025662, 11 January 2000, Verification of Transfer of USD 60,000 from Hellenic
Bank, Cyprus to account of Slobodan Rajh, Bank Leumi, Tel Aviv Israel.
73. I have been able to trace the following payments from the Cypriot Bank
accounts of the eight Cypriot companies to accounts held by Abridge Trading
Ltd. with the Hellenic Bank.
74. My analysis of Abridge bank accounts held with the Hellenic Bank Ltd
discloses that Abridge received two deposits as disclosed below.
77. To try to determine who owns Yugoimport, I analysed a web site stating to be
for the company Yugoimport SDPR. This site82 disclosed that Yugoimport
SDPR is situated in Belgrade and its primary purpose is the importation of
armament and defence equipment, including infantry weapons, anti-tank
79
FI025945
80
FI025947
81
FI025949
82
Printout of the web-site of Yugoimport SDPR, located in attachments to Part B.
weapons, mortars, anti-aircraft weapons and optical devices and fire control
systems.
78. My analysis discloses that during the period December 1996 - March 1999
Abridge Trading Ltd. paid, inter alia, a total of USD 4.583.436,30 from its
account with Hellenic bank in the Republic of Cyprus to the accounts of the
companies listed below.
29/01/98 $52,750.00 Afid SPE Ltd, FI026030 Hellenic Payment for goggles
Israel advance
27/02/98 $64,275.00 Afid SPE Ltd, FI026047 Hellenic Payment for goggles
Israel advance
23/06/98 $140,000.00 Noga Lite Ltd, FI026228-41 Hellenic 20 pocket scope and
Israel 20D/N units
83
R13(aw) Copy of Web-Site information for Elop - Electro Optics Industries (a
subsidiary of Elbit Systems, Ltd.).
84
R13(ax) Copy of Web-Site information for M.D.T. Protective Industries Ltd.
Radom Aviation Systems Ltd “is a major integrator of Military and Civil
aircraft, as well as manned and unmanned platforms. Radom provides tailored
solutions to customer requirements for helicopters upgrading and
modification”. It “took part in various helicopter upgrading and modification
projects, and aircraft upgrade projects”.
82. My analysis reveals that the largest payment from the Abridge account with
Hellenic bank is to the company AM General Corporation in the United States.
This is a transfer of USD 1.227.638 and is for the procurement of 20 "hummer
85
R13(ay) Copy of Web-Site information for Noga Lite Ltd
86
R13(az) Copy of Web-Site information for Radom Aviation Systems Ltd.
87
R13 (bb) Copy of Web-Site information for International Technologies Lasers Limited
(ITL)
84. My analysis of the Neocom accounts reveals that Neocom received the following
deposits:
88
FI043016
85. My analysis discloses that in the period December 1996 - March 1999 Neocom
Trading paid a total of USD $2,657,630.00 from its accounts with BB COBU
in the Republic of Cyprus to the accounts of the companies listed below.
87. On 12 January 1998 Mr. B. Milo{evi} made a further request for two letters of
credit.90 The beneficiary of one of these letters of credit is Ukrinmash and its
bank is stated as the Finance and Credit Banking Corporation, Kiev, Ukraine.
89
FI019154-9164
90
FI019165-9178
The other beneficiary is Ukrspetsexport and its bank is the Privatbank, Kiev,
Ukraine. The amounts of these letters of credit were $147,432 USD and
$1,409,143.50 USD. The description of the goods in the first letter of credit is
“as per contract no. 03B/97, 4/23 – K DD 17/11/97 and letter No 195/98 DD
14/1/98”. The description of goods in the second letter of credit is “2
helicopters MI –17V (serial No. 3532422319632 35324215211434) as per
contract No. 03B/97, UCE – 16.1-69K/KE DD 30/10/97 and Letter No 194
DD 14/1/98”. Payment on these two contracts was effected on 27 January
1998.91
89. In February 1998 Borislav Milo{evi} wrote to BB COBU and confirmed that
payments totaling USD $2.35 million had been made and requested that an
additional payment of $415,000 be made to Brassdrum Holding Ltd. to
complete the payments.93
90. On 13 February 1998 Borislav Milo{evi} wrote to BB COBU and said that in
keeping with payments under contract 03V/97 dated 27 November 1997, an
amount of USD $250,000 needed to be paid to the Aviatrend account with the
Compaigne Bancaire Geneve, Geneva.94
92. This purchase is consistent with the statement made by Mr. Markovi} referred
to above in R8 and the statement made by Slobodan Milo{evi} in R4. Both
Mr. Markovi} and Slobodan Milo{evi} state that the money transferred to
91
FI019169 and FI019176
92
FI019198-9199
93
FI019203-9207
94
FI019208-9209
Aviatrend Limited
94. Aviatrend opened an account with the Commercial Bank Neftinvestbank, Sofia,
Bulgaria, account number 1100137719 (non resident account), on 10 October
199799. This account was opened by Valeri Semeonvich TCHERNYI, a
Russian citizen, born on 23 April 1949100.
95. Aviatrend opened an account with the Comagnie Bancaire Geneve (CBG),
account number 01-562-760, on 12 March 1997101. The signatories to this
account are Valeri Tchernyi and Alexandre Chtchegolev102. The beneficial
owner of Aviatrend Ltd is declared to be Valeri Tchernyi, Kominterna Street,
No. 4, Moscou, 129344103.
95
R9.
96
FI01-7464
97
FI01-7486-FI01-7487
98
FI01-7489
99
FI01-5057, FI01-5060-FI01-5064
100
FI01-5057, FI01-5065-FI01-5066.
101
FI01-7438-FI01-7492
102
FI01-7440
103
FI01-7453
97. I have attempted to analyse the Aviatrend bank account documentation supplied
to discover what the proceeds that were sent to Aviatrend were used for. My
analysis has revealed that the Aviatrend accounts that the OTP have the
records for are part of a complex banking network and that funds received in
the initial Aviatrend accounts are routed to other Aviatrend and various front
company accounts located in third countries, including Gibraltar and Nauru.
Based on the documents supplied, it is not possible for me to comment on
what these payments were used for. Many additional bank accounts need to
be examined before I could present an opinion on what the money transferred
to Aviatrend and disclosed above was used for.
Nitrako Inc.
98. Nitrako Inc. is a Panamanian company and was incorporated on 5 May 1993104.
The Director of the company is Mr. Yan Shukun105. Mr. Yan Shukun is a
Chinese National, born on 8 January 1954106. On 3 February 1994 Mr.
Shukun issued a Power of Attorney (backdated to 24 November 1993) to Mr.
Momcilo Katani} (born 30 December 1947) “to open and close accounts and
to withdraw and receive funds”107. Mr. Momcilo Katani} is a Yugoslavian
national108.
101. The OTP has not obtained sufficient records relating to the banking transactions
conducted by Nitrako Inc. for me to discover what the proceeds that were sent
104
FI00-8321-FI00-8340.
105
FI00-8337
106
FI00-8341-FI00-8344
107
FI00-8347-FI00-8348
108
FI00-8349-FI00-8352.
to Nitrako were used for. My analysis of the documents supplied reveals that
Nitrako apparently only forwarded the funds it received in its bank account to
other companies. The transaction documents that I have analysed suggest that
these payments were payment for goods and services, although I can not
ascertain the exact nature of the goods or service supplied. As an example,
there are at least 10 payments from Nitrako accounts to the German company,
Heimann Systems GMBH, of Carl V. Linde Str. 14, D-I45665197 Wiesbaden,
Germany. I have reviewed the internet site for Heimann Systems GMBH,
and this site discloses that:
“Since 1993, Heimann System is part of the Rheinmetall Group, an
international technology business concern. Activities of the concern
concentrate on international and national security. Heimann Systems plays the
key role in the business division for security technology within this group.”
102. Microtri Handels GmbH is an Austrian company. It has two Directors, Lejla
Uzunovic-Kapor and Rajko Maric110. Microtri has a bank account with the
Bank Austria, account number 230-112426/00 and the signatories to the
account are also Lejla Uzunovic-Kapor and Rajko Maric111.
103. On 4 Febraury 1998 Browncourt transferred USD $499,500 from its Cypriot
Account to Microtri Handels GMBH A/C 230-112-426/00 and cited the
reference: “Inv. No. 98/006 DD 2/2/98”112.
104. Ms. Borka Vu~i} has said that a total of DEM 900,000 was paid to Microtri
Holdings. The transactions above are consistent with the statement of Ms.
Vu~i}.
Diagram
105. I have constructed a diagram, R15, that generally depicts the financial activities
and relationships that I have described in this report. The amounts mentioned
in this diagram are the amounts described by Ms. Vu~i} in her interview.
109
FI00-8314
110
FI02-3916-FI02-3917
111
FI02-3926-FI02-3927.
112
FI00-5485
VII. Opinion
106. In my opinion the banking documents that I have reviewed and described in
Part B and which are produced in the report are forensically consistent with
the aspects of the financial structure described in Part A of the report. In
particular, the banking documents support the existence of the part of the
structure that was designed and implemented to finance and support the
activities of the MUP, the VJ, weapons factories and other activities of the
FRY and the Republic of Serbia during the first half of 1999, including police
and military units that were active in the Kosovo armed conflict.
107. Part A of the report describes how funds, mainly in foreign currency, were
provided by the Federal Customs Administration, under the control of Mihalj
Kertes and at the direction of Slobodan Milo{evi}, to finance the procurement
of salaries, equipment and supplies for, inter alia, the VJ and the MUP.
During the second half of 1998, Slobodan Milo{evi} directed Mr. Kertes to
provide funds for the needs of the RDB. Accordingly, Mr. Kertes provided
the RDB with funds from the Federal Customs Administration approximately
on a weekly basis. Radomir Markovi}, the former head of the RDB,
confirmed that Slobodan Milo{evi} directed Mr. Kertes to provide funds for
the purchase of equipment for the RDB and that all MUP units were sent to
Kosovo.
108. The banking and company records that I have analysed disclose that trading
companies were established in Cyprus, some without the knowledge of
persons named as their beneficial directors, in order to facilitate the operation
of this financial structure. A number of these "front" companies held accounts
with the Cyprus Popular Bank and the European Popular Bank and BB
COBU. Payments were made from the accounts of these "front" companies to
other companies, which in turn, transferred funds to businesses located in
Israel, Russia and the United States that appear to be involved in the
manufacture and sale of equipment that can be used for military operations. In
109. From my analysis I believe that at least DEM 1.032.207.200 (one billion thirty-
two million two hundred and seven thousand two hundred Deutsche marks),
USD 80.038.242, CHF 63.809.060, ATS 390.241.674 and the other currencies
as specified in this report of cash were deposited into the accounts of the eight
Cypriot companies in the period July 1992 - June 2000. I can further state that
out of these total amounts, the amount of DEM 508.569.995 in cash was
deposited into a single bank account of Browncourt Enterprises Ltd. during the
period January 1998 - March 1999. Due to the nature of the deposits into the
bank accounts of the eight Cypriot companies, mainly large deposits of foreign
cash, it would be impossible with absolute certainty to state that these funds all
originated from the Federal Customs Administration of the FRY. However,
based on the documentation referred in this report, it is my opinion that the
only logical source for a substantial part of these funds was the Federal
Customs Administration, under the control of Mihalj Kertes and at the
direction of Slobodan Milo{evi}.
110. The financial structure created was large and complex. The structure operated
in the FRY as well as in both Greece and Cyprus, and a large number of bank
accounts were set up with the Cyprus Popular Bank, the European Popular
Bank and BB COBU. In addition to the large deposits of cash into the bank
accounts as described in the report, the bank statements also disclose many
transfers of funds into the bank accounts maintained. Similarly, there are
many thousands of debit (withdrawal) transactions on these accounts. My
preliminary review of some of these debit transactions reveals that accounts
held by companies and individuals located in more than 50 countries received
funds from the eight Cypriot companies. Large transfers were made to bank
accounts domiciled in Greece, Germany, Austria, Cyprus, Switzerland,
Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Singapore, Monaco, Guernsey, Isle of Man and
Jersey. In my experience, it is very difficult to obtain the banking
documentation for the accounts in some of these locations. However, from the
debit transactions that I have been able to trace, I have confirmed that all of the
companies stated by Ms. Borka Vu~i} to have received funds to pay for
equipment for the MUP and VJ, namely Neocom, Microtri, Aviatrend,
Nitrako, C.C. Chidiac and Abridge Trading Ltd., have received funds from one
or more of the eight Cypriot companies.
111. It has been possible for me to trace only a small percentage of the debit
transactions. Apart from the transactions detailed in this report, I am not able
to conclude what happened to the rest of the money that was deposited and
transferred into the bank accounts held in the name of the eight Cypriot
companies. In my career, I have never encountered or heard of an offshore
finance structure this large and intricate. I consider that to conduct an overall
and comprehensive analysis of what happened to all of the funds that was
deposited or transferred into the bank accounts of the eight Cypriot companies
would almost be impossible and would be an extremely resource intensive
exercise.