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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-11-02

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

  • [01] Delivering Indictments
  • [02] New Era for the Balkans
  • [03] 15-Day Extension
  • [04] Beauty Comes From Within
  • [05] Backing to Papoulias
  • [06] Heated Debate on Shareholder
  • [07] Pensioners Take the Streets
  • [08] High School Student Knifed
  • [09] No End to the Tragedy in Pakistan
  • [10] Tehran Crosses the Line
  • [11] Dispute over High Prices
  • [12] Changes in Customs Services
  • [13] Seeking Hope in Camp Nou
  • [14] Rumsfeld Grows Rich from Bird Flu
  • [15] Phishing Fraudster Sentenced

  • [01] Over the Extrajudicial Network Delivering Indictments

    02 Nov 2005 20:33:00 (Last updated: 02 Nov 2005 23:22:57)

    By Vagelis Theodorou

    The investigations into the cases of corruption in the Justice sector are continuing at a rapid pace. Up until now, 17 judges and 25 lawyers have been criminally prosecuted for illegal activities, including felonies, while the Appellate Examiner is targeting another 15 judicial officers. The bills of indictment will be drawn up in the next few days, while all those implicated will be called to testify. Over 40 suspect transactions pertaining to the case of former First Instance Judge Evangelos Kalousis are being investigated, while nine lawyers, three of whom have been named, are implicated. On Thursday, Justice Minister Anastasis Papaligouras will meet with Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis to discuss the reforms to the Penal Code and the Code on Criminal Procedure, as well as the latest developments concerning the investigation into the extrajudicial network.

    Investigations into the Kalousis Case Continue

    Eleven judges and lawyers will be called to testify in the Kalousis case over the next few days.

    Three of the lawyers implicated have already been named. They are Sakis Kechagioglou, Giorgos Nikolakopoulos and Nikos Emmanouilidis. Apart from bribery, they will also be charged with money laundering, while, based on Kalousis bill of indictment, the first two allegedly formed a ring with the former First Instance Judge.

    However, both Kechagioglou and Nikolakopoulos denied ever depositing money to Kalousis account. Furthermore, another lawyer, Evangelos Paloukis, who allegedly deposited money to the former Judges account, mentioned in an announcement: "Acting as assignee to Evangelos Kalousis, I received 5,000 euros from the insurance company "G.Skourtis AEGA", as compensation for a car accident, for which the One-Member First Instance Court of Amfissa ruled in favour of Evangelos Kalousis. I then deposited this amount in his account at Agrotiki Bank."

    In the meantime, the former Judges testimony was quite crucial.

    According to TV station NET, Kalousis mentioned Konstantina Barboulia, saying that they fraternised socially. Referring to the photo that brought their relationship to light, the former Judge noted, "Barboulia, myself and another five people were on the boat. For ethical reasons, we used nicknames. We also paid for the tickets ourselves."

    "I know Mr Nikolakopoulos. We studied together in Thessaloniki and we socialised between 1975 and 1979. We are friends, but I never handled any of his cases. I know that whenever he went to Athens, he conducted business with various law firms, including those of Sakis Kechagioglou and Zisis Konstantinou," mentioned Kalousis in another part of his testimony.

    Meanwhile, an American womans testimony seems to implicate Kalousis in sexual scandals. According to the testimony, the woman had placed a sexual ad in December 2003, and received a response from the former Judge. "He told me that he also dealt in the importation of beautiful, young and tall foreign women from eastern countries to Greece, where he brings them so they can work as prostitutes. In addition, he asked me to go there and pick the girls who had the qualifications, since I had an American passport. The girls would be brought to me by a man that I was to meet there," she testified.

    Ilia Has Disappeared

    At the same time, Antonia Ilias case is becoming somewhat of a thriller, as an arrest warrant against her has been pending since 20 September.

    Her lawyer, Giannis Stamoulis, said that she is in Greece and will appear before the authorities next Monday or Tuesday at the latest, in order to testify. However, the only official action by her lawyer was to file a change of address for Ilia, in Galatsi.

    Antonia Ilia is now one of the most wanted people implicated in the extrajudicial network. She has disappeared since last July, despite the fact that she was ordered not to leave the country. According to the brief, some of the charges she is being prosecuted for include money laundering, fraud, bribery, violation of duty and approving prison releases for drug cases.

    In the meantime, PASOK MP Miltiadis Papaioannou submitted a question to the Prime Minister, accusing Justice Minister Anastasis Papaligouras of intervening in the task of Justice and abolishing the principle of distinction of powers. The MPs motion was prompted by Mr Papaligouras early announcement of the indictments, during his visit to the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

    Bank Accounts under the Microscope

    Meanwhile, special examiners Ioannis Sideris and Ioannis Fiorakis are auditing the bank accounts of independent MP Petros Madouvalos, as well as the personal assets of his associate, lawyers Aspasia Delli, who passed away recently.

    The audit is being conducted in order to determine whether the allegations of another one of Mr Madouvalos associates, Christos Chatzipanagiotou, who is being prosecuted for bribing Kalousis, are valid. As he said, he had deposited 7,000,000 drachmas at the order of Delli, without knowing that the money was being deposited in the account of a judge.

    Finally, on Thursday, the Supreme Courts plenary session will decide on the permanent dismissal of First Instance Judge Anna Korovesi, who is implicated in the extrajudicial network, in the case involving Ilia and Archimandrite Iakovos Giosakis. Korovesi is accused of participating in judicial panels in order to issue decisions in favour of the Archimandrite.

    Translated by Vicky Ghionis

    Related News:

    New Indictments

    [02] Romania and Bulgaria Join the EU New Era for the Balkans

    02 Nov 2005 14:59:00 (Last updated: 02 Nov 2005 18:05:11)

    By Dimitris Alexopoulos

    The Parliaments Plenary Session held a celebratory meeting to ratify the Accession Treaty of Romania and Bulgaria before the President of the Hellenic Republic, Karolos Papoulias, and the Presidents of the two countries, Traian Basescu and Georgi Parvanov. The two countries are to join the EU as of 1 January 2007 after the Accession Treaty is ratified by the Parliaments of the rest of the EU Member-States. Shortly after the ratification, the Presidents of Romania and Bulgaria visited the Greek Premier Kostas Karamanlis at Maximos Mansion. In their meeting, Mr Karamanlis voiced Greece staunch support to the two countries, while he underscored the need for coordination and further cooperation among the three countries. He also pointed out that the three-party cooperation should be enhanced and concluded that the European prospects of the western Balkan countries may prove conducive to the settling of all issues among the countries of the region still pending.

    Cooperation to Settle the Problems

    The discussion between the three leaders mainly focused on the latest developments on the Kosovo issue, for which the Greek PM underlined that the decision-making should not be rushed so that a steady and viable result comes out.

    Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov, on his part, voiced his gratification at the ratification of the Treaty and thanked Greece for backing Bulgarias European future. He also pledged that his country will meet the criteria set by the European Commission irrespective of any problems currently troubling the country.

    Mr Parvanov went on to underscore that the Balkan countries stance on both the Kosovo issue and the problems still pending should be seriously taken into account.

    Romanian President Traian Basescu argued that his country will pay back the favour to Greece and stressed that the fact that Greece was the first EU Member-State to ratify the Accession Treaty is of most profound importance.

    On the Kosovo issue, the Romanian President claimed that form now on there is going to be a single voice, and noted that the solution should live up to the international standards and the EU and UN resolutions.

    President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias, who also met with the two Presidents, spoke of a "momentous day" for the Balkan region. Both the Bulgarian and the Romanian Presidents voiced their gratification at Greeces support in their countries effort to join the EU and the NATO.

    Messrs Parvanov and Basescu had a meeting with PASOK leader George Papandreou. Exiting the meeting, Mr Papandreou stressed that Greece has to play an instrumental role in the European course of the Balkan countries, for it may contribute to the establishment of good neighbouring relations, respect of human rights and eradication of fundamentalism.

    Celebratory Session

    Earlier, the Parliaments Plenary Session had ratified the Accession Treaty. With the exemption of KKE, all Greek parliamentarians voted for the Treaty.

    In his address, Greek PM Kostas Karamanlis underlined that Greece backs the European prospects of all the Balkan countries and congratulated the Romania and Bulgaria on their efforts towards adopting and establishing the EU acquis.

    Mr Karamanlis expressed his "heartfelt wish that the rest of the neighbouring countries would also continue their advance to Europe."

    Nevertheless, he did not miss pointing out, "This demands the full respect of the rules, criteria, principals and universals of the Union, the enhancement of good neighbouring and cooperation relations and the settlement of the pasts unresolved issues based on understanding and good will."

    Main Opposition leader George Papandreou, on his part, called the moment historic and he went on to voice his hope that the accession of the two countries in the EU will contribute to "the settlement of the regions problems without the intervention of third parties as is the case in Kosovo."

    Justifying KKEs decision to vote against the two countries accession to the EU, the partys Secretary General Aleka Papariga pointed out that they were motivated by the same reason that made them say no to Greeces accession to the EEU. She highlighted, though, that KKE is a stanch supporter of the regional cooperation among the Balkan countries.

    Finally, SYN President Alekos Alavanos backed the two countrys European future, since, as he said, his party does not wish for an elite Europe.

    During the Plenary Session, PASOK parliamentarian Anna Diamantopoulou felt light headed due to blood pressure fall. Parliaments doctor immediately examined her and she then left Parliament to get some rest and go on with her schedule.

    Before the Session, Speaker of Parliament Anna Benaki-Psarouda met with the Presidents of Romania and Bulgaria at her office.

    Translated by Areti Christou

    Related News:

    Celebratory Atmosphere

    [03] On the Sale of the Olympic Airlines 15-Day Extension

    02 Nov 2005 16:40:00

    By Annita Paschalinou

    The Ministers of Economy and Transport agreed on a two-week extension to the bids for the sale of the Olympic Airlines to further investigate the tenders intentions. Earlier, the Lazard Group had briefed the two Ministers on the course of the bid. The governments counsel on the privatisation of the Olympic Airlines was assigned a 15-day deadline to look into the tenders intentions and to inform the Interdepartmental Committee for Privatisations, which will make the final decisions.

    Mr Liapis to Brief Jacques Barrot

    When questioned on the bid issue, Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis underlined that the bid will be turned down only is the Interdepartmental Committee decides so.

    Over the upcoming days, Transport Minister Mr Liapis will travel to Brussels to brief the competent EU Commissioner, Jacques Barrot, on the course of the bid.

    Regarding the bill on DEKO, the two Ministers stated that its processing is to be completed in the days to come.

    Translated by Areti Christou

    [04] Beauty Comes From Within

    02 Nov 2005 15:35:00

    By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

    Sources: BBC

    People tend to say that natural beauty is far more preferable than that offered by make-up and cosmetics. A scientific study proves this popular saying true. As per a recent study of the University of St Andrews, women with high oestrogen levels have prettier faces compared to those with low levels. During puberty, oestrogen hormones are most likely to have an impact on how girls look like by affecting both the bone growth and the skin texture. But as women grow old and start using make-up, the natural beauty offered by the oestrogen remain hidden, while less attractive women manage to mask this very drawback by applying make-up.

    Trust Your Natural Beauty

    The team of psychologists took photos of 59 young women aged 18 to 25 and analysed their hormone levels. They then asked 30 volunteers, 15 men and 15 women, to rate the photos according to their attractiveness.

    As it was expected, both teams of volunteers viewed the faces of women with high oestrogen levels as more attractive.

    The faces that ranked first had the typical female features, including large eyes, thick lips, smaller noses and jaws.

    However, when the women in the photos were wearing make-up, no relation between attractiveness and oestrogen levels was recorded. This means that, apart from flaws, make-up also masks the womens natural beauty.

    At this point it should be noted that the oestrogen levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and reach their peak at a womans most fertile days. The photos depict the same girl photographed on different days. The left photo was taken when the oestrogen levels were high, while the right one was taken when the oestrogen reached the lowest levels.

    Fertility is Shown on the Face

    The findings of the study can account for the fact why men seem to prefer faces with feminine features and relate beauty with fertility.

    This means that the high hormone levels, which make a woman fertile, influences the appearance by making the face look more feminine and cuter, factors that attract men when the latter want to choose their partner.

    Head of the study Miriam Law Smith said, "Women are effectively advertising their general fertility with their faces."

    As for make-up, the scientists described it as a "deceptive strategy," since it helps less attractive women find a love partner.

    To put it simply, make-up favours the women that nature has not favoured, while it offers practically nothing to those with feminine features.

    [05] By the Political Leadership Backing to Papoulias

    02 Nov 2005 15:53:00

    By Dimitris Alexopoulos

    The Greek government stood by the decision of the President of the Hellenic Republic, Karolos Papoulias, to cancel his visit to Albania due to the fact that the Albanian authorities failed to take the necessary measures to avert the demonstration of ultra-nationalists. "The Greek government is of the opinion that the Albanian Authority did not take the necessary measures so that the meeting between the two Presidents could be held in Sarada. The security forces failed to discourage the extremists, who, in their effort to obstruct the smooth relations, insist on promoting unacceptable or non-existent issues," commented Deputy government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros. He also underlined, "The Greek government has no intention of entering a heated period with none of its neighbouring countries."

    Translated by Areti Christou

    [06] At Parliament's Plenary Session Heated Debate on Shareholder

    02 Nov 2005 14:45:00 (Last updated: 02 Nov 2005 19:41:59)

    By Annita Paschalinou

    Sources: NET - NET 105.8

    The Parliaments Plenary Session approved in principle the revised bill on Primary Shareholder. A heated debate between the government and the Main Opposition that resulted in the PASOK walkout from the discussion had preceded. Earlier, George Papandreou had described the bill as lame. At the same time, he lashed out both at the urgent nature of the discussion and the bill. Government spokesman Thodoris Roussopoulos called the walkout from the discussion an act of hypocrisy.

    "PASOK came, saw and left," commented Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos and reiterated the governments commitment to fight corruption.

    KKEs parliamentarian spokesman Antonis Skyllakos voiced his opposition to PASOKs refusal to participate in the discussion and went on to blame the government for urging the discussion of the bill. Neither the previous law nor the current one can fight corruption, he argued.

    On his part, parliamentary spokesman for SYN Fotis Kouvelis spoke of an incomplete law.

    Translated by Areti Christou

    [07] Rally and Protest March Pensioners Take the Streets

    02 Nov 2005 13:35:00

    By Athina Saloustrou

    This morning, the Pensioners Associated Confederations (IKA, TEVE, NAT, TSA, ELTA, TAE, OTA and the Public Sector) staged a protest rally at Kotzias Square, claiming, "The situation of the pensioners is continually worsening from the political strictness which continues with NDs government." A delegation visited the Ministry attempting to submit a resolution with their demand. As the Minister was absent, the pensioners refused to hold a discussion with General Secretary Giorgos Mergos, and asked for a follow up meeting with the Minister of Economy, before the submission of the Budget to Parliament, on November 21. The pensioners demanded a minimum pension of 1,050 euros, real increases above 10% for 2006, a heating oil benefit, the return of LAFKA, as well as the decrease of medicine prices. A new rally and protest march to the Parliament and Maximos Mansion is scheduled for November 23.

    The Pensioners' Demands

    As per the resolution, the Pensioners Confederations demand the following:

    Real increases above 10% for 2006 that cover the rapid rate of expensiveness

    Freezing of prices in basic necessities, and the abolishment of VAT

    Minimum pension of 1,050 euros and 80% of the last wage in force for DEKOs, special social security organizations, NAT, Public Sector, OTA

    Immediate readjustment of benefits based on OTA Bills

    500-euro heating oil benefit

    Tax exemption of 15,000 euros and indexing of the tax scale

    Free medicine

    LAFKA payments in one installment

    The non-incorporation of banks and OTE's social security to IKA

    All dues from the state to be given to the social security organizations In closing, as per the resolution, problem organizations such as the banks, OTE and others, will be incorporated to IKA, burdening it with 232 billion euros, and the banks' new organization (ETEAM) with 4.5 billion euros.

    Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

    [08] Perpetrator was A Classmate High School Student Knifed

    02 Nov 2005 13:06:00

    By Athina Saloustrou

    Yesterday at noon, a 17-year-old student was knifed in a fight at a Tyrnavos High School. The student is hospitalised in Larissa General Hospital, safe from harm, but with serious injuries to his torso, as he was attacked by a classmate on his way home. Shortly before, the perpetrator had said some of his classmates mocked the icon of Christ in the classroom. The perpetrator is expected to appear at the Juvenile Prosecutor.

    Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

    [09] Quake Toll Reaches 80,000 No End to the Tragedy in Pakistan

    02 Nov 2005 19:20:00

    By Vagelis Theodorou

    The death toll in Pakistan from the 8 October earthquake has skyrocketed. As announced on Wednesday by Federal Relief Commissioner Major-General Farooq Ahmed Khan, the number of victims has reached 73,276, while there are fears that it may exceed 80,000. In addition, the number of injured is over 69,000. On Tuesday, the Pakistani authorities spoke of 57,600 dead, while Khan linked the sharp increase in the death toll to the concerted efforts to clear debris. At the same time, the approximately three million homeless are living their own tragedy. The humanitarian aid is slow in arriving to the affected areas, the weather conditions are worsening, while many diseases, and mainly tetanus, have started threatening the population. In fact, as per the Major-General, 41 villages, most of them situated in Indian Kashmir, have not been approached yet, due to damages to the road network.

    Winter and Tetanus Looming

    The humanitarian aid has not reached all those affected yet, three and a half weeks after the earthquake, despite major efforts by the local authorities and the international community.

    The homeless are faced with the heavy winter, which is looming, bringing along heavy rainfalls and low temperatures.

    In the meantime, the World Health Organisation announced that 24 people have died of tetanus, while another 140 have been infected and are being hospitalised in makeshift infirmaries.

    As noted by one of WHOs spokespeople, the tetanus vaccines are not reaching the affected areas on time. On his part, Khan asked for more medical supplies and vaccines against tetanus and other diseases, adding that tents and lodgings remained a top priority.

    Upon receiving the representatives of humanitarian organisations, and mainly the UN, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf asked for permanent assistance in providing aid and restructuring the country, with the latter estimated at $5 billion.

    At the same time, an attack against an American helicopter carrying humanitarian aid has prompted concerns to the authorities. According to the US, the Chinook was hit by a projectile missile, while the Pakistani army is denying this possibility and has already commenced an investigation.

    Translated by Vicky Ghionis

    [10] A New Batch of Uranium on the Way Tehran Crosses the Line

    02 Nov 2005 15:46:00

    By Annita Paschalinou

    Sources: Reuters

    Despite pressure from the USA and EU to halt its nuclear programme, Tehran crosses the line. A EU diplomatic source said that Iran is to resume its nuclear activities at the Isfahan plant by processing a new batch of uranium. Earlier, the Iranian Foreign Ministry had announced that as many as forty ambassadors will have been replaced by the end if the year. This new development coincides with the culmination of the diplomatic pressures applied to the country over its nuclear programme. In the meantime, for the second time within three months, a bomb blast near the British Airways offices in Tehran caused minor damages. An Iranian Foreign Ministry official linked the incidence with the negative stance adopted by many foreign countries.

    Translated by Areti Christou

    [11] Wrangling over Rises Dispute over High Prices

    02 Nov 2005 18:57:00

    By Dimitris Alexopoulos

    The situation in the Greek market triggered a political dispute. PASOKs Production and Trade Sector publicised a list with increases in the prices of 55 goods, with some of them rising by up to 17.7%. On the other hand, as per the Development Ministrys figures, which were submitted to Parliament during the first half of 2005, the price increases for 4,400 goods do not exceed 2.5% on average. As noted by Deputy Minister Giannis Papathanasiou, they are the lowest increases of the last four years, despite the unprecedented rise in oil prices.

    Continuous Struggle

    Mr Papathanasiou also noted that the fight against high prices is continuous, while the citizens are awaiting bolder changes and reforms and not worthless disputes.

    "The Deputy Minister stubbornly insists that the prices are not high. We are challenging him to join us on Saturday at PASOKs nationwide dash, so that he can gain a perspective of reality," responded the coordinator and the deputy coordinator of PASOKs Production and Trade Sector, Rodoula Zisi and Christos Protopapas respectively.

    Translated by Vicky Ghionis

    [12] Aiming at Modernising Them Changes in Customs Services

    02 Nov 2005 17:01:00

    By Dimitris Alexopoulos

    The Greek Economy Ministry is proceeding with changes to the operational regulations of customs services, aiming at their modernisation, as well as their effective operation. As a result, three Presidential Decrees have been drawn up, pertaining to changes in the regional structure of customs services, as well as the formation of central agencies. Meanwhile, by order of Deputy Economy Minister Antonis Bezas, products that are subject to excise duty, such as tobacco, oil products and alcohol, will stop being cleared through the two customs houses located in Doirani and Niki, on the borders with FYROM.

    New Customs Clearance Points

    This was decided today, after discussions between the Greek authorities and the relevant authorities of FYROM, which declared that they could not adequately staff their two respective customs houses, in order to deal with the smuggling of those products.

    By decision of the Deputy Economy Minister, from now on, the customs houses responsible for clearing the specific products will be the following: Kakavia and Krystallopigi, on the borders with Albania; Evzonoi, on the borders with FYROM; Promachonas and Ormenios, on the borders with Bulgaria; and Kipoi, on the borders with Turkey.

    Translated by Vicky Ghionis

    [13] Seeking Hope in Camp Nou

    02 Nov 2005 10:32:00

    By

    Aiming to spoil the party the Catalans intent to throw to mark their 100 games in the Champions League, Panathinaikos is to take another step towards advancing to the 16 of the tournament. The Greek team is playing against mighty Barcelona at Camp Nou Stadiun (21:45 MEGA) for match day four of Group C. Panathinaikos players, armed with the good psychology from their recent goalless tie in the Greek championship, will vie for a positive result. Of course, nothing is going to be easy, since the Blaugrana have been performing really well lately and as per their super ace Ronaldinho, "Barcelona always play to win." Dutch Rene Temmink is appointed referee, Adriaan Inia, Patrick Gerritsen assistant referees and Pieter Wink fourth referee.

    Malesani Did not Reveal His Plans

    With 4,000 fans on their side, Panathinaikos will do their best to return to Athens with a positive result.

    Following Tuesdays training session at Camp Nou, Panathinaikos coach Alberto Malesani did not reveal much regarding his plans for the game. Besides, he likes surprising and no one really knows how he intents to block Barcas aces.

    Should he decide to reinforce his teams offence, he will probably throw to the pitch Galinovic, Vintra, Morris, Biscan, Darlas, Conceicao, Gonzalez, Nilsson, Seric, Papadopoulos and Torghelle.

    Should he choose his team to play conservatively, Tziolis will be included, while Torghelle or Papadopoulos will reinforce the teams offence. Gekas, Leontiou, Haralabidis, Mantzios and Wooter are also included in the team.

    Translated by Areti Christou

    Related News:

    Malezani: "We Will Play for the Victory"

    [14] Has Shares in Company that Owns Rights to Tamiflu Rumsfeld Grows Rich from Bird Flu

    02 Nov 2005 18:39:00

    By Annita Paschalinou

    Sources: CNN

    While the prospect of a bird flu pandemic is prompting concerns around the globe, it still manages to cause elation for some. One of those is the US Defence Secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, who has every reason to smile, since he became richer by $1,000,000 in the last six months. This is due mainly to his business activities, as Donald Rumsfeld holds a substantial stake in the biotech company Gilead Sciences, which owns the rights to Tamiflu, the most sought-after drug in the world at the moment.

    Wealthiest Member of the Bush Cabinet

    Rumsfeld served as chairman of Gilead Research from 1997 to 2001. At the moment, he remains a shareholder in the company with stocks valued between $5 million and $25 million.

    In the meantime, fears of a pandemic and the ensuing scramble for Tamiflu have sent Gileads stock from $35 to $47, making Rumsfeld the wealthiest member of the Bush Cabinet. According to CNN, he made about $1,000,000 in the past six months.

    In 2001, when Rumsfeld left Gilead and became Secretary of Defence, he recused himself from any decisions involving Gilead. In addition, late last month, he had the Pentagons general counsel issue additional instructions outlining what he could and could not be involved in if there were an avian flu pandemic and the Pentagon had to respond.

    Rumsfeld also sought the advice of the Department of Justice and other federals offices, as to whether he should sell his shares in Gilead. As those agencies did not offer an opinion, Rumsfeld consulted a private securities lawyer, who advised him that it was safer to hold on to the stock and be quite public about his recusal.

    Not Alone

    Rumsfeld is not the only political figure benefiting from demand for Tamiflu, which is manufactured and marketed by Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche. (Gilead receives a royalty from Roche equalling about 10% of sales.)

    Others include Former Secretary of State George Shultz, as well as the wife of former California Governor Pete Wilson.

    "I dont know of any biotech company thats so politically well-connected," noted analyst Andrew McDonald.

    Translated by Vicky Ghionis

    [15] Fraud Emails Sender Convicted Phishing Fraudster Sentenced

    02 Nov 2005 14:00:00

    By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

    Sources: BBC

    A British court pronounced a four-year sentence on David Levi, 29, of Lancashire. David had been using the phishing method to trick Internet users into giving away their bank account details. Within a 12-month period, Levi and his associates managed to steal more than 200,000 pounds from 160 people using the Internet auction site eBay. The scam set up by Levi and his six associates was based on sending out fraud emails to eBay customers asking them to send their account details. The mastermind of the fraud confessed to his actions, while he is the first Briton to be charged with phishing fraud.

    e-Embezzlement and e-Money-Laundering

    Four members of the Levi ring offered their services by allowing them to use their own bank accounts to hide the stolen money.

    The users, who replied to the emails, thinking that they were taken to an eBay auction site, were connected to a computer network set up by Levis ring that offered really pricey items up for sale and stole money from their accounts.

    The rest members of the ring were convicted to six up to 24 months in jail on charges of embezzlement, money laundering and conspiracy to defraud. .

    It is noted that the practice of phishing, which has been recently used to trick customers of Greek banks, aims at stealing bank account codes and embezzling money.


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