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| Officials: Man confessed to trying to sell shoulder-fired missiles |
| 2003-09-05 |
| EFL/FU: An accused international arms dealer charged with trying to sell shoulder-fired missiles to terrorists has confessed to the FBI, prosecutors revealed Thursday. Dammit, how are we supposed to defend you on these false charges if you people keep confessing? Hemant Lakhani, an India-born British citizen, made damaging statements shortly after he was arrested last month at a hotel near Newark Airport, according to Newark U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie. "He confessed to his involvement in the conduct laid out in the complaint," Christie told reporters outside court after a bail hearing for Lakhani. Lakhani, 68, is charged with trying to broker a deal to sell more than 50 mobile missile launchers to a buyer who claimed to be a terrorist. The buyer was really an informant working in an FBI sting. I hate it when that happens. Two accused confederates, Queens, N.Y., gem dealer Yehuda Abraham and Moinuddeen Ahmed Hameed, were charged with arranging illegal money transfers for the missile buy. Christie said Lakhani confessed after waiving his right to remain silent. During the bail hearing, he also revealed for the first time that Lakhani had personally handled the missile - a fake rigged up by U.S. and Russian officials. Oops Lakhani’s new lawyer, Alan Zegas, declined to comment. Most likely wondering why he took this case. Zegas had asked Magistrate Ronald Hedges to release his client on $1 million bail to his son’s home in New York City. How does "no" strike you? Prosecutors opposed any release, calling Lakhani a danger to the community who would flee the United States if released. The bail question was tabled until Thursday - the second anniversary of the attacks. Oh, good timing. |
| Posted by:Steve |
| #3 SH, like any business, you start at the bottom -- Peoria! |
| Posted by: Steve White 2003-9-5 1:45:46 PM |
| #2 Do you think international arms dealer is a job or a vocation? I never heard of anyone ever getting told by a guidance counselor that they have both the talents and iterests to suceed as an international arms dealer. Maybe you have to start from the bottom. You know, Amway or selling refrigerators at Sears. |
| Posted by: Super Hose 2003-9-5 11:51:25 AM |
| #1 "Your honor, in application for bail, my client is a pillar of the community. He's never been in trouble before, his son lives in the city, he loves puppy dogs and baby ducks, and "Sorry counseler, missed that last part. Want to repeat it for the record? Oh and bail application denied." |
| Posted by: Steve White 2003-9-5 10:35:22 AM |