Swiss American National Bank

Son of arms dealer Maurice Sarfati sues Antigua Gov’t over ‘unpaid’ 20-year-old loans

August 26, 2010

The son of Maurice Sarfati, an Israeli citizen who was implicated in a weapons scandal involving Antigua and Colombia 20 years ago, has filed a complaint against the Government of Antigua for alleged failure to repay three loans totaling $750,000

Antigua & Barbuda: Lester Bird et al – Supplemental Request (2008)

June 19, 2008

Motion for Modification of Court Order and to Supplement Commissioner Appointment regarding a request from Antigua & Barbuda for judicial assistance for a criminal investigation into Lester Bird, Asot Michael, Josette Michael, Bruce Rappaport, Sir Ronald Sanders and others for suspected involvement in fraud, corruption, and money laundering.

Antigua & Barbuda: Lester Bird et al

January 14, 2005

Application for the appointment of a Commissioner to collect evidence - pursuant to a request for judicial assistance from Antigua & Barbuda - for a criminal investigation into Lester Bryant Bird, Asot A. Michael, John E. St. Luce, Robin Yearwood, and Bruce Rappaport for suspected corruption and fraud.

Swiss American Bank wins lawsuit brought by US government

November 30, 1998

The US government has lost its bid to recover $7 million from banks in Antigua, Panama and Switzerland that were the proceeds of marijuana smuggling carried out in Massachusetts. Judge William Young, of the Federal District Court for the District of Massachusetts in Boston, dismissed a lawsuit brought against Swiss American Bank and Swiss American National Bank (both of Antigua), Swiss American Holding Company S.A. of Panama and Inter-Maritime Bank of Geneva.

US government battles for jurisdiction over Swiss American Bank

June 30, 1998

A battle for legal jurisdiction between the US government and four offshore financial institutions in a $7 million forfeiture case contains a number of important issues that will affect all companies and individuals who operate offshore but have US clients.Among arguments being put forward by the US government for jurisdiction over banking entities located in Antigua, Switzerland and Panama is the fact that the offshore companies sell their services over the Internet, which can be accessed in the US; that Swiss American Bank has advertised in the in-flight magazine of American Airlines; and that SAB has correspondent banking relationships with banks in the States.

Swiss American seeks dismissal of US lawsuit

March 31, 1998

Swiss American Bank Limited and Swiss American National Bank of Antigua filed on March 16 a motion to dismiss a complaint filed against them in Massachusetts by the US government alleging theft of $7 million of drugs money.

Bruce Rappaport appointed Antigua’s Ambassador to Russia

February 27, 1998

Readers who followed last month's story about the US government's lawsuit accusing four banks and the Antiguan government of illegally divvying up $7 million in drug profits might be interested to know that Antigua recently appointed the banks' owner, Bruce Rappaport, as its Ambassador to Russia.The appointment of Rappaport to this official position on December 3, 1997, adds an interesting twist to the recent lawsuit brought by the US government against the Antigua-based Swiss American Bank group and Inter-Maritime Bank, of Geneva.