Though American workers enjoy the protection of many laws, their lives and careers can still be damaged by pressure from above to commit illegal acts. Everyone has a right to speak out against these abuses without fear of punishment, and those that assert it are often justly rewarded. Whistleblowers perform a public service by upholding what is ethical and fair. They also assume great risk. Their cases can be grueling, the stakes are high and the opposition is never less than formidable.
At Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto, we’ve earned our reputation as the premier advocate for the American whistleblower by winning such decisions for 20 years. The laws at play are complex, but the reason for our success is not. In case after case, we’ve provided our clients with the legal expertise and grit to beat even the toughest foes in court. At KKC, we realize that standing up for the public interest often demands personal courage. We also know that whatever your job, you don’t leave behind your rights and duties as a citizen when you step in the workplace door.
A Crack in the Swiss Vault. Bradley Birkenfeld and Stephen Kohn appear on CBS 60 Minutes news magazine. January 3, 2010.
Firm Accomplishments and Recognition
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KKC Urges Strong Public Support for Bradley Birkenfeld
Bradley Birkenfeld made history by being the first international banker to blow the whistle on illegal off shore accounts held in Switzerland by U.S. Citizens. His disclosures have resulted in an unprecedented recovery currently estimated at over $1.4 billion, including a $780 million civil fine paid by the United Bank of Switzerland. Mr. Birkenfeld made these disclosures voluntarily without grant of immunity despite the fact he worked on these illegal programs. Instead of rewarding Mr. Birkenfeld for his unprecedented contribution to the American taxpayers, the Department of Justice indicted him on one count of conspiracy to commit tax fraud.
August 21, 2009, at the request of the federal court, the DOJ sentenced Mr. Birkenfeld to a 40-month prison term. Leading public interest groups have protested this sentence explaining how it does not serve the public interest. Mr. Birkenfeld's new attorneys, which include the law firm of Kohn, Kohn and Colapinto, LLP, have reviewed the sentencing documents and have concluded that the sentence was based on false factual assertions by the DOJ. Mr. Birkenfeld's attorneys have requested U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to personally review the matter.
On January 8, 2010, Mr. Birkenfeld surrendered himself to US authorities and began serving a 40-month federal prison sentence. Each day Mr. Birkenfeld remains in jail is another step backwards in the fight against corruption. Mr. Birkenfeld deserves to be commended for courageously stepping forward and reporting the illegal banking practices of UBS. Instead, he has lost his freedom.
TAKE ACTION! Request a Presidential Pardon for Bradley Birkenfeld!
- International and National Advocacy Organizations Urge Attorney General Holder to Investigate
- December 7, 2009 Letter to Attorney General Holder from KKC
- Motion to Delay Report Date
- Exhibit A to Motion to Delay Report Date
- Bradley Birkenfeld Featured on CBS's 60 Minutes Jan 3
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World Radio Switzerland interview of Stephen Kohn
- UBS whistleblower asks why he is going to prison
- UBS Tax Fraud Whistleblower Receives Person of the Year Honor
- UBS Informant Files Complaint Against Prosecutors
- Birkenfeld Seeks Correction of False and Misleading Statements Filed With Court and Investigation into Privacy Act Violations
- UBS whistleblower Bradley Birkenfeld deserves statue on Wall Street, not prison sentence