KKC Urges Strong Public Support in requesting clemency 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. 

 

A Crack in the Swiss Vault. Bradley Birkenfeld and his attorney,Stephen Kohn, appear on CBS 60 Minutes news magazine. January 3, 2010.

 

TAKE ACTION! Request clemency for Bradley Birkenfeld!