FTC Alleges AIBL Facilitated Sanctuary Belize Scam
In addition to the lead scammer, Andres Pukke, more than two dozen persons and entities have been named in the suit, including Atlantic International Bank, which the FTC said is the first foreign bank it has ever brought an action against. According to the claim, the Federal Trade Commission is alleging that Atlantic International Bank assisted and facilitated the Sanctuary Belize scheme. Senator Salazar was asked to explain.
Aldo Salazar, Attorney
“I feel like this matter has been blown out of proportion for political reasons. I understand that I am a public figure and therefore its fair game. That is fine. My shoulders are broad. But basically that is it. I never spent two, three hours with any FTC official. This is issue is not about me about any wrongdoing on my part. This issue is about our jurisdiction and about AIBL. That is basically it. The concerns is in relation to this development, the allegation is that there were some wrongdoings by US persons operating in Belize. And I challenge each one of you in the media to read the claim against AIBL. Go and read and see what it is about. It is not about fraud. It is not about dissipation about money by AIBL or anybody that worked at AIBL. It is a claim for an alleged violation for the FTC’s telemarketing sales rule.”
Aldo Salazar
Reporter
“One person testified that the law firm that you are a part of, Mr. Pelayo was also a part of that or there is some business partnership between you two and then you law firm sent our foreclosure letters. So there are imputing in a sense inside knowledge having to do with this entire thing.”
Aldo Salazar
“If you look at that, if you look. You see. If you look at the actual letter, it is on my letter head, my name as an attorney. That company is not law firm. I am a lawyer. I don’t really see why, listen I have a right to form any company. It is my constitutional right to form any company where to do legitimate business, taxes are paid. I don’t understand why, well I do understand. Like I said, I am a public figure and I am U.D.P. and because of that I understand that I am fair game to certain people. But that is fine, I can take. But to suggest that any company I was involved in was doing anything illegal is defamatory. I am saying that very clearly. There is nothing illegal that I have done in relation, well I shouldn’t say in relation. There is nothing illegal that I have done. That company or any company that I involved in pays its taxes and is doing legitimate work. These are just attempt to try to impugn me.”
Reporter
“Have you been asked to testify in the case?”
Aldo Salazar
“I don’t want to comment on that ongoing case because I may have to give evidence not necessary for my involvement but as a witness.”
