Ruedi Elmer is a whistleblower.
I've never met him, but I respect the fact that he realised what he was doing as a private client manager in the Caribbean for a Swiss bank was wrong and took action to address the abuse he witnessed.
This morning in London he hands over more files - with, I stress, all names removed to Wikileaks. I won't be at the press conference when he does so, but I support what Ruedi is doing (subject to a key condition - which is that he preserves the anonymity of those about whom disclosure is made - this is an issue for tax authorities alone. He must concentrate on the systemic point, in my opinion) - and the care he is taking. And I wish him well for his forthcoming trial in Switzerland - a trial for alleged offences that did not take place in Switzerland and over which, therefore, it seems its jurisidiction is very dubious indeed.
In the meantime, this is a trailer for a forthcoming film on the issue in which I note I appear:
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I too am a whistleblower, I reported my solicitor employers to the Solicitors Regulation Authority for illegally adding charges to debts when acting for HFC Bank (part of HSBC) – I have not worked since and my life has been extremely difficult.
Only recently, in Nov 2010, the OFT made an order against the bank to stop them doing it – I told the bank 10 years ago it was illegal (It’s a contingency fee, outlawed in the UK).
I really do need some support!!
@Nicholas Wilson
I am aware of all the stresses of whistle blowing
I am sorry you are suffering
I am afraid all I can say is I hope things get better
Being right when those in charge are wrong is tough (as I think Voltaire once noted)
@Nicholas Wilson
You did the right thing.
Keep your head up!
Many thanks for your comments – they’re appreciated. I have made an appeal to the County Court against Registry Trust for withholding public domain info – things will get better if I win!
I’m still trying to evidence of Tax evasion from the last lot of confidential client information he released illegally and did he not already give all this to the Guardian who also did not find any tax evasion?
And why is he publicaly releasing this information would it have not been better to give them information to the Tax authorities like nearly all the other whistle blowers do.
This still all strikes of a bitter man trying to get back at the bank that fired him.
One thing I will agree with Richard on is that this case should have been brought in Cayman
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12205690
Looks to me like wikileaks will be disclosing the account names.
@Greg
As I have made clear, I do not think that appropriate
I do not have a problem with whistleblowers supplying names on those they think have tax evaded to tax authorities
I do not think it appropriate that they be tried in the court of public opinion
But that’s just my personal view
@Richard Murphy
I agree. I think a lot of Assange’s behaviour is wrong, which is a shame as it clouds his good actions.
In the BBC video, he says that people’s names have been removed.
Any one found any illegal activity yet? without it you cannot call him a whisle blower?
I mean what is the difference from this and someone who hacks into a bank steals customer details then posts them on the internet?
@Creg
Who knows
Only tax authorities prove that and very few ever tell us
So your assertion is unfounded
It is different. He is not stealing anyone’s money, or providing anyone access to bank accounts.
Also, I *think* it is not illegal to take confidential information, if it is evidence of criminal activity. But, that’s one for the lawyers.
When will the documentary
be ready?thanks
And keep up the good work
@Luis
Some time yet I am afraid