Natalee Case Discussion #759 6/18 - 6/22

[Rob]

There are MANY "free zone" "duty free zone" companies in Aruba owned by many different people.

right, I should have been clearer. Private entities can sell goods, but it's a government initiative. It's overall operation is at the will of the government, who would issue licenses in exchange for a fee or percent of the yearly / monthly profit percentage.

[bleachedblack]

There are MANY "free zone" "duty free zone" companies in Aruba owned by many different people.

Hmmm thought it was a family business.I think they are tied in...I guess "owned" is the wrong word.

[klaasend]

duty free zone (DFZ)
Definition

Bounded and bonded area where foreign merchandise is brought in without import duties, for further processing or re-exporting. Import-duty must be paid on these goods if are released in the local market.

++++++++++++

I believe Jossy owns the Duty Free Zones in Aruba?

++++++++


I'm not finding anything in the Aruba Chamber that links Jossy or any Mansur to the Duty Free Zone in Aruba.

I recall reading it...still looking.......always thought Free Trade Zone and Duty Free Zone were interchangeble No?
+++++++

"Jossy Mansur is the owner and chief editor of the biggest newspaper on the island, "Diario". ""When I read an article in Diario, I know what will be the next action of the government","says Hendrik Croes, adding that the Mansurs create a climate of fear and intimidation on Aruba. Their newspapers force others off the market. Furthermore, ""their annual income is bigger than the yearly budget of the government. And you may guess how they make that kind of money”."""Jossy Mansur is not impressed claiming that accusing people of drug trafficking and money laundering ""has become a political tool to discredit them”." (75) Jossy Mansur acts as the family's mouthpiece, Ruben and the elder Alex are the patriarchs, and Elias 'Don' Mansur is the family's whizz-kid. Elias graduated at Notre Dame University, and was Minister of Economic Affairs in Eman's first cabinet. As representative for the Free Trade Zone entrepreneurs in a mixed Dutch-Aruban commission he has to recommend measures to tighten regulations in the FTZ to prevent money laundering and contraband, together with Dutch government officials. (76)

http://tinyurl.com/45dkq8

So according to HarryTho (who has had some pretty wild theories) Jossy's wiz kid son Elias is a representative for the Free Trade Zone.  Yes, see my previous post an Elias Mansur does own a Free Zone company but so do many many other people own Free Zone companies.  This does not constitute RUNNING the Free Zone in Aruba, IMO.

The Mansur's don't run it any more than Renfro's boss the Chamaly's do.

[Observer]

Interesting that both Mansur and Bangbus leased suites in the same expensive office bldg,but it's a large bldg. At 701 Brickell Ave,that is owned by a Teachers and Annuity group out of chicago.

444 Brickel Ave


Summary Details:Folio No.:   01-0210-000-1060
Property:   444 BRICKELL AVE
Mailing Address:   RIVERGATE INVESTORS LLC

1111 BRICKELL AVE #2500 MIAMI FL
33131-3126
Property Information:Primary Zone:   6407 HIGH DENSITY MIX USE
CLUC:   0013 OFFICE BUILDING
Beds/Baths:   0/0
Floors:   10
Living Units:   0
Adj Sq Footage:   342,978
Lot Size:   77,662 SQ FT
Year Built:   1972
Legal Description:   1 54 41 1.782 AC BRICKELL POINT PB 8-93 PORT LOT 1 BLK 103 DESC COMM NW COR LOT 1 TH N 80 DEG E124.22FT S 74 DEG E415.79FT FOR POB TH S 13 DEG W 419.38FT S 76 DEG E 125FT
Sale Information:Sale O/R:   18151-1068
Sale Date:   6/1998
Sale Amount:   $30,150,000
Assessment Information:Year:   2007   2006
Land Value:   $21,357,050   $21,357,050
Building Value:   $14,442,950   $6,742,950
Market Value:   $35,800,000   $28,100,000
Assessed Value:   $35,800,000   $28,100,000
Total Exemptions:   $0   $0
Taxable Value:   $35,800,000   $28,100,000
========================================



http://gisims2.co.miami-dade.fl.us/MyHome/proptext.asp

[Rob]

*******, the difference in the 444 Brickell Avenue address is Manur is in suite 750 and Bang Bus is in suite 1001. That's pretty close if you ask me.

[Helen Back]

Grande has this listed as Jossy Mansur.



http://s66.photobucket.com/albums/h254/chicagoutfit/?start=all

Same address - now you tell me???

Hi Everyone,

OMG Rob....Not only is Jossy Mansur involved with Atlantic Entertainment at 444 Brickell, same address as BangBus, but BRYN, MARK J., registered agent for Atlantic Entertainment is also the registered agent for BangBros, LLC, Jefferey Greenberg as Director.

 

I remember the Baranquilla connection at the time we got all the info on the North Valle Cartel. 

[bleachedblack]

Natalee Holloway is Not Aruba's Only Crime Problem
By Jim Kouri
Aug 10, 2005    

When Alabama teenager Natalee Holloway went missing in Aruba, America and the world began to take a close look at the island.  The way they have handled the Natalee Holloway case has put the tiny islands’ police department and courts under a high powered microscope.  But if you think the disappearance of Natalee Holloway is Aruba’s only problem when it comes to the issues of crime, think again.

Located only 20 miles off the coast of Venezuela,  the island paradise of Aruba serves as a transshipment point for illicit drugs—primarily cocaine from South America. Smugglers generally move large loads of cocaine into Aruba on fishing vessels, private yachts, and go-fast boats. They also move drugs out of Aruba inside maritime containerized cargo and airfreight. Drug trafficking organizations continue to exploit Aruba’s air and sea links to the continental United States, South America, Europe, Puerto Rico, and other Caribbean nations. Most of the cocaine transiting Aruba is destined for European markets—primarily the Netherlands.

Aruba has large free-zone facilities (areas that allow goods to be held and then re-shipped elsewhere without paying an import or duty tax), which provide opportunities for bulk shipments of cocaine to transit the area without the scrutiny of local officials. Cocaine shipments in containerized cargo increasingly are transiting the area, specifically through the free zone. The free-zone facilities on Aruba are conducive to transshipments, not only of drugs, but also chemicals used in illicit manufacture of drugs. Some firms in the free zone are suspected of involvement in money laundering.

Couriers on commercial flights and cruise ships smuggle small (usually from 1- to 10-kilogram) amounts of cocaine and, to a lesser extent, heroin, into and out of Aruba, either concealed in their luggage or taped to their bodies. Commercial air couriers, sometimes swallow up to 1 kilogram of cocaine or heroin per trip. Drug couriers easily blend into the hundreds of thousands of tourists who visit Aruba each year.

The proximity of Aruba to South America, a high standard of living in Aruba, and an underdeveloped law enforcement infrastructure make the country an attractive meeting place for South American, European, and U.S. drug traffickers. Colombian traffickers play a major role in the shipments of cocaine and heroin that transit the island, having forged trafficking relationships with local Arubans. In the past, some airline employees and cruise-ship personnel have smuggled drugs through Aruba.

Aruba plays a significant role as an offshore center for drug-related money laundering. Money laundering organizations are well established on Aruba and enjoy protection from considerable bank secrecy laws and a stable currency. The organizations use Aruba’s offshore banking and incorporation systems, free-zone areas, and resort/casino complexes to transfer and to launder drug proceeds. Although money laundering was made illegal in 1999, the legislation requires a provable underlying crime with a penalty of at least 4 years. The Government of Aruba also has an asset-seizure law that allows for seizure at the time of arrest to prevent criminals from moving assets prior to conviction.

The Government of Aruba has recently issued several decrees on money laundering that include increased oversight of casinos and insurance companies. The Government of Aruba also is in the process of instituting reporting requirements for cross-border currency movements in excess of 20,000 Aruban florins (approximately US$11,200). Aruba has a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), known as the Meldpunt Ongebruikelijke Transacties (MOT), and is a member of the Egmont Group, an international group of FIUs.

Aruba is not a source country for any of the chemicals used in illicit drug production and has no specific legislation controlling essential chemicals. Difficulties abound when attempting to gauge the levels of chemical transshipment through Aruba, as most chemicals legally pass through Aruba’s Free Trade Zone—an area in which local law enforcement has limited oversight due to local regulations and manpower shortages. The reporting of chemicals transiting the island is strictly voluntary.

The Aruba Organized Crime Unit, a small investigative team of the Aruba Police, or Politie, has responsibility for investigating large-scale drug trafficking crimes. The Coast Guard of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba (CGNAA) is responsible for maritime drug interdictions around Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles. The Governments of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba have agreed to work more closely with the other coast guards operating in the region in order to present a united front against drug trafficking. The CGNAA has its own Criminal Intelligence Division (CID) which is separate from the Politie. However, due to Dutch law, unless the CGNAA can demonstrate that a given vessel is either coming from or going to territorial waters of the Netherlands Antilles or Aruba, any drug law enforcement, other than an administrative boarding, is considered illegal. Dutch investigators also support law enforcement investigations in the Netherlands Antilles.

Cocaine, heroin, and marijuana are readily available in Aruba. Wholesale amounts of cocaine sell for from US$3,800 to US$4,500 per kilogram among drug traffickers; heroin sells for about US$23,000 per kilogram; and marijuana sells for about US$2,000 per kilogram. These low prices suggest a heavy flow of drugs into Aruba. According to Aruban statistics, an estimated 14 percent of Arubans regularly use illicit drugs.

Aruba serves as one of two forward operating locations (FOLs) in the Caribbean for U.S. counterdrug aircraft. The FOL, located at Queen Beatrix Airport near Oranjestad, provides a landing and servicing area for counterdrug detection and monitoring missions in the region. The United States and Aruba do not have a formal maritime law enforcement agreement.

Sources: Central Intelligence Agency, Drug Enforcement Administration, National Security Institute

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police.

[MumInOhio]

Rob…This is the Mansur I have connected to Atlantic Entertainment…I checked it all briefly a few weeks ago, but haven’t connected Jossy to it yet!

Paul I. Mansur, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Paul I. Mansur has been Chief Executive Officer and a Director since September 1993. From September 1986 to July 1993, Mr. Mansur served as Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic Entertainment Inc., a privately held regional retail chain of video superstores. From March 1981 to September 1986, Mr. Mansur served as the Chief Executive Officer and President of Ameritrade Corporation, a privately held international distributor of factory direct duty free products. From June 1972 to March 1981, Mr. Mansur held various finance and operation positions, including Assistant Vice President Finance and Operations for Mott's USA, Inc., a division of American Brands. Paul Mansur is the brother of Pierre G. Mansur. Paul Mansur is a graduate of the City University of New York.
http://www.systemonetechnologies.com/investor_meet_mgmt.htm

Found these and haven’t looked any further.

HarryTho Natalee Holloway Update And Commentary :: Natalee ...
Oct 22, 2005 ... The Glossco Trading Freezone is the new name of the Mansur Free Trade Zone. From what I'm finding in my research, the Mansurs and their ...www.hyscience.com/archives/2005/10/harrytho_natale_8.php - 90k - Cached - Similar pages

Riehl World View: Why Was The DEA There?
Jossy Mansur and I went to the same university in the USA. ..... As representative for the Free Trade Zone entrepreneurs in a mixed Dutch-Aruban commission ...www.riehlworldview.com/carnivorous_conservative/2005/07/why_was_the_dea.html - 64k -

Sharon…Thanks…

[bleachedblack]

Alleged involvement in cigarette smuggling and money laundering

The Mansur family was involved in cigarette smuggling from Aruba to Colombia. For over 50 years, Philip Morris' main distributor in Latin America was the Mansur Free Zone Trading Company, NV. Cigarettes were shipped to Aruba or Panamanian free trade zones operated by the Mansurs and then into Colombia's special customs zone, Maicao, just across the border from Venezuela. One of Philip Morris main distributors within Colombia was Samuel Santander Lopesierra, at one time a senator in the Liberal Party. Dubbed "the Marlboro Man" by the Colombian media, in reference to his alleged cigarette smuggling activities, Lopesierra is named in a U.S. federal court affidavit filed in conjunction with the Mansur money-laundering indictment.[3][6][7]

According to a report of the Venezuelan intelligence agency, the DISIP, "in Venezuela the Mansurs are implicated in money laundering with Lopesierra.[8][9] Every month Lopesierra 're-invested' 20 million dollar 'with the help of a well-known entrepreneur called Mansur'."[10] Lopesierra is named in a U.S. federal court affidavit filed in conjunction with the Mansur money-laundering indictment. In that affidavit, an FBI agent working undercover says he was told by Jaime Tovar, one of the original defendants in the Mansur indictment, that Lopesierra was part of a scheme to convert narco dollars into shipments of goods bound for Colombia.[7] Lopesierra was arrested for drug trafficking in October 2002 and extradited to the US in August 2003.[11][12] He was convicted for conspiring to unlawfully import cocaine into the United States. Lopesierra and his group were responsible for smuggling shipments of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine into the United States, and for laundering the proceeds so they could be repatriated through Puerto Rico, New York, and Miami back to Colombia.[13]

The Mansur family has gained international prominence for alleged money laundering. Two family members, the cousins Eric and Alex Mansur, have been indicted by the U.S. attorney in Puerto Rico. They reportedly funneled US$500,000 in campaign cash to Colombian President Ernesto Samper through the wife of a jailed Cali cartel boss during the 1994 election campaign. Mr. Samper denied it. The Mansurs subsequently were awarded a monopoly for Colombian gambling, which was canceled in 1997 by a government watchdog agency that smelled impropriety.[5][14][15]

http://tinyurl.com/47oesv

[Rob]

Rob…This is the Mansur I have connected to Atlantic Entertainment…I checked it all briefly a few weeks ago, but haven’t connected Jossy to it yet!

Paul I. Mansur, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Mum, it might not be Jossy. Even Grande makes mistakes I'm sure. LOL...

Here is a screen shot from his bucket that shows his label.


Grande and I did a question and answer thing for my blog. We never finished it, so I didn't post the interview, but I did learn where he gets his skills. I'm not sure he ever told me if it was ok to share that info, so I better not reveal that. But I can assure you he is very accurate. Know how he does it and how he learned it, makes me believe he makes very few mistakes.

[Observer]

*******, the difference in the 444 Brickell Avenue address is Manur is in suite 750 and Bang Bus is in suite 1001. That's pretty close if you ask me.

Yup,same bldg just 3 floors a part,that would be amazing if Jossy was connected to Bangbus or those entertainment company's or another Mansur.  I don't see either one there at the moment on these sites on brickell ave.
http://gisims2.co.miami-dade.fl.us/MyHome/propmap.asp
http://www.brbpub.com/freeresources/pubrecsitesSearch.aspx?subcat=State%2c+County%2c+and+City+Sites&st=Florida
http://www.emapsplus.com/FLDade/maps/

[Lala'sMom]

*******, the difference in the 444 Brickell Avenue address is Manur is in suite 750 and Bang Bus is in suite 1001. That's pretty close if you ask me.

Wasn't Ernesto's address something about Apt. 1001.  Nevermind, that can't be the same thing...the location was different.


Now, are you saying that Jossy is involved in the ownership of Bangbus?  Someone, please help me out here...I am confused.

[Rob]

*******, the difference in the 444 Brickell Avenue address is Manur is in suite 750 and Bang Bus is in suite 1001. That's pretty close if you ask me.

Wasn't Ernesto's address something about Apt. 1001.  Nevermind, that can't be the same thing...the location was different.


Now, are you saying that Jossy is involved in the ownership of Bangbus?  Someone, please help me out here...I am confused.

Lalas, I don't think anyone is saying that. Just saying there are only some many buildings available, and some people seem to possibly end up in the same buildings. 

[klaasend]

Not Jossy but Elias:

Tiny isle is key to illicit trade
Jump to full article: Montreal Gazette (ca), 2001-03-05
Author: WILLIAM MARSDEN / of The Gazette and The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists

Intro:
[This reprise of a part of the CPI report contains graphics of some of the documents--gb]

The chief purveyors of tobacco through Colombia's "backdoor ports" were two powerful Aruba families by the names of Mansur and Harms.

For more than 50 years, Philip Morris's main distributor in Latin America was the Mansur Free Zone Trading Co. NV. (The company's name changed to Glossco in 1999 after years of unwelcome scrutiny. U.S. President Bill Clinton in 1996 publicly identified Aruba "as a major drug-transit country" and noted: "A substantial portion of the free zone's businesses in Aruba are owned and operated by members of the Mansur family, who have been indicted in the United States on charges of conspiracy to launder trafficking proceeds.")

British American Tobacco, in the meantime, used the services of Roy Harms's Romar Free Zone Trading Co. NV as its distributor for parts of Latin America, and RJ Reynolds worked with cousin Bryan Harms, who figured in the Canadian smuggling in the early 1990s.

In August 1994, the United States indicted cousins Eric and Alex Mansur along with 52 others allegedly involved in a massive drug-money laundering enterprise. The investigation, dubbed Operation Golden Trash, targeted an alleged conspiracy that used narco dollars to purchase cigarettes, alcohol and household electronics, which were sold to individuals and businesses in Colombia. The proceeds flowed to cocaine barons.

 
http://www.tobacco.org/news/60858.html

GLOSSCO FREEZONE N.V. 
 
Business address ORANJESTAD VRIJE ZONE Z/N, ORANJESTAD WEST 
Legal form  LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY 
Name of the company  GLOSSCO FREEZONE N.V. 
Statutory seat  ARUBA 
Date of incorporation  7 APRIL 1978 
Last amendment in the articles  27 APRIL 1999 
     
Authorized capital  ARUBAN FLORINS 100,000.00 
Issued capital  ARUBAN FLORINS 25,000.00 
Paid up capital  ARUBAN FLORINS 25,000.00 
Fiscal year  01 JANUARY thru 31 DECEMBER 
NOT IN POSSESION OF A BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENT LICENCE 
THIS COMPANY HAS BEEN STRICKEN FROM OUR FILES 23 JUNE 2003 
   
DIRECTORS - AUTHORIZED PERSONS AND CORPORATE BODIES - SUPERVISORY BOARD: 
 
LARMONIE, JARVIS CONRAD; 
Residing in  DE LA SALLESTRAAT 10, ORANJESTAD, ARUBA 
Born in  ARUBA on 12 DECEMBER 1970 
Nationality  DUTCH 
Position  PROXY 
Effective  1 FEBRUARY 1999 
Authority  RESTRICTED 
   
MANSUR, ELIAS FERNANDO; 
Residing in  SALINA 9, NOORD, ARUBA 
Born in  ARUBA on 23 DECEMBER 1942 
Nationality  DUTCH 
Position  MANAGING DIRECTOR 
Effective  7 APRIL 1978 
Authority  RESTRICTED 
   
DE CUBA-MANSUR, DAMIA MANIRA; 
Residing in  ADRIAAN LACLE BLVD. 13, ORANJESTAD, ARUBA 
Born in  ARUBA on 17 MAY 1940 
Nationality  DUTCH 
Position  MANAGING DIRECTOR 
Effective  8 OCTOBER 1987 
Authority  RESTRICTED 
   

[hotping]

Company Profile for:
Atlantic Entertainment, Inc.
Incorporated by Jossy Mansur, Atlantic Entertainment, Inc. is located at 2750 SW 26th Ave Ste 750 Miami, FL 33133. Atlantic Entertainment, Inc. was incorporated on Wednesday, September 16, 1992 in the State of FL and is currently not active. Bryn, Mark J. represents Atlantic Entertainment, Inc. as their registered agent.


Company Web Atlantic Entertainment, Inc.
FEIN: 650357948


Mailing Address:
2750 SW 26th Ave Ste 750
Miami, FL 33133
Miami-Dade County
 Map data ©2008 Tele Atlas - Terms of Use

Loading
State of Florida Incorporation Record for Atlantic Entertainment, Inc.
State:    FL
State #: V64387
Filing Type: Domestic for Profit
Created: 9/16/1992
Status: Inactive

Officer Jossy Mansur


2750 SW 26th Ave
Miami, FL 33133
Miami-Dade County
7 Companies at this address  President
Director
 

Jossy Mansur
2750 SW 26th Ave
Miami, FL 33133
Miami-Dade County   

Loading
Registered Agent Map Web Bryn, Mark J.
444 Brickell Ave
Miami, FL 33131   

Bryn, Mark J.
444 Brickell Ave
Miami, FL 33131   

 http://www.corporationwiki.com/Florida/Miami/atlantic-entertainment-inc-4837647.aspx


It says that the company is inactive...

[Lala'sMom]

Thanks Rob.  I knew I was confused.

[Lala'sMom]

I went back and looked again...now what does Atlantic Entertainment do or did?  What was their business? 

[Helen Back]

Company Profile for:
Atlantic Entertainment, Inc.
Incorporated by Jossy Mansur, Atlantic Entertainment, Inc. is located at 2750 SW 26th Ave Ste 750 Miami, FL 33133. Atlantic Entertainment, Inc. was incorporated on Wednesday, September 16, 1992 in the State of FL and is currently not active. Bryn, Mark J. represents Atlantic Entertainment, Inc. as their registered agent.


Company Web Atlantic Entertainment, Inc.
FEIN: 650357948


Mailing Address:
2750 SW 26th Ave Ste 750
Miami, FL 33133
Miami-Dade County
 Map data ©2008 Tele Atlas - Terms of Use

Loading
State of Florida Incorporation Record for Atlantic Entertainment, Inc.
State:    FL
State #: V64387
Filing Type: Domestic for Profit
Created: 9/16/1992
Status: Inactive

Officer Jossy Mansur


2750 SW 26th Ave
Miami, FL 33133
Miami-Dade County
7 Companies at this address  President
Director
 

Jossy Mansur
2750 SW 26th Ave
Miami, FL 33133
Miami-Dade County   

Loading
Registered Agent Map Web Bryn, Mark J.
444 Brickell Ave
Miami, FL 33131   

Bryn, Mark J.
444 Brickell Ave
Miami, FL 33131   

 http://www.corporationwiki.com/Florida/Miami/atlantic-entertainment-inc-4837647.aspx


It says that the company is inactive...

Looks like the registered agent is the connection.  His office was probably the corporation mail drop for these companies.

[Rob]

[Rob]