Latest Laos News 9 Jan. 04
Article by: Ekaphone PHOUTHONESY
Source: Vientiane Times

THE investigation into Michael Newman, a British national arrested while attempting to smuggle US$300,000 out of Laos, is about more than just the money, say legal officials.

"The case is not only about the accused failing to ask permission to take money out of Laos, but his business links to others," said Deputy-Head of General Inspection Department, Prosecutor General's office, Khamkong Outenkeomano.

While Khamkong could not give more information as it may jeopardise the court case he said it would be drawing to a conclusion soon.

"We aim to send the case to court in the near future," said Khamkong Outenkeomano. Other officials said they thought the case would be sent to court later this month.

Khamkong who is a special participant involved in the investigation along with police disclosed that the investigation was based on where the accused got the money from and why he did not declare it or ask permission to take the money out of Laos from the Bank of Laos.

Foreign news sources quote diplomats in Vientiane as suspecting that Mr Newman could have links to operations defrauding investors in Britain, Australia and New Zealand. Sources also say that Newman has been named in a civil law suit filed by the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Khamkong said that the US Embassy in Laos asked to join in the investigation, but the Lao Foreign Ministry declined due to a lack of agreement between the two countries concerning legal investigations.

Michael Newman was arrested along with two Thai citizens at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane on September 24.