Geelong Advertiser, AAP
November 10, 2015 2:45pm
MICHAEL Hand, the fugitive US banker who vanished from Australia 35 years ago, says he is not to blame for the collapse of the infamous Sydney-based Nugan Hand Bank.
THE 73-year-old also rejects claims he's been in hiding in the US, but says he left Australia because of "numerous" death threats he and his wife received.
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The bank collapsed with $A50 million in debts and Hand became one of Australia's most wanted fugitives.
TOPS Knives, which Fuller created out of "a garage with minimal tools and materials" and has grown into a source for knives for US military clients, including Special Operations personnel, released a statement defending the founder.
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"A recent news story has surfaced from 60 Minutes Australia condemning Michael Fuller as a criminal because of an incident that occurred in Australia over 35 years ago," the statement begins.
"This is untrue and inaccurate.
"While we empathise with those who lost money, as with any investment, Michael Fuller is not to blame.
"... After serving in the US military, Michael lived in Australia for a time and when a business that he was a part of collapsed, he left the country due to numerous death threats that he and his wife had received.
"He was never charged with any crime or arrested and has not been extradited because he did not commit any crimes in conjunction with this incident.
"Michael Fuller has not been in hiding in the US.
"He has had to work hard and long hours to make a living just like anyone else.
"Since living in Idaho, he has been running a small business, which started out in a garage with minimal tools and materials, and with money that was invested by people that helped to design the first knives the company made."
It is not clear if Australian authorities plan to seek extradition for Fuller.
SOURCE:
http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/news/world/im-not-to-blame-for-bank-collapse-hand/news-story/107224ddb0d27d930d3c20af2207078c
I'm searching for the press release. Will post in full if I find it.
= new reply since forum marked as read
