Al-Bashir Stashed $9 BILLION In UK Banks?

Ttoday, we have this amazing piece of news, that I first came across on The Guardian. It’s all over the media, and I highly doubt its accuracy for several reasons.

Omar al-Bashir, the Sudanese president, has siphoned as much as $9bn out of his impoverished country, and much of it may be stashed in London banks, according to secret US diplomatic cables that recount conversations with the chief prosecutor of the international criminal court.

Some of the funds may be held by the part-nationalised Lloyds Banking Group, according to prosecutor, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, who told US officials it was time to go public with the scale of Bashir’s theft in order to turn Sudanese public opinion against him.

First of all, it’s obvious that Ocampo wants al-Bashir arrested, which makes his speculations biased. Secondly, why on earth would al-Bashir pick banks in the UK of all places? That’s a risk, because a country like the UK could easily co-operate with its ally the United States to freeze accounts if needed. Plus, it’s also a known fact that many, if not most Northern Sudanese politicians, prefer stashing “their” money in UAE’s and Malaysia’s banks.

Thirdly and lastly, $9 billion? Really? That’s it? How about, I don’t know, maybe $20 billion? Yeah, maybe with that we’ll be getting closer to the real figure, which is 100% Halal money I’m sure.

Yay to the wonderful Sudanese government!