By Kevin McCauley
The Justice Department is seeking to recover $71M from Teodorin Obiang, son of the president of Equatorial Guinea, who is charged with looting the poor African country and spending the money here.
Jackson's glove
Photo: Julien's Auctions |
The booty includes a $38M Gulfstream jet, $30M Malibu house, a $530K Ferrari and $1.8M in Michael Jackson memorabilia.
The Jackson stuff includes the $275K white crystal covered glove that the signer wore during his “Bad” tour and another $80K for a pair of his crystal color socks.
The Justice Dept. move is part of its “Kleptocracy Initiative,” which is designed to “send a message that the U.S. “will not be a hiding place for the ill-gotten riches of world’s corrupt leaders,” according to its statement.
Qorvis Communications represents Equatorial Guinea and Teodorin. Staffer Matt Lauer says the Justice Dept. allegations are going under a careful review.
His clients look forward to providing the Justice Dept with information to settle the matter.
Qorvis received $414K from Obiang during the six-month period ended March.
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