Anyone who has spent their fair share of time in airports over the years can tell you, if there’s anything they’ve learned from that experience, it’s that they wish they hadn’t spent their fair share of time in airports over the years. Edward Snowden, the valiant young American who blew the whistle on the massive U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) spying program, has been avoiding U.S. authorities by living in the transit area of Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport for almost four weeks, an unthinkable amount of time for anyone familiar with the travails of global travel. The Obama administration has done what it can to capture Snowden. They have revoked his U.S. passport, but they have made no request that he be extradited from Russia. That’s because there is no extradition treaty between Russia and the U.S., as Russian President Putin has pointedly noted. Snowden made a wise and courageous decision by outing the nefarious activities of the NSA under the lawless Obama administration. But he would now be far better off if he had followed my advice before doing so … Extradition is the formal legal process by which an individual is officially delivered from the country where they are located, (the “requested” county) to the country that wants them back (the “requesting” country). Many believe that they will never be in danger of extradition. And while that’s probably true, the likelihood of it happening to U.S. citizens is sure to increase as many of us look to living abroad as an escape from the ever-encroaching tyranny of the Age of Obama and as the federal government’s tentacles reach further into our private affairs overseas. And many Americans don’t realize just how far the U.S. government’s reach is. For example, in 1992, the U.S. Supreme Court, in an extraordinary decision, ruled, in effect, that it is legal for U.S. agents to carry out kidnapping anywhere in the world. Shortly afterward, President George H.W. Bush issued an executive order specifically authorizing U.S. agents to do just that. It remains in effect to this day. One can be sure that Edward Snowden never envisioned being holed up in a Russian airport avoiding U.S. authorities. But, he would now have far superior options if he had previously established a second citizenship abroad in a country with a favorable extradition policy — part of a larger offshore living strategy that many have been advocating for years. In most countries, extradition is not automatic. A hearing is usually required, with the person subject to extradition given the opportunity to argue his or her case. Some countries, such as Brazil, almost never allow extradition. Many refuse to return a person they deem to be wanted for “political” offenses. Usually, an extradition request seeks persons facing criminal prosecution or an already convicted escapee, but there are other grounds for such official demands. If you owe U.S. taxes, the IRS may have the right, under tax treaties or tax information exchange agreements, to obtain your financial records in that country. If the IRS can show evidence of tax evasion or other crimes, it can request the U.S. Department of Justice to institute an asset freeze request for your foreign funds. Generally, tax offenses have not been extraditable. However, fraud, per se, is an extraditable offense so a government that wants to pursue a tax case claims "tax fraud." These facts all point to the need for individuals to develop a plan to protect their rights by “internationalizing” themselves and their wealth. These days, the scope and power of government at all levels, especially as manifested in oppressive policies and controls, have led many to consider the prudent path of a second citizenship, particularly in a country where taxes are more reasonable and there exists a greater respect for individual freedom. A new passport can expand your legal rights. For an American, that means allowing for freer world travel. Edward Snowden’s current situation would be quite different were he to be holding one. Plus, a second citizenship/passport can serve as the key to reducing your taxes and protecting your assets. It can open doors that would otherwise remain closed to you. In light of Mr. Snowden’s current fate and the oppressive policies of the Obama administration, there has never been a more urgent need to consider such actions. -- Bob Bauman, J.D.
Posted on: Sat, 20 Jul 2013 12:54:11 +0000
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