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Wikileaks Banker Convicted by Swiss Court

Christine Detz |
January 19, 2011 | 11:33 a.m. PST

Associate News Editor

 

The former Swiss banker at the center of the latest Wikileaks controversy has been convicted in Zurich of breaching bank secrecy laws.

Rudolf Elmer was fined $6,250 for handing over confidential files from his former employer, Swiss investment bank Julius Baer, to Wikileaks. The prosecution wanted Elmer to serve eight months in prison, but the judge denied their request.

Elmer believes the files contain evidence of tax evasion by the wealthy, politicians, and companies, including Americans.  Wikileaks founder Julian Assange said the information obtained from Elmer will be published in the coming weeks, as soon as the website has verified the information.

This is not the first time Elmer has been in trouble with the law.  CNN reports he served 30 days in jail in 2005 on suspicion of violating Swiss banking secrecy.

 

 

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