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Never ceases to amaze me the depth of corruption here. EZE Customs boss busted.
[url]http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clarin.com%2Fdiario%2F2010%2F03%2F11%2Fpoliciales%2Fg-02156857.htm&sl=es&tl=en[/url]
Corruption in Buenos Aires? Say it ain't so!
[QUOTE=Damman]Never ceases to amaze me the depth of corruption here. EZE Customs boss busted.
[url]http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clarin.com%2Fdiario%2F2010%2F03%2F11%2Fpoliciales%2Fg-02156857.htm&sl=es&tl=en[/url][/QUOTE]Clearly, he must have pissed off the wrong guy. Either that or someone further up the criminal food chain needed to throw the authorities a decent bone. These guys don't get busted due to dogged detective work. They are protected.
[QUOTE=Wild Walleye]Clearly, he must have pissed off the wrong guy. Either that or someone further up the criminal food chain needed to throw the authorities a decent bone. These guys don't get busted due to dogged detective work. They are protected.[/QUOTE]Think this guy is a big fish. They found $800k stashed in his house. EZE customs are at the top of my shit list. They busted my balls for 100 pesos to get my three zip-lock bags of cashews through customs. All the shit brought through customs at EZE and I get hassled over cashews. No justice.
[url]http://momento24.com/en/2010/03/12/ezeiza-customs-chief-arrested-over-smuggling-case/[/url]
[QUOTE=Jaimito Cartero]Corruption in Buenos Aires? Say it ain't so![/QUOTE]A few weeks after I re-opened Lálliance and 1 day after SIMONE, the crazy Brazilian attacked me in the restaurant I had a visit by an undercover sergeant that controls the entire district and he explained that If I was going to have working girls and or drug dealers at my establishment then I would have to pay him off or he would close me down!
Plain and simple!
I explained that a lot of my girlfriends happen to be working girls and that I do not allow drug dealers to operate within the restaurant.
It is a family restaurant where you can order a huge T-Bone, a bottle of fine wine and a hooker for desert!
The CRAZY Brazilian is the one that made up the story about the drug dealers to make it more interesting!
Then a dark car with totally blacked out windows came by and hung-out in front of my place for about 5 minutes at 4 in the morning!
Never a dull moment!
Stay Tuned !
This deal is just starting to get good !
TL
[QUOTE=TejanoLibre]I explained that a lot of my girlfriends happen to be working girls and that I do not allow drug dealers to operate within the restaurant.[/QUOTE]Unfortunately, I doubt that makes you exempt from payment.:-)
The flip side of the corruption here is that it can work in your favor. I was able to renew my work visa, something that officially takes six weeks, in two days. You just have to know somebody who "knows" somebody.
Could I get a local's take on tonights demonstration. There seems to be a hot mess of a mix of issues lathering everyone up. Some signs concern the fear of Christina extending her term ala Chavez. Some are calling for a stop to the killing. Is that a reference to general insecurity among the public (Agualung's take on that would be great) How often do they coordinate these across the country? Can' t remember seeing that before. A little backround on who are 8N would be great. Thanks
[QUOTE=Cordoba Dan;429032]Could I get a local's take on tonights demonstration. There seems to be a hot mess of a mix of issues lathering everyone up. Some signs concern the fear of Christina extending her term ala Chavez. Some are calling for a stop to the killing. Is that a reference to general insecurity among the public (Agualung's take on that would be great) How often do they coordinate these across the country? Can' t remember seeing that before. A little backround on who are 8N would be great. Thanks[/QUOTE]can't really tell you the issues but I was out in it a little. The vibe was pretty cool, aided in no small part to all the weed I could smell burning. Pretty calm, with a real mix of demographics.
The anti Christinas were well represented as many signs now spell corruption with a capital K. Speaking of devided electorates, you might be surprised at the signs reading Viva la Reina. After the Malvinas, it would be a stretch to suggest they were talking about QEII.
[QUOTE=Sidney;429053]It is as simple as that![/QUOTE]NOOOOOOOOO I hope they keep her forever! Christina=terrible for Argentinians, FREAKEN AWESOME* for ex-pats
*except for electronics and getting money
[QUOTE=Daddy Rulz; 429056]NOOOOOOOOO I hope they keep her forever! Christina=terrible for Argentinians, FREAKEN AWESOME* for ex-pats
*except for electronics and getting money[/QUOTE]Ex pats living on pesos cant wait for her to go
[QUOTE=Kevins;429057]Ex pats living on pesos cant wait for her to go[/QUOTE]I should have qualified that better. I feel your pain brother.
Expats living on pesos are doing better? Its true the dollar is trading at thirty percent above the official rate, but what good does that do you when prices are 2 to 3 times more expensive here then in the US of A? For example, here a pair of levis sell for 600 pesos and up. In Walmart. Com with tax and shipped to your house its around 20 dollars? Thats five times more expensive here. Not to mention they are probably selling you "levis" "Hecho en China!"
[QUOTE=Gandolf50;429066]Expats living on pesos are doing better? Its true the dollar is trading at thirty percent above the official rate, but what good does that do you when prices are 2 to 3 times more expensive here then in the US of A? For example, here a pair of levis sell for 600 pesos and up. In Walmart. Com with tax and shipped to your house its around 20 dollars? Thats five times more expensive here. Not to mention they are probably selling you "levis" "Hecho en China!"[/QUOTE]Think you misread it below. People weren't saying expats living on pesos are doing better. The implication was expats on dollars are better but that expats on pesos are feeling pain.
But your levis example is bit odd. If your budget is such that the prices you mentioned are a difficulty, why even include levis? You can buy much cheaper local brand jeans as a barometer of how far your peso budget stretches. Comparing local living costs against an imported item like levis is like saying it's costly to live in california because you compared the imported chianti wine prices rather than local napa / sonoma wines.
[QUOTE=Mpexy; 429067]Think you misread it below. People weren't saying expats living on pesos are doing better. The implication was expats on dollars are better but that expats on pesos are feeling pain.
But your levis example is bit odd. If your budget is such that the prices you mentioned are a difficulty, why even include levis? You can buy much cheaper local brand jeans as a barometer of how far your peso budget stretches. Comparing local living costs against an imported item like levis is like saying it's costly to live in california because you compared the imported chianti wine prices rather than local napa / sonoma wines.[/QUOTE]What you say is true. But its not that I can't afford to buy Levis here, Its just a 50 50 chance you will end up with Levis and not some rip off. Plus while local jeans can be bought for about 150pesos. You wash them 10 times and then you need to go buy new ones. Ill stick with Levis, Wranglers, etc.
But the streets look really deary.
I was walking on the street yesterday in CF. All the shops look so old. Selling old cameras, stupid handbags and shoes for 900 pesos, the mall in Alto palermo is a junk yard. Its shocking that the country is lagging behind so much compared to other countries of South America.
I am curious, how this compares to prices & quality of what is available in other countries of South America.
Thank you, Sidney, for just posting the link. It's much better!
[QUOTE=Gandolf50;429066]Expats living on pesos are doing better? Its true the dollar is trading at thirty percent above the official rate, but what good does that do you when prices are 2 to 3 times more expensive here then in the US of A? For example, here a pair of levis sell for 600 pesos and up. In Walmart. Com with tax and shipped to your house its around 20 dollars? Thats five times more expensive here. Not to mention they are probably selling you "levis" "Hecho en China!"[/QUOTE]My taxi driver said Americans visiting for vacation do well with increasing exchange rates, because it only takes a snapshot of a temporary window. He says ExPats retiring here are getting killed the same as all all local Argentine residents. He said when the rates jumps from 4 to 5 to 6, all the food, wine, gas, restaurants, and apt rents change to match within 90 days so you gain absolutely nothing. He said the best thing for anyone but short term visitors is a solid 2 to 1 rate.
Ralph Lauren Corp. has agreed to pay $1.6 million after finding that its subsidiary in Argentina repeatedly bribed customs officials, federal authorities announced Monday.
[URL]http://money.cnn.com/2013/04/22/news/companies/ralph-lauren-bribery/[/URL]
[QUOTE=PickCherry12;433289]Ralph Lauren Corp. has agreed to pay $1.6 million after finding that its subsidiary in Argentina repeatedly bribed customs officials, federal authorities announced Monday.
[URL]http://money.cnn.com/2013/04/22/news/companies/ralph-lauren-bribery/[/URL][/QUOTE]
The Ralph Lauren Store in Recoleta in front of the Alvear Palace Hotel and next to Black is a GORGEOUS Mansion that if it's for sale should be worth well over 5 million DOLLARS. Easy!
The building is closed as the Ralph Lauren Shop. Spectacular!
That street is or was full of high-end shops but most of them have left:
Armani.
Ralph Lauren.
Hermes?
Louis Viton?
Empty Shops or replaced by some very optimistic fools or money launderers.
TL.
Oh what a cat-house the Ralph Lauren Pad would make!
[QUOTE=PickCherry12;433289]Ralph Lauren Corp. has agreed to pay $1.6 million after finding that its subsidiary in Argentina repeatedly bribed customs officials, federal authorities announced Monday.
[URL]http://money.cnn.com/2013/04/22/news/companies/ralph-lauren-bribery/[/URL][/QUOTE]And then they're allowed to BUY their way out of prosecution?
Ha, ha! There's some good old American justice for you!
:winky:
Here's another example of business in Argentina:
[URL]http://en.mercopress.com/2013/04/23/brazil-investigating-sale-of-20-embraer-e-190-to-aerolineas-argentinas-fearing-surcharges[/URL]
[QUOTE=Gandolf50;429066]Expats living on pesos are doing better? Its true the dollar is trading at thirty percent above the official rate, but what good does that do you when prices are 2 to 3 times more expensive here then in the US of A? For example, here a pair of levis sell for 600 pesos and up. In Walmart. Com with tax and shipped to your house its around 20 dollars? Thats five times more expensive here. Not to mention they are probably selling you "levis" "Hecho en China!"[/QUOTE]I meant that I like a few other expats earning in pesos are really havong a difficult time as each month we earn less...
I hope that is clear enough.
WTF? Ralph Lauren pay a few hundred thou to facilitate importation to Argentina and they're prosecuted in the US?
Should have made political contributions in the US as well.
[QUOTE=Canardly;433299]WTF? Ralph Lauren pay a few hundred thou to facilitate importation to Argentina and they're prosecuted in the US?
[/QUOTE]It is odd isn't it?
Although even odder that they can then pay a bribe, no, sorry, "a fine", to _avoid_ the prosecution.
Oddest of all is why are they being charged in the US instead of in Argentina where presumably the "crime" took place.
It's standard operating procedure for US prosecutors to shake down taxpayers to avoid court, runs like the protection rackets of old.
[QUOTE=Canardly;433303]Oddest of all is why are they being charged in the US instead of in Argentina where presumably the "crime" took place.
It's standard operating procedure for US prosecutors to shake down taxpayers to avoid court, runs like the protection rackets of old.[/QUOTE]Probably because the complainants are now in California and not in Argentina.
Mongers-.
RL is being prosecuted in the US because their stock is traded on the NYSE and they are in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which makes it illegal for US-listed companies to bribe foreign officials.
Suerte,
Rock Harders.
[QUOTE=Canardly;433303]Oddest of all is why are they being charged in the US instead of in Argentina where presumably the "crime" took place.
It's standard operating procedure for US prosecutors to shake down taxpayers to avoid court, runs like the protection rackets of old.[/QUOTE]
Thought paying bribes to do business in Argentina was a given. How foolish of me to think otherwise. Argentina, pilar of virtues.
[URL]http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/13/us-siemens-argentina-idUSTRE7BC18J20111213[/URL]
[QUOTE=Damman;433310]Thought paying bribes to do business in Argentina was a given. How foolish of me to think otherwise. Argentina, pilar of virtues.
[URL]http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/13/us-siemens-argentina-idUSTRE7BC18J20111213[/URL][/QUOTE]Now is "Batman" who came to save our lives! Mr. Honest! You confuse bribes with retributions!
By the way, what is the definition of a "lobby?
[QUOTE=Caricoso;433312]Now is "Batman" who came to save our lives! Mr. Honest! You confuse bribes with retributions!
By the way, what is the definition of a "lobby?[/QUOTE]I'm NOT saying that I'm Batman, I'm just saying that we have NEVER been seen in the same place at the same time.
TL.
I do not understand this thread. There is no corruption in Argentina. There is nothing to see here! Move along!
[QUOTE=Caricoso;433312]...bribes with retributions...[/QUOTE]Also known as "carrot and stick.
However, if you have any connection to the US (I.e. Citizen or corporation) you are bound by the Corrupt Foreign Practices Act the variety or carrots and sticks available for you to utilize (legally) are limited. Interestingly, another bunch of regulations that do not apply to members of the US ruling class.
Last Monday I watched the program "Scam City" on the Science (hd) Channel. It's a show about various scams that happen in cities around the world and this episode was on the scams of BA. It focused mostly on the rampant counterfeit black market in BA, mostly against tourists, and displayed many neighborhoods in the city.
The scams started with pungas / pickpockets on the streets (especially Boca) and in the subways. It also highlighted a "black widow", a woman who seduces men and then puts "Burundaga" in their drink and rips them off. The host then worked his way into catching corrupt taxi drivers doing a switcheroo with counterfit bills, meeting with a counterfeit middleman on Florida St., a gang who produces money, then finally meeting "The Artist" the guy who does the best counterfeit work in the country. He was saying that counterfeiting is not seen as a shameful crime, but a matter of craftiness, an unusual turnaround of ethics. In any case, according to the program, after the interviews were done, "The Artist" and a whole ring of counterfeiters were caught and are awaiting trial. But is seems that the consciousness of counterfeiting in BA, and in Argentina in general, is embedded into fabric of society, including the banks and the police.
It makes me wonder if the pesos I exchanged in a cueva were real. The work of the Artist is apparently top-notch and undetectable by the untrained. In any case, no one said anything of the bills I had. But the program is worth a look; somehow a lot of the caught criminals talked on camera. Who knows, maybe the show itself is a scam!
[URL]http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2207986/[/URL]
[QUOTE=Gonzo;433399]Who knows, maybe the show itself is a scam!
[/QUOTE]Well, quite a lot of it did ring untrue. He was talking about the fake bills he'd been given as change by a taxi driver and was rifling through a bunch of 100's.he must have paid with a 1000 peso note! And the pick-pocketing piece that was filmed was so obviously staged that I began to wonder how much of the whole programme was staged. He also, allegedly, infiltrated the counterfeiting organization so as to get that 'interview' with the armed gang within 4 days of arriving in Buenos Aires and then got to meet "The Artist" within 6 days of arriving. Which really doesn't sound very realistic.
I particularly felt sorry for the taxi drivers, who were totally savaged, leaving viewers with the impression that they're all scum-bag thieves! I've been robbed in Argentina more times than I care to mention on this forum (for danger of being attacked) but in 6 years of regular taxi use I've never had any problems whatsoever. In fact, I've been over-changed and had discounted trips when I've found myself with insufficient funds!
[QUOTE=DavieW;433415]Well, quite a lot of it did ring untrue. He was talking about the fake bills he'd been given as change by a taxi driver and was rifling through a bunch of 100's.he must have paid with a 1000 peso note! And the pick-pocketing piece that was filmed was so obviously staged that I began to wonder how much of the whole programme was staged. He also, allegedly, infiltrated the counterfeiting organization so as to get that 'interview' with the armed gang within 4 days of arriving in Buenos Aires and then got to meet "The Artist" within 6 days of arriving. Which really doesn't sound very realistic.
I particularly felt sorry for the taxi drivers, who were totally savaged, leaving viewers with the impression that they're all scum-bag thieves! I've been robbed in Argentina more times than I care to mention on this forum (for danger of being attacked) but in 6 years of regular taxi use I've never had any problems whatsoever. In fact, I've been over-changed and had discounted trips when I've found myself with insufficient funds![/QUOTE]Finding the Artist is easy! He will give anybody an interview, does it all the time. Very well known.
The guys with the masks would have robbed him and killed him for his mega-buck camera gear and questions.
Nobody would have ever admitted to the wallet theft! Try to find the same person twice in Boca on a Sunday? Especially if you did not really see his face. They would have not admitted anything.
It was a Wanker Production but Life IS like that down here! NO BS!
TL.
[URL]http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/argentina/11354521/Argentine-prosecutor-who-accused-Cristina-Kirchner-over-1994-bombings-found-dead.html[/URL]
Alberto Nisman, 51, found dead hours before he was to testified in Parliament on Monday. He had spend the last decade investigating the 1994 bombings of a Buenos Aires Jewish Center that killed 84 people.
Question for me, why was he alone or was he?