BBC published documents exposing FIFA money laundering operations (PHOTO)

2015-06-07 20:26

On Sunday, BBC revealed documents that clearly show that about 10 million US dollars flowed from FIFA to the accounts of former FIFA vice president Jack Warner in 2008.

Money - for personal needs

Officially, the money was intended for national community programs in the Caribbean countries, but the documents show that J. Warner used this money for enrichment, to cover personal loans, and for money laundering operations.

The 72-year-old Trinidad and Tobago citizen FTB is accused of large-scale corruption. Warner himself denies all charges.

The BBC-revealed documents show that in 2008, three transfers totaling 10 million US dollars were made to the accounts of the North American and Caribbean Football Confederation (CONCACAF). At that time, J. Warner was the head of this confederation.

The official purpose of the financial injections received from the South African Football Association was to develop football programs in the Caribbean region.

A total of 4.86 million US dollars was transferred to one of the largest shopping centers in Trinidad and Tobago, JTA Supermarkets. The money was paid in installments from January 2008 to March 2009. According to US prosecutors, the majority of this money was later paid out to Warner in local currency.

Country's fury

The scandal has already caught the attention of Trinidad and Tobago's sports minister and former footballer, Brent Sancho. "He will have to answer for his actions. Warner will have to participate in the investigation and explain his actions," said the official firmly.

The documents clearly show that 360 thousand US dollars from FIFA were paid to individuals associated with J. Warner.

Almost 1.6 million US dollars were spent on credit card payments and repaying personal loans. Warner's largest payment for the loan was 410 thousand US dollars, and he once paid 87 thousand US dollars with his credit card for purchases.

Sancho did not hide his anger and disappointment.

"It is painful and incomprehensible, as these funds were supposed to be for the development of football in our region. All this is a real parody," said the sports minister of Trinidad and Tobago.

A trail of scandals

Warner is one of the 14 defendants in the FIFA corruption case. According to US officials, over the past 24 years, numerous cases of corruption, racketeering, and money laundering have been recorded, with a total sum exceeding 150 million US dollars.

His name has appeared in various financial matters before. In 2011, Warner was forced to leave the FIFA executive committee when it was revealed that he had bribed other representatives from his region.

A fraud investigation was later launched against Warner, and he was removed from his position as Trinidad and Tobago's Minister of National Security.

So far, the man embroiled in the FIFA scandal denies all allegations and claims that he will deal with them and his opponents. He has hinted several times that he will reveal not only shocking facts but also tell the "real truth" about FIFA and the individuals working in that organization.