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Officials: Man confessed to trying to sell shoulder-fired missiles
EFL/FU:An accused international arms dealer charged with trying to sell shoulder-fired missiles to terrorists has confessed to the FBI, prosecutors revealed Thursday. Dammit, how are we supposed to defend you on these false charges if you people keep confessing? Hemant Lakhani, an India-born British citizen, made damaging statements shortly after he was arrested last month at a hotel near Newark Airport, according to Newark U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie. "He confessed to his involvement in the conduct laid out in the complaint," Christie told reporters outside court after a bail hearing for Lakhani. Lakhani, 68, is charged with trying to broker a deal to sell more than 50 mobile missile launchers to a buyer who claimed to be a terrorist. The buyer was really an informant working in an FBI sting. I hate it when that happens. Two accused confederates, Queens, N.Y., gem dealer Yehuda Abraham and Moinuddeen Ahmed Hameed, were charged with arranging illegal money transfers for the missile buy. Christie said Lakhani confessed after waiving his right to remain silent. During the bail hearing, he also revealed for the first time that Lakhani had personally handled the missile - a fake rigged up by U.S. and Russian officials. Oops Lakhaniâs new lawyer, Alan Zegas, declined to comment. Most likely wondering why he took this case. Zegas had asked Magistrate Ronald Hedges to release his client on $1 million bail to his sonâs home in New York City. How does "no" strike you? Prosecutors opposed any release, calling Lakhani a danger to the community who would flee the United States if released. The bail question was tabled until Thursday - the second anniversary of the attacks. Oh, good timing. Posted by: Steve 2003-09-05 |
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