Dear Secretary Clinton.
This is to urge that the United States move expeditiously to join the European Union in locating and seizing Tunisian government funds misappropriated by the former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and his associates and moved out of Tunisia. As much as $5 billion of state funds may be involved.
Late last week, the Council of the European Union issued a regulation authorizing a freeze of Tunisian state assets in the control of Mr. Ben Ali, his wife and 48 other persons who are believed to have abetted the illegal transfer of the funds. I understand that the Tunisian government has asked the United States for help in locating and recovering these assets. Inasmuch as the United States plays a central role in managing the global banking system, our assistance is essential if the recovery effort is to be successful.
The State Department, together with the Justice Department and the Department of the Treasury, have a well-established and highly effective mechanism for investigating illicit financial transfers around the world and seizing the illegally-obtained assets of such transactions. I urge that you, Attorney General Holder and Secretary Geithner move immediately to direct that the United States join the European Union in aiding the Tunisian people and their new government in recovering these funds.
Sincerely,
HOWARD L. BERMAN
Ranking Member
Permalink: https://foreignaffairs.house.gov/2011/2/rep-berman-urges-quick-us-action-seize-stolen-tunisian-funds.
