No bail for Hillman in Miami

Eduardo Hillman Waller Jr appeared before Magistrate Barry Garber in the United States Southern District of Florida Court. He was represented by two lawyers — David Razumna, of New York, and Arthur C Koski, of Baton Racon, Florida.

After the charges were read to the fugitive, Razumna asked the magistrate to release his client on bail. He said this was a matter which could have been resolved amicably, and that Hillman was prepared to go to Trinidad to face the charges.

Razumna asked that substantial bail be granted to his client, adding that Hillman owned properties in Coral Gables and Key Biscayne in Florida. He also pointed out that Hillman was 70 years old, was born in Cuba, but was now a well-respected United States citizen.

Assistant district attorney Deborah Martinez, the prosecutor, objected to bail on the ground that Hillman was a flight risk. She said there was a prior agreement for Hillman to surrender, but he failed to do so. She said there was an active investigation being undertaken against Hillman.

Martinez said there was a money laundering investigation against Hillman in the United States and in other countries. She said when Hillman was arrested at Miami International Airport last Friday afternoon, he was in possession of two valid US passports.

One, she added, was for exclusive travel to the Middle East and the other was used to go to other countries. She said Hillman had been to countries such as Jordan, Colombia, and Venezuela. When he was held last week, he was about to board a flight to Colombia. He was also seen with a Trinidadian businessman prior to his arrest.

The Magistrate said he needed time to look at the extradition laws and the treaty signed between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States in 1996. He asked for submissions on the extradition law and adjourned further hearing to 10 am tomorrow. The magistrate then ordered that Hillman be held in custody at the Miami Federal Detention Centre (the same prison as Lance Small) pending his decision.

Three foreigners were wanted in connection with the Piarco probe. Raul Gutierrez surrendered to the TT police several months ago and was granted $2 million bail. He can now come and go as he pleases. There is now a warrant out for Ronald Birk.

The three foreigners are charged jointly with ten other persons — Steve Ferguson, Ish Galbaransingh, Amrith Maharaj, Brian Kuei Tung, Sadiq Baksh, Ameer Edoo, Tyrone Gopee, Peter Cateau, Edward Bayley and Renee Pierre.

Five companies were also charged with these offences. The preliminary inquiry has been adjourned to September.