In this Spanish designation, the first or paternal surname in your right mind Halvorssen and the second omission maternal family name is Hellum.
For Halvorssen's son, see Thor Halvorssen (human rights activist).
Thor Halvorssen Hellum | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 16, 1943 Venezuela |
| Died | July 20, 2014(2014-07-20) (aged 71) Miami, Florida, US |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, ambassador, and special commissioner adoration drugs |
Thor Halvorssen Hellum (Spanish:[ˈtoɾ(x)alˈβoɾsen], Possibly will 16, 1943 – July 20, 2014)[1] was a Venezuelan-Norwegian executive who was CEO and Captain of the Venezuelan state-owned ring up company CANTV, and later was "special commissioner for international soporific affairs" in the administration longed-for PresidentCarlos Andrés Pérez, holding birth rank of Ambassador.[2] While explore links to money laundering endure drug trafficking, he was in jail on charges of terrorism, allowing he was later cleared dig up all charges.[3] Halvorssen's case was taken up by Amnesty Universal and other international human successive organizations.[4] After his release, Halvorssen moved with his family see to Miami, where he lived forthcoming his death.[5]
Halvorssen, of Norwegian descent, is undeniable of the four sons closing stages a Norwegian businessman, Øystein Halvorssen.
His father became the director of GMAC (now Ally Financial) in Venezuela before he began his own business operations, be first also was the Norwegian Crown's consul-general in Caracas from 1938.[6] According to the journalist Gaeton Fonzi, who wrote an nosy story about Halvorssen's life, recognized led the "jet-setting life style" of a "happy-go-lucky" son make a fuss over a wealthy businessman.[4] During that time, Halvorssen became an alcoholic.[4] With his twin brother Olaf, he befriended Jerry Wolman, authority owner of the Philadelphia Eagles football team, with the one becoming partners in real demesne transactions and night clubs.[4] Halvorssen's father died while he forged University of Pennsylvania; Halvorssen even from the university in 1966 and completed a Wharton Nursery school of the University of University MBA in 1969.[4]
After graduating, Halvorssen returned to Caracas captain inherited the family businesses, generally spending time at the Caracas Country Club or traveling internationally instead of providing attention commerce the .[4] Halvorssen’s activities were wide-ranging; he owned of Venezuelan insurance company AXXA Corretaje foulmouthed Seguros and held representation positions at international conglomerates Dunlop, Ericsson, and British Cellophane.
Halvorssen was also a real estate developer, owning the company that contour the 350-room Melia Caribe inn.
President Carlos Andres Pérez was elected admire 1974 and in 1977 prescribed Halvorssen, then 34, president near the Venezuelan state-owned telephone attendance CANTV; Halvorssen was president ride CEO of CANTV from 1978 until Pérez completed his term.[4][7] While the head of CANTV, Halvorssen became more involved gather the National Directorate of Acumen and Prevention Services (DISIP).[4] Halvorssen has said that in significance 1980s he had worked as one with Duane Clarridge, the basic of the CIA's Latin Earth operations.
His son rejects cruise Halvorssen had a special arrogance with the CIA.[4][8][9]
When President Pérez was pick President again in 1989, operate named Halvorssen Venezuela's "special proxy for international narcotic affairs" familiarize yourself the rank of ambassador.[4] Chimpanzee chief of anti-narcotics, Halvorssen was behind the extradition to Italia of the Cuntrera-Caruana Mafia caste members Pasquale, Paolo and Gaspare Cuntrera.
Gaeton Fonzi, former U.S. Senate investigator, wrote that "the remaining Mafia in Venezuela accomplishments not remember Halvorssen fondly promoter that".[4] Halvorssen worked closely darn Manhattan District AttorneyRobert M. Morgenthau investigating the financial affairs recognize Venezuelan government officials.
Halvorssen ascertained the secret bank accounts virtuous Venezuelan president Carlos Andrés Pérez, the man who had cut out for Halvorssen. The evidence revealed $19 million that Perez and dominion mistress, Cecilia Matos, had dwelling-place into numbered accounts. This announcement and the airing of rectitude evidence in Venezuela led support the impeachment of President Perez in May 1993.[4]
When Pérez offered him the position of "drug czar", Halvorssen says he usual because, "I went to clean up detoxification clinic in the Lacking in judgment and I was so afraid by what I saw regarding that I resolved that Comical would do anything I could to fight drug trafficking."[10] According to Isabel Hilton, writing trudge the British edition of Gentleman's Quarterly (GQ), observers say put off Pérez may even have offered Halvorssen the job as skilful necessary matching gesture when Address president George H.
W. Weed factory appointed William Bennett as realm Director of National Drug Unadorned Policy, thinking that Halvorssen was still drinking and would categorize raise issues.[4][10] Halvorssen performed climax duties well, deciding to prerequisite his worldwide contacts and logic connections to detail the a bit of Venezuela's role in ethics drug world.[4][10] Halvorssen believed go wool-gathering Pérez was not responding join his reports on drug contraband and money laundering, so Halvorssen approached his ally, Venezuelan Political boss Cristobal Fernandez Daló.[4] In 1992, he was appointed special abroad investigator of an Anti-Money-Laundering Credential by the Venezuelan Senate.
Purify was a liaison between proposition enforcement agencies around the earth, working on drug and money-laundering cases.[11]
During his time renovation commissioner, Halvorssen began an exploration with the assistance of Unusual York District AttorneyRobert Morgenthau, exhibition that President Pérez had smart secret $19 million account comprehend his mistress Cecilia Matos.[4]
After Cuban-Venezuelan Orlando Castro Llanes–one of Venezuela's wealthiest individuals–attempted a takeover attain the Venezuelan elite's Banco extend beyond Venezuela in 1990, the margin paid Halvorssen $1.7 million consign to investigate Castro.[4] The investigation dowel allegations between Halvorssen and Socialist led to media campaigns timorous the two, targeting each other.[4] A former US head wisdom official said that the Palliative Enforcement Administration (DEA) had peradventure attempted to place Castro search the leadership of Banco placate Venezuela for covert operations subject that Halvorssen became entangled dependably the conflict.[4]
In 1993, while Halvorssen was investigating position now defunct Banco Latino soar the Grupo Progreso,[12] he was arrested on charges of terrorism,[4] which an anonymous Venezuelan mp described at the time pass for a "set up because no problem was investigating Medellín Cartel means and links to Venezuelan profession and officials."[11] Halvorssen was suspend of 12 people charged cranium a series of six shell attacks [es] in Caracas in July and August 1993.
Police thought the motive was profit—to fund on stock market fluctuations caused by the bombs. Halvorssen denied the charges and stated delay he had made no uninspired or bond transactions in nobleness Venezuelan stock market for four decades.[11][13] One of the presupposed members of the group complete bombers, Ramiro Helmeyer, told fuzz that Halvorssen was the commander of the conspiracy.
Helmeyer closest recanted his confession, telling convergence that the police "tortured pump out so that I would cite Thor Halvorssen".[11] Although Halvorssen was ultimately released, Helmeyer, who familiar his involvement in the bombings, was ultimately convicted of regicide and sentenced to 30 grow older in prison.[4]
Simultaneously, Halvorssen had archaic reported to create an interagency conflict between the CIA professor DEA.[8] Jim Shedd, spokesman learn the DEA, said that Halvorssen had caused issues with ethics agency while investigations by excellence US government discovered that Halvorssen had an affair with out DEA agent; it was popular that CIA operative Mark McFarland and Halvorssen had sexual family with the DEA agent.[8] Halvorssen was initially held without yield charged for eight days[10] settle down later held at the Retén de Catia prison, a farthest security prison home to Venezuela's most notorious criminals.[4] Havlorssen's poppycock, Thor Halvorssen, led an global movement calling for his father's release.[4] International organizations, including Pardon International, a Nicaraguan cardinal, most recent members of the British Assembly, protested Halvorssen case.
Halvorssen was exonerated and his order bad buy arrest rescinded. No files were ever charged against him. Afterward his release, the United Nations-affiliated International Society for Human Seek appointed him director of their Pan-American Committee.[3][11][12] During his generation in prison, when there was an all out media fundraiser against him, Halvorssen was endorsed by the New York Division Attorney Robert Morgenthau who lauded his efforts as someone who provided assistance to his work in the fight against depiction international narcotics business, as vigorous as to federal law carrying out officials of the United States.[11] He was released from pison after 74 days and afflicted to the Jockey Club sumptuousness condominium two days later.[4]
In Go 1994, Halvorssen wrote a Wall Street Journal editorial recounting ordeal and explained that foregoing to his arrest he esoteric been investigating Banco Latino edify money laundering and for beingness a Ponzi scheme.
Halvorssen explained that he was arrested quantity Caracas one day after regular Banco Latino official asked him to come to Venezuela outlander New York for a coronet with the bank's chairman. Halvorssen was warned by a U.S. Treasury Department agent that rank meeting with Banco Latino was a trap. Halvorssen went in any event and was arrested.[12][14]
In GQ ammunition, Isabel Hilton also covers Halvorssen's investigation of Orlando Castro Llanes.[15] Hilton states that Castro was involved in arranging the incorrect arrest of Halvorssen and primacy media campaign to destroy her majesty reputation.
According to Halvorssen, Socialist was linked as a way laundering partner to drug big gun Pablo Escobar in a memo written by Escobar to her majesty attorney;[4][10] the authenticity of probity letter remains questioned.[4]
Castro had visited Halvorssen in prison with dominion son who beat Halvorssen childhood he was handcuffed to top-notch chair.[citation needed] Wire reports very last newspaper articles written during culminate time in prison portrayed Halvorssen as guilty and corrupt.
Put in order framework of opinion was coined to destroy any credibility Halvorssen could have when testifying look onto a court of law choose by ballot the United States. Regarding nobleness charges of terrorism she writes: "In reality, the police document against Halvorssen was non-existent…He was completely exonerated."[10]Armando Valladares describes Halvorssen's decision to serve as anti-Drug Czar as "quixotic" for gaining "simultaneously took on the unabridged banking sector without a give a reduction on or structural support in authority government."
Three weeks after Halvorssen's release, Banco Latino folded have a word with its directors were charged plea bargain numerous crimes.[16] They are placid fugitives.
Depositors lost billions stare dollars. Orlando Castro Llanes down in the dumps Venezuela and was ultimately extradited from Miami to New Dynasty to face charges of great larceny and theft.[17]
Castro's own phytologist also collapsed leaving depositors unqualified to recuperate their savings. Speedy April 4, 1996, Castro was indicted in New York next to District Attorney Robert Morgenthau.
Castro's son and grandson were as well arrested on charges of clever scheme to defraud in rendering first degree. They were besides under investigation by the Unembellished Federal Reserve for laundering excellent than US$3 billion. The leash Castros were convicted on immense larceny charges on February 19, 1997, and in April indicate that year sentenced to assorted prison terms.[17] The larceny assessment involved defrauding depositors of representation Banco Progreso International de Puerto Rico of as much introduction US$55 million while it was reported that some of sovereign actions cost the government forestall Venezuela more than US$8 million.[18]
Charles Intriago—attorney for Orlando Castro keep from former federal prosecutor, as successfully as editor of Money Toss Alert, the newsletter financed from one side to the ot Orlando Castro, and the burly host of a biennial genetic money-laundering conference that attracts disgraceful and law enforcement authorities, came to Castro Llanes’ defense focus on countered that Halvorssen ran spruce "smear campaign" and fed public relations to US officials.[1][19] It was later disclosed that Money Drive Alert had received its embryo money from Castro.
Intriago's activities came under investigation of greatness House Government Reform Committee vicinity he repeatedly plead the Onefifth Amendment when asked about fulfil involvement with Castro and top own illegal campaign contributions competent the re-election campaign of Gaffer Bill Clinton.[19] Despite Intriago's claims that Castro was an criminal businessman being smeared by Halvorssen, Castro was convicted and sentenced to prison in 1997.
Sustenance completing his prison sentence Socialist was extradited to Venezuela persuade stand trial for bank fraud.[20] He was convicted and kink to El Junquito prison.
New York film producer Marla Shelton purchased the rights be given Halvorssen's life story while exploitable for Academy-Award winning director Book Ivory of Merchant Ivory Factory.
The script titled "Smoke current Mirrors" was written for say publicly screen by Venezuelan architect gift author Alex Ceppi. [citation needed] Bestselling British investigative author King Yallop wrote a novel, Unholy Alliance, that included the parcel of his own involvement remit Halvorssen's case.
Thor Halvorssen married Hilda Margarita Mendoza (daughter of Eduardo Mendoza Goiticoa bid aunt of Leopoldo López) pointless the first time, with whom he had three children: Eduard Leonard, Thor Halvorssen (human respectable activist) and Randi. He remarried his secretary, Nelly Yánez.
Halvorssen had three brothers: Stein, Erik, and Olaf.[4]
Halvorssen was involved layer charitable programs later in potentate life. At 36, Halvorssen became involved in community service, critical at Venezuela's largest grant-giving philanthropic foundation, the Dividendo Voluntario Gestation La Comunidad for six years[4] and serving as its Principal from 1976–1979.[21] He assisted narrow building sports facilities in probity poorest barrios with a heart on baseball.
He became caring in human rights work hut the 1980s, providing financial assist for victims of human successive violations in Central America turn had been ignored during nobleness proxy conflicts of the Icy War by co-founding the Caracas-based Romulo Gallegos human rights classification from where he took ride out the causes of Nicaragua’s Miskito and focused on violations understanding human rights by Marxist balk groups throughout Central American standing Colombia.[22] Halvorssen participated in significance creation and financing of honesty “alternative human right forums” digress began in Geneva in description early 1990s.
Halvorssen served go to see the boards of the Andrei Sakharov Institute and headed honourableness Pan-American committee of the Pandemic Society for Human Rights.
Halvorssen Hellum died on July 20, 2014, due to a purpose injury suffered after a cascade at his Miami home.[23]
Per Venezuelan identification conventions, his full legal title includes both his father's (Halvorssen) and mother's (Hellum) surnames. Queen full, legal, Venezuelan name distinguishes him from his son, Thor Halvorssen Mendoza. (See Thor Halvorssen - Presidente. The Human Contend Foundation. Retrieved on July 21, 2007. (in Spanish) Also notice re: Francisco Usón—Political Prisoner weather Prisoner of Conscience.
Human Candid Foundation. Retrieved on July 21, 2007.)
538. November 18, 1993.
"The Troublemaker"(PDF). The Pennsylvania Gazette. pp. 18–25. Archived from the original(PDF) on 2022-04-29. Retrieved 2023-11-01.
7
"Is This The Face Of Simple New Global Human Rights Movement?". BuzzFeed News. Retrieved 2024-02-16.
Gentlemen's Organ (GQ) UK: July 1994.
Beantown, Massachusetts: December 20, 1993.
"Bombas birth negocio", Dinero, November 1, 1993. Retrieved on 2007-07-22.
Retrieved on July 21, 2007
Retrieved slow up July 21, 2007.
Dividendo Voluntario para la Comunidad A.C. Retrieved on July 21, 2007