US authorities are seeking the forfeiture of a $1.2 million property in San Francisco allegedly purchased by former Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Andres Bautista using bribe money from Smartmatic.
The 31-page indictment filed in Miami’s Florida Southern District Court includes charges against Bautista and three Smartmatic executives, alleging money laundering and bribery linked to the 2016 Philippine elections.
According to the indictment, Bautista’s relative received a $960,000 wire transfer from a shell company in Singapore to facilitate the property purchase.
Bautista has denied the allegations, claiming they are politically motivated, while Smartmatic has placed two accused employees on leave and denied any voter fraud.
The indictment also details a complex web of financial transactions and alleged attempts to conceal the bribe payments.
Source : PhilNews24 | August 17, 2024
US REQUESTS FORFEITURE OF BAUTISTA’S $1.2 MILLION ESTATE
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