U.S. DROPS CASE IN BCCI SCANDAL

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, April 8, 1993                   TAG: 9304080120
SECTION: BUSINESS                    PAGE: B10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: MICHAEL TACKETT KNIGHT-RIDDER/TRIBUNE
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Medium
U.S. DROPS CASE IN BCCI SCANDAL
Citing the failing health of Clark Clifford and the ongoing state criminal trial in New York of his law partner, Robert Altman, the Justice Department moved Wednesday to dismiss its criminal case against the legendary Washington influence broker and his protege in connection with the BCCI banking scandal.
The government reserved the right to refile even broader fraud charges later.
"The present status of Mr. Clifford's health is such that it is nearly certain that he will not be available for trial on June 1, let alone available in advance to assist his attorneys in preparation for trial," federal prosecutor Laurence Urgenson argued in the government's motion.
Clifford, 86, underwent quadruple heart bypass surgery last month, and doctors estimated it could take him a minimum of six months to recover. His health kept Clifford out of the state trial.
Urgenson also argued that the scheduled June 1 federal trial of Altman and Clifford would likely conflict with Altman's current trial in New York on state charges, limiting the ability of both sides to prepare. "It is unlikely in the extreme that he will be ready or available for trial on June 1," Urgenson said.
The judge in the New York case has ordered Altman, his lawyers and state prosecutors not to discuss the case.
A federal grand jury indicted Clifford and Altman on charges of conspiring to defraud the Federal Reserve Board by concealing the role of the foreign-owned Bank of Credit and Commerce International in acquiring U.S. banks.
The indictment in New York accuses the men of accepting millions in bribes in the form of "sham loans and stock deals" as well as legal fees from BCCI.
"Although the government does not make this motion lightly, the circumstances at this juncture leave little choice but to seek leave for dismissal," Urgenson wrote.
He noted that Altman and Clifford had agreed not to demand another grand jury indictment with respect to any additional criminal charges. This means prosecutors can simply file the charges and save the time and effort of a second grand-jury proceeding.

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB