Countries to become Invisible in with a New Identity

Considering the Need for a New Identity

Imagine being hunted by government officials, enraged creditors, a vengeful ex-spouse, or a hitman with a bounty on your head. It would be best if you had a new identity to find countries where you can become invisible and hide under the radar until things calm down or potentially for the rest of your life.

Choosing the Right Country

Where would you go if the world were your oyster and you had to flee with a new identity? Your initial thought might be to seek refuge in one of the countries where you can become invisible. However, not all countries are equal, and you must be cautious.

I’m not advising you to avoid the law using a new identity. Consider what would happen if the government increased the stakes in one of its espionage programs, changed the rules to make your firm illegal, or if you owed a violent casino boss millions. Where would you go if you needed to get away?

Real-Life Examples

Look at Julian Assange or Edward Snowden. US Secretary of State John Kerry condemned Snowden, saying he must return to the United States and “face punishment.” Snowden exposed the government’s secrets, making him a target. He has spent years seeking sanctuary outside Russia. The US government will devote far more resources to locating Snowden than many others because of the embarrassment his actions caused.

Snowden’s revelations even woke up a few individuals, including the German government, to the realities of America’s massive surveillance apparatus. However, if you ever need to disappear, remember that governments do not always respect non-extradition laws.

Understanding Extradition Laws

2016, for example, 1,007 persons were extradited from Canada, Mexico, and Colombia, most of whom were brought back to the United States. While drug traffickers made up around half of the group, others were involved in fraud, manslaughter, and pornography. Even without an extradition treaty, countries like Spain and Yemen have been known to return fugitives. They make it simple for friendly nations to detain citizens on their territory. However, there are situations when countries with extradition treaties refuse to cooperate.

Countries with Complex Extradition Dynamics

One example is Cuba, home to nearly a hundred fugitives. Although the US and Cuba have a pact, it is rarely used due to tense diplomatic ties. What the current reconciliation between the two countries means for extradition is uncertain.

Where can you look for countries that do not have extradition treaties? The consensus is that anyone seeking refuge must go to the farthest reaches of the globe, but this isn’t always the case. I’ve always wondered why people fleeing the law wind up in places like Spain. Do they believe that some European country will defend them? If you’re not a Spanish citizen, you might as well have stayed home, even with a new identity.

Safe Havens Without Extradition Treaties

States, particularly the United States, are known for fabricating allegations that would force most Western governments to hand you over in seconds. While Brunei isn’t a constitutionalist’s dream, it is one of the wealthiest countries in the world without an extradition pact with the United States. This is why the US government will not push around Russia and China like it does with smaller countries.

Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman are among the affluent Gulf republics that do not have an extradition pact. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates don’t have one either, despite their governments’ statements that they don’t want to provide a sanctuary for “criminals.” Nonetheless, Dubai is home to Thailand’s deposed prime minister. Although you might not be welcomed with open arms into the cultures of these Middle Eastern countries, living in a country with more air-conditioned shopping malls and Rolls Royce than any other doesn’t seem like a dire punishment.

Extradition Exceptions

In the Middle East, Jordan and Lebanon have no extradition treaties. Deeper into Asia, many countries refuse to cooperate with the US government. China, for instance, is rarely listed as a country that does not extradite, although it does not have an extradition pact with the US.

Vietnam, Cambodia, and Mongolia are exempt from extradition. Living in those countries could boost your commercial success, whether you were hiding away or not. Someone should establish “no extradition tours,” forcing people to start enterprises in fast-growing boom areas.

Tropical Getaways

Non-extradition countries include the Maldives, Vanuatu, and Tunisia. Indonesia, with its rapidly growing economy, is another option. Ethiopia and Botswana, two of Africa’s most prosperous countries, have no extradition treaties.

Countries with No Diplomatic Connections

You wouldn’t want to hide in some places due to a lack of diplomatic links with your nation and no extradition treaty. Mogadishu, for example, is unlikely to appeal to many people. Despite what the Western media might suggest, the Free Somalia Project even encourages people to relocate there.

North Korea and certain regions of Iran might not be as bad as Western media portrays, but they are unlikely choices for most. If you’re an American, Cuba and Bhutan are the only non-war zones on the list of countries with no diplomatic connections.

Countries Declared as Enemies

Countries declared as enemies by the US could be good choices for hiding, especially since the CIA could seize you regardless of extradition treaties. African countries like the Western Sahara have little to no infrastructure, making it unlikely that you will be discovered with a new identity.

The Reality of Extradition

The distinction between not extraditing and not having an extradition treaty is crucial. Just because a country has no extradition pact with another country does not mean it never extradites offenders. Some countries have been known to invade foreign soil and seize individuals, like the invasion of Panama in 1989.

Dual Citizenship Advantage

Dual citizenship can be advantageous in this situation. Some countries refuse to extradite their citizens, regardless of the circumstances. Brazil and Venezuela are both on the list. However, beware of the “fast” approach to obtaining a grey market passport in Venezuela, which can cost thousands of dollars and land you in jail.

Case Study 1: Julian Assange

Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, faced significant legal challenges after his organization published classified information from the US government. Assange sought asylum in the Embassy of Ecuador in London to avoid extradition to Sweden over allegations of sexual misconduct and potentially to the US for his role in WikiLeaks. Assange remained in the embassy for seven years, demonstrating how seeking refuge in a diplomatic mission can offer temporary protection. However, in April 2019, Ecuador withdrew his asylum, and British authorities arrested Assange. His case highlights the complexities and limitations of relying on diplomatic asylum to evade extradition.

Case Study 2: Roman Polanski

Roman Polanski, a renowned film director, fled the United States in 1978 after pleading guilty to unlawful sex with a minor. He settled in France, a country with no extradition treaty with the US for the crime he was charged with. Polanski has lived in France for decades, continuing his career while avoiding extradition. His case illustrates how choosing the correct country can allow someone to evade extradition and continue their life, albeit with some restrictions on travel.

Case Study 3: Carlos Ghosn

Carlos Ghosn, the former CEO of Nissan and Renault, was arrested in Japan for financial misconduct. In December 2019, while out on bail, Ghosn orchestrated a dramatic escape to Lebanon, a country with no extradition treaty with Japan. Ghosn’s escape involved a private security team, a giant musical instrument case, and a private jet. Once in Lebanon, Ghosn held a press conference to proclaim his innocence and criticize the Japanese legal system. His case underscores the lengths some individuals will go to avoid extradition and the importance of choosing a country with no extradition treaty.

Case Study 4: Viktor Bout

Viktor Bout, a notorious arms dealer known as the “Merchant of Death,” was arrested in Thailand in 2008 and faced extradition to the United States. Despite the lack of an extradition treaty between the US and Thailand, Bout was eventually extradited to the US in 2010 after a lengthy legal battle and significant diplomatic pressure from the US. His case demonstrates that diplomatic pressure and legal maneuvering can still lead to extradition, even in countries without formal agreements.

Strategies for Staying Hidden

1. Blend In: Choose a country where you can blend in with the local population. This might involve learning the language, adopting local customs, and avoiding behaviours that draw attention.
2. Legal Identity Change: In some countries, it is possible to change your identity legally. This might involve changing your name, obtaining new identification documents, and establishing a new personal history.
3. Secure Communications: Use secure, encrypted communication methods to avoid detection. This includes using encrypted messaging apps, secure email services, and avoiding social media.
4. Financial Anonymity: Maintain financial anonymity using cryptocurrencies, offshore bank accounts, and cash transactions. Avoid using credit cards or other traceable financial instruments.
5. Limit Digital Footprint: Minimize your digital footprint by avoiding online activities that can be traced back to you. This includes using anonymous browsing tools, avoiding social media, and being cautious with online transactions.

Additional Considerations

• Local Laws: Understand and comply with local laws to avoid attracting attention from local authorities. This includes understanding visa requirements, residency laws, and other regulations.
• Cultural Adaptation: To avoid standing out, adapt to the local culture. This might involve learning the language, adopting local customs, and blending in with the local population.
• Network of Support: Establish a network of trusted individuals who can provide support and assistance. This might include local contacts, expatriates, and legal advisors.

Conclusion

Starting over with a new identity, travelling anonymously, and living anonymously in countries where you can become invisible is extremely difficult. Make one small mistake, and you will fail. When your life and liberty are on the line, trust Amicus Intranational Consulting to deliver a safe, legal, and secure new identity. Understanding the complexities of extradition laws, choosing the correct country, and employing effective strategies can increase your chances of successfully starting a new life.