What Would You Do If You Were a Fugitive from the Law?
After exposing details about NSA monitoring techniques, former CIA employee Edward Snowden chose Hong Kong as his destination. On Wednesday, he stated that he was not fleeing the United States but intended to fight extradition to the United States. Is Hong Kong a decent place to go if you’re a fugitive from the law?
Extradition-Free and Asylum-Giving Countries
Many nations around the globe have extradition treaties with the United States, making them possible safe havens from US law. However, not all countries do. For instance, China, Russia, most African countries, and many Middle Eastern countries have diplomatic links to the United States but no formal extradition pact.
Even though the United States and Hong Kong have a bilateral extradition pact, these countries do not have to comply with extradition requests. Nonetheless, they may do so to maintain good relations with the United States. Countries with no diplomatic ties to the United States and no active extradition treaties, such as Iran, North Korea, and Cuba, offer even better options for fugitives.
Political Asylum: A Refuge for Some
You may be eligible for political asylum if you have a history of or fear of persecution because of your nationality, race, religion, or political convictions. Political asylum is not available to someone escaping the United States for criminal grounds, such as being a fugitive. However, it is available even in countries where the US has an extradition pact.
The right to political asylum, as opposed to diplomatic asylum, is accessible in nations that have signed the United Nations Conventions Relating to the Status of Refugees. Cuba, Guyana, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, India, and numerous other South Asian countries have not signed the United Nations Convention on Refugees but may accept refugees on their terms.
Known Exodus Cases to Europe, Iran, Central and South America
Julian Assange founded Wikileaks, a website that publishes sensitive and leaked information. The US Department of Justice wanted to prosecute Assange after he revealed information about the US military in 2010. His native nation of Australia did not oppose the US’s request for extradition. Assange is wanted in Sweden for interrogation about a sexual assault allegation, and England wants him extradited. His appeal against the European Arrest Warrant issued for him was denied. He has resided in the Ecuadorian embassy in the United Kingdom since June 2010, where he received diplomatic shelter. However, he remains a fugitive.
Roman Polanski faced arrest in 1977 on charges of sexual assault against a 13-year-old girl. He accepted a plea bargain but fled to France shortly before his formal sentencing, fearing incarceration. France, like many other countries, did not extradite Polanski to the United States. Since 2005, the US has had an international warrant out for him as a fugitive. Authorities imprisoned Polanski in Switzerland in 2009 at the request of the United States. Eventually, he was released from Swiss detention but remains a fugitive from US justice.
Robert Vesco, a financier, is well known for his fugitive lifestyle. In 1973, he escaped to Costa Rica, fearing criminal charges related to his employment at Investors Overseas Services. He also lived in Nassau, Antigua, and Nicaragua. In 1978, he tried unsuccessfully to buy the island of Barbuda and turn it into an independent state. Cuba welcomed him in 1982 because he no longer worked in finance. In 1995, he faced jail for attempting to defraud Raúl Castro (Fidel Castro’s brother) and Donald A. Nixon, Richard Nixon’s nephew. Vesco was sentenced to 13 years in prison in 1996. He died in 2007 before finishing his sentence; until his demise, he remained a fugitive.
Notable Cases of Identity Change and Protection
Edward Snowden: In 2013, Edward Snowden, a former NSA contractor, leaked classified information about global surveillance programs. Facing charges under the Espionage Act, he fled to Hong Kong and Russia. There, he received temporary asylum. His case highlighted the complexities of extradition laws and the political tensions between the US and other countries.
Assata Shakur: Also known as Joanne Chesimard, Shakur was a member of the Black Liberation Army. In 1973, she was convicted of murder. She escaped from prison in 1979 and fled to Cuba, where she received asylum. Her case remains a point of contention between the US and Cuba. The US government even offers a reward for her capture.
Gary McKinnon: A British hacker accused of perpetrating the “biggest military computer hack of all time,” McKinnon faced extradition to the US. He hacked into 97 US military and NASA computers. However, in 2012, the UK government blocked his extradition, citing human rights concerns due to his medical condition. He had Asperger’s syndrome and depression.
Bobby Fischer: The chess grandmaster was arrested in 1992 for violating US sanctions against Yugoslavia by playing a chess match there. He lived in various countries, including Japan and the Philippines, before being granted citizenship by Iceland in 2005. He lived there until his death in 2008.
How Fugitives Use New Identities
Fugitives often resort to creating new identities to disappear legally and evade capture. New identity creation involves obtaining new identification documents, changing names, and sometimes altering physical appearances. This process is crucial for identity protection and ensuring a safe disappearance.
New Identity Creation: A Complex Process
Starting over with a new identity, anonymous travel, and anonymous living is extremely difficult. Make one small mistake in the process, and you will fail. The process requires meticulous planning and execution. It often involves using forged or stolen documents, which carry significant legal risks. When your life and liberty are on the line, trust Amicus International Consulting to deliver a safe, legal, and secure new identity.
Disappear Legally: Steps to Take
To disappear legally, one must take several steps:
- Change of Name: Changing your name is the first step in creating a new identity.
- New Documentation: Obtain new identification documents such as passports, driver’s licenses, and social security numbers.
- Relocation: Moving to a new location where you are not known is essential.
- New Financial Records: Establish new bank accounts and financial records.
- Cut Ties: Sever all ties with your past to avoid being traced.
Safe Disappearance: Avoiding Common Mistakes
Many fugitives make mistakes that lead to their capture. Here are some tips to avoid common pitfalls:
- Avoid Contact: Do not contact anyone from your past life.
- Stay Off the Radar: Avoid activities that require identification checks.
- Use Cash: Limit the use of traceable financial transactions.
- Blend In: Adopt the local customs and avoid drawing attention to yourself.
Conclusion
Creating a new identity and disappearing legally requires careful planning and execution. The process is complex and fraught with risks. However, with the proper guidance and support, achieving a safe disappearance is possible. Trust Amicus International Consulting to provide the expertise and support needed for new identity creation and protection.
It would be best to have a reliable partner when your life and liberty are at stake. Amicus International Consulting offers comprehensive services to help you create a new legal identity, ensuring your safety and security. Disappear legally and live a life free from fear with our expert assistance.
