Michael Hand of Nugan Hand found

[Peter Lemkin]

Aside from perverting justice [or whatever the exact wording was], Hand likely knew who killed Nugan, as well as the SEVERAL others who died after Nugan did related to this matter; where the money went and why [and a hell of a lot more than 50.000.000!], not to mention who killed Colby and why - I'm almost sure it relates to Nugan-Hand. Even if they can't pin murder or accessory to murder on him at this time, someone should be demanding to question him - and put him on trial for a host of charges. It would be best in Australia - as no charges will EVER be brought against him in the USA....but nothing much will ever happen in either place IMHO. ::prison::

[Magda Hassan]

I keep thinking James Richards may have something interesting to say on this.

[David Guyatt]

I keep thinking James Richards may have something interesting to say on this.

I was thinking this, too. I'm sure he could, but I doubt he would.

[Peter Lemkin]

I both surprised and not surprised that there has been NO further news on this matter or Hand's legal fate......he was IMHO found and no one wants to do anything about it......had I committed such crimes, there would be international arrest warrants for me worldwide.....oh hum, just another day in 'intelligence land' and their pasture where they put outed agents and assets.....::bowtie::

DAHO FALLS Australia's television show "60 Minutes" says a businessman living in Idaho Falls has a past linked to international spying and money laundering. But those who've worked with the man in recent years say he hasn't done anything wrong.
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Michael Jon Fuller, 73, is the owner of TOPS Knives in Idaho Falls. Craig Powell, marketing director of that company, recently released a statement to KIFI Local News 8 after the "60 Minutes" show aired.
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"A recent news story has surfaced from 60 Minutes Australia condemning Michael Fuller as a criminal because of an incident that occurred in Australia over 35 years ago. This is untrue and inaccurate. While we empathize with those who lost money, as with any investment, Michael Fuller is not to blame," according to the statement.
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It goes on to say that Fuller was a Green Beret in the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam conflict. He earned the Distinguished Service Cross.
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"After serving in the US Military, Mike lived in Australia for a time and when a business that he was a part of collapsed, he left the country due to numerous death threats that he and his wife had received," according to the statement. "He was never charged with any crime or arrested, and has not been extradited because he did not commit any crimes in conjunction with this incident."
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"60 Minutes" reports that Michael Jon Fuller is an assumed name for Michael Hand, who has been missing for 35 years.
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After Hand served in the Vietnam War, he and a partner, Frank Nugan, set up the Nugan Hand international merchant bank in Sydney, according to the Australian national newspaper "The Australian." Authorities later investigated the bank amid rumors of its involvement with the American Central Intelligence Agency and organized crime.
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Nugan was later found dead beside a rifle in his car on June 19, 1980. The death was ruled a suicide at the time, but Hand could not be found.
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The Australian newspaper reports that the bank collapsed and left a debt of more than $50 million. But no criminal charges were ever filed against anyone involved.
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One other person connected with the bank later died as well.
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The Sydney Morning Herald reported that William Colby, director of the CIA from 1973 to 1976 and the chief of CIA Southeast Asian operations in Vietnam during the war, was the legal adviser to the Hand Nugan bank. Colby died in April 1996 while on a solo canoe trip in Maryland. His death was ruled accidental.
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When the Australian television crew approached Fuller in the parking lot of an Idaho Falls Smith's store on Sunday, he did not make any comments. But the statement given to Local News 8 says Fuller has not been hiding in the U.S.
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"He has had to work hard and long hours to make a living just like anyone else. Since living in Idaho, he has been running a small business, which started out in a garage with minimal tools and materials, and with money that was invested by people that helped to design the first knives the company made. The company has been successful due to the hard work and dedication of Mike and his staff, as well as the quality of the tools and craftsmanship," according to the statement.
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It continues:
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"Leo Espinoza is the current President of TOPS Knives. He has been working as the Vice President for several years. Mike has allowed him to make most, if not all, of the company's decisions over the last 3-4 years. His recent retirement is due to his failing health as well as that of his wife, not because of Australian reporting. TOPS Knives has always and will continue to operate with honesty and integrity."
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Both Bonneville County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Marshal Service told the Journal on Monday that they weren't aware of any warrants for either Michael Hand or Michael Jon Fuller.
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