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Terrorism Probe Focuses on Chertoff Advice

Chiquita, now under investigation, sought counsel, got nowhere

By Heather McPherson,  Newser User

Posted Aug 2, 2007 1:05 PM CDT

(Newser) – Chiquita is under investigation for supporting terrorism, but the company lays the blame on Michael Chertoff. In 2003, Chiquita met with Chertoff, then assistant AG, and admitted to paying protection money to a Colombian paramilitary force on the US list of terror groups. Chiquita's lawyers say they sought advice, the Washington Post reports, and Chertoff never got back to them.

The allegation involves the Homeland Security secretary in a probe of violations for which Chiquita has already agreed to pay a $25 million fine. The focus now is on current and former company officials, and lawyers argue that the investigation unfairly singles out the firm for its honesty and openness despite a failure of leadership by the government.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff takes a question about port security during a news conference on cargo screening radiation scanning technology at the Port of  Los Angeles in San Pedro, Calif., Friday, July 20, 2007. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff takes a question about port security during a news conference on cargo screening radiation scanning technology at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, Calif.,...   (Associated Press)
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff listens to a reporter's question at a news conference at New York's Office of Emergency Management, Monday June 11, 2007. In a meeting with local officials he warned that New Yorkers must be prepared for a hurricane that could devastate parts of the city. (AP...
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff listens to a reporter's question at a news conference at New York's Office of Emergency Management, Monday June 11, 2007. In a meeting with local officials...   (Associated Press)
FILE ** Chiquita bananas are piled on display as Kyle Korensek unloads a cart of tomotoes at the Heinen's grocery store in Bainbridge, Ohio in a file photo from Aug. 3, 2005. Banana producer Chiquita Brands International Inc. said Monday that it is suspending its dividend and warned that third-quarter...
FILE ** Chiquita bananas are piled on display as Kyle Korensek unloads a cart of tomotoes at the Heinen's grocery store in Bainbridge, Ohio in a file photo from Aug. 3, 2005. Banana producer Chiquita...   (Associated Press)
Chertoff Attends Port Security Demonstration In Long Beach
Chertoff Attends Port Security Demonstration In Long Beach   (Getty Images (by Event))
Chertoff Attends Port Security Demonstration In Long Beach
Chertoff Attends Port Security Demonstration In Long Beach   (Getty Images (by Event))
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