The U.S. is the easiest place in the world for a criminal, terrorist, tax cheat, or kleptocrat to open an anonymous shell company to launder their money with impunity. Anonymous corporations are great ways to hide money and other assets — they can hold a bank account or buy a yacht. Criminals often layer anonymous corporations, with one owning another and so on, making it even harder for law enforcement to “trace the money” and figure out who is directing the company’s activity. It’s time to ending the use of anonymous shell companies as vehicles for illicit activity by requiring that the true owners of U.S. companies be disclosed at the time of formation and updated upon any change.
Phantom firms can open bank accounts, wire money, buy property, and transact business like any other company, making them an attractive method for hiding, moving, and using money or other assets. As a result, phantom firms are often misused for a multitude of illegal or unethical activities.
Faith leaders, small business owners, activists, and others will be fanning out across Capitol Hill to tell lawmakers in both chambers and in both parties of the impact that offshore tax haven abuse and the use of anonymous shell companies are having on communities as the FACT (Financial Accountability and Corporate Transparency) Coalition kicks off its Advocacy Days.
Senator Carl Levin speaks during the FACT Coalition’s 2014 Advocacy Days in Washington, DC.
Rep. Lloyd Doggett speaks during the FACT Coalition’s 2014 Advocacy Days in Washington, DC.
Tim Richardson, Senior Legislative Liaison with the Fraternal Order of Police, speaks during the FACT Coalition’s 2014 Advocacy Days in Washington, DC.
David Boris, Owner of Hel’s Kitchen Catering in Northbrook, IL., speaks during the FACT Coalition’s 2014 Advocacy Days in Washington, DC.
