Expat Files - Dirty Money in Guatemala - 06/02/13

-The big front page headline news all over Latin America is how just last week a former president of Guatemala (proclaiming himself a so–called average middle class man of the people) had been spirited away to NYC to face federal money laundering charges. The charges stem from 17 separate wire transfers to US banks. The funds went to accounts in his name, his ex-wife and his daughter… adding up to the tune of 70 million dollars. All of those transfers took place from 2000 to 2004, while he was president. But you don’t know the half of it so I’ll let you in on what’s really been going down with that case.

-Many gringos and expats have a weakness for celebrity... after all we grew up with Hollywood and the Boob Tube. And expats who spend a lot of time in the big city often fall in with wealthy Latin movers and shakers and media types and the scumbag political crowd. It happens a lot when you’re off the tourist trail where gringos are a novelty. And at first, hayseeds and average gringos from Dallas or Cleveland can be a bit awed when generals, senators or billionaires, with body guards and beach house heliports, invite them to a birthday party or a weekend barbecue. It may be fun at first, but I guarantee if you have any brains, that kind of entitled crowd will eventually suck the grey matter out of your noggin. In fact, some expat friends of mine have been so affected, that when the name dropping starts, I head for the exit… and when I see the caller ID I just don’t pick up anymore. But then again, if you like that kind of action ....

-Some discussion on the painfully slow Latin legal system and how it can actually  be a positive thing for expats

-The upcoming Expat Wisdom “Latin American Insider Seminar” (well off the gringo tourist trail of course) will be Sunday, June 23, thru Friday, June 28… a full six days. Its 3/4 filled now so be be sure to go to ExpatWisdom.com and click on the seminar link for full details and the earlybird signup bonus…

-Follow the link on the main page at www.ExpatWisdom.com to schedule a private consultation with me. If you want to discuss the details of living, working, playing, doing business and/or retiring in Latin America, now you and I can talk about your situation one on one