-7-
coconspirators told Marcos that they wanted $100 million if the
coup succeeded and that $15 million of that amount would have to
be paid immediately. In or about December 1986, the
coconspirators directed Steele’s cousin, Michael Seifert
(Seifert), a solicitor in London, to open bank accounts on the
Isle of Man in the names of nominee corporations in order to
receive and conceal funds relating to the planned coup. In
January 1987, Steele caused an account (First Hi-Tech account) to
be opened at First City National Bank & Trust in New York, New
York, in the name of First Hi-Tech Co. On February 1, 1987,
Marcos wired at least $8 million to the escrow account of
Seifert’s firm in London, and 2 days later, Seifert transferred
$1.8 million to the First Hi-Tech account. Between February 3
and 19, 1987, Steele caused approximately $1,140,000 of the $1.8
million to be withdrawn from the First Hi-Tech account in amounts
less than $10,000.
5. Government Learns About the Planned Coup
a. New Jersey Investigation
The planned coup collapsed in March 1987 when two of the
coconspirators (other than Steele) were arrested in New Jersey
trying to buy weapons from one or more undercover agents. This
arrest caused the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey to
open an investigation that led to the filing on March 5, 1992, in
the District of New Jersey of Information Crim. No. 92-122 (AJL).
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