Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Switzerland: Oligarch Haven

         Well, where do you think the oligarchs, those "Special Russyans", like to hide? Finland? No.  Norway? No. China? Haha. Mongolia? Mexico? No habla espanol. Hmmmm. Well, where? How about Zug? Zug? Zug what? Yes, they are there, in the Swiss city of Zug. Buy a business; buy an apartment; buy a condo. Spend some rubles(converted of course. The ruble has bounced back, my friends. From 177ru to the dollar to 54ru to the dollar. What a nice return if you were holding. So, the oligarchs, flush, will start buying, their fave recreation, especially among the fair sex.

        The Swiss are still recovering from the assault by the USA via the I.R.S., "aka the Tax Man". All accounts held by Americans had to be exposed to scrutiny by the IRS, and the taxpayer was given an opportunity to fess up, pay the fines and pay the tax due on hidden assets. There weren't many accounts, but it changed the way people hid their ill-gotten gains abroad. But, the Russyan oligarchs are different: they evade taxes with impunity, following the boss's lead. "We'll pay when he pays", they say. So: Zug. A big Swiss city Zug. The name is somewhat unforgettable, but the city has embraced the Russyans and their rubles. Why not? It's just business; and for the Swiss-business as usual. But wait-they are part of Europe. So, they must follow the sanctions rule in place. Hmmmmm. Really? Who is watching Zug? Where are all the business owners? Hmmmm. Out of town? Maybe, but the lights are on. The Swiss don't have much going on over there-banking business, money laundering, tax evasion; and tourism. Nice place to ski. But, there are clear signs that Russyans are making up a large sector of the commercial area. Lots of cash flow, sure. And who cares? Not the Swiss-it's just business, as usual.

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