An ex Julius Baer banker pleaded guilty to a money laundering charge in the ongoing FIFA corruption probe.
Argentinian Jorge Arzuaga formerly a banker at Swiss banks Julius Baer and Credit Suisse has pleaded guilty to a U.S. money laundering conspiracy charge in connection with a wide-ranging corruption probe of he world soccer governing body FIFA.
News agency «Reuters» reports that Arzuaga, entered his plea before U.S. District Judge Pamela Chen in the Brooklyn borough of New York as part of an agreement with prosecutors.
Ashamed of His Actions
Arzuaga, who worked in Zurich as a private banker, handled accounts for sports marketing executive Alejandro Burzaco, who pleaded guilty to U.S. bribery charges in 2015.
The report quoted Arzuga as saying in court, «I deeply regret what I did, I am ashamed,»
Arzuaga is one of more than 40 people and entities charged in the U.S. probe, in which prosecutors say soccer officials took more than $200 million in bribes and kickbacks in exchange for marketing and broadcast rights.
Swiss Probe
Arzuaga helped transfer the bribes by setting up accounts at two banks where he worked. He was an employee of Credit Suisse until 2012, and at Julius Baer from 2012 until 2015.
Arzuaga has also been investigated by Swiss authorities, who are expected to announce a resolution of their own charges against him soon.
Arzuaga was released on bail after his plea hearing. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 4.
