'Isn't it disgusting?'
Kopper's admission stuns both current, former workers
Though long accustomed to negative news developments, current and former Enron employees were nonetheless stunned and incensed by one ex-executive's admission that he had simply looted the company.
While Enron's dubious, if not illegal, accounting practices have been thoroughly documented, the blatant criminality of the doings of Michael Kopper -- and, he said, of his boss, former Chief Financial Officer Andrew Fastow -- deeply angered those connected to Enron.
"Before everybody heard this, there was a feeling that these guys were crafty and may have pushed the envelope in a misguided way," an Enron executive said. "But after the hearing, it became clear they were out to line their own pockets and were just crooks.
...
In federal court on Aug. 21, Kopper said he and Fastow made millions from three of Enron's off-the-books partnerships: RADR, Chewco and Southampton. Kopper, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering, admitted sending illegal payments to Fastow, his relatives and family foundation. [Houston Chronicle]
Was there any low they wouldn't stoop to? Did they really think that they wouldn't get caught? Greed is like a drug, once you get caught in the snare, you almost have to chew your leg off to get out of its embrace.
I notice that the Bush administration sure seems quiet about all the business scandals. I'm sure they just wish it would all jsut go away. After all, these are their friends that are getting caught...mj
10:27:26 AM
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