Ravelston to plead not guilty to fraud charges in Hollinger scandal News
Ravelston to plead not guilty to fraud charges in Hollinger scandal

[JURIST] Canadian holding company Ravelston Corp. will plead not guilty to US fraud charges alleging the company participated in a scheme to swindle more than $32 million from US-based Hollinger International [corporate website]. Ravelston, the holding company of former Hollinger CEO Conrad Black [CBC profile], and other former Hollinger executives were indicted last month [JURIST report] on federal fraud charges for allegedly diverting $32 million from Hollinger through a complex series of fraudulent, self-dealing transactions. According to the indictment [PDF text; DOJ press release], Ravelston is alleged to have enriched certain corporate officers by funneling payments disguised as non-competition fees to a company they controlled at the expense of Hollinger's public shareholders and corporate assets. David Radler, also named in the indictment, pleaded guilty [JURIST report] last week to mail fraud. Canadian Press has more.