LA film producers convicted of bribing Thai officials to run film festival
By APMonday, September 14, 2009
LA film producers convicted in Thai bribery case
LOS ANGELES — A filmmaking couple has been convicted in Los Angeles of bribing Thai officials so they could run the Bangkok International Film Festival and land other projects.
Jurors found Gerald and Patricia Green guilty of conspiracy and money laundering. They each could receive up to life in prison.
Federal prosecutors say the Greens paid the former governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand about $1.8 million by transferring money into bank accounts of the official’s daughter and friend. In exchange, the couple ran the film festival and received other tourism-related deals that netted them about $13.5 million.
Gerald Green’s producing credits include “Salvador,” and “Rescue Dawn.” His wife worked with her husband on lesser-known films.
The jury returned the verdict late Friday.
Tags: Asia, Bribery, Fairs And Festivals, Film Festivals, Graft And Conflicts Of Interest, Indictments, Los Angeles, Movies, North America, Recreation And Leisure, Southeast Asia, Thailand, United States
