Rick Gates testifies that he conspired with Paul Manafort to commit bank fraud

  I think we have known for quite some time that Paul Manafort was in serious trouble but if there was any doubt today’s testimony by Rick Gates probably put an end to it. In addition to testifying that he embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars from Paul Manafort, Rick Gates also testified that he helped Mr. Manafort commit bank fraud. I guess he was an equal opportunity swindler…

  Here is more:

Rick Gates on Monday took the stand in the federal fraud case against his former business partner, ex-Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, testifying that he and Manafort conspired to commit bank and tax fraud — and that he embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars from Manafort.

“Were you involved in criminal activity when you worked for Paul Manafort?” federal prosecutor Greg Andres asked Gates after he took the stand.

“Yes,” Gates replied.

“Did you commit a crime?” Andres asked.

“Yes,” Gates said.

“Who did you conspire with?” the prosecutor asked.

“Paul Manafort,” Gates replied.

And here is more:

Gates testified that he and Manafort under-reported income and failed to file FBAR, or Foreign Bank Account Report, forms.

Gates said that Manafort requested “over the years” that Gates make wire transfers from foreign accounts “primarily in Cyprus,” and those funds were not reported.

Gates also testified that he lied to Manafort’s bookkeeper and accountants.

  As I said above, things are looking pretty bleak right now for Paul Manafort, but on the political side of things it should be remembered that these charges stem from years ago and have nothing to do with the 2016 election or Donald Trump. But that will not stop the left from foaming at the mouth tomorrow, talking about how the noose is tightening around the President’s neck, and the mainstream media will play right along being duty-bound to spout the Democratic talking points.

malo periculosam libertatem quam quietum servitium