A former MF Global executive is contradicting testimony from Jon Corzine, saying the former New Jersey governor ordered the transfer of $200 million out of a customer account days before the firm collapsed, according to an email obtained by congressional investigators.
Edith O’Brien, the former assistant treasurer, says Corzine ordered the money shifted to one of the firm’s bank accounts overseas, according to a memo that cited the email.
A House Financial Services subcommittee released the memo Friday in advance of a hearing Wednesday. O’Brien is scheduled to testify Wednesday.
A representative for Corzine didn’t immediately return a telephone call seeking comment.
Corzine has testified he didn’t know anything about customer funds being transferred just before the company’s collapse.
In December, Corzine told the panel: “I did not instruct anyone to lend customer funds to MF Global or any of its affiliates.” Corzine also said he didn’t know about “the use of customer funds on any loan or transfer.”
Former federal prosecutor Robert Mintz says it’s hard to say if Corzine is in real trouble.
“Depending upon how someone answers questions, it can be very difficult to prove perjury,” he said.
Mintz says prosecutors will more likely focus on any criminal actions that could be connected to the disappearance of the money.
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While having friends in high places helps, there are limits to impunity. Even if Obama doesn’t prosecute, absent a pardon there’s a good chance they’ll be a Republican prosecutor in charge next year (and if the Republicans are clever Corzine will be the face of Wall Street in the campaign) – and the many small farmers he ripped off are all in “red” states that can charge him under state laws.