Although three out of the four News Corp. phone hacking defendants were acquitted this week, the legal problems of Rupert Murdoch are far from over. The FBI has seized 80,000 of his emails from the corporation's New York City headquarters and London's Scotland Yard wants to interview him as a suspect.
Earlier this week, I wrote about the acquittals of Murdoch protegé Rebekah Brooks and two of her News Corp. colleagues on all charges related to the phone hacking scandal. It turns out their good luck is not shared by Murdoch:
From an article called, "Rupert Murdoch’s Trouble Has Only Just Begun," in The Daily Beast:
It can now be reported that the FBI has copies of at least 80,000 emails taken from the servers at News Corp in New York. These messages, including those sent up the chain of command by Brooks, were not part of the mass deletion that was ordered in London when it became clear that police officers were soon going to be searching for evidence of a vast criminal conspiracy.
A court in London found this week that Murdoch’s top-selling newspaper, the now shuttered News of the World, was systematically and illegally accessing the private phone messages of thousands of people, from royalty to murder victims. This is only the beginning.
On top of the FBI’s interest in the case in New York, Murdoch is set for questioning by the British police; Scotland Yard is investigating corporate charges against the company; and 12 further criminal trials against former staff at the Sun and the News of the World are scheduled to take place later this year. And after that, Jay Rockefeller, chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, says he is waiting to formally launch a congressional investigation into the company.
The one conviction, of defendant Andy Coulson, means that Murdoch's sons could potentially face criminal charges, too. From The Guardian:
The verdict on Coulson increases the possibility that Murdoch's UK company, News UK (formerly News International) could be charged as a corporation, which in turn could potentially lead to the prosecution of members of the UK company's former board of directors, potentially including Rupert and James Murdoch.
Such a prosecution can occur only if the "controlling minds" of the company are found to be guilty of a crime. Following Tuesday's verdicts, the Met police Operation Weeting is expected to submit a new file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service.
If the former UK company were convicted of conspiring to intercept communications, the members of its board of directors – including Rupert and James Murdoch – could then be prosecuted personally under section 79 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (Ripa). This makes directors liable for prosecution if their company breaches Ripa as a result of their consent, connivance or neglect.
There's also a potential problem with the FCC. The NY Daily News reports:
Scotland Yard has advised (Murdoch) it wants to interview him “under caution” — a warning given to suspects.
...
In 2012, News Corp.’s general council, Gerson Zweifach, told British police and prosecutors if the company faces a corporate charge it risks losing its U.S. Federal Communications Commission licenses. The FCC licenses includes those for Fox News Channel, Fox Sports and Fox Broadcasting Co.
Stay tuned!
This Mafia-type environment is widespread throughout this horrid company. The masses will soon find out for themselves.
We suggests taking this story and posting it throughout social media, and calling all talk shows about the shady people running this racket.
Ruthless is not the only clown who is questionable. The feds need to dig into other News Corporation-owned companies.
This old cod would resign as head of News Corporation/21st Century Fox than risk losing its FCC to broadcast. That could be a billion dollar loss for his company.
Coming down the pipe:
1. Ruthless makes a bold decision
2. Nixon trainee Ailes is worried
3. Calls for Ruthless’ resignation grows
NOTE TO MASSES
Wrap this scandal around the necks of the Fox “News” frauds. Use this script when you confront a conservative:
“Did you hear about the corruption at News Corporation? The Fox “News” hosts’ boss is in big legal trouble"