02 March 2011

ARGENTINA: Cristina Launches Probe Into Agribiz Tax Evasion; Opens Congress With Pledges.

AP/

   The offices of 48 agribusinesses, including Cargill and Bunge, have been raided by 740 federal agents.
    They are searching for info on millions in profits hidden in shell companies and by suspicious transactions.
     Fernandez criticized the industry before Congress and wants new penalties "so that evaders go to jail".
    She claims that farmers and ranchers provided just 2.8% of tax revenues last year -- about equal to private schools.
      "Either they're charging very expensive tuition, or there's evasion in the main sector of our economy that needs to be tackled," Fernandez said.

MORE DETAILS:  AP: On Cristina's Congressional address:
    Besides jailing tax evaders, Fernandez wants tougher money laundering laws and limits to foreign ownership of land. She also said  there was no truth that she would try to change the constitution to eliminate presidential term limits. "Don't have fear. Nobody is forever".
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