In a bizarre twist, the founder of notorious mercenary firm Blackwater (renamed Xe) Erik Prince, has emigrated from the United States to become a resident of the United Arab Emirates, reports Abu Dhabi newspaper, The National. Whistleblowers — seeking to corroborate allegations that Prince’s company negligently or unjustifiably shot civilians, fraudulently submitted false claims to the United States government, and illegally billed the U.S. Army for the services of prostitutes — were forced to travel to Abu Dhabi to seek permission from the UAE constitutional monarchy to depose Blackwater’s founder.  Prince, the son of a billionaire (and whose company has been paid hundreds of millions by the federal government) who previously touted his American patriotism explained that he had chosen to become a resident of the UAE because:

“it feels a lot like Singapore. Rule of law, a friendly business climate, low to no taxes, free trade and no out of control trial lawyers or labour unions. It’s pro-business and opportunity.”

While there can be little argument against the notion that the UAE and Singapore are pro-business, the countries lauded by Prince otherwise bear very little resemblance to the American form of democracy and are routinely criticized for their human rights records. According to reports by Amnesty International, the UAE has a checkered history of arbitrary detention and torture, discrimination, violence against women, and inhibition of speech. If the whistleblower’s allegations against Prince’s company have any merit, then Blackwater should feel right at home as a resident of the UAE. FraudBlawg has previously reported the qui tam whistleblower suit as well as other alleged problems associated with Blackwater, here, including a full copy of the whistleblower’s qui tam Complaint.

To report false claims against the government or defense contracting fraud, contact Frohsin & Barger.