VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB
DE RUEHBU #1221/01 3162030
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 122030Z NOV 09
FM AMEMBASSY BUENOS AIRES
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 4621
INFO RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC
RHMFIUU/DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHINGTON DC
RHMFIUU/HQ USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHINGTON DC
RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHINGTON DC
UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 001221
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
PM/DTCC - BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR
US SOUTHCOM FOR POLAD
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETTC KOMC AR
SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN: BONA FIDES VERIFICATION OF ALFREDO
ANTIONIO RICUPERO IN ARGENTINA, CASE K-0907
REF: STATE 93542
1. (SBU) Per Reftel request, post carried out a site visit on
U.S. registered broker Alfredo Antonio Ricupero, based in
Buenos Aires, Argentina, on November 2, 2009. It is post's
opinion that the company will be a responsible broker of
United States Munitions List items.
2. (SBU) Answers to Reftel questions:
-- Confirm that this entity is in the business of brokering
defense articles and defense services at the location(s)
indicated under its legal name(s);
Yes. Ricupero stated that his firm, TURSOL, is the only
broker for Boeing's Integrated Defense Systems in Argentina.
Post received on November 1 (independent of the Blue Lantern
check) an email from Robert Briscoe, Director of Boeing's
Compliance and FCPA Integration, that he would come to Buenos
Aires to verify TURSOL's adherence to the FCPA (Foreign
Corrupt Practices Act), confirming that Ricupero is indeed an
authorized Boeing representative.
-- Determine whether this entity is authorized to conduct
such activities in its home country, whether the entity has
any criminal or other derogatory background, and whether Post
has any information on its brokering or arms export
activities that may involve proscribed entities such as
countries under U.S. or international sanctions, or
designated state sponsors of terrorism;
TURSOL is authorized to conduct brokerage activities in
Argentina. Post has no information about activities
involving proscribed entities, or that TURSOL has ever
exported any goods, USML or otherwise.
-- Will the brokering firm be handling or storing USML items
on behalf of its clients? If so, does it have secure
facilities and proper accounting and security procedures for
handling sensitive USML items?
No. Any deal arranged by TURSOL would have the actual client
as the importer of record, and the client would receive the
shipment. TURSOL would not be in possession of USML items at
any time.
-- When was the company established and who are its
principals? How many employees?
TURSOL was originally established in 1958 by Ricupero's
father. Ricupero is currently the majority and managing
partner; the minority partner is Miguel Angel Emery (who was
not present during the site visit). This information was
verified by company registration paperwork.
-- What is the nature of its business and what other types of
items does it handle?
Ricupero stated that TURSOL's primary business is brokering
sales of civilian aviation (non-USML) parts. He also stated
that he is the authorized representative of U.S. firm
Dynatech International Corp.
-- What types of organizations are among its typical clients
and in what countries are they located?
With respect to Boeing, TURSOL's potential clients are in the
GoA, particularly the Fabrica Militar de Aviones, the GoA
airplane manufacturing facility, and the Argentine Air Force.
-- Does the company understand the restrictions on USML
items, especially the prohibition against unauthorized
re-transfers and re-exports?
Not applicable. Company does not take possession of these
goods, and therefore is unable to transfer or export them.
3. (SBU) Ricupero noted that he had not brokered a sale for
Boeing for over three decades. While this is unlikely to
change significantly in the foreseeable future - military
spending has been low for many years, which can be attributed
partly to the current GoA philosophy and the public's lasting
response to the last military dictatorship in Argentina, from
1976-83 - it isn't reason to think that TURSOL would not be a
responsible broker of USML goods.
MARTINEZ