Federal clemency record
Pardon · January 20, 2001
Granted by Bill Clinton (Democratic) to Marc David Rich
Summary
Marc David Rich, a commodities trader indicted in the Southern District of New York in 1983 on 51 counts including tax evasion under 26 U.S.C. § 7201, wire fraud, and violations of the Trading with the Enemy Act (50 U.S.C. App. § 5) for purchasing Iranian oil during the 1979–1981 embargo, was granted a full pardon by President Bill Clinton on January 20, 2001. Rich had fled to Switzerland before trial and was pardoned in absentia on Clinton's final day in office.
Offense
Indicted in 1983 on 51 counts including federal income-tax evasion, wire fraud, and trading with the enemy (purchasing Iranian oil during the 1979–81 hostage embargo). Fled to Switzerland before trial; pardoned in absentia on his last day in office by President Clinton.
Southern District of New York
- Tax Evasion — Charged with attempt to evade or defeat federal income tax under 26 U.S.C. § 7201. (26 U.S.C. § 7201)
- Trading with the Enemy Act — Charged with violating the Trading with the Enemy Act for oil purchases from Iran during the federal embargo. (50 U.S.C. App. § 5 (Trading with the Enemy Act))