Accusations of money laundering at Fulton chocolate plant

10/8/2007 8:36 PM
By: Web Staff

FULTON, N.Y. -- Money laundering and fraud are the accusations brought against New York Chocolate and Confections, the Ivory Coast company that owns what was formerly the Nestle Chocolate plant in Fulton.

An article published by Fulton's Valley News, cites French media reports which allege that the company's CEO, Jean-Claude Amon, managed another company called "IC Trading," which he used to channel money through New York Chocolate. Amon held a press conference Monday afternoon claiming that facts were not properly checked and that those French media reports were inaccurate. He says tax returns filed in the state of New York are proof of his compliance with the law. The reports also claim Amon receives a paycheck of $300,000 a month. He would not give the exact amount, but said his salary is, quoting here, "Way, way, way lower than that." Amon vehemently denies involvement with the company IC Trading and money laundering activities.