EASY “Under the Table” Citizenships…

Summary

In this video, the presenter breaks down the key differences between legal and illegal citizenship by investment (CBI) programs. He explains how legal programs are government-approved and legitimate, with considerations such as residency requirements and passport duration. In contrast, illegal programs, often run by fixers, offer fraudulent citizenships that can lead to legal consequences. The video also highlights the importance of due diligence, transparency, and monitoring by foreign governments. Viewers are encouraged to carefully evaluate CBI options and consult legal experts to ensure they are making informed, secure decisions about citizenship.

Takeaways

• 😀 Legal CBI programs are officially recognized by governments, while illegal ones involve fraudulent agents offering unapproved citizenships.
• 😀 Some countries issue CBI passports with shorter durations (e.g., 5 years) compared to the standard 10-year passports for native citizens.
• 😀 Legal CBI programs may have minimal residency requirements (e.g., a few days), which is different from traditional citizenship requirements.
• 😀 Fraudulent CBI schemes are often run by fixers who offer citizenships for lower prices, but these are illegal and could lead to severe consequences.
• 😀 When engaging with any CBI program, always verify that the promises made by agents or agencies are legitimate to avoid scams.
• 😀 Using fake or fraudulent citizenship documents can result in jail time if discovered by authorities.
• 😀 Some CBI programs have faced allegations of fraud, and due diligence on these programs is crucial for avoiding scams.
• 😀 International governments, like the EU and US, have become involved in overseeing CBI programs, adding transparency and regulation to the sector.
• 😀 Foreign financial institutions may flag CBI passports as suspicious, leading to potential issues with transactions and a higher level of scrutiny.
• 😀 CBI passports might differ from those issued to native citizens, with some countries marking them as honorary or using different passport colors.
• 😀 When purchasing citizenship, it's essential to understand exactly what you're getting, including the risks of passport revocation or other potential issues.

Q & A

What is the difference between legal and illegal citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs?

Legal CBI programs are officially recognized by governments and follow regulations set by the respective countries. Illegal CBI programs involve unregulated agents or fixers who claim to sell citizenship or passports but are not recognized by the government, often leading to fraud and legal consequences.

How do governments decide what makes a CBI program legal?

Governments decide what makes a CBI program legal based on their internal policies and regulations. Once they sanction such programs, they consider them legitimate, even if other countries may not recognize them.

Why are some CBI programs considered scams despite being legal?

Some CBI programs, while legal, can still be considered scams because they may involve misleading promises or offer inferior forms of citizenship, such as shorter passport durations or residency requirements that differ from local citizens.

What should you look for when evaluating a CBI program?

When evaluating a CBI program, you should consider factors such as passport validity duration, residency requirements, potential allegations of fraud, the involvement of foreign governments, and how banks or other financial institutions treat these citizenships.

What is the significance of a CBI program offering citizenship with shorter passport durations?

A shorter passport duration (e.g., five years instead of the usual 10 years) could indicate a different status or class of citizenship, which may not be equivalent to the rights of local citizens, even though it is legally granted.

How does residency play a role in citizenship-by-investment programs?

Some CBI programs require applicants to meet residency requirements (e.g., spending a specific number of days in the country) in order to maintain their citizenship. These programs are different from traditional citizenship, which does not depend on residency once granted.

What role does foreign government oversight play in the regulation of CBI programs?

Foreign governments, especially from the EU or the U.S., have increased their oversight and auditing of CBI programs to ensure transparency and eliminate fraudulent activity. This helps to prevent bad actors and ensures that the programs are properly regulated.

Why might a CBI program's citizenship be revoked or flagged by other governments or institutions?

A CBI program's citizenship might be flagged or revoked if there are concerns about the legitimacy of the program, such as improper due diligence or if the applicant fails to meet the required conditions. In some cases, these citizenships are treated differently by banks and governments, which may lead to legal or financial complications.

How do banks and financial institutions treat CBI passports differently from standard passports?

Banks and financial institutions may flag CBI passports due to their association with potential risks or irregularities. For example, they might file suspicious activity reports (SAR) or treat CBI citizenships as honorary, which could affect the individual’s ability to conduct transactions or open accounts.

What is the distinction between genuine citizenship and purchased citizenship in CBI programs?

Genuine citizenship cannot be purchased outright, and it typically comes with full rights and protections. In contrast, purchased citizenship through CBI programs may come with limitations, such as a shorter passport validity or the possibility of revocation, making it less secure than natural citizenship.