Emanuel Zeltser American lawyer Date of Birth: 09.11.1953 Country: USA

1. Emmanuil Zeltser: A Controversial Attorney with a Checkered Past
2. Early Life and Education
3. Legal Career in the United States
4. InkomBank Lawsuit and Accusations of Fraud
5. Bank of New York Investigation and False Documents
6. Pavel Borodin Defense and Accusations of Unprofessionalism
7. Nord Servic Lawsuit and Forged Documents
8. Patarkatsishvili Inheritance and Legal Challenges
9. Arrest in Belarus and Political Controversies
10. American Bar Association and Professional Accusations
11. Conclusion

Emmanuil Zeltser: A Controversial Attorney with a Checkered Past

Born in Siberia on November 9, 1953 (according to some sources, 1954), Emmanuil Efimovich Zeltser has led a life marked by scandal and controversy. With accusations of forged documents, financial misconduct, and unethical behavior, Zeltser's legal career has been plagued by questionable actions.

Early Life and Education

Zeltser's early life and education are shrouded in uncertainty. After graduating from the Moldavian State Institute of Arts in 1971-1973, he emigrated to Israel and then to the United States in 1974. Despite claims of studying at the Moscow Conservatory and the Kishinev State University Law Faculty, experts have cast doubt on his legal credentials.

Legal Career in the United States

Arriving in the US, Zeltser worked a series of menial jobs before settling in New York City in 1975. In 1980, he opened the first Russian radio station in New York, but it soon faced bankruptcy and legal scrutiny.

In 1987, Zeltser became the financial consultant for American Urgy, a medical clinic in New Jersey. Following a contentious legal battle, he was ordered to pay $2 million in compensation in 1997 for allegedly acquiring the clinic through fraudulent means.

InkomBank Lawsuit and Accusations of Fraud

From 1993, Zeltser represented the Russian InkomBank in the US. However, in 1994, the bank filed a lawsuit against him, alleging embezzlement of $5.6 million. Zeltser counter-accused the bank of stealing from shareholders. The case ended with the bank's bankruptcy in 1998, but it raised serious questions about Zeltser's ethics and legal abilities.

Bank of New York Investigation and False Documents

In 1999, Zeltser provided information to the New York Times about InkomBank's alleged money laundering through Bank of New York. Subsequent investigations cast doubt on the authenticity of the documents he provided, highlighting concerns about his reliability and his willingness to use questionable evidence.

Pavel Borodin Defense and Accusations of Unprofessionalism

In 2001, Zeltser represented Pavel Borodin, the former chief of staff for Russian President Boris Yeltsin, who was arrested in the US on money laundering charges. Zeltser's representation was highly criticized, leading to his dismissal from the case.

Nord Servic Lawsuit and Forged Documents

In 2004, Zeltser represented Jacob Palter and Boris Keyser, managers of Nord Servic Inc., in a lawsuit over the ownership of the company. However, the documents he presented in court were deemed forged, resulting in a judgment against his clients.

Patarkatsishvili Inheritance and Legal Challenges

In 2008, Zeltser claimed to be the executor of the will of Russian-Georgian businessman Badri Patarkatsishvili. He presented a will, allegedly notarized by his associate Alexander Fishkin, which granted him control over Patarkatsishvili's assets. However, the family contested the will, alleging forged documents. The case was eventually dismissed.

Arrest in Belarus and Political Controversies

In March 2008, Zeltser was arrested in Minsk, Belarus, on charges of using forged documents. His brother alleged that the arrest was politically motivated, involving Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

American Bar Association and Professional Accusations

Despite his controversial reputation, Zeltser remains a member of the American Bar Association. However, his questionable practices and lack of transparency have led to concerns about the integrity of the legal profession.

Conclusion

Emmanuil Zeltser's career as an attorney has been dominated by scandal, questionable ethics, and allegations of fraud. His claims of legal expertise and academic credentials have been repeatedly challenged, casting doubt on his credibility as a legal professional. Despite these controversies, Zeltser continues to practice law, raising concerns about the oversight and regulation of the legal community.