Bail contingent on withdrawing foreign accounts

US federal agents found over $150,000 in cash -- stored in shoeboxes -- when searching the house of Apple supply manager Paul Shin Devine, says IDG News. The information was brought out by prosecutors at a Monday court hearing, where it was also revealed that Devine had approximately $20,000 in foreign currency in his home. Still more money is allegedly being kept in accounts overseas, though no specific figure was identified by Department of Justice attorney Michelle Kane.

Although Devine may qualify for bail, his release is dependent on transferring the foreign account money back to the US, and posting it as bond alongside another $600,000. The manager would represent too much of a flight risk otherwise, according to magistrate judge Howard Lloyd, of the District Court for the Northern District of California. Devine must also allow the government to inspect two safety deposit boxes, and surrender the passports of himself and and his wife.

An attorney for the executive counters that it may not even be possible to bring all of the foreign money to the US, due the complicated nature of foreign fund transfers. In the meantime, Devine's mother has reportedly posted the deed to her Maryland home as part of the bond.

Prosecutors accuse Devine of taking kickbacks from suppliers for secret data on Apple products, such as iPods and iPhones. Cited information includes production costs, projected sales and bids from competitors. Beyond federal charges, Devine also faces an Apple civil suit. In that case, the manager is accused of taking more than $1 million in illegal payments.

by MacNN Staff