A Honolulu socialite and son of a former Philippine diplomat plead guilty to 37 counts of first- and second-degree theft, forgery and money laundering for embezzling $300,000 from a Hawaiian law firm when he was its office manager.
Nigel Salmingo, 31, faces up to 10 years in prison for first-degree theft and money laundering and up to five years for the other charges when a state judge sentences him in April. Regardless of the length of the prison term, “If he goes before the parole board he’s probably looking at 18 months, 24 months max,” said Michael Green, Salmingo’s lawyer.
The prosecutor said Salmingo spent much of the money at bars, clubs, restaurants and social events. He said Salmingo also forged company checks to buy a car and pay off his personal credit card bills, opened new credit card accounts in the company’s name and made unauthorized charges and took cash advances on the law partners’ company credit cards.
Salmingo mistakenly believed he had diplomatic immunity from arrest and prosecution. When Salmingo completes his prison term he will be removed to the Philippines.
What is Diplomatic Immunity?
Diplomatic immunity is a principle of international law by which certain foreign government officials are not subject to the jurisdiction of local courts and other authorities for both their official and, to a large extent, their personal activities. However, even at its highest level, diplomatic immunity does not exempt diplomatic officers from the obligation of conforming with national and local laws and regulations. Diplomats cannot purposely avoid liability for their actions.
While in the United States the diplomat is still covered by the laws of his home country, and he or she may be prosecuted under those laws for any crimes he commits in the United States. A misconception is that the privilege of immunity belongs to the individual diplomat however, the privilege of immunity belongs to the home country. The home country may choose to waive immunity for one of its diplomats, leaving him open to prosecution by the host country. The U.S. Department of State will request a waiver of immunity in every case in which the prosecutor advises that he or she would prosecute but for immunity
The purpose of these privileges and immunities is not to benefit individuals but to ensure the efficient and effective performance of their official missions on behalf of their governments.
For More Info visit please read Diplomatic and Consular Immunity Guidance for LawEnforcement and Judicial Authorities