Danish authorities seek aid in tracing five in tax fraud case

German Press Agency/October 24, 2006

Copenhagen -- Danish authorities have asked for international help in tracing five members of an organization suspected of tax fraud, news reports said Tuesday. Among the five was Mogens Amdi Petersen, 67, founder of the Tvind Humanitarian Fund, the Jyllands-Posten newspaper reported, adding the appeal did not constitute a formal arrest order.

Police have failed to trace the five at their Danish addresses to serve them writs for a pending court case, and believe they may have left the country.

Last month, a district court freed four of the five on charges of tax evasion and embezzlement, but the ruling has been appealed by prosecutors.

The fund was created in 1977. It includes several affiliates such as Humana People to People. The Tvind movement has been compared by some critics to a tightly-knit sect.

Allegations of tax fraud and embezzlement against the fund were brought to light around 2000.