High Commissioner Sanders reveals bogus Internet website claiming to sell Antigua and Barbuda Passports and Economic Citizenship


Antigua and Barbuda's High Commissioner to London, Sir Ronald Sanders, has drawn attention to a bogus Internet website that claims to be selling economic citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda as well as passports.

Sir Ronald identified the website as: www.diplomaticsecondpassport.com.

He said the name of the company on the site is "International Privacy Consultants" but it shows no address, or telephone and fax numbers.

The High Commissioner stated, "While the website claims that a Dr Markus Simonsen 'will answer all questions', the only contact is through an e-mail process that does not show an address and which self-destructs in ten seconds".

Sir Ronald pointed out, "Antigua and Barbuda does not have, and has never had, an economic citizenship programme. While we do have a Permanent Residence Scheme, it does not give such permanent residents Antigua and Barbuda passports". He added, "Passports are issued only to persons entitled to them by reason of birth or naturalization under the laws of Antigua and Barbuda".

High Commissioner Sanders said, "I am making this information public in order to warn persons who may believe that this website is legitimate, particularly as the bogus company requests payment of US$35,000, fifty per cent of which has to be paid in advance".

Sir Ronald concluded, "I have no idea how many people may have been duped by this phony website, but my government is concerned that no one should be fooled by it in the future".