'Evil cult boss'

Copenhagen Post, 21st February 2002

Although his Danish lawyer immediately flew to Los Angeles to offer assistance, Petersen, in a desperate effort to avoid extradition, immediately hired top US attorney,Robert Shapiro, to defend him. Shapiro, who obtained notoriety in 1995 as head of the 'dream team' which gained an acquittal for top gridiron star and accused murderer O.J. Simpson is renowned as one of the best, and most expensive lawyers in America.

The appointment of Shapiro immediately caught the imagination of the American media and transformed the case into a new 'celebrity trial.' Although Petersen is unknown in the USA, the American media have started to characterise Tvind as the 'USA's fastest growing cult.'

'This guy Amdi Petersen must have a hell of a lot of money if he can afford Shapiro, said LA Times reporter, Gill Leovu. 'And he must be in a hell of a lot of trouble.'

On his first appearance in court, Wednesday, Petersen was described by defence lawyer Shapiro as a 'very human gentleman, who for many years had offered his life to charity, love for his fellow man and humanitarian work for the ostracised and poverty stricken people of the Third World.'

In reply, the Public Prosecutor, acting on evidence from Holstebro Police, portrayed Petersen as an unscrupulous businessman who had exploited other peoples naivet and suffering to line his own pockets, and who was still head of the global Tvind network.

Despite the initial posturing of the lawyers, the judge underlined the fact that initially, he was only concerned with whether Petersen should be released on bail whilst the question of extradition is decided.

Holstebro Police have now sent legal experts to Los Angeles to help the prosecutorial authorities interpret the Danish charges, and have transferred hundreds of e-mails and documents to the FBI as evidence of Petersens tax fraud and embezzlement of Tvind funds.