Arrogance at play

Spitz foiled by bank dick
By BRENDAN SCOTT and MAGGIE HABERMAN

Eliot Spitzer asked a Manhattan bank to strip his name and account ID from a $5,000 wire transfer to a shell company that was a front group for a high-priced call-girl ring he frequented, according to a newly revealed document.
The "suspicious activity report," filed with federal officials by the bank, reveals in new detail how the state's hooker-happy ex-governor sowed the seeds of his own downfall with a suspicious bank transaction.
And when bank officials tried to probe Spitzer about why he was making the request, all he'd offer up was that it was "personal" -- an explanation that they said didn't cut it.
The countdown to Spitzer's eventual March 2008 resignation amid charges he had patronized a high-priced prostitute began more than six months earlier with his request to the bank.
Officials at what was then known as North Fork Bank rejected Spitzer's request to strip his name and account ID from the wire transfer, The Times Union of Albany reported yesterday, based on the five-page suspicious activity report it obtained.
Granting the Aug. 6, 2007, request would have violated federal regulations against money laundering.
Officials told the then-governor's private banker, Adam Brenner, to ask Spitzer why he needed the transfer.
"Mr. Brenner reported that he spoke directly with the customer, Mr. Spitzer, who advised that the purpose of the transfer to [shell company] QAT was to pay a personal expense," the report says, according to the Times Union.
"Mr. Brenner further stated that the customer did not wish to elaborate, however did state that he is sensitive to the bank's position and going forward will transfer funds through the proper channels."
Instead, North Fork officials nixed the request and filed a suspicious activity report with federal authorities.
The firm slated to receive the funds turned out to be QAT Consulting Group, a front company run by Cecil G. Suwal, the hooker booker for Emperors Club VIP.
Months later, the feds filed an indictment that charged managers of the escort service and identified Spitzer by his now infamous moniker "Client 9."
Spitzer was not prosecuted in the case -- even though his transactions involved interstate fund transfers and hookers who crossed state lines to have sex with him.