Spanish ‘Robin Hood’ fleeces banks
Published 22 September, 2008, 08:05
The legendary hero of Sherwood Forest stole from the rich and gave to the poor. Now, centuries later, a man who calls himself the “Spanish Robin Hood” claims he’s doing the same thing, reports the UK’s Daily Telegraph. In two years, Enric Duran received nearly half a million euros in bank loans. He says he has no intention of paying it back, and is distributing the cash to activists opposed to the financial system.
Duran published his confession in a single-issue free newspaper called ‘Crisis’. He describes his behaviour as “an individual disobedience action against banking”. “What could be better than robbing the ones who rob us and distributing the money among the groups which are denouncing this situation and building alternatives?” Duran says in the paper.
Duran listed the 39 banks that loaned him money. Starting with personal loans, he then switched to using a company name to avoid being identified as a debt defaulter.
So far, the banks have not reported the offence and made no legal claims against “Robin Hood”, so the police can’t get involved.
Some of the lenders have admitted they wont’ take legal action, preferring instead to write off the money.
Last week Duran posted a video on the internet calling on the public to stop taking out loans. He says this will prevent the “wheels from running” and bring the profit machine to a grinding halt.
Enric Duran could face up to six years in prison if convicted but said he was prepared for that.
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