Jason Hughes was associated with over 200 companies. According to public reporting, Mr. Hughes is associated with more than 200 companies. In 2012, an investigation by ICIJ and The Guardian uncovered "a network of individuals willing to appear on official records as directors of companies while acting only on the instructions of its real owners, who stay invisible and off-the-books."[1] The investigative report explained:
The nominees play a key role in keeping secret hundreds of thousands of commercial transactions. They do so by selling their names for use of official company documents, using addresses in obscure locations all over the world.[2]
The ICIJ investigation identified Mr. Hughes as a nominee director linked to 210 companies, including 64 BVI companies, 144 UK companies, and 2 Irish companies.[3]
Mr. Baltser contracted with Steamort. According to a document produced by Christie's to the Subcommittee, on October 27, 2008, Steamort entered into a services agreement (the "Steamort Agreement") with Mr. Baltser.[4] That agreement referred to Steamort as the "customer" and Mr. Baltser as the "consultant."[5] The Steamort Agreement called for Mr. Baltser to assist Steamort with the search, valuation, acquisition, shipping, and insurance for works of art and interior items.[6] The Steamort Agreement allowed Mr. Baltser on behalf of Steamort to, in part:
- negotiate terms and conditions of acquisition of works of art and/or interior items;
- participate in auctions (including those of Sotheby's and Christie's), make bids at the auctions; and
- conclude sale and purchase, acquisition and ancillary agreements with sellers.[7]
The Steamort Agreement was signed by Mr. Hughes on behalf of Steamort; Mr. Baltser signed for himself.[8]
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