'Phil has a PR problem'
Fresco had told WND prior to the interview, "Phil has a PR problem." WND questioned Fresco prior to the interview, during which time Fresco admitted that years ago he had been called in by the FBI, who several years ago were questioning all of Gurian's friends. He added, in a rambling conversation, "He's never threatened me. He would never threaten a life-long friend." He added that Gurian had done "some bad things," that he himself "had gotten involved," and added, "I've always done very well with Phil," alluding to stock deals the two had been involved in. An unnamed source told WND, "Hal's running scared."
Schoenfeld invited WND to investigate the matter, saying, ironically, "I realize your article may turn out to be worse than Remond's."
Gurian told WND he simply had become involved in the sales of "Reg" S securities, and mentioned a "conspiracy" on the part of the SEC to go after the "little guys." He said that he erred in that he knew the companies whose stock he was purchasing were engaged in fraud. Gurian said at the time he rationalized that since he wasn't engaged in fraud, it was OK. He acknowledged that his prior activities were wrong, but complained that he was not engaged currently in any wrongdoing, and for that reason thought the Dow Jones article unfair. Gurian added that he was involved in a number of good works, which he kept private.
Arrested in Switzerland after an arrest warrant was issued in the U.S., Gurian now awaits sentencing. During the interview, he voiced concerns that the Remond article may influence a judge and affect his sentencing.
He also flatly denied that he had anything to do with HiEnergy Technologies. Former HiEnergy CEO Barry Alter was a friend of his, he said, and that was the sole connection. Alter confirmed to WND that the two were friends. "Oh God, I met him many, many years ago down in Florida. We played golf together," he said.
Gurian also said that he had never seen HiEnergy's technology, and had no personal knowledge of it. As for Rheal Cote, Gurian pal Schoenfeld identified him as the French boyfriend of Gurian's mother, Jeanine Gurian.
Gurian's statements contradicted those of "lifetime friend" Schoenfeld, who had previously told WND that Gurian "handled" the HiEnergy IPO and was busy behind the scenes raising money for the company. At that time, Shoenfeld had described Gurian to WND as a "very successful guy who manages the assets of others and his own assets. He's a professional stock trader. He does very well."
The National Association of Securities Dealers permanently barred Gurian from the securities business in March 1995.
WND asked Gurian, in Schoenfeld's presence, about the seeming discrepancy in comments. Gurian responded by saying he had given contacts to Alter, but did not want to say that previously, because "it would kill me." In a taped interview with WND, HiEnergy's former CEO confirmed that Gurian had passed on investor contacts to him. "They were just people who we both knew … who I contacted to see if they wanted to invest in the company. That's all." Alter declined to name any of the investors, saying the information was "private." Alter said, "I raised them [HiEnergy Technologies] a bunch of money."
Gurian's statement that he had never verified the existence of HiEnergy's neutron detection system raises more questions. Gurian is the control man behind WallStreetSpin.com, managing and writing for the site. Months ago, Gurian produced a bullish report on HiEnergy which was recommended to the investing public by former CEO Alter in a HiEnergy press release.
During the interview, Gurian indicated that all the preliminary research into HiEnergy, prior to the reverse merger with SLW Enterprises, was done by Greg Gilbert, currently a director for HiEnergy. Gilbert is also CEO and president of Hamilton-Biophile Companies, formed by merging Hamilton-Clarke and the remains of Mehl/Biophile following the removal of all Mehl management. |
