Can I pay a Romanian and not be considered a terrorist sponsor?

September 12, 2007 5:06 PM

ParanoidFilter. I need to pay a software developer in Romania. Will sending them money (paying the bill) put me on any type of (government) watch list?

Remember on Good Times when Michael Evans sent a letter to Fidel Castro as part of a school assignment and his dad James was fired from his job? None of them went to jail, but that was the 70s.

I'm satisfied with the work done and I'd like to keep using this person, but not if I or any members of my family would be considered a sponsor of terrorism or some other unfortunate legal designation.

If it is okay, which payment service do you suggest? Paypal does not allow them to receive funds. I'm leaning towards Western Union. Are there any other options?

I have no intention of stiffing the developer. If you need more information you can send an email to [e-mail].

posted by anonymous to work & money (9 comments total)

I don't see why this would be a problem - Romania isn't what it was 25 years ago. They've recently entered the European Union, AFAIK. Unless the developer has some ties to terrorism or organized crime that you know of, you should be fine.
posted by wsp at 5:25 PM on September 12, 2007

What wsp says. I know at least two American business owners who have employees in Romania.
posted by croutonsupafreak at 6:16 PM on September 12, 2007

I did a double take reading your question. It's a nice place, really.

State Terror List. Romania's not on it.
posted by StrikeTheViol at 6:31 PM on September 12, 2007

Romania is an ally of the United States and, in fact, sent troops to Iraq.
posted by Count Ziggurat at 6:43 PM on September 12, 2007

Romania joined NATO in 2004 and the EU in 2007.
posted by damn dirty ape at 9:25 PM on September 12, 2007

What on earth makes you believe that Romania is a terrorist haven? Romania is in the EU - doesn't that mean it now has formal ties with the US?

To answer your question, I really don't think you'll have a problem.
posted by altolinguistic at 4:47 AM on September 13, 2007

You definitely won't end up on any terrorist watch lists, although it may arouse the interest of the police if it's a large sum. To combat money laundering, some European banks are obligated to report any sudden influxes over X amount. Don't know what the situation is in Romania, but it's possible the money will be held by the bank first before clearing.
posted by Ljubljana at 7:12 AM on September 13, 2007

Ask your bank about international transfers. Your contractor can provide his details. It's the normal way of paying things in the world outside the USA.
posted by Goofyy at 7:22 AM on September 13, 2007

Yes, you will end up on the Government's paranormal watch list for doing business with vampires, whose undying evil was the only thing to survive Ceauşescu.

(No. You're being silly.)
posted by klangklangston at 11:23 AM on September 13, 2007