Debtors Waive Bankruptcy Discharge After Failing to Disclose Foreign Assets

Dallas: A Texas couple who failed to disclose assets in Dubai and Pakistan waived their bankruptcy discharge of more than $14.6 million in unsecured debt after an investigation by the Department of Justice’s U.S. Trustee Program (USTP).

According to United States Department of Justice, on May 30, the Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas approved a waiver of discharge by chapter 7 debtors Hasan Farid Hashmi and Umme Salma Hashmi. As a result, the Hashmis remain personally liable for their debts, and creditors are free to pursue payment from them after the case is closed.

The bankruptcy system depends on transparency, said Lisa Lambert, U.S. Trustee for Region 6, which includes the Northern District of Texas. Debtors who intentionally undermine that system should not receive the benefit of a fresh start.