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  3. May
  4. 17
  5. Harry Männil

Births on May 17

1920May, 17

Harry Männil

Harry Männil, Estonian-Venezuelan businessman, co-founded ACO Group (d. 2010)
Harry Männil (May 17, 1920 – January 11, 2010), also known as Harry Mannil Laul, was an Estonian businessman, art collector, and cultural benefactor in several countries, as well as an alleged war criminal.

Männil was born in Tallinn, Estonia. As a result of World War II he moved to Venezuela in 1946, where he lived for the rest of his life. He was a successful businessman and part owner of ACO Group, a large Venezuelan conglomerate. He formed his own company Grupo Oriand in 1994. At the time of the restoration of Estonian independence, Männil got involved in Estonian matters, actively interacting with politicians Vaino Väljas and Edgar Savisaar, and acting as an advisor during latter's prime minister term.

Männil was on the Simon Wiesenthal Center's list of most wanted Nazi war criminals, accused by them of having participated in the murder of Jews while he worked for the political police in 1941–1942 during the German occupation of Estonia. After a four-year probe, Estonian investigators could find no evidence against him and he was cleared of the charges.

Harry Männil was an active art collector and philanthropist, especially noted for his collection of pre-Columbian art. His art related activities included serving as director of Caracas Athenaeum in Venezuela, and as advisor for the Museum of Modern Art in New York. He also founded Eduard Wiiralt Gallery in Estonian National Library.


References

  • Harry Männil
  • ACO Group

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Events on 1920

  • 19Jan

    League of Nations

    The United States Senate votes against joining the League of Nations.
  • 8Mar

    Arab

    The Arab Kingdom of Syria, the first modern Arab state to come into existence, is established.
  • 19Mar

    Treaty of Versailles

    The United States Senate rejects the Treaty of Versailles for the second time (the first time was on November 19, 1919).
  • 28Apr

    Soviet Union

    Azerbaijan is added to the Soviet Union.
  • 25Oct

    Sinn Féin

    After 74 days on hunger strike in Brixton Prison, England, the Sinn Féin Lord Mayor of Cork, Terence MacSwiney dies.

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