Northfield, OH, December 20, 2024 – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), District Lodge 54, Local 439, issued a statement about their informational picketing regarding Northfield Mayor Jennifer Domzalski’s actions against IAM Union members working for the Village of Northfield’s service department:
“Our members have proudly served the residents of Northfield with excellence and dedication for more than two decades, maintaining community services in all conditions, including holidays, snowstorms, and other inclement weather. Despite this stellar record, Mayor Domzalski has undermined our members’ efforts and attacked their long-standing union contract, which has been the backbone of stability for over 23 years.
“We are not engaged in a work stoppage or strike. Informational picketing is a protected right for public employees, as affirmed by the Ohio Supreme Court in 2013, and it requires no notice from the employer.
“Despite our members’ outstanding service to the community, Mayor Domzalski has failed to uphold her commitments and has taken steps to undermine their livelihoods. She proposed wage and benefit adjustments for service department employees but has reneged on those promises. Her administration is actively attacking critical provisions of our long-standing union contract.
“Our union’s contract has stood as a model of stability for over 23 years, during which time there have been only two grievances, no arbitrations, and no work stoppages. This record speaks volumes about our members’ professionalism and the current agreement’s effectiveness. Yet, Mayor Domzalski’s actions represent a clear and unnecessary departure from decades of cooperative labor relations.
“Our members have worked tirelessly, often in harsh weather conditions and during holidays, to ensure the residents of Northfield receive the services they deserve. Mayor Domzalski’s anti-union behavior is an attack on our members and a disservice to the Village of Northfield.
“IAM Local 439 demands a fair contract recognizing our dedication and contributions to the Village of Northfield.
“We are calling for Mayor Domzalski’s resignation, given her poor representation of the Village of Northfield and her blatant disregard for labor rights.
“The IAM Union will continue to advocate for justice and fairness, ensuring our members can continue to serve the community with pride and dedication.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.
OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today filed an amicus brief in the Santa Barbara County Superior Court in support of a proposed affordable housing project in Goleta. Located in Santa Barbara County, Goleta is experiencing an acute housing shortage, and approximately 75 percent of lower-income renter households and 64 percent of lower-income owner households in Goleta are spending more than 30% of their income on housing. Housing is generally considered unaffordable when more than 30% of a household’s income goes toward housing costs. A housing development project by the Shelby Family Partnership would create 56 single-family homes, 13 of which would be affordable to lower-income households. On December 5, 2023, Goleta unlawfully refused to accept a preliminary application that simply sought to add the aforementioned affordable homes to the housing project under the Housing Crisis Act of 2019 (Senate Bill 330). The land at issue is not productive agriculturally and is surrounded on all sides by existing homes and residentially zoned land.
“Goleta’s refusal to accept an application that would add desperately-needed affordable housing is both deeply disappointing and unlawful,” said Attorney General Bonta. “As I’ve said many times before, no city or county alone will be able to solve our state’s housing crisis, but they all can and must do something. We respectfully urge the Santa Barbara County Superior Court to order Goleta to process this application and allow the affordable housing project to move forward.”
Two state laws are the focus of Attorney General Bonta’s amicus brief: Senate Bill 330 and the Housing Accountability Act (HAA). Authored by Senator Skinner (D-Berkeley), Senate Bill 330 was intended to boost housing production by, among other things, curtailing a city’s ability to stymie housing projects and allowing anyone trying to build housing to “freeze” the standards applicable to their project by submitting a preliminary application. The HAA provides that a local government shall not disapprove qualifying housing development projects, except in narrowly defined circumstances and after making specific written findings.
In today’s amicus brief, Attorney General Bonta argues that:
In violation of Senate Bill 330, Goleta refused to accept the Shelby Family Partnership’s preliminary application on the grounds that Senate Bill 330 only applies to “new” projects. While Goleta was out of Housing Element compliance in 2023, the Shelby Family Partnership amended its previous preliminary application to include 13 affordable homes for lower-income households. Attorney General Bonta makes clear that Senate Bill 330 is not limited to only “new” development projects, nor does it foreclose applicants from amending their project to avail itself of its protections.
In violation of Senate Bill 330, Goleta further claims that if it accepts the preliminary application, then the Shelby Family Partnership will forfeit the approval it obtained of a tentative tract map in 2011. Tentative tract maps are important because they remove any uncertainty as to the land’s development potential for housing. Forcing the Shelby Family Partnership to choose between retaining their vested property rights under the 2011 tentative tract map or vesting under Senate Bill 330, when no such quandary was ever contemplated by the California Legislature in enacting Senate Bill 330, is exactly the kind of mid-stream alteration of applicable standards the California Legislature intended to prohibit.
In violation of the HAA, Goleta stated that it was “returning” the preliminary application without further explanation. The City could only disapprove of the housing project if it determined in writing that one of the narrow class of HAA exemptions applies, and its findings must be based upon a preponderance of the evidence.
Sixteen separate cardiology practices and associated physicians, located across 12 states, have agreed to pay amounts totaling $17,761,564 to resolve allegations that they each violated the False Claims Act by overbilling Medicare for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals.
Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals are radioisotopes bound to biological molecules that target specific organs, tissues or cells within the human body and are used to diagnose and, in some cases, treat certain cancers and diseases. In 13 states and the District of Columbia, Medicare Part B reimburses healthcare providers for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals based on the provider’s acquisition cost. In those jurisdictions, Medicare’s contractors have published guidance explaining the reimbursement methodology and providers’ obligation to accurately report their invoice costs for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals. The government alleged that the settling cardiology practices regularly reported inflated acquisition costs to Medicare for these drugs. In each of the settlements, the conduct occurred for at least a year, and in some instances, the conduct extended over a period of more than 10 years.
“The financial stability of federal healthcare programs depends upon providers complying with applicable billing rules,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We are committed to ensuring that Medicare funds are expended appropriately and to pursuing those who knowingly fail to do so.”
The settling medical practices and associated physicians have agreed to pay the following amounts:
Western Kentucky Heart & Lung Associates PSC and Mohammed Kazimuddin ($6,750,000)
Heart Clinic of Paris P.A. and Arjumand Hashmi ($2,600,000)
Edward W. Leahey M.D. Professional Association and Edward Leahey ($894,679)
Metropolitan Cardiovascular Consultants LLC and Ayim Djamson ($846,888)
Cardiology Center of New Jersey LLC, Mario Criscito, Frank Iacovone, and Sameer Kaul ($740,000)
Clovis Cardiology Associates LLC and Mahamadu Fuseini ($600,000)
Family Medical Specialty Clinic PLLC, Melecio Abordo, and June Abadilla ($409,594)
James R. Higgins M.D. Inc. and James Higgins ($395,537)
TrustCare Health LLC ($279,407)
Taj Medical Inc. ($240,000)
White River Diagnostic Clinic PLC, Margaret Kuykendall, and Seth Barnes ($234,490)
Veinguard Heart & Vascular Center P.C. and Fareeha Khan ($195,000)
Boulder Medical Center PC ($160,000)
Wellspring Cardiac Care P.A. ($50,000).
“Practices and providers who overcharge the government and fail to return overpayments compromise our healthcare programs,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “When people see the wrong and report it, we have the tool we need to put a stop to this type of irresponsible conduct. So, I applaud the whistleblowers who came forward in this case.”
“These practitioners overbilled the Medicare program by grossly exaggerating the acquisition costs of drugs used in diagnostic imaging of the heart,” said U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett for the Western District of Kentucky. “This office is committed to protecting our federal health care programs, and we will hold accountable anyone who seeks to exploit them.”
“Medicare providers are required to be honest and accurate in the costs they report for reimbursement,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate alleged false claims act violations and ensure the integrity of the Medicare program. ”
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by relators Jasjit Walia and Preet Randhawa in the District of Columbia and the Western District of Kentucky. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The whistleblowers will receive a total of more than $2.7 million from the settlements announced today.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Columbia and Western District of Kentucky, with assistance from the HHS Office of Counsel to the Inspector General and Office of Investigations.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement, can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
Trial Attorney James Nealon of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ben Schecter, Matt Weyand, John Truong and Stephen DeGenaro for the District of Columbia handled the matter.
The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
On 20 December 2024, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) removed the following entry from its Sanctions List of individuals and entities.
A. Individuals
LYi.020 Name: 1: ABDELHAFIZ 2: ZLITNI 3: na 4: na Title: na Designation: a) Minister for Planning and Finance in Colonel Qadhafi’s Government. b) Secretary of the General People’s Committee for Finance and Planning c) Temporary head of the Central Bank of Libya DOB: 1935 POB: Good quality a.k.a.: na Low quality a.k.a.: na Nationality: na Passport no: na National identification no: na Address: Libya Listed on: 24 Jun. 2011 ( amended on 26 Sep. 2014, 11 Nov. 2016 ) Other information: Listed pursuant to paragraph 15 of resolution 1970 and paragraph 19 of resolution 1973 (Travel Ban, Asset Freeze). INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: https://www.interpol.int/en/How-we-work/Notices/View-UN-Notices-Individuals
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3
For Immediate Release:
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Zepbound (tirzepatide) for the treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity, to be used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
“Today’s approval marks the first drug treatment option for certain patients with obstructive sleep apnea,” said Sally Seymour, M.D., director of the Division of Pulmonology, Allergy, and Critical Care in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “This is a major step forward for patients with obstructive sleep apnea.”
OSA occurs when a person’s upper airway becomes blocked, causing pauses in breathing during sleep. While OSA can affect anyone, it is more common in people who have overweight or obesity. Zepbound works by activating receptors of hormones secreted from the intestine (glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)) to reduce appetite and food intake. By reducing body weight, studies show that Zepbound also improves OSA.
Zepbound’s approval for moderate to severe OSA in adults with obesity is based on two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of 469 adults without type 2 diabetes. One study enrolled participants using positive airway pressure (PAP), the standard of care for moderate to severe OSA, and one study enrolled participants unable or unwilling to use PAP. In both studies, participants randomly received either 10 or 15 milligrams of Zepbound or placebo once weekly for 52 weeks. The primary measure of efficacy was the change from baseline in the apnea hypopnea index (AHI), a measurement of how many times a person stops breathing (apnea) or breathes shallowly (hypopnea) per hour during sleep, at week 52. After 52 weeks of treatment in both studies, participants who received Zepbound experienced a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in events of apnea or hypopnea as measured by AHI compared with placebo, and greater proportions of participants treated with Zepbound achieved remission or mild OSA with resolution of symptoms compared to placebo. Participants treated with Zepbound had a significant decrease in body weight compared with placebo at 52 weeks. The improvement in AHI in participants with OSA is likely related to body weight reduction with Zepbound.
Zepbound can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal (stomach) discomfort and pain, injection site reactions, fatigue, hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions (typically fever and rash), burping, hair loss and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Zepbound causes thyroid C-cell tumors in rats. It is unknown whether Zepbound causes such tumors, including medullary thyroid cancer, in humans. Zepbound should not be used in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.
Zepbound should not be used in patients with a history of severe allergic reaction to tirzepatide (its active ingredient) or to any of its other ingredients. Patients should stop Zepbound immediately and seek medical help if a severe allergic reaction is suspected.
Zepbound also contains warnings for inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), gallbladder problems, hypoglycemia (blood sugar that is too low), acute kidney injury, diabetic retinopathy (damage to the eye’s retina) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, suicidal behavior or thinking, and pulmonary aspiration during general anesthesia or deep sedation. Patients should discuss with their health care provider if they have symptoms of pancreatitis or gallstones. If Zepbound is used with insulin or a medication that causes insulin secretion, patients should speak to their health care provider about potentially lowering the dose of these other medicines to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. Health care providers should monitor patients with kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy and depression or suicidal behaviors or thoughts. Patients taking Zepbound should inform healthcare providers of any planned surgeries of procedures.
Zepbound received Fast Track, Priority Review and Breakthrough Therapy designations for this indication.
The FDA granted the approval to Eli Lilly and Co.
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Boilerplate
The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.
Headline: Air Force re-opens competition for select platforms in Next-Generation Ejection Seat program
The decision follows analysis of industry information in response to a Sources Sought notice in August 2024, which gathered critical input from industry partners on the NGES program and allowed the program team to gain valuable insights and technical feedback from potential vendors.
Defendant who raped 11-year-old child, found with child sexual abuse images after more than 10 years in prison and deviancy treatment
Seattle –A 53-year-old Des Moines, Washington, man, who is a registered sex offender, was sentenced today to ten years in prison for possession of images of child sexual abuse, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Edward James Creed was on Washington State Department of Corrections supervision when he was found to have unapproved electronic devices in his residence and images of child sexual abuse on his phone. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson said, “creating a market for this material perpetuates the horrific abuse of children.”
According to records filed in the case, Creed previously served more than ten years in state custody for a 2008 Kitsap County conviction for rape of a child. He was released in 2017 but was returned to custody for a time in 2019. In March of 2024, community corrections review of his phone revealed that he had collected seventy images of child sexual abuse. After his arrest, a search of his room at the sex offender residence revealed that he had a number of unapproved electronic devices.
In asking for the ten year sentence Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson wrote to the court, “In light of the defendant’s demonstrated sexualized interest in minors, it bears repeating that it is exceedingly troubling Creed successfully completed a sexual deviancy treatment program in prison and after two relatively short periods of time in the community was caught seeking out (2020) or successfully obtaining (2024) child sexual abuse material and unlawfully accessing the internet to do so…. He has proven history of deceiving those tasked with monitoring him in the community and has demonstrated a significant commitment to do so.”
Judge Evanson ordered Creed to be on 15 years of supervised release to follow prison.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Washington State Department of Corrections.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson.
This case was also brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
Memphis, TN – Tommie Conner, 49, of Memphis, has been sentenced to 200 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren announced the sentence today.
According to evidence presented in court, on March 4, 2021, an officer with the Memphis Police Department observed a Dodge Durango speeding on American Way. The Durango was pulled over and the driver, later identified as Conner, fled. Conner was later located by officers who arrived at the scene. While investigating the offense, officers saw a handgun in plain view in the Durango. Officers obtained a search warrant and recovered a loaded SCCY 9mm pistol.
Conner is a felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms. Specifically, in 1993, Conner pled guilty to two counts of robbery and three counts of aggravated robbery in state court and was sentenced to 10 years of incarceration. In 2005, Conner was convicted in federal court in the Western District of Tennessee for being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 15 years of federal imprisonment after he was determined to be an armed career criminal.
In September 2021, Conner was indicted in the Western District of Tennessee for being a felon in possession of a firearm. In June 2024, a jury found Conner guilty of that offense. It also found that at least three of Conner’s prior offenses occurred on different occasions, as required for him to be sentenced as an armed career criminal under the ACCA (Armed Career Criminal Act).
On December 19, 2024, United States District Court Senior Judge John T. Fowlkes sentenced Conner to 200 months in federal prison with three years of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) Initiative, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our communities safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the (PSN) Gun Task Force, the Memphis Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Acting U.S. Attorney Fondren thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Greg Wagner and Jermal Blanchard who prosecuted this case on behalf of the government and the law enforcement partners who investigated this case.
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For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebookor on Xat @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
A federal grand jury in the Western District of Texas charged a Chinese national with two counts related to alleged distribution of pill press equipment that can be used by criminals to manufacture illegal drugs laced with fentanyl.
Department of Homeland Security agents arrested the defendant, Xaiofei Chen, at a trade show in Las Vegas on Oct. 29. According to the criminal complaint supporting her arrest warrant, Chen sold pill press machines that can be used with molds, stamps or dies mimicking commonly prescribed controlled substances to produce counterfeit pills that appear indistinguishable from legitimate pharmaceutical drugs. Specifically, the criminal complaint alleges that Chen worked for a Chinese-based company that sold die molds and equipment, and that Chen sold pill press equipment and counterfeit die molds to buyers in the United States. The complaint further alleges that Chen avoided Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) disclosure requirements by dismantling equipment and shipping parts in separate packages into the United States. This equipment allegedly included counterfeit dies, including M30 dies meant to mimic a common prescription drug but which are regularly used to make fake opioid pills. The complaint alleges that the packages that Chen sent also were mislabeled to conceal the illegal equipment that they contained.
The Controlled Substances Act prohibits the sale of pill press equipment and counterfeit die molds to individuals who intend to use these machines unlawfully and requires reporting of certain equipment sales. Counterfeit pills made on such equipment can be laced with fentanyl and other dangerous drugs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fentanyl is a highly addictive synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Fentanyl and related substances have devastated communities across the United States and fuel the ongoing drug overdose epidemic, which the CDC recently estimated killed approximately 107,000 Americans in 2023. Fentanyl overdose is the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 49. In recent years, more than half of counterfeit pills tested have been found to have a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl.
“The fentanyl epidemic has taken hundreds of thousands of American lives, and this case reflects the department’s unwavering commitment to prosecuting every level of the deadly fentanyl supply chain,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department will continue to protect Americans by prosecuting those involved in the unlawful sale of parts and equipment that can be used to manufacture counterfeit pills.”
“The defendant allegedly sold equipment that can be used to make dangerous opioid pills harmful to American families,” said Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “HSI is proud to work with our law enforcement partners to prevent the distribution of equipment commonly used in the manufacture of these destructive drugs.”
A federal court in Nevada ordered Chen, a foreign national, detained pending her trial in El Paso where the indictment was returned on Nov. 20. The indictment charges Chen with one count of conspiracy to distribute and import a tableting machine used to manufacture a controlled substance and one count of conspiracy to distribute dies designed to imprint and reproduce the trademark, trade name and other identifying mark and imprint of another. If convicted, Chen faces a maximum penalty of four years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A federal district court judge would determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
HSI and Customs and Border Protection are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Edward E. Emokpae, Scott B. Dahlquist and Kaitlin Sahni of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura Franco Gregory and Donna S. Miller for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case. Attorneys Colin Trundle and Sarah Williams of the Consumer Protection Branch also provided valuable assistance.
An indictment or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced today the resolution of False Claims Act violations against 16 separate cardiology practices and associated physicians, located across 12 states, and their agreement to pay a total of $17,761,564 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by overbilling Medicare for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia was involved in 14 of these settlements, resulting in a total of $10,601,970.97. The remaining amount was captured by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky. The Department of Justice also announced these settlements.
Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals are radioisotopes bound to biological molecules that target specific organs, tissues or cells within the human body and are used to diagnose and in some cases, treat certain cancers and diseases. In 13 states and the District of Columbia, Medicare Part B reimburses healthcare providers for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals based on the provider’s acquisition cost. In those jurisdictions, Medicare’s contractors have published guidance explaining the reimbursement methodology and providers’ obligation to accurately report their invoice cost for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals. The government alleged that the settling cardiology practices regularly reported inflated acquisition costs to Medicare for these drugs. In each of the settlements, the conduct occurred for at least a year, and in some instances, the conduct extended over a period of more than 10 years.
“Practices and providers who overcharge the government and fail to return overpayments compromise our healthcare programs,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “When people see the wrong and report it, we have the tool we need to put a stop to this type of irresponsible conduct. So I applaud the whistleblowers who came forward in this case.”
“The integrity of federal healthcare programs depends upon compliance with billing rules that are used to determine reimbursement,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We are committed to ensuring that Medicare funds are expended appropriately.”
The settling medical practices and associated physicians have agreed to pay the following amounts:
“These practitioners overbilled the Medicare program by grossly exaggerating the acquisition costs of drugs used in diagnostic imaging of the heart,” said Michael A. Bennett, United States Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky. “This Office is committed to protecting our federal health care programs, and we will hold accountable anyone who seeks to exploit them.”
“Medicare providers are required to be honest and accurate in the costs they report for reimbursement,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon, for the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate alleged false claims act violations and ensure the integrity of the Medicare program.”
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by relators Jasjit Walia and Preet Randhawa in the District of Columbia and the Western District of Kentucky. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The whistleblowers will receive a total of approximately $2.2 million from the settlements announced today.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the United States Attorney’s Offices for the District of Columbia and Western District of Kentucky, with assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Counsel to the Inspector General and Office of Investigations.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The matter was handled by Trial Attorney James Nealon and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ben Schecter and Matt Weyand from Western District of Kentucky, and Stephen DeGenaro and John C. Truong from the District of Columbia.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Gustavo Erazo Is Charged with Conspiring to Distribute, and Possessing with Intent to Distribute, Large Quantities of Fentanyl, Heroin, and Cocaine
SAN FRANCISCO – The government of Honduras extradited Gustavo Erazo, a Honduran national, to the United States this week to appear on charges stemming from his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in the San Francisco Bay Area. The extradition marks the sixth extradition of an alleged drug trafficker from Honduras to the Northern District of California this year.
On Jan. 5, 2023, a federal grand jury indicted Erazo, 49, at the time a resident of Oakland, and two other defendants, on charges of conspiring to distribute fentanyl and possessing fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine with the intent to distribute those substances. Erazo was charged in four of the eight counts in the indictment:
Count
Charge
Statute(s)
Statutory Maximum Prison Term
1
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl
21 U.S.C. §§ 846 and 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A)(vi)
Life
2
Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl
21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A)(vi)
Life
3
Possession with Intent to Distribute 100 Grams or More of Heroin
21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B)(i)
40 years
4
Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Cocaine
21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B)(ii)
40 years
According to a criminal complaint filed before the indictment, Erazo was arrested in November 2022 outside an apartment in Berkeley, Calif. At the time of his arrest, Erazo was carrying a backpack in which he had nearly four pounds of suspected drugs, including almost a kilogram of suspected fentanyl and more than half a pound each of suspected heroin and suspected cocaine. Inside the apartment, law enforcement officers found nearly 21 pounds of suspected drugs, including nearly 15 pounds of suspected fentanyl, more than two pounds of suspected cocaine, and more than one pound of suspected heroin. Officers also found drug manufacturing equipment, two firearms, ammunition, and cash inside the apartment.
According to court documents, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) learned after Erazo was charged in federal court that he had traveled back to Honduras. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Honduran authorities and the DEA to secure the arrest and extradition of Erazo, who arrived back in the United States on Dec. 19, 2024. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sallie Kim today for arraignment on the indictment and further proceedings. Erazo is next scheduled to appear in court for a status hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisa J. Cisneros on Dec. 23, 2024.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Erazo faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a maximum fine of $10,000,000 on Counts 1 and 2, and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000,000 on Counts 3 and 4. He also faces a lifetime term of supervised release and a mandatory $100 special assessment on each count. Any sentence following a conviction would be imposed by a court only upon consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and DEA Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Parker is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Jessie Chelsea and Linda Love. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the DEA, with assistance from the San Francisco Police Department.
SAN FRANCISCO – A Brentwood man was sentenced yesterday to 37 months in prison for defrauding the United States by obtaining approximately $300,000 in COVID-19 relief funds for his “nonprofit” that was an unlicensed marijuana distribution business. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Rita F. Lin, U.S. District Judge, following defendant’s guilty plea on two counts of wire fraud.
According to court documents, Thanh Duy Nguyen, 53, ran and was the sole officer of T&A Distribution, an unlicensed interstate marijuana trafficking scheme with grow houses around the Bay Area. Nguyen used T&A Distribution to obtain two Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act authorized the SBA to provide EIDL loans to small businesses experiencing substantial financial disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the first application, which he submitted in April 2020, Nguyen certified that he was not engaged in any illegal activity as defined by federal law, even though he knew that his marijuana distribution business was illegal under federal law. Nguyen fraudulently claimed that T&A Distribution was a nonprofit in the business of “Antiques/Collectibles,” when its business was marijuana distribution. Nguyen also made other false statements, including about T&A Distribution’s gross revenue and employee count. The true amount of T&A Distribution’s gross revenues in the 12 months before Jan. 31, 2020, was approximately $2.4 million.
On a second EIDL application, which he submitted in June 2020, Nguyen again falsely certified that he was not engaged in any illegal activity as defined by federal law, and misrepresented T&A Distribution as a nonprofit in the business of “Miscellaneous Services.” He also made false statements about the business’s gross revenues, cost of operations, and employee count.
As a result of the falsified applications, Nguyen received approximately $300,000 in EIDL funds. He used a significant amount of the loan funds for his marijuana distribution business and for gambling.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Lin sentenced Nguyen to three years of supervised release and to pay $300,000 in restitution and $300,000 in forfeiture. Nguyen will begin serving his sentence on Feb. 28, 2025.
United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris, and SBA Office of Inspector General (OIG) Special Agent in Charge of the Western Region Weston King made the announcement.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Tartakovsky prosecuted the case with the assistance of Sara Slattery. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by DEA and SBA OIG.
ALEXANDRIA, La. – Kaelin Williams, 27, of Alexandria, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Dee D. Drell for illegal possession of a machine gun, announced U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. Williams was sentenced to 30 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release.
Williams was charged in an indictment with one count of illegal possession of a machine gun and he pleaded guilty to the charge on August 21, 2024. On March 1, 2024, a federal search warrant was executed on Williams and his brother’s residence in Alexandria. At the time of the execution of the search warrant, Williams was the sole occupant of the residence and was found with two machine guns, both being Anderson Model AM-15 AR-Type multi-caliber pistols each containing a machine gun conversion device. In addition, law enforcement agents found several additional machine gun conversion devices, often referred to as “Glock switches.” Williams acknowledged to agents that he knew the “Glock switches” were illegal and that they turned a firearm into a machine gun.
The case was investigated by the ATF, Homeland Security Investigations and Alexandria Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren L. Gardner.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
A federal grand jury in the Western District of Texas charged a Chinese national with two counts related to alleged distribution of pill press equipment that can be used by criminals to manufacture illegal drugs laced with fentanyl.
Department of Homeland Security agents arrested the defendant, Xaiofei Chen, at a trade show in Las Vegas on Oct. 29. According to the criminal complaint supporting her arrest warrant, Chen sold pill press machines that can be used with molds, stamps or dies mimicking commonly prescribed controlled substances to produce counterfeit pills that appear indistinguishable from legitimate pharmaceutical drugs. Specifically, the criminal complaint alleges that Chen worked for a Chinese-based company that sold die molds and equipment, and that Chen sold pill press equipment and counterfeit die molds to buyers in the United States. The complaint further alleges that Chen avoided Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) disclosure requirements by dismantling equipment and shipping parts in separate packages into the United States. This equipment allegedly included counterfeit dies, including M30 dies meant to mimic a common prescription drug but which are regularly used to make fake opioid pills. The complaint alleges that the packages that Chen sent also were mislabeled to conceal the illegal equipment that they contained.
The Controlled Substances Act prohibits the sale of pill press equipment and counterfeit die molds to individuals who intend to use these machines unlawfully and requires reporting of certain equipment sales. Counterfeit pills made on such equipment can be laced with fentanyl and other dangerous drugs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fentanyl is a highly addictive synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Fentanyl and related substances have devastated communities across the United States and fuel the ongoing drug overdose epidemic, which the CDC recently estimated killed approximately 107,000 Americans in 2023. Fentanyl overdose is the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 49. In recent years, more than half of counterfeit pills tested have been found to have a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl.
“The fentanyl epidemic has taken hundreds of thousands of American lives, and this case reflects the department’s unwavering commitment to prosecuting every level of the deadly fentanyl supply chain,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department will continue to protect Americans by prosecuting those involved in the unlawful sale of parts and equipment that can be used to manufacture counterfeit pills.”
“The defendant allegedly sold equipment that can be used to make dangerous opioid pills harmful to American families,” said Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “HSI is proud to work with our law enforcement partners to prevent the distribution of equipment commonly used in the manufacture of these destructive drugs.”
A federal court in Nevada ordered Chen, a foreign national, detained pending her trial in El Paso where the indictment was returned on Nov. 20. The indictment charges Chen with one count of conspiracy to distribute and import a tableting machine used to manufacture a controlled substance and one count of conspiracy to distribute dies designed to imprint and reproduce the trademark, trade name and other identifying mark and imprint of another. If convicted, Chen faces a maximum penalty of four years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A federal district court judge would determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
HSI and Customs and Border Protection are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Edward E. Emokpae, Scott B. Dahlquist and Kaitlin Sahni of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura Franco Gregory and Donna S. Miller for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case. Attorneys Colin Trundle and Sarah Williams of the Consumer Protection Branch also provided valuable assistance.
An indictment or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), and U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (D, WA-09) and Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), released the following joint statement urging the Biden Administration to immediately launch an investigation into the fatal shooting of U.S. Citizen Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi in the West Bank:
“On September 6, Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi was fatally shot in the West Bank while she was peacefully participating in a demonstration against Israeli settlements in the Palestinian village of Beita. Since then, we have requested an independent, thorough, credible, and transparent investigation into what happened that day to both better understand the circumstances of her death and ensure that if any laws were broken those who were responsible are held to account.
“This week, Ms. Eygi’s family came to D.C. to discuss the challenges they’ve faced and the questions they still have about what happened. The lack of answers they have received is unacceptable.
“We call on Israel to complete their investigation and release their report on the cause of her death. Secretary Blinken must insist on the release of any Israeli investigation results. We also continue to urge the U.S. Department of Justice to initiate an independent, U.S.-led investigation into Ms. Eygi’s death. If the Justice Department isn’t going to investigate, then the State Department should release their own findings and seek accountability.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government have exacerbated tensions in the West Bank with their promotion of rapid Israeli settlement expansion. This dangerous situation in the West Bank has claimed the lives of far too many civilians, including Ms. Eygi.
“We applaud the sanctions that President Biden has imposed thus far on extremist Israeli settlers, including the settler organization Amana. Clearly, more must be done. The policies of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government undermine the viability of a Palestinian state and Israel’s security, violate the rights of Palestinians living in the West Bank, and put the region at even greater risk of further destabilization.
“It is time for the Biden Administration to thoroughly investigate the shooting of Ms. Eygi.”
Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council
The Security Council today renewed the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan for six months until 30 June 2025 and requested the Secretary-General to ensure that the Force has the required capacity and resources to fulfil its mandate “in a safe and secure way”.
UNDOF was established immediately following the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement between Israel and Syria, with a mandate to maintain the ceasefire and supervise the area of separation — a demilitarized buffer zone — as well as the area of limitation — where Israeli and Syrian troops and equipment are restricted — in the Golan.
Today’s unanimous adoption of resolution 2766 (2024) (to be issued as document S/RES/2766(2024)) follows reports of Israeli troops entering the demilitarized zone after the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad earlier this month.
Speaking after the adoption, Algeria’s delegate highlighted that the collaborative efforts of the Russian Federation and the United States in drafting the text “has enabled us to unanimously renew the mandate of UNDOF, which comes at a critical juncture for Syria and the whole region”.
He said the resolution underscores that there should be no military forces, equipment or personnel in the area of separation other than those of UNDOF. “The actual presence of Israeli forces in the area is illegal and constitutes a flagrant violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement and relevant Security Council resolutions,” he warned.
Drawing attention to a protest in the Dara’a Governorate in Syria earlier today during which Israeli soldiers opened fire, injuring a young man, he said: “To those who still doubt that we are witnessing the occupation of new territories in Syria, I would ask: What is your stance on this?”
The mandate of UNDOF has been extended every six months, last renewed on 27 June. (See Press Release SC/15748.)
NEW – Follow real-time meetings coverage on ourLIVE blog.
Division A would provide for the continuation, through March 14, 2025, of the appropriations and authorities contained in the 12 regular appropriation acts for 2024, which were contained in divisions A through F of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118-42) and divisions A through F of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (P.L. 118-47). Estimates are annualized—that is, estimated as if appropriations were provided for the entire fiscal year.
Division B would provide supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2025 for a broad range of federal agencies to respond to recent natural disasters and provide related assistance. The legislation would designate those amounts as emergency requirements in keeping with section 251 of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
MALVERN, PA, December 20, 2024 – Endo, Inc (OTCQX: NDOI) (“Endo”), announced today that one of its operating subsidiaries, Endo USA, Inc., is voluntarily recalling all lots within expiry of Adrenalin® Chloride Solution (EPINEPHrine nasal solution, USP) 30mg/30mL (1mg/mL) 30 mL vials, to the consumer level. This product, which pre-dates the 1938 Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act, was never submitted for approval by the FDA, and as such, is an unapproved drug for which safety and efficacy have not been established and, therefore, subject to recall. In addition, FDA has determined the product to be misbranded with a misleading label similar in appearance to the FDA-approved drug product Adrenalin® (epinephrine injection, USP) (1mg/mL) 30mL vial, also produced by Endo USA, Inc.
Both products are distributed to hospitals and healthcare systems for use by healthcare professionals. The similarity in labeling makes it difficult to distinguish between the non-sterile topical and sterile injectable product which can lead to potential administration errors. This recall does not include the approved Adrenalin® (epinephrine injection, USP) (1mg/mL) 30mL vial.
Risk Statement: Intravenous administration of the unapproved non-sterile topical Adrenalin® Chloride Solution (EPINEPHrine nasal solution, USP), instead of the approved sterile Adrenalin® (epinephrine injection, USP) (1mg/mL) 30mL vial for injection, would result in non-fatal serious and/or severe, health outcomes related to delayed or inadequate treatment of the underlying condition (anaphylaxis, hemodynamic instability, hypotension) or infection due to intravenous administration of a non-sterile product. In addition, there is a high probability that intravenous administration of the nasal product will result in patients receiving the wrong dose of epinephrine in emergency situations for serious, life-threatening conditions such as the treatment of anaphylaxis, blood pressure support, and cardiac arrest. If these events are not treated with the correct dose of epinephrine, patients may be at risk for death.
Endo has not received reports of adverse events in the last five years.
Adrenalin® Chloride Solution (EPINEPHrine nasal solution, USP) is a vasoconstrictor for topical application. The 30 mL vial is distributed in individually packed cartons under NDC #42023-103-01 with the language “Nasal Solution USP” and “For Topical Application” on the package. The product lots being recalled were distributed nationwide to wholesale distributors from October 10, 2023, through December 11, 2024.
Package Identification: See example of vial label from the affected lots attached to this press release.
Endo is providing written notification to all direct customer accounts that have received the affected product lots and is arranging for return of all existing inventory through Inmar, Inc. Wholesale distributors that have the product lots being recalled should immediately discontinue use and stop distribution immediately.
Questions regarding this recall can be directed to Inmar, Inc. at 1-877-560-8453 Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST or by email at rxrecalls@inmar.com. For medical or technical product information or to report a product complaint or adverse event please call 1-800-828-9393.
Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.
Complete and submit the report Online
Regular Mail or Fax: Download form or call 1- 800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
This press release contains forward-looking statements including but not limited to any statements related to product recalls, mislabeling, misbranding, safety concerns, administration errors, adverse events, FDA or other regulatory actions and any other statements that refer to expected, estimated or anticipated future results or that do not relate solely to historical facts. Statements including words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “plan,” “will,” “may,” “look forward,” “guidance,” “future,” “potential” or similar expressions are forward-looking statements. Because these statements reflect Endo’s current views, expectations and beliefs concerning future events, they involve risks and uncertainties, some of which Endo may not currently be able to predict. Although Endo believes that these forward-looking statements and other information are based upon reasonable assumptions and expectations, readers should not place undue reliance on these or any other forward-looking statements and information. Actual results may differ materially and adversely from current expectations based on a number of risks, uncertainties and factors, including risks and uncertainties related to the recall and any future recalls, potential adverse events and any regulatory actions by the FDA. Endo assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. Additional information concerning risk factors, including those referenced above, can be found in press releases issued by Endo and in Endo’s public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the discussion under the heading “Risk Factors” in Endo’s most recent Form 10-Q and in Endo’s final prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with its Form S-1/A.
Customers: Media: Inmar, Inc. Linda Huss 1-877-560-8453 media.relations@endo.com
The IMF Executive Board completed today the first review under the ECF-arrangement for Togo, allowing the authorities to draw the equivalent of about US$57.4 million (SDR 44.0 million). The Executive Board approved the 42-month ECF-arrangement in March 2024.
Togo’s growth performance has remained robust, and inflation is moderating. The medium-term outlook is broadly favorable, with continued robust growth but also elevated risks.
Togo has continued to advance its reform agenda, and the program is on track. Policy priorities are to (i) make growth more inclusive while strengthening debt sustainability, and (ii) implement structural reforms to support growth and limit financial sector and associated fiscal risks.
Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the first review of the ECF-arrangement for Togo. The Board’s decision enables the immediate disbursement of SDR 44.0 million (about US$ 58.7 million), which will be used for budget support. The ECF-arrangement provides overall financing of SDR 293.60 million (about US$ 390 million).
The IMF approved the ECF-arrangement on March 1st, 2024 (see Press Release No. 24/64) to help the authorities address the legacies of the shocks seen since 2020, notably the COVID-pandemic and the increase in global food and fuel prices. The Togolese authorities were able to lessen these shocks’ impacts on the Togolese economy and population. However, this resulted in an increase in fiscal deficits and debt. The IMF-supported government program aims to (i) make growth more inclusive while strengthening debt sustainability, and (ii) implement structural reforms to support growth and limit financial sector and associated fiscal risks.
The medium-term outlook is broadly favorable, with continued robust growth. Economic growth reached an estimated 5.6 percent in 2023 and is projected at 5.3 percent in 2024-25 and around 5.5 percent per year thereafter according to IMF staff projections, barring major adverse shocks. Headline inflation eased to 3.3 percent in October 2024 and core inflation (which excludes the prices of food and transport) to 2.2 percent (annual averages).
However, the outlook is subject to high risks. In particular, terrorist attacks in the country’s North continues unabated and appears to be intensifying, putting pressure on spending. The authorities are contending with the challenging trade-offs between fiscal consolidation to lower the debt burden and the need to maintain robust growth in the context of limited fiscal space.
Implementation of the program is on track. The authorities have met all end-June quantitative performance criteria, and prospects for meeting the quantitative targets for the rest of the year are favorable. The authorities also have met two out of the four due structural benchmarks, and there are prospects for the authorities to deliver at a later stage on the limited elements that have led to the missing of two benchmarks. Further, prospects for meeting the two end-December benchmarks are good. Finally, the authorities have made good progress on the reform of the remaining state-owned bank.
At the conclusion of the Executive Board’s discussion, Mr. Bo Li, Deputy Managing Director, and Acting Chair, made the following statement:
“The Togolese authorities have shown strong implementation of the program supported under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF). The authorities have met all quantitative targets despite security challenges and tight financing conditions, and they have progressed on structural reforms to strengthen revenue mobilization, inclusion, and public financial management.
“Togo’s outlook is subject to elevated risks, broadly as at the program request in March 2024, while security conditions have deteriorated. In line with this, the design of the program as conceived at the outset remains broadly appropriate, and the authorities should continue to implement the program with determination to place the country on the path of strong and sustainable growth.
“In the area of fiscal policies, the authorities should continue to aim to address debt vulnerabilities in a context of regional vulnerabilities while supporting growth and enhancing inclusion. For this, it will be important to implement the agreed fiscal anchor by limiting fiscal deficits to 3 percent of GDP from 2025 onwards, continue to raise tax revenue while making taxation more efficient, and implement structural reforms to enhance the efficiency of spending and make the social safety net more effective and efficient.
“It will also be essential to continue efforts to strengthen governance. The authorities’ recent request for an IMF Governance Diagnostic is welcome, as is their commitment to strengthening beneficial ownership declarations for companies benefiting from public procurement contracts. On the financial sector, the authorities should continue the reform of the remaining public bank by bringing the bank’s capital in line with regulatory requirements and reforming its operations to ensure its stability and profitability. Efforts to strengthen the AML/CFT framework will also be important.
Togo: Selected Economic and Financial Indicators, 2020–29
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
Estimates
Projections
(Percentage change, unless otherwise indicated)
Real GDP
2.0
6.0
5.8
5.6
5.3
5.3
5.5
5.5
5.5
5.5
Real GDP per capita
-0.4
3.5
3.3
3.1
2.8
2.8
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
GDP deflator
1.8
2.5
3.7
2.9
2.2
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
Consumer price index (average)
1.8
4.5
7.6
5.3
3.3
2.3
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
GDP (CFAF billions)
4253
4621
5069
5507
5927
6366
6850
7371
7932
8536
Exchange rate CFAF/US$ (annual average level)
575
554
622
606
…
…
…
…
…
…
Real effective exchange rate (appreciation = –)
-2.0
-1.4
2.3
-5.4
…
…
…
…
…
…
Terms of trade (deterioration = –)
-1.4
6.6
23.3
3.4
0.9
-1.7
-0.8
1.4
1.3
0.4
Monetary survey
(Percentage change of beginning-of-period broad money)
Net foreign assets
14.1
5.6
-0.6
6.2
4.9
-0.1
3.0
2.8
2.2
2.2
Net credit to government
-1.6
-0.3
8.0
0.2
-2.9
1.0
1.2
2.0
0.2
0.2
Credit to nongovernment sector
0.2
6.0
10.7
1.5
7.3
6.5
4.4
4.6
4.9
4.8
Broad money (M2)
11.4
12.3
14.9
8.5
8.8
7.4
7.6
7.6
7.6
7.6
Velocity (GDP/end-of-period M2)
2.1
2.1
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
Investment and savings
Gross domestic investment
21.4
23.4
25.9
28.0
25.7
24.2
25.0
25.9
26.7
27.2
Government
9.3
8.2
9.7
11.5
9.0
7.1
7.7
8.4
8.9
9.4
Nongovernment
12.1
15.2
16.2
16.5
16.7
17.1
17.3
17.5
17.8
17.8
Gross national savings
21.1
21.2
22.5
25.1
22.7
21.2
22.4
23.7
24.7
25.2
Government
2.2
3.6
1.4
4.8
4.1
4.1
4.7
5.4
5.8
6.4
Nongovernment
18.9
17.6
21.0
20.3
18.6
17.1
17.7
18.3
18.9
18.8
Government budget
Total revenue and grants
16.6
17.1
17.6
19.8
18.8
18.6
19.1
19.5
19.9
20.3
Revenue
14.1
15.3
15.1
16.8
16.6
17.1
17.6
18.1
18.5
19.1
Tax revenue
12.5
14.0
13.9
14.8
15.2
15.7
16.2
16.7
17.2
17.7
Expenditure and net lending (excl. banking sector operation)
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Full text: Chinese President Xi Jinping’s address at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao SAR
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, Dec. 20 — China’s manufacturing sector is experiencing a rapid transformation towards intelligent manufacturing, with new industries mushrooming rapidly, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
China has established 50 international standards for intelligent manufacturing, and is home to over 6,500 intelligent manufacturing system solution providers, offering services that span the entire manufacturing sector, said the ministry.
With over 4.14 million 5G base stations, China has already achieved its 2025 target of 26 base stations per 10,000 people, representing the country’s advanced infrastructure in intelligent technologies.
This rapid transition can be largely attributed to robust government policies. In a strategic move to build a number of high-level and iconic smart factories, Chinese authorities decided in October to roll out graduated cultivation for the smart factories at four levels.
Xin Guobin, vice minister of the MIIT, said that China will focus on nurturing a group of intelligent manufacturing solution providers that master core technologies and specialize in a niche industry, and drive further integration, innovation and large-scale 5G application in the manufacturing sector.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
XICHANG, Dec. 20 — China successfully sent a test satellite for communication technology into space from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwestern Sichuan Province on Friday.
The satellite was launched by a Long March-3B carrier rocket at 11:12 p.m. (Beijing Time) and has entered the planned orbit.
This satellite will be used for satellite communications, radio and television, data transmission, and other services. It will also carry out tests and verification of related technologies.
This launch marked the 554th mission of Long March series carrier rockets.
Order also finds Tai Mo Shan acted as a statutory underwriter in distributing LUNA crypto assets, which were offered and sold as securities
The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged Tai Mo Shan Limited with misleading investors about the stability of Terra USD (UST), a purported “algorithmic stablecoin” issued by Terraform Labs PTE Ltd. (Terraform), when UST dropped from its purportedly fixed exchange rate of 1 UST to $1, known as a peg. The Commission further charged Tai Mo Shan with offering and selling securities in unregistered transactions by acting as a statutory underwriter with respect to certain of its offers and sales of LUNA, a crypto asset issued by Terraform and offered and sold as a security. Tai Mo Shan is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jump Crypto Holdings LLC.
Terraform and its founder, Do Kwon, were found liable for fraud and unregistered securities offerings by a federal district court in April 2024 and agreed to pay $4.5 billion to harmed investors. The SEC’s order finds that, when UST devalued from its $1 peg in May 2021, Tai Mo Shan and Terraform entered into an agreement that incentivized Tai Mo Shan to purchase UST in exchange for Terraform “vesting” Tai Mo Shan’s existing option to purchase LUNA at a discount to its then-prevailing market price. On that day and subsequent days, Tai Mo Shan tried to restore UST toward its $1 peg, including by purchasing more than $20 million UST. In light of prior statements by Terraform that its algorithmic mechanism would maintain UST’s $1 peg, Tai Mo Shan acted negligently by trading UST in a manner that deceived the market into believing that Terraform’s algorithmic mechanism was working to stabilize UST, when in reality the price was being stabilized, at least in part, by Tai Mo Shan’s large purchases of UST, which were incentivized by Terraform.
The SEC’s Order also finds that, from at least January 2021 to May 2022, Tai Mo Shan acted as a statutory underwriter with respect to LUNA, a crypto asset offered and sold as a security. Tai Mo Shan acquired certain LUNA crypto assets from Terraform with a view toward distribution after it offered and resold LUNA as securities into the market on U.S.-based crypto asset trading platforms shortly after acquiring it from Terraform.
“This case reminds us that, too many times in the crypto markets, we’ve seen significant investor losses due to fraud,” said SEC Chair Gary Gensler. “Here, the impact reverberated throughout the crypto markets, eventually costing the savings of countless investors. Regardless of the labels, crypto market participants should comply with the securities laws where applicable and not deceive the public. Otherwise, investors get hurt.”
As part of the settlement, Tai Mo Shan agreed to pay $73,452,756 in disgorgement, $12,916,153 in prejudgment interest, and a $36,726,378 civil penalty. Without admitting or denying the SEC’s findings, Tai Mo Shan agreed to cease and desist from violations of the registration and fraud provisions it violated.
The SEC’s investigation was conducted by Liz Canizares, Derek Kleinmann, and Daniel Sinnreich, with assistance from analyst Bryan Hsueh and trial attorneys Carina Cuellar and Laura Meehan. The investigation was supervised by Don Battle, Michael Brennan, James Connor, Kristin Pauley, and Jorge Tenreiro.
Government Relations and Public Affairs 187 Harry S. Truman Parkway Annapolis, Maryland 21401
Legionella Bacteria Detected in Baltimore City Circuit and District Courts Cummings, Mitchell, and Civil Courthouses Closed Monday and Tuesday
Circuit Courts: The Clerk of the Court at the Circuit Court of Baltimore City informed the Maryland Judiciary Friday morning, December 20, 2024, that a member of his staff is suspected of having been exposed to Legionella Pneumonia. The Maryland Judiciary leadership, Baltimore City courts leadership, and Baltimore City leadership met and were informed by City of Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott that the Mitchell and Cummings circuit courthouses tested positive for Legionella bacteria.
The Mitchell and Cummings courthouses were closed this afternoon to implement safety protocols and begin remediation steps. Following recommendations from health officials, Administrative Judge Audrey J.S. Carrion issued an Administrative Order to close the Michell and Cummings courthouses on Monday, December 23, and Tuesday, December 24, for remediation by the City of Baltimore Department of General Services. Both courthouses are scheduled to reopen on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at 8 a.m. Emergency matters will be heard on Monday, December 23, and Tuesday, December 24, at the Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center, 300 N. Gay Street, Baltimore.
The Baltimore City circuit courthouses will be providing signage in all public bathrooms. Hand sanitizer and bottled water will be available for employees and visitors.
District Courts: The Maryland Judiciary was informed on December 6, 2024, that the Wabash and Patapsco district courthouses had tested positive for legionella bacteria. Since that time, the water supply systems at both courthouses were flushed and treated and additional tests were performed. Drinking fountains were blocked, signage notifying employees and visitors was posted in all bathrooms, and hand sanitizer and bottled water were made available for both employees and the public.
In addition, tests were performed at the Civil building on December 9, 2024, and the North Avenue courthouse on December 17, 2024. We were notified of positive test results for the Civil courthouse today, December 20, 2024. The Civil courthouse will be closed Monday, December 23, and Tuesday, December 24, for remediation by the City of Baltimore Department of General Services. Both courthouses are scheduled to reopen on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at 8 a.m. All emergency housing matters typically handled at the Civil courthouse will be moved to the Wabash District Court on Monday, December 23, 2024, and Tuesday, December 24, 2024. Wabash, Patapsco, and North Avenue courthouses will continue normal operations.
The Maryland Judiciary was informed late yesterday, December 19, 2024, that the results from the testing at both Wabash and Patapsco continued to show positive results of the legionella bacteria. The Maryland Department of General Services has confirmed that an updated remedial plan has been put in place at these courthouses. The Maryland Department of General Services, after consultation with Maryland Department of Health, has provided health guidance to the District Court of Maryland regarding Legionella bacteria. The same guidance applies to the Circuit Court for Baltimore City.
Based on the information provided by the Maryland Department of General Services and the Maryland Department of Health, the precautions that have been taken at the Baltimore City courthouses are sufficient to safely remain open.
Please contact the Maryland Judiciary, Government Relations and Public Affairs Division, at [email protected] or 410-260-1488, for questions.
The IMF Executive Board completed today the first review under the ECF-arrangement for Togo, allowing the authorities to draw the equivalent of about US$57.4 million (SDR 44.0 million). The Executive Board approved the 42-month ECF-arrangement in March 2024.
Togo’s growth performance has remained robust, and inflation is moderating. The medium-term outlook is broadly favorable, with continued robust growth but also elevated risks.
Togo has continued to advance its reform agenda, and the program is on track. Policy priorities are to (i) make growth more inclusive while strengthening debt sustainability, and (ii) implement structural reforms to support growth and limit financial sector and associated fiscal risks.
Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the first review of the ECF-arrangement for Togo. The Board’s decision enables the immediate disbursement of SDR 44.0 million (about US$ 58.7 million), which will be used for budget support. The ECF-arrangement provides overall financing of SDR 293.60 million (about US$ 390 million).
The IMF approved the ECF-arrangement on March 1st, 2024 (see Press Release No. 24/64) to help the authorities address the legacies of the shocks seen since 2020, notably the COVID-pandemic and the increase in global food and fuel prices. The Togolese authorities were able to lessen these shocks’ impacts on the Togolese economy and population. However, this resulted in an increase in fiscal deficits and debt. The IMF-supported government program aims to (i) make growth more inclusive while strengthening debt sustainability, and (ii) implement structural reforms to support growth and limit financial sector and associated fiscal risks.
The medium-term outlook is broadly favorable, with continued robust growth. Economic growth reached an estimated 5.6 percent in 2023 and is projected at 5.3 percent in 2024-25 and around 5.5 percent per year thereafter according to IMF staff projections, barring major adverse shocks. Headline inflation eased to 3.3 percent in October 2024 and core inflation (which excludes the prices of food and transport) to 2.2 percent (annual averages).
However, the outlook is subject to high risks. In particular, terrorist attacks in the country’s North continues unabated and appears to be intensifying, putting pressure on spending. The authorities are contending with the challenging trade-offs between fiscal consolidation to lower the debt burden and the need to maintain robust growth in the context of limited fiscal space.
Implementation of the program is on track. The authorities have met all end-June quantitative performance criteria, and prospects for meeting the quantitative targets for the rest of the year are favorable. The authorities also have met two out of the four due structural benchmarks, and there are prospects for the authorities to deliver at a later stage on the limited elements that have led to the missing of two benchmarks. Further, prospects for meeting the two end-December benchmarks are good. Finally, the authorities have made good progress on the reform of the remaining state-owned bank.
At the conclusion of the Executive Board’s discussion, Mr. Bo Li, Deputy Managing Director, and Acting Chair, made the following statement:
“The Togolese authorities have shown strong implementation of the program supported under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF). The authorities have met all quantitative targets despite security challenges and tight financing conditions, and they have progressed on structural reforms to strengthen revenue mobilization, inclusion, and public financial management.
“Togo’s outlook is subject to elevated risks, broadly as at the program request in March 2024, while security conditions have deteriorated. In line with this, the design of the program as conceived at the outset remains broadly appropriate, and the authorities should continue to implement the program with determination to place the country on the path of strong and sustainable growth.
“In the area of fiscal policies, the authorities should continue to aim to address debt vulnerabilities in a context of regional vulnerabilities while supporting growth and enhancing inclusion. For this, it will be important to implement the agreed fiscal anchor by limiting fiscal deficits to 3 percent of GDP from 2025 onwards, continue to raise tax revenue while making taxation more efficient, and implement structural reforms to enhance the efficiency of spending and make the social safety net more effective and efficient.
“It will also be essential to continue efforts to strengthen governance. The authorities’ recent request for an IMF Governance Diagnostic is welcome, as is their commitment to strengthening beneficial ownership declarations for companies benefiting from public procurement contracts. On the financial sector, the authorities should continue the reform of the remaining public bank by bringing the bank’s capital in line with regulatory requirements and reforming its operations to ensure its stability and profitability. Efforts to strengthen the AML/CFT framework will also be important.
Togo: Selected Economic and Financial Indicators, 2020–29
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
Estimates
Projections
(Percentage change, unless otherwise indicated)
Real GDP
2.0
6.0
5.8
5.6
5.3
5.3
5.5
5.5
5.5
5.5
Real GDP per capita
-0.4
3.5
3.3
3.1
2.8
2.8
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
GDP deflator
1.8
2.5
3.7
2.9
2.2
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
Consumer price index (average)
1.8
4.5
7.6
5.3
3.3
2.3
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
GDP (CFAF billions)
4253
4621
5069
5507
5927
6366
6850
7371
7932
8536
Exchange rate CFAF/US$ (annual average level)
575
554
622
606
…
…
…
…
…
…
Real effective exchange rate (appreciation = –)
-2.0
-1.4
2.3
-5.4
…
…
…
…
…
…
Terms of trade (deterioration = –)
-1.4
6.6
23.3
3.4
0.9
-1.7
-0.8
1.4
1.3
0.4
Monetary survey
(Percentage change of beginning-of-period broad money)
Net foreign assets
14.1
5.6
-0.6
6.2
4.9
-0.1
3.0
2.8
2.2
2.2
Net credit to government
-1.6
-0.3
8.0
0.2
-2.9
1.0
1.2
2.0
0.2
0.2
Credit to nongovernment sector
0.2
6.0
10.7
1.5
7.3
6.5
4.4
4.6
4.9
4.8
Broad money (M2)
11.4
12.3
14.9
8.5
8.8
7.4
7.6
7.6
7.6
7.6
Velocity (GDP/end-of-period M2)
2.1
2.1
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
Investment and savings
Gross domestic investment
21.4
23.4
25.9
28.0
25.7
24.2
25.0
25.9
26.7
27.2
Government
9.3
8.2
9.7
11.5
9.0
7.1
7.7
8.4
8.9
9.4
Nongovernment
12.1
15.2
16.2
16.5
16.7
17.1
17.3
17.5
17.8
17.8
Gross national savings
21.1
21.2
22.5
25.1
22.7
21.2
22.4
23.7
24.7
25.2
Government
2.2
3.6
1.4
4.8
4.1
4.1
4.7
5.4
5.8
6.4
Nongovernment
18.9
17.6
21.0
20.3
18.6
17.1
17.7
18.3
18.9
18.8
Government budget
Total revenue and grants
16.6
17.1
17.6
19.8
18.8
18.6
19.1
19.5
19.9
20.3
Revenue
14.1
15.3
15.1
16.8
16.6
17.1
17.6
18.1
18.5
19.1
Tax revenue
12.5
14.0
13.9
14.8
15.2
15.7
16.2
16.7
17.2
17.7
Expenditure and net lending (excl. banking sector operation)
The IMF Executive Board completed today the second review under The Gambia’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement, enabling the immediate disbursement of about US$10.8 million to help meet financing needs and bolster inclusive, sustainable growth.
Economic recovery is strengthening, and inflation is gradually decreasing, although the pace remains slow. The country remains vulnerable to global shocks.
Program performance has been affected by fiscal pressures and delays in reform implementation, but the authorities remain committed to overall program targets. Steadfast implementation of the policy and reform agenda will be essential to safeguard macroeconomic gains and debt sustainability.
Washington, DC – December 20, 2024: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed today the second review under The Gambia’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement, approved by the IMF Executive Board on January 12, 2024, in the amount of SDR74.64 million (about US$97.3 million). The completion of the review allows for the immediate disbursement of SDR 8.29 million (about US$10.8 million), bringing total disbursements under the arrangement to about SDR 24.87 million (US$32.4 million).
The economic recovery in The Gambia is strengthening. Real GDP growth is expected to reach 5.8 percent in 2024, supported by a broad-based rebound in economic activity. In particular, tourist arrivals are recovering and nearing pre-pandemic levels, while remittance inflows remain strong. Headline inflation has decreased significantly from a peak of 18.5 percent in September 2023, although energy prices led to a small uptick in inflation to 10 percent in October 2024.
While the authorities remain committed to the objectives set out in the program and revenue collection has been strong, spending pressures from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit and emergency support to the public utility company NAWEC have weighed on fiscal balances. The new foreign exchange policy is working well, and international reserves exceeded targets by the end of September.
Based on the strength of the macroeconomic program, growth is projected at 5.9 percent in 2025 and around 5 percent in the medium term, though risks remain from global conflicts, commodity price shocks, and fluctuations in tourism and remittance flows. Steadfast implementation of the policy and reform agenda will be essential to safeguard macroeconomic gains and debt sustainability.
Following the Executive Board’s discussion, Deputy Managing Director Bo Li issued the following statement:
“The Gambia’s economic recovery is strengthening while inflation has trended down. Program implementation was mixed, reflecting broadly satisfactory adherence to quantitative performance criteria and indicative targets but delays in implementing structural benchmarks. The authorities remain committed to their reform agenda, despite global economic headwinds.
“Continued commitment to fiscal consolidation is critical to reduce fiscal risks and preserve debt sustainability. Finalizing and implementing the Domestic Revenue Mobilization Strategy will help secure consolidation gains and lower reliance on costly domestic and external financing. Improving the structure of expenditures will help maintain social services and space for growth-enhancing capital expenditures. Strengthening public financial management, including by preventing domestic arrears accumulation, and improving the performance of state-owned enterprises will help contain fiscal risks. To reduce debt vulnerabilities, it is crucial to adhere to the agreed fiscal targets, focus on grants and concessional loans, limit fiscal risks from PPPs, and implement a strong medium-term fiscal framework.
“The Central Bank of The Gambia has appropriately maintained its tight monetary policy stance and is encouraged to remain vigilant and data dependent to ensure that inflation converges to the central bank’s medium-term target. The foreign exchange market has performed well following the introduction of the new foreign exchange policy. Going forward, the central bank is encouraged to continue pursuing an exchange rate that fully reflects market forces. The central bank’s commitment to cease financial support to public entities is welcome to prevent risks to its balance sheet.
“Progress with structural reforms will be essential, including to enhance governance and further improve the business environment to promote private sector development and job creation. The publication of the action plan for the implementation of the recommendations of the governance diagnostic report as a prior action for this review was an important milestone. Adopting strong climate-related policies including through a possible RSF arrangement will be essential to build The Gambia’s resilience to climate risks.”
Lt. Cmdr. Adam Sandifer was relieved of his duties as NRC Shreveport’s commanding officer by Rear Adm. Michael Steffen, the commander of Navy Reserve Forces Command.
The Navy maintains the highest standards for commanding officers and holds them accountable when those standards are not met.
Lt. Cmdr. John Perez has been temporarily assigned as NRC Shreveport’s commanding officer. Sandifer has been temporarily reassigned to Navy Personnel Command. He assumed command of NRC Shreveport in March 2024.
For questions related to this release, contact Cmdr. Robert Myers, Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Public Affairs at CNRF_PAO@us.navy.mil.
The IMF Executive Board completed today the second review under The Gambia’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement, enabling the immediate disbursement of about US$10.8 million to help meet financing needs and bolster inclusive, sustainable growth.
Economic recovery is strengthening, and inflation is gradually decreasing, although the pace remains slow. The country remains vulnerable to global shocks.
Program performance has been affected by fiscal pressures and delays in reform implementation, but the authorities remain committed to overall program targets. Steadfast implementation of the policy and reform agenda will be essential to safeguard macroeconomic gains and debt sustainability.
Washington, DC – December 20, 2024: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed today the second review under The Gambia’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement, approved by the IMF Executive Board on January 12, 2024, in the amount of SDR74.64 million (about US$97.3 million). The completion of the review allows for the immediate disbursement of SDR 8.29 million (about US$10.8 million), bringing total disbursements under the arrangement to about SDR 24.87 million (US$32.4 million).
The economic recovery in The Gambia is strengthening. Real GDP growth is expected to reach 5.8 percent in 2024, supported by a broad-based rebound in economic activity. In particular, tourist arrivals are recovering and nearing pre-pandemic levels, while remittance inflows remain strong. Headline inflation has decreased significantly from a peak of 18.5 percent in September 2023, although energy prices led to a small uptick in inflation to 10 percent in October 2024.
While the authorities remain committed to the objectives set out in the program and revenue collection has been strong, spending pressures from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit and emergency support to the public utility company NAWEC have weighed on fiscal balances. The new foreign exchange policy is working well, and international reserves exceeded targets by the end of September.
Based on the strength of the macroeconomic program, growth is projected at 5.9 percent in 2025 and around 5 percent in the medium term, though risks remain from global conflicts, commodity price shocks, and fluctuations in tourism and remittance flows. Steadfast implementation of the policy and reform agenda will be essential to safeguard macroeconomic gains and debt sustainability.
Following the Executive Board’s discussion, Deputy Managing Director Bo Li issued the following statement:
“The Gambia’s economic recovery is strengthening while inflation has trended down. Program implementation was mixed, reflecting broadly satisfactory adherence to quantitative performance criteria and indicative targets but delays in implementing structural benchmarks. The authorities remain committed to their reform agenda, despite global economic headwinds.
“Continued commitment to fiscal consolidation is critical to reduce fiscal risks and preserve debt sustainability. Finalizing and implementing the Domestic Revenue Mobilization Strategy will help secure consolidation gains and lower reliance on costly domestic and external financing. Improving the structure of expenditures will help maintain social services and space for growth-enhancing capital expenditures. Strengthening public financial management, including by preventing domestic arrears accumulation, and improving the performance of state-owned enterprises will help contain fiscal risks. To reduce debt vulnerabilities, it is crucial to adhere to the agreed fiscal targets, focus on grants and concessional loans, limit fiscal risks from PPPs, and implement a strong medium-term fiscal framework.
“The Central Bank of The Gambia has appropriately maintained its tight monetary policy stance and is encouraged to remain vigilant and data dependent to ensure that inflation converges to the central bank’s medium-term target. The foreign exchange market has performed well following the introduction of the new foreign exchange policy. Going forward, the central bank is encouraged to continue pursuing an exchange rate that fully reflects market forces. The central bank’s commitment to cease financial support to public entities is welcome to prevent risks to its balance sheet.
“Progress with structural reforms will be essential, including to enhance governance and further improve the business environment to promote private sector development and job creation. The publication of the action plan for the implementation of the recommendations of the governance diagnostic report as a prior action for this review was an important milestone. Adopting strong climate-related policies including through a possible RSF arrangement will be essential to build The Gambia’s resilience to climate risks.”
Jefferson City — Closing out the final pending clemency petitions of his administration, Governor Mike Parson today granted 16 pardons and approved nine commutations pursuant to Article IV, Section 7 of the Constitution of the State of Missouri. Official documents have been filed with the appropriate government agencies and have been sent to the individuals.
In addition to granting 16 pardons and nine commutations, Governor Parson denied 23 clemency petitions. The Governor’s Office now effectively holds zero pending clemency petitions. When Governor Parson was sworn into office, he inherited a clemency backlog of more than 3,500 and received hundreds more since. In total, he has taken action on nearly 4,000 clemency petitions. Governor Parson prioritized providing individuals an answer, whether approved or denied.
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a jury in Bridgeport federal court has found LUIS SALAMAN, also known as “Bebe,” 42, and JESUS SEGUINOT, also known as “Chuchi,” 34, guilty of fentanyl trafficking offenses. A trial before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill began on December 9 and the jury returned guilty verdicts on multiple counts of a superseding indictment late yesterday afternoon.
According to the evidence presented during the trial, in October 2021, the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force learned that Salaman was distributing large quantities of narcotics throughout New Haven. The investigation revealed that Salaman worked with Seguinot and others to distribute fentanyl. Between November 2021 and March 2022, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of distribution quantities of fentanyl from Salaman, Seguinot, and their associates.
The jury found Salaman and Seguinot guilty of conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and Salaman guilty of three counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The jury found Salaman not guilty of four counts, and Seguinot not guilty of one count, of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
At sentencing, which is scheduled for March 13, Salaman faces a term of imprisonment of at least 10 years, and Seguinot faces a term of imprisonment of at least five years. Salaman faces enhanced penalties because of a prior conviction for a serious violent felony.
Salaman has been detained since his arrest on April 5, 2022. Seguinot was arrested on April 10, 2023, and is released on a $100,000 bond.
This investigation has been conducted by FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, which includes members from the FBI, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, and the New Haven, Milford, East Haven, West Haven, and Wallingford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Ruff and David T. Huang.