NewzIntel.com

Category: Federal Bureau of Investigation

  • MIL-OSI Security: Real Estate Executive Charged In Thirty-Million-Dollar Bank Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Danielle Sassoon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James E. Dennehy, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the arrest of KEVIN FENG GAO. The Indictment unsealed today charges GAO with committing bank fraud as part of a scheme to steal $30 million intended as an investment in Manhattan real estate. GAO will be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron. 

    U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon said: “As alleged, Kevin Gao orchestrated a complex scheme to create a fraudulent, unauthorized bank account and use the account to steal $30 million from a real estate investor. Bank fraud schemes undermine the integrity of our financial system by corrupting it for criminal purposes, and I commend the FBI and our dedicated team of prosecutors for their outstanding work in uncovering this massive fraud.”   

    FBI Assistant Director in Charge James E. Dennehy said: “Kevin Gao allegedly opened an unauthorized corporate bank account to intercept and steal a $30 million investment. This alleged establishment of an illicit bank account wrongfully diverted a significant sum from its intended use. The FBI remains dedicated to apprehending all individuals who implement deceitful measures to steal what is not owed to them.”

    According to allegations in the Indictment:[1] 

    GAO carried out a fraudulent scheme to open and use an unauthorized bank account in the name of a company (the “Management Company”) that managed a real estate development project in Manhattan (the “Real Estate Project”). GAO was an executive at another company that participated in a joint venture to develop the Real Estate Project, but GAO had no authorization from the Management Company to open the account in its name (the “Fraudulent Account”). 

    When GAO applied to open the Fraudulent Account, GAO made false representations to employees of an FDIC-insured bank (the “Bank”), including falsely representing that GAO was opening the Fraudulent Account with the Management Company’s permission. Additionally, when a representative of the Bank asked GAO to provide a copy of the Management Company’s operating agreement, GAO provided a fraudulent document rather than the actual operating agreement. 

    After GAO created the Fraudulent Account, an investment company agreed to invest $30 million in the Real Estate Development managed by the Management Company. But the investment company transferred its $30 million into the Fraudulent Account created by GAO rather than a legitimate account actually held and controlled by the Management Company. GAO then dispersed the $30 million to several accounts under the control of GAO and his co-conspirators.

    *                *                *

    GAO, 37, of Queens, New York is charged with one count of bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. 

    The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.      

    Ms. Sassoon praised the outstanding work of the FBI. 

    The case is being handled by the Office’s Illicit Finance and Money Laundering Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Brumwell and Maggie Lynaugh are in charge of the prosecution.

    The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.    

    [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the texts of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Katy Man Sentenced to Prison for Striking Border Patrol Agent With Vehicle and Fleeing During Smuggling Attempt

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DEL RIO, Texas – A Katy man was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 18 months in prison for one count of assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers or employees.

    According to court documents, Kevin Dominguez, 26, drove a sedan to the U.S. Border Patrol immigration checkpoint, located on U.S. Highway 57 on Aug. 1, 2023. A USBP canine alerted the agents to the trunk, revealing an individual inside. Upon the USBP agent noticing the individual, Dominguez backed up and struck the agent with the vehicle before fleeing the checkpoint. A high-speed chase ensued and a USBP helicopter observed two occupants exit the vehicle into an open field. One of the individuals was located and confirmed to be an undocumented noncitizen from Honduras.

    Dominguez was indicted in a two-count indictment on Sept. 13, 2023, and was arrested Sept. 14. He pleaded guilty on Jan. 24, 2024.

    U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

    The FBI investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Kass prosecuted the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Two Estonian Nationals Plead Guilty in $577M Cryptocurrency Fraud Scheme

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Scheme Victimized Hundreds of Thousands of People in United States and Abroad 

    Two Estonian nationals pleaded guilty yesterday for their operation of a massive, multi-faceted cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme that victimized hundreds of thousands of people from across the world, including in the United States. As part of the defendants’ guilty pleas, they agreed to forfeit assets valued over $400 million obtained during the conspiracy.

    According to court documents, Sergei Potapenko and Ivan Turõgin, both 40, sold contracts to customers entitling them to a share of cryptocurrency mined by the defendants’ purported cryptocurrency mining service, HashFlare. Cryptocurrency mining is the process of using computers to generate cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, for profit.

    Between 2015 and 2019, Hashflare’s sales totaled more than $577 million, but HashFlare did not possess the requisite computing capacity to perform the vast majority of the mining the defendants told HashFlare customers it performed. HashFlare’s web-based dashboard, which purported to show customers their mining profits, instead reflected falsified data. Potapenko and Turõgin used the proceeds of the fraud conspiracy to purchase real estate and luxury vehicles and maintained investment and cryptocurrency accounts. Potapenko and Turõgin have agreed to forfeit assets worth, as of the date of the plea, more than $400 million. The forfeited assets will be available for a remission process to compensate victims of the crime. Details about the remission process will be announced at a later date.

    Potapenko and Turõgin each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. They are scheduled to be sentenced on May 8 and each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Justice Department thanks the Cybercrime Bureau of the Estonian Police and Border Guard for its support with this investigation. The Estonian Prosecutor General and Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs provided substantial assistance with the extradition. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided extensive assistance to the investigation and the extradition of the defendants.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller for the Western District of Washington, Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington of the FBI Seattle Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Seattle Field Office investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys Adrienne E. Rosen and David Ginensky of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Friedman and Sok Jiang for the Western District of Washington are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jehiel Baer for the Western District of Washington is handling asset forfeiture aspects of the case.

    Individuals who believe they may have been a victim in this case should visit www.fbi.gov/hashflare.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Chinatown Walgreens Manager Pleads Guilty in a Series of Inside-Job Robberies

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – London Teeter, 21, of Washington D.C., pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to her role in a series of seven inside-job robberies of the Chinatown drug store where she was employed as a store manager.

                The plea was announced United States Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department

                Teeter pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery). The Honorable Jia M. Cobb scheduled sentencing for June 12, 2025. When she is sentenced, Teeter is eligible for up to 20 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine.

                According to court documents, Teeter, and three co-conspirators devised a scheme to carry out armed robberies of the Walgreens store in Chinatown nearly once a month, beginning in July 2023, when either she or her co-conspirator were working. As a store manager, Teeter knew the timing of cash transfers within the business. In each robbery, a masked gunman entered the store, forced an employee into the manager’s office or accessed the manager’s office using a code provided by Teeter or her co-conspirator. The gunman then robbed the employees and fled through a rear exit. Teeter and her co-conspirator took turns pretending to be the “victim” manager on duty, knowing that the robberies would be captured on internal surveillance.

                The robberies occurred on July 18, 2023, August 2, 2023, September 2, 2023, November 10, 2023, December 4, 2023, January 9, 2024, and February 11, 2024. Teeter was present in the manager’s office and pretended to be the victim of a robbery during the July 18, 2023, and January 9, 2024, robberies.

                In response to the robberies, the Chinatown Walgreens hired armed Special Police Officers to protect the business. Teeter was aware that armed Special Police Officers would be present during the robberies and that a co-conspirator robbed the officers of their firearms during the robberies that occurred on December 4, 2023, and February 11, 2024.

                In the plea agreement, Teeter admitted that the co-conspirators stole and split at least $28,983. She also acknowledged that she reviewed surveillance footage from the August 2, 2023, robbery during which a co-conspirator briefly placed his firearm on a chair Teeter acknowledged that she sent a co-conspirator a text message stating: “the vid looks so bad,” “idk why he put the gun down,” and “he can’t do it next time [not gonna lie].”

                Law enforcement arrested Teeter on February 22, 2024. During the search of her home that preceded her arrest, law enforcement recovered a loaded Glock 45 pistol loaded with 16 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

                Trial dates are pending for co-conspirators Michael Robinson, 34, Kamanye Williams, 25, and Gianni Robinson, 27.

                This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force with assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).  It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin F. Song, Sarah Martin, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica Svetoslavov of the Federal Major Crimes Section.

    24cr96

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures Sentencing of El Salvadorian Woman for Assaulting Border Patrol Agent

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Salvadoran national was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison for biting a U.S. Border Patrol agent.

    According to the complaint, on May 29, 2024, a Border Patrol agent encountered a group of five individuals, including Erika Jasmin Lobato-Melendez, 27, walking along the border wall. When the agent attempted to take the group into custody, Lobato-Melendez became obstinate, refusing to enter the agent’s vehicle and grabbing onto the border wall.

    When agents tried to physically separate Lobato-Melendez from the fence, she bit down hard on the agent’s forearm, causing bruising, swelling, and abrasions. Even after being brought to the ground, Lobato-Melendez continued her aggressive behavior, attempting to bite the agent’s leg and kicking them.

    Upon her release from prison, Lobato-Melendez will be subject to two years of supervised release and deportation proceedings.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, Chief Patrol Agent Walter “Neil” Slosar of the U.S. Border Patrol’s El Paso Sector and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau Investigation investigated these cases with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher S. McNair is prosecuting the case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Estonian Nationals Plead Guilty in $577M Cryptocurrency Fraud Scheme

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Scheme Victimized Hundreds of Thousands of People in United States and Abroad 

    Two Estonian nationals pleaded guilty yesterday for their operation of a massive, multi-faceted cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme that victimized hundreds of thousands of people from across the world, including in the United States. As part of the defendants’ guilty pleas, they agreed to forfeit assets valued over $400 million obtained during the conspiracy.

    According to court documents, Sergei Potapenko and Ivan Turõgin, both 40, sold contracts to customers entitling them to a share of cryptocurrency mined by the defendants’ purported cryptocurrency mining service, HashFlare. Cryptocurrency mining is the process of using computers to generate cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, for profit.

    Between 2015 and 2019, Hashflare’s sales totaled more than $577 million, but HashFlare did not possess the requisite computing capacity to perform the vast majority of the mining the defendants told HashFlare customers it performed. HashFlare’s web-based dashboard, which purported to show customers their mining profits, instead reflected falsified data. Potapenko and Turõgin used the proceeds of the fraud conspiracy to purchase real estate and luxury vehicles and maintained investment and cryptocurrency accounts. Potapenko and Turõgin have agreed to forfeit assets worth, as of the date of the plea, more than $400 million. The forfeited assets will be available for a remission process to compensate victims of the crime. Details about the remission process will be announced at a later date.

    Potapenko and Turõgin each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. They are scheduled to be sentenced on May 8 and each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Justice Department thanks the Cybercrime Bureau of the Estonian Police and Border Guard for its support with this investigation. The Estonian Prosecutor General and Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs provided substantial assistance with the extradition. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided extensive assistance to the investigation and the extradition of the defendants.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller for the Western District of Washington, Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington of the FBI Seattle Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Seattle Field Office investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys Adrienne E. Rosen and David Ginensky of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Friedman and Sok Jiang for the Western District of Washington are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jehiel Baer for the Western District of Washington is handling asset forfeiture aspects of the case.

    Individuals who believe they may have been a victim in this case should visit www.fbi.gov/hashflare.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE ERO Newark arrests Peruvian wanted for child rape overseas

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    February 13, 2025Newark, NJ, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

    NEWARK, N.J. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested an illegally present Peruvian alien wanted overseas for the rape of a minor in in Guttenberg, New Jersey, Feb. 11. The name of the alien is being withheld due to privacy issues involved with the case.

    “Our arrest of a Peruvian fugitive, who is wanted for prosecution in the heinous crime of child rape overseas, is further evidence dangerous criminals will not find a safe haven in the United States” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Newark acting Field Office Director Ruben Perez. “Egregious criminals are a primary target in ICE ERO Newark’s daily routine immigration enforcement actions. We appreciate the added support from our federal partners to accomplish our mission, specifically from the FBI and ICE Homeland Security Investigations who supported this arrest.”

    The Peruvian fugitive, who is illegally present in the United States, was served a notice to appear before an immigration judge and his court date is pending with the Executive Office for Immigration Review. He remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE ERO Newark’s mission to increase public safety in New Jersey communities on X: @ERONewark.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Sacramento Offering Students Rare Educational Opportunity

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Sacramento Field Office is now accepting applications for the Spring 2025 Sacramento FBI Teen Academy. All high school juniors—whether enrolled in public, private, charter, or home school—within the field office’s 34-county area of responsibility are eligible to apply. Ideal candidates are engaged with their respective academic and local communities; are curious about how the FBI serves their communities; and are eager to share the content with their peers. Students selected to attend the Sacramento FBI Teen Academy spend a full day at FBI Sacramento headquarters, interacting with FBI personnel at all levels, and engaging in unique experiences and discussions. Following graduation from the class, students are encouraged to share what they have learned to foster a safer, more informed community and inspire the next generation of FBI employees.

    The Spring 2025 FBI Sacramento Teen Academy will be held on April 4, 2025, at the field office’s headquarters in Roseville. Applications, available online on the FBI Sacramento Field Office’s Community Outreach web page, are being accepted until 5 p.m. February 21, 2025. Instructions for completion of the form, required signatures, essay composition, and submission are included in the application package. The single-day class Teen Academy class FBI is offered at no charge to families; the class, materials, and supplies are offered at no charge. Meals and refreshments are generously provided by the Sacramento FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association. The FBI does not cover transportation necessary to attend the class.

    Families will be notified of the status of the applications approximately two weeks prior to the class. Students selected from the pool of candidates and invited to attend the class must confirm their planned attendance or an alternate will take their place.

    The FBI Sacramento Field Office serves the following 34 California’s counties: Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Lassen, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Modoc, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Tulare, Tuolumne, Trinity, Yolo, and Yuba.

    Links in copy:

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Sentenced to Over Eight Years in Prison for Distributing Methamphetamine

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    FRESNO, Calif. — Dario Mata-Manzo, 33, a Mexican national residing in Fresno, was sentenced today to eight years and eight months in prison for distribution of methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, in June 2022, Mata-Manzo negotiated the sale of crystal methamphetamine for $1,200 per pound and subsequently delivered 8 pounds of the drug to undercover officers in Fresno. Court documents indicate that Mata-Manzo was connected to an interstate poly-drug trafficking organization.

    This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, and the High Impact Investigation Team (HIIT), a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Initiative (HIDTA), which consists of personnel from the California Department of Justice, Fresno Police Department, Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, California Highway Patrol, Madera County Sheriff’s Office, Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, Kings County Sheriff’s Office, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar prosecuted the case.

    The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Spokane Bank Robber Sentenced to Federal Prison

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    Spokane, Washington – On February 11, 2025, United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Dustin T. Perrin, age 41, of Spokane, Washington, to 96 months in prison for several bank robberies. Judge Dimke also imposed 3 years of supervised release and restitution of $9,224.00.

    According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on October 13, 2023, Perrin entered the First Interstate Bank brank at 57th Avenue and Regal in Spokane. Perrin was wearing a wig under his hat. Perrin handed a bank teller a bag and a handwritten note demanding the teller put cash in a bag. Perrin also warned the teller about activating the silent alarm. The teller handed Perrin $1,986 in cash, and Perrin left the bank on a bike and headed north.

    Perrin left the note at the bank. It was collected by law enforcement and sent to the Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory. DNA analysis later confirmed Perrin’s DNA on the note. 

    On November 17, 2023, Perrin rode his bike to the Numerica Credit Union branch on South Regal Street in Spokane, just a half mile from the bank Perrin robbed one month earlier. Perrin entered the bank, handed two bank tellers one bag each, and demanded the tellers put money in the bags. The tellers handed Perrin a total of $5,238 in cash. Perrin then left the bank on his bike. 

    Perrin went to a Wal-Mart store that night. A security camera recorded him spreading out a large amount of cash while making a purchase.

    On January 22, 2024, Perrin rode his bike to a Washington Trust Bank branch located at 27 E. Indiana Avenue in Spokane. Perrin entered the bank wearing a blond wig. Perrin handed the teller a small bag and told the teller to put money in the bag. Perrin also warned the teller he had a gun and “not to do anything stupid,” while he pointed at a lump in his jacket. The teller handed Perrin $2,000 in cash, and Perrin left the bank on his bike. 

    “For the people of Eastern Washington, their banks should be places of trust and security – not fear,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Rich Barker. “Mr. Perrin’s repeated acts of intimidation and theft put innocent employees and community members at risk. As today’s sentence makes clear, violent crime will not be tolerated in Eastern Washington, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue working alongside our federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement partners to hold offenders accountable and protect the safety if neighborhoods and communities in Spokane and throughout Eastern Washington.”

    “Today we, together with our law enforcement partners, are holding Mr. Perrin responsible for stealing from three different federally insured financial institutions,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “We are grateful no one was hurt, but this kind of violent crime terrorizes our communities nonetheless and is completely unacceptable.”

    “Today’s successful prosecution of Mr. Perrin is a testament to the strong partnership of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners and our commitment to keep our community safe,” stated Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels.     

    This case was investigated by the FBI Spokane Regional Safe Streets Task Force and the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nowles Heinrich. 

    2:24-cr-00075-MKD

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: High-Ranking Member of Sinaloa Cartel Charged in Chicago with Drug Conspiracy

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    CHICAGO — A federal grand jury in Chicago has indicted a high-ranking member of the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico on a drug conspiracy charge for allegedly manufacturing and distributing fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and other drugs and importing them into the United States.

    According to an indictment returned Monday in the Northern District of Illinois, CEFERINO ESPINOZA ANGULO, 43, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Mexico, employed dozens of gunmen in Mexico to protect and support the leadership of the Guzman faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, including Ivan Guzman-Salazar, Jesus Alfredo Guzman-Salazar, Ovidio Guzman-Lopez, and Joaquin Guzman-Lopez, collectively known as “the Chapitos.”  The indictment alleges that Espinoza Angulo worked with others to obtain fentanyl precursor chemicals and to manufacture fentanyl for importation into the United States.  Espinoza Angulo allegedly worked with others to transport the fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and ecstasy toward the U.S. border for importation into the country.  The indictment accuses Espinoza Angulo of illegally using a machine gun in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime.

    The Chapitos are the sons of Joaquin Guzman Loera, also known as “El Chapo,” who led the Sinaloa Cartel before being convicted by a federal jury in Brooklyn, N.Y., and sentenced to life in prison.  The Chapitos allegedly assumed their father’s role as leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel.  The Chapitos have been charged with drug trafficking in other U.S. indictments.

    The indictment against Espinoza Angulo charges him with drug conspiracy and a firearm offense, which are punishable by a maximum sentence of life in federal prison and a minimum of 30 years.  Espinoza Angulo is believed to be residing in Mexico.  A U.S. warrant has been issued for his arrest.

    The indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Antoinette T. Bacon, Supervisory Official of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Tara K. McGrath, United States Attorney for the Southern District of California, and Chad Yarbrough, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division.  Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations Field Offices in Arizona and Spokane, Wash.; DEA Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit; FBI Field Offices in Washington, San Diego, and Los Angeles; and the Portland, Ore. Police Bureau, Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit, HIDTA Interdiction Taskforce.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle J. Parthum and Andrew C. Erskine of the Northern District of Illinois, Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Sutton of the Southern District of California, and Trial Attorney Kirk Handrich of the Criminal Division’s Narcotics and Dangerous Drug Section at the Justice Department.

    The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force operation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug trafficking organizations and other criminal networks that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local enforcement agencies.

    “Our nation’s fentanyl crisis has devastated individuals and families in northern Illinois and throughout the country,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Pasqual.  “Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt the production and trafficking of fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics before they can reach more victims.”

    “As alleged, the defendant conspired to traffic dangerous drugs, including fentanyl, into the United States — and employed dozens of gunmen to protect his drug trafficking operation and the leadership of the Guzman faction of the Sinaloa Cartel,” said Supervisory Official Bacon.  “Stopping Mexican cartels from poisoning our communities with fentanyl and other narcotics is a top priority of this Administration.  Today’s indictment demonstrates that the Criminal Division is relentless in its pursuit of the drug traffickers who profit at the expense of the American people.”

    “From San Diego to Chicago to D.C., we are united to bring down the traffickers pushing these poisons into American communities,” said U.S. Attorney McGrath. “We are attacking at every level — from street dealers to cartel leaders.”

    “This indictment reinforces the FBI’s unwavering commitment to hold accountable those who endanger our communities and traffic violence and drugs across our borders,” said Assistant Director Yarbrough.  “Let this serve as a clear message: if you engage in cartel activity, we will pursue you and bring you to justice.  Together with our law enforcement partners at every level, we remain fully committed to protecting the American people and stopping the flow of these dangerous drugs into our nation.”

    The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Takes Action to Protect Your Hard-Earned Money

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    As cryptocurrency investment fraud scams blanket the nation, causing unprecedented financial and psychological hardship to tens of thousands of Americans, the FBI is stepping up with a hands-on measure to protect the public.

    Operation Level Up is a proactive initiative to identify and notify victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud. Using sophisticated techniques, the FBI identifies victims who are actively being defrauded and promptly intervenes by contacting those victims.

    Since the start of Operation Level Up over a year ago, the FBI has notified more than 4,300 victims spanning all 50 states. Of these victims, 76 percent were not aware they were being scammed. Through these notification efforts, the FBI has saved victims more than $285 million.

    “The FBI is committed to protecting citizens from cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes,” said FBI Criminal Investigative Division Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough. “Unfortunately, we continue to see these scams grow and evolve every day. It doesn’t matter where the subjects are—we will use every tool at our disposal to stop them from targeting U.S. citizens. By raising awareness, we can prevent countless people from losing their savings and send a clear message to criminals that these schemes will not be tolerated.”

    Cryptocurrency investment frauds are elaborate schemes that often involve unsolicited online contact, a long period of trust building, fake investment opportunities, and a false sense of urgency to send money, perpetrated by individuals typically located overseas who target victims in the United States.

    In Operation Level Up, specially trained FBI and U.S. Secret Service Agents are contacting victims directly to prevent further victimization and financial loss. Agents also explain how these crimes work and how to avoid them in the future, outline how to file a report with federal law enforcement, and provide access to mental health and other resources to assist with the impacts of these crimes.

    In numerous instances, victims told the FBI that the notification stopped them from liquidating their entire retirement accounts, selling their homes, or taking out costly loans to continue investing in fake cryptocurrency applications. Due to the profound emotional toll these scams can have, dozens of victims contacted through Operation Level Up were referred to the FBI Victim Services Division and provided direct support and lifesaving measures.

    The FBI also works through our legal attaché offices located around the world to collaborate with international law enforcement partners and share hundreds of foreign victims identified through Operation Level Up for intervention. Information about illicit applications, websites, and social media accounts are also collected from victims and shared with technology companies for their awareness.

    Below are some tips to help protect yourself from these scams:

    • Do not release any financial or personal identifying information and do not send any money to someone you met online.
    • Do not invest solely based on the advice of someone you met online.
    • Do not download or use any unfamiliar applications or click on any links sent to you by someone you met online.
    • Do not pay any additional fees or taxes to withdraw money you have invested in a potential scheme.
    • Do not pay for services that claim to be able to recover lost funds, as these are often scams as well.

    The FBI knows some individuals involved in criminal activity may try to discourage victims from heeding our warnings. It’s important to stay vigilant and cautious if someone advises you to disregard communications from the FBI or provides you with instructions on how to respond to the FBI.

    The FBI is launching this public awareness campaign to educate the public, so no one falls victim to these fast-evolving schemes. We also want the public to have information readily available in case they are contacted by the FBI.

    If an FBI agent contacts you via phone or email, the FBI will never ask for money, or ask to move communications to private messaging applications, or request bank account details or personal identifying information, other than confirming your identity with information already possessed. When they call or email, agents will provide you with methods you can use to confirm they are truly FBI agents. When in doubt, visit or call your local FBI field office for further clarification.

    If you think you may be a potential victim, you should stop sending money immediately and file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

    For more information about Operation Level Up and what to look out for, please visit fbi.gov/levelup and fbi.gov/scams.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Operation Level-Up: How the FBI Is Saving Victims from Cryptocurrency Investment Fraud

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    Protecting and preventing

    Prevention and education are the keys to stopping these scammers. We know that some victims are reluctant to trust unsolicited warnings when they are initially contacted by the FBI. When victims receive these calls, FBI agents will offer ways to confirm their identities. The FBI will never ask you for your personally identifying information, for money, or to move your assets to a new account.

    The FBI also knows some individuals involved in criminal activity may try to discourage victims from heeding our warnings. It’s important to stay vigilant and cautious if someone advises you to disregard communications from the FBI or provides you with instructions on how to respond to the FBI.

    Operation Level Up outreach also helps the FBI gather additional leads and information about the criminals perpetrating these frauds. In addition to warning and helping victims, the FBI is pursuing a multi-pronged investigative approach to address the financial, infrastructure, and organized crime components operating the schemes.

    The FBI will continue to work with domestic and international partners to identify, target, and disrupt criminal organizations facilitating these cryptocurrency confidence fraud schemes. In addition, the FBI shares illicit domains and accounts identified by Operation Level Up with the private sector so they can take any action they deem appropriate.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Head of Commercial Real Estate Investment Firm Pleads Guilty in $62.8M Investment Fraud Scheme

    Source: US State of Vermont

    A New York man pleaded guilty yesterday in the Northern District of Georgia for his role in a scheme to defraud investors in connection with two commercial real estate investments.

    According to court documents, Elchonon “Elie” Schwartz, 46, of New York City, engaged in a scheme to defraud investors who sought to invest in commercial real estate through the crowdfunding commercial real estate investing website CrowdStreet Marketplace (CrowdStreet). Beginning May 2022, Schwartz solicited investments through CrowdStreet for a large commercial real estate complex in Atlanta and ultimately raised approximately $54 million from about 654 investors. Beginning in November 2022, Schwartz solicited investments again through CrowdStreet in connection with a mixed-use building in Miami Beach, Florida, and ultimately raised approximately $8.8 million from about 167 investors. In total, Schwartz raised approximately $62.8 million from investors through CrowdStreet.

    As part of the investment solicitation process, Schwartz executed agreements that stated, in part, that the funds raised from CrowdStreet investors would be held in segregated bank accounts controlled by Schwartz. In the documentation provided to CrowdStreet investors, Schwartz represented that he would only use the investors’ money to fund the investment in each property and that he had a fiduciary duty to safeguard the funds and to prohibit commingling or use of the money that did not benefit each investment.

    Contrary to these representations, however, Schwartz misappropriated and converted the CrowdStreet investor funds for his own use. Schwartz directed substantially all the CrowdStreet investor money into his personal bank, personal brokerage account, and accounts for unrelated commercial real estate investments he controlled. For example, Schwartz used the CrowdStreet investor funds to purchase luxury watches, to invest in stocks and options in his brokerage account, and to pay for payroll expenses for his unrelated commercial real estate businesses. Ultimately, in mid-July 2023, the two corporate entities that Schwartz had formed to receive funds from CrowdStreet investors both filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

    Schwartz pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 19 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie Jr. for the Northern District of Georgia, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke of the FBI Atlanta Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Atlanta Field Office investigated the case. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement provided valuable assistance in the investigation.

    Trial Attorney Matthew F. Sullivan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Connors for the Northern District of Georgia are prosecuting the case. Former Assistant U.S. Attorneys David O’Neal and Christopher Huber for the Northern District of Georgia provided substantial assistance with the investigation and prosecution.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Head of Commercial Real Estate Investment Firm Pleads Guilty in $62.8M Investment Fraud Scheme

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    A New York man pleaded guilty yesterday in the Northern District of Georgia for his role in a scheme to defraud investors in connection with two commercial real estate investments.

    According to court documents, Elchonon “Elie” Schwartz, 46, of New York City, engaged in a scheme to defraud investors who sought to invest in commercial real estate through the crowdfunding commercial real estate investing website CrowdStreet Marketplace (CrowdStreet). Beginning May 2022, Schwartz solicited investments through CrowdStreet for a large commercial real estate complex in Atlanta and ultimately raised approximately $54 million from about 654 investors. Beginning in November 2022, Schwartz solicited investments again through CrowdStreet in connection with a mixed-use building in Miami Beach, Florida, and ultimately raised approximately $8.8 million from about 167 investors. In total, Schwartz raised approximately $62.8 million from investors through CrowdStreet.

    As part of the investment solicitation process, Schwartz executed agreements that stated, in part, that the funds raised from CrowdStreet investors would be held in segregated bank accounts controlled by Schwartz. In the documentation provided to CrowdStreet investors, Schwartz represented that he would only use the investors’ money to fund the investment in each property and that he had a fiduciary duty to safeguard the funds and to prohibit commingling or use of the money that did not benefit each investment.

    Contrary to these representations, however, Schwartz misappropriated and converted the CrowdStreet investor funds for his own use. Schwartz directed substantially all the CrowdStreet investor money into his personal bank, personal brokerage account, and accounts for unrelated commercial real estate investments he controlled. For example, Schwartz used the CrowdStreet investor funds to purchase luxury watches, to invest in stocks and options in his brokerage account, and to pay for payroll expenses for his unrelated commercial real estate businesses. Ultimately, in mid-July 2023, the two corporate entities that Schwartz had formed to receive funds from CrowdStreet investors both filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

    Schwartz pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 19 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie Jr. for the Northern District of Georgia, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke of the FBI Atlanta Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Atlanta Field Office investigated the case. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement provided valuable assistance in the investigation.

    Trial Attorney Matthew F. Sullivan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Connors for the Northern District of Georgia are prosecuting the case. Former Assistant U.S. Attorneys David O’Neal and Christopher Huber for the Northern District of Georgia provided substantial assistance with the investigation and prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Hinds County Sheriff Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Soliciting Bribes and Providing Ammunition to a Convicted Felon

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    Jackson, Miss. – Former Hinds County Sheriff Marshand Crisler was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for soliciting and accepting bribes and for knowingly providing ammunition to a convicted felon. Crisler was also ordered to pay a $15,000 fine. 

    Crisler, 55, was appointed as Sheriff of Hinds County in August 2021. The evidence at trial showed that shortly after becoming Sheriff, Crisler solicited and accepted $9,500 in cash bribes from a convicted felon over three months, from September through November of 2021.  In exchange for that money, Crisler agreed to provide favors through his position as Hinds County Sheriff.  These favors included sharing information concerning future criminal investigations involving the bribe payor, moving a jailed family member to a better place within the Hinds County Jail, and hiring the bribe payor to work at the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office. Crisler also gave ammunition to the bribe payor, knowing that the person was a convicted felon.

    On November 8, 2024, a federal jury found Crisler guilty on all counts, following a three-day trial in U.S. District Court in Jackson.

    It is against federal law for a public official to solicit or accept bribes, and it is also against federal law for anyone to provide firearm ammunition to a known convicted felon.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.

    The FBI investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bert Carraway and Charles W. Kirkham prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FORT WAYNE – Yesterday, Hamed A. Martin, 42 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly Brady after pleading guilty to distributing methamphetamine, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

    Martin was sentenced to 84 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.

    According to documents in the case, in July 2022, Martin distributed methamphetamine on several  occasions.  A search warrant executed at his residence in August 2022, resulted in the recovery of a firearm along with evidence of drug distribution.   

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Wayne Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes the FBI, the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  Also assisting in the investigation were the Drug Enforcement Administration and the DEA’s North Central Laboratory.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

    This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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.

    This case was also 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 gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods 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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Flirting with Fraud: Why Sextortion Is the Most Devastating Dating Scam

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RESTON, Va., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sextortion has emerged as one of the most dangerous forms of romance scams, preying on online daters and, tragically, claiming the lives of teenagers. Fraudsters use fake profiles to lure victims into sharing intimate content, only to threaten exposure unless a ransom is paid. Regula, a global developer of identity verification (IDV) solutions, shares a vision of how social media and dating platforms can strengthen protections to safeguard users.

    Romance scams come in many forms, exploiting trust and emotional vulnerability to defraud victims. Their common tactics include:

    • Catfishing: Scammers create fake identities to build trust and manipulate victims.
    • Military Scams: Fraudsters pose as deployed soldiers seeking financial assistance.
    • Inheritance Scams: Victims are deceived with false claims of large inheritances requiring upfront fees.
    • Pig-Butchering (Crypto Investment) Scams: Scammers feign romantic interest to lure victims into fraudulent investment schemes.

    However, according to reports from leading child safety organizations, including the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and Thorn, sextortion is one of the most severe threats, with cases surging at an alarming rate. The FBI reported over 12,000 complaints in 2023 alone, resulting in millions in financial losses, severe psychological trauma, and, in some cases, even fatalities. Younger users and those new to online dating are particularly vulnerable.

    Common sextortion tactics include:

    • Fake Identities: Scammers pose as attractive singles, influencers, or even celebrities to build quick trust.
    • Rapid Escalation: Conversations quickly shift from introductions to intimate exchanges.
    • Blackmail Threats: Once explicit content is shared, scammers demand money, cryptocurrency, or further compromising images under the threat of exposure.
    • AI-Driven Deception: Some scams leverage deepfake videos or AI-powered chatbots to manipulate victims.

    The Role of Identity Verification in Preventing Sextortion

    Sextortion thrives in environments where fake profiles and anonymity enable bad actors to operate freely. Social media and dating platforms play a critical role in combating this threat—through proactive moderation, AI-powered content monitoring, and user education. Stronger identity verification during registration is also a valuable tool in this arsenal, but it must be implemented thoughtfully, balancing fraud prevention with user privacy and accessibility.

    Different online platforms use varying levels of verification, ranging from strongest to weakest:

    1. ID & Biometric Verification – Matching government-issued IDs with real-time selfies for authentication.
    2. Real-Time Selfies Without ID Validation – Confirming a live presence but without a verified identity document.
    3. Basic Checks – Verification through phone numbers, email, or linked social media accounts.
    4. Self-Reported Identity Without Validation – The least secure method, relying solely on user-provided information.

    How Biometric and ID Verification Strengthens Security:

    • Eliminating Fake Profiles: Biometric checks make it significantly harder for scammers to create fake accounts.
    • Anti-Spoofing Technology: Prevents impersonation by detecting fraudulent attempts using photos or masks.
    • Liveness Detection: Confirms a real person is present, preventing AI-generated deception.

    “When faced with strong verification measures, scammers don’t simply disappear—they move to less secure platforms where they can continue their schemes unchecked. Standardizing biometric ID verification across multiple platforms would make it significantly harder for them to do so, creating a safer ecosystem across social media, dating apps, and other online services.” – Jan Stepnov, Identity Verification Expert at Regula.

    Empowering Users to Stay Safe

    While platforms must take stronger security measures, users can also protect themselves by:

    • Being Cautious of Fast-Moving Relationships: Avoid engaging in intimate exchanges early in conversations.
    • Interacting with Verified Users: Prioritize connections with verified profiles.
    • Reporting Suspicious Activity: Flagging blackmail attempts and scam behavior.
    • Never Paying Ransoms: Complying with extortion often leads to further threats.

    For more insights on how identity verification is transforming online dating security, visit Regula’s blog.

    About Regula
    Regula is a global developer of forensic devices and identity verification solutions. With our 30+ years of experience in forensic research and the most comprehensive library of document templates in the world, we create breakthrough technologies for document and biometric verification. Our hardware and software solutions allow over 1,000 organizations and 80 border control authorities globally to provide top-notch client service without compromising safety, security, or speed. Regula has been repeatedly named a Representative Vendor in the Gartner® Market Guide for Identity Verification. Learn more at www.regulaforensics.com.

    Contact:
    Kristina – ks@regulaforensics.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8d16b999-71c6-46ed-a789-1848992ac0a1

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: WhiteBIT Freezes Over $150M: How the Exchange is Fighting Crypto Crime

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VILNIUS, Lithuania, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WhiteBIT cryptocurrency exchange announced today that it has successfully secured over $150 million in at-risk cryptocurrency funds in 2024, further solidifying WhiteBIT’s role as a key partner in the fight against digital crime.

    According to the Chainalysis 2024 Crypto Crime Report, stolen crypto funds reached $2.2 billion globally, a 21.07% increase from the previous year. The number of hacking incidents rose from 282 in 2023 to 303 over the same period, reflecting an ongoing challenge for the industry in preventing and addressing security breaches.

    High-Profile Recoveries

    WhiteBIT’s efforts have been central to resolving several significant cases involving stolen crypto assets. As a result of these efforts, the company has safeguarded $4.8 million in stolen funds.

    The exchange successfully secured funds tied to XRP in an investigation involving Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen. In response to the Coinspaid breach, WhiteBIT froze significant amounts of cryptocurrency, helping to mitigate losses for the affected users. Additionally, the exchange acted swiftly during the TAO Holder case, identified by blockchain investigator ZachXBT, blocking a large sum of USDC and supporting law enforcement efforts in their recovery process.

    In April, cryptocurrency exchange Rain.com fell victim to a $16 million hack orchestrated by the North Korean hacking group Lazarus. Investigators collaborating with the FBI traced $760,000 in stolen SOL to WhiteBIT. In September, WhiteBIT had successfully returned the funds to the FBI pursuant to a Court Order, further aiding in the recovery process.

    Anti-Money Laundering Practices 

    WhiteBIT is dedicated to collaborating with law enforcement agencies globally to enhance security and protect users from fraudulent activities. The team places a strong emphasis on transparency and streamlined communication, ensuring that law enforcement can easily connect when needed.

    “Our approach goes beyond standard AML practices,” stated a representative from WhiteBIT’s Compliance department. “We leverage OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence) to uncover suspicious activities meticulously, utilize custom-built monitoring systems to detect and halt fraudulent transactions, and conduct manual investigations to ensure detailed and accurate assessments of flagged cases.”

    Insights on Cybercrime in 2024

    According to experts from WhiteBIT’s Compliance Department, the most common types of incidents on the exchange are as follows:

    1. Hacking of wallets through technical means—such as phishing, viruses, keyloggers, and direct hacking—accounts for 40% of the incidents on the exchange;
    2. Social engineering scams: Another 40% is attributed to scams involving promises of easy investment returns, often disguised as legitimate opportunities. They typically involve sophisticated tactics, including fake websites and multiple individuals interacting with victims to build trust;
    3. Scrolling scams: 10% of victims are lured through crypto-related Telegram channels. Initially, they make small profits, which leads to repeated investments, but eventually, the scammers disappear with the funds;
    4. The remaining 10% of incidents involve fake versions of the WhiteBIT website and compromised accounts.

    WhiteBIT’s Compliance department representative explains: “Weak passwords and lack of two-factor authentication (2FA) significantly increase the risk of compromising the accounts. At WhiteBIT, we mitigate these risks by storing 96% of funds in cold wallets, enforcing 2FA, and securing private keys with advanced encryption protocols.”

    Security Standards

    WhiteBIT is ranked among the top 5 most secure crypto exchanges globally by CER.live and is the first crypto exchange to achieve the CCSS Level 3 certification—the highest security standard in the crypto industry at the moment. This distinction underscores the exchange’s proactive efforts to safeguard users and assets against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

    WhiteBIT remains at the forefront of crypto security, combining innovation, compliance, and swift action to tackle emerging threats. In a year marked by record-breaking crypto crime, WhiteBIT’s efforts have not only safeguarded millions but also set a benchmark for the entire industry.

    About WhiteBIT

    WhiteBIT is the second largest exchange globally by traffic, offering over 700 trading pairs, 330 assets, and supporting 9 fiat currencies. Founded in 2018, the platform is a part of WhiteBIT Group that serves more than 35 million customers worldwide. WhiteBIT collaborates with Visa, FACEIT, FC Barcelona, and the Ukrainian National Football team. WhiteBIT is among the five most secure crypto exchanges according to CER.live and is the first and only crypto exchange to achieve the CCSS Level 3 certification — the highest cryptocurrency security standard in the industry to date. The company is dedicated to driving the widespread adoption of blockchain technology worldwide.

    This material does not pertain solely to the company’s European transactions but applies to the activities of all WhiteBIT Group companies globally.

    Contact
    WhiteBIT
    pr@whitebit.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e47ba98c-787c-4782-97d1-09ac56e68207

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Presses Deputy Attorney General Nominee During Nomination Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    WATCH: Padilla criticizes Trump Administration’s unlawful firings of more than a dozen Inspectors General

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) questioned President Trump’s nominee for U.S. Deputy Attorney General, Todd Blanche, during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. Blanche was President Trump’s personal attorney in several criminal cases, including Trump’s New York hush money trial, in which the President was ultimately convicted of 34 felony counts. Padilla also condemned Trump’s attempt to unlawfully fire more than a dozen Inspectors General, and raised concerns about conflicts of interest regarding Blanche and the top officials at the Justice Department’s previous representation of Trump.  

    During the hearing, Padilla questioned Blanche on the Trump Administration’s unlawful firings of 19 Inspectors General across federal government agencies. Inspectors General play a critical role in identifying and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse within executive branch agencies. Following passage of the Securing Inspector General Independence Act of 2022, led by Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Congress must be given the legally required 30-day notice and reasonings regarding the dismissals of Inspectors General, which the Trump Administration ignored. Blanche refused to comment on the matter, despite Chair Grassley agreeing that the Inspectors General firings, in fact, did not follow the law.

    Padilla also voiced his concerns with Blanche’s personal ties to President Trump, noting that he, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove could all face potential conflicts of interest since they all represented the President in a personal capacity.

    Key Excerpts:

    • PADILLA: When the President of the United States violates the law, it’s important to call it out. And let me underscore, this isn’t when the President of the United States strays from historical norms in how he or she does the job. It’s not when the President does different than what’s been standard practice for prior presidents. … I’m talking about when the President of the United States violates the law.
    • PADILLA: Mr. Blanche, when you walked into my office, you repeatedly told me that you will always follow the law — your words, “full stop” — and you’ve repeated that same message here today. It’s numerically, mathematically impossible for President Trump to have abided by the law in dismissing Inspectors General. Yes or no?
    • BLANCHE: My answer remains the same. I’m not going to comment on what the decision made by the White House Counsel and President Trump, and what he did.
    • PADILLA: I’m not talking about how they reached their decision. And you clearly know this is not a hypothetical. He didn’t give Congress 30 days’ notice, he violated the law, and I’m disappointed that you’re failing to acknowledge that.
    • PADILLA: My colleagues on the other side of the aisle have taken issue with us voicing our concern about President Trump filling the top ranks of the Justice Department with his friends, his allies, and personal attorneys. I can only imagine how they would have reacted if a Democratic President installed his own personal criminal defense attorneys as Attorney General, as Deputy Attorney General, as Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General.

    Earlier this month, Senator Padilla joined U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in demanding answers from Blanche and other Trump Administration nominees and officials on the removal or reassignment of career law enforcement officials across the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Padilla previously opposed advancing the nomination of Attorney General Pam Bondi after she refused to affirm birthright citizenship, which is constitutionally guaranteed, and declined to disavow the false claim that the 2020 election was stolen during her Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing. More information on Blanche’s nomination hearing is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath Concludes Tenure as Chief Law Enforcement Officer in Southern District of California

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California announced that U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath’s tenure as the chief federal law enforcement official for San Diego and Imperial counties ended today, February 12, 2025.

    As a Presidential appointee, Ms. McGrath was informed of her termination in a communication from the White House, at the direction of the President of the United States. The White House also thanked Ms. McGrath for her service to the nation.

    “It has been an honor to serve as U.S. Attorney, working alongside an exceptional team in this office and forging strong partnerships with our law enforcement agencies and communities in pursuit of justice,” Ms. McGrath said. “As I step down from a decades-long career in public service, I remain inspired by dedicated public servants across this district and am proud of all we achieved together.”

    Ms. McGrath was confirmed by the U.S. Senate after nomination by President Biden. She was sworn in as the district’s top federal law enforcement official on October 5, 2023. She oversaw one of the nation’s busiest United States Attorney’s Offices, which has a staff of about 300 and serves approximately 3.5 million residents in San Diego and Imperial counties.

    During her tenure, Ms. McGrath prioritized protecting the community from the deadly scourge of fentanyl; investigating and prosecuting scammers targeting vulnerable populations; getting firearms out of the hands of felons and violent offenders; bringing cases to root out corruption and enforce civil rights; and using the legal tools available to safeguard the environment. The office also successfully prosecuted cases involving Mexican drug cartels and drug trafficking — leading the nation in the number of drug trafficking cases prosecuted — as well as firearms trafficking and violent crime; complex financial frauds; national security and cybersecurity; and human smuggling and trafficking.

    Some key accomplishments of the U.S. Attorney’s Office under Ms. McGrath’s leadership:

    • Became first in the nation to charge defendants for smuggling potent greenhouse gases across the U.S.-Mexico border, in violation of U.S. environmental laws.
    • Secured sentences of six consecutive life terms and 45 years, respectively, for brothers convicted of murdering their American half-sister, her three children, and her partner in Tijuana.
    • Reinforced the region’s Elder Justice Task Force in partnership with the FBI and San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, recovering approximately $4.5 million stolen from elderly victims through sophisticated scams.
    • Charged 40 individuals with stealing public-assistance benefits from low-income families, as part of an ongoing effort targeting thieves who exploit the government’s electronic payment system.
    • Negotiated a $130,131,645 forfeiture settlement with Wynn Las Vegas for criminal conspiracy involving unlicensed money transmitting businesses worldwide. Achieved what is believed to be the largest forfeiture by a casino based on admissions of criminal wrongdoing.
    • Secured conviction at trial against a defendant on 25 counts of securities fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering in connection with a $35 million investment and COVID-relief fraud scheme. Highlighted victim impact during the trial, including the defendant’s immigrant uncle who’d been swindled out of $4.5 million and many other victims who collectively lost millions of dollars.
    • Facilitated the extradition of Michael Pratt, the alleged mastermind behind the GirlsDoPorn commercial sex trafficking ring, following his arrest in Spain after more than three years as an international fugitive.

    Ms. McGrath also oversaw key civil cases, including successful defensive litigation on behalf of the United States, and led efforts to recover millions of dollars from individuals and companies involved in fraud and civil rights violations.

    Since Ms. McGrath took the helm, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has obtained settlements and recoveries in excess of $41 million. This includes cases brought under the False Claims Act across a broad spectrum of program areas including health care, defense procurement, and the Paycheck Protection Program enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These substantial recoveries also involved matters investigated under the Controlled Substances Act in response to the opioid epidemic, including those against a large-scale pharmacy and other DEA registrants for failing to meet their obligations to properly handle and dispense opioids and other dangerous controlled substances.   

    Pursuant to the Vacancies Reform Act, career prosecutor and current First Assistant U.S. Attorney, Andrew R. Haden, has taken over as the Acting United States Attorney, effective today.

    For more information about Ms. McGrath, please see Tara McGrath Sworn In

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Norwich Man Sentenced for Unlawfully Possessing a Short-Barreled Rifle

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Benjamin Wheeler, age 20, of Norwich, New York was sentenced today to serve 8 months in federal prison for possessing an unregistered short-barreled rifle, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Craig. L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

    As part of his guilty plea, Wheeler admitted that on August 6, 2024, he knowingly possessed a Spikes Tactical AR-15 style rifle at his apartment in Norwich, New York, knowing that the firearm had a barrel length of less than sixteen inches. The firearm was not registered to Wheeler in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

    Senior United States District Judge David N. Hurd also sentenced Wheeler to a 3-year term of supervised release, to begin after his imprisonment.

    The case was investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), New York Police Department (NYPD) and the New York State Police with assistance from the Chenango County Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Venezuelan Men Charged with Bank Larceny Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Paducah, KY –A federal criminal complaint and arrest warrant were issued this week charging two Venezuelan men with conspiracy to commit bank larceny and attempted bank larceny.

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations Nashville, and Police Chief Mike Canon of the Calvert City Police Department made the announcement.

    According to court records, on January 31, 2025, Jhoandiris Jimenez-Barrio, 26, and Yirvel Yonaiker Rios-Castro, 20, both citizens of Venezuela, attempted to steal money from an ATM located in Calvert City, Kentucky. That day the Calvert City Police Department responded to an ATM alarm and the men fled the scene in a vehicle traveling between 70 and 80 mph. The men struck another vehicle and fled the wreck on foot. The Calvert City Police Department apprehended the men near a service station in Calvert City. A search of their vehicle yielded a cordless drill, drill bits, latex gloves, a mask, and duct tape.

    Homeland Security Investigations verified that Jimenez-Barrio and Rios-Castro are Venezuelan and entered the United States illegally.

    Jimenez-Barrio and Rios-Castro are in state custody and will make initial appearances before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky at a later date. If convicted on the charges in the complaint, the men face maximum potential penalties of 50 years in prison, a $500,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    The FBI, HSI, and Calvert City Police Department are investigating.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth Hancock and Raymond McGee, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, are prosecuting the case.

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Corning sex offender pleads guilty to new child pornography charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Ryan M. Newman, 33, of Corning, NY, pleaded guilty to production of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca. As a convicted sex offender at the time of his crimes, Newman faces an enhanced minimum penalty of 25 years in prison, of maximum penalty of 50 years, and a $250,000 fine.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that Newman was convicted of child pornography crimes by New York State in 2012, sentenced to serve a local jail term and 10 years’ probation, and required to register as a Level 3 Sex Offender, which is someone considered to be at high risk of re-offending and a threat to public safety.

    In January 2021, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a report from Snapchat that a user had uploaded a video of child pornography. NCMEC sent the tip to the New York State Police, who executed a search warrant on Newman’s person and residence in 2022. The search determined that Newman uploaded the child pornography video to Snapchat and possessed other child pornography on his electronic devices. Newman remained out of custody following the 2022 search warrant by the State Police. In April 2024, the FBI Corning received a tip that pornography involving a child in the Corning area, was distributed to an undercover agent in Illinois. Subsequent investigation determined that Newman sexually abused the child and produced the child pornography. Newman was taken into custody by the FBI and Corning Police.

    Newman is also charged in Steuben County Court.

    The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Corning Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Corning Police Department, under the direction of Chief Kenzie Spaulding.

    Sentencing is scheduled for  June 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Vacca.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Prior sex offender pleads guilty to raping a 14-year-old and gun charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Kelvin Hunt, 48, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to production of child pornography, following a prior conviction, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 25 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that in March 1995, Hunt was convicted in Monroe County Court of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree and sentenced to 2 to 6 years in prison. On February 2, 2024, he entered the home of a 14-year-old minor victim in Rochester, and forcibly raped her. Hunt then took the minor victim’s cell phone and took sexually explicit photos of her. After producing the pornographic images, Hunt forced the minor victim to another location, where he forcibly raped her again. On February 4, 2024, law enforcement located Hunt, took him into custody, and executed a search warrant on the hotel room he was staying in. Investigators seized a loaded semi-automatic handgun, and approximately 71 grams of heroin.

    The plea is the culmination of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the United States Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina.

    Sentencing is scheduled for June 12, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Siragusa.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal jury convicts Florida man of attempting to coerce minor for sex in Missoula undercover investigation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MISSOULA — A federal jury today convicted a Florida man of attempting to coerce a minor for sex after he was arrested in Missoula in an undercover investigation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

    After a three-day trial that began on Feb. 10, the jury found the defendant, Stevenson Metelus, 36, of Margate, Florida, guilty of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. Metelus faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years to a lifetime of supervised release.

    U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for June 24. Metelus was released pending further proceedings.

    “Metelus was a truck driver passing through Montana when he used social media to attempt to coerce a minor to have sex with him. The problem for him was he was unwittingly talking to an undercover law enforcement officer. This is the kind of critical work our office and our law enforcement partners are doing across the state to keep kids safe. Our work will continue, and it can only be done effectively due to the diligence, brilliance, and dedicated service of the people in our office and our law enforcement partners,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

    The government alleged at trial and in court documents that in October 2023, an FBI special agent, using a persona identified as Child 1, posted on MegaPersonals an advertisement for prostitution services in Missoula, listed the age of Child 1 as “99” and a phone number at which to contact Child 1. Metelus responded to the ad on Nov. 16, 2023 and asked Child 1 what her “specials” were. Metelus spoke with Child 1, eventually negotiating a price and sexual acts to engage in with her. Child 1 noted she was a minor girl. Ultimately, Metelus asked Child 1 to meet him in his truck when he arrived, but Child 1 said she had a room at the hotel and would leave the door open for him. Child 1 then said that she could meet him at a nearby gas station when he expressed concern about the plan. The undercover FBI agent had confidential source call Metelus and, acting as Child 1, spoke briefly with him. The confidential source again told Metelus that she was a minor. The parties then confirmed their plans to meet. Shortly thereafter, Metelus texted Child 1 that he had arrived at the gas station, where law enforcement arrested him. Metelus eventually admitted to law enforcement his intention was to meet Child 1 for commercial sex.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force, Missoula Police Department and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Delivers Opening Statement During Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing For Justice Department Executive Nominees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    February 12, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the nominations of Todd Blanche to be Deputy Attorney General (DAG), and Gail Slater to be Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division (AAG-Antitrust).
    Key Quotes:
    “President Trump has vowed to use the Justice Department to advance his own interests and to seek ‘retribution’ against ‘the enemy within.’”
    “The Trump Administration already purged dozens of senior career leaders at the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation… And, the Administration has forced career law enforcement officers to retire, resign, or be fired simply for executing tasks that were assigned to them. These actions are nakedly partisan.”
    “Many members on the Democratic side of the aisle expressed fears that Attorney General Pam Bondi would put her loyalty to the President ahead of anything else. Our fears have been realized.”
    “On her first day as Attorney General, Pam Bondi issued 14 memos to Department of Justice staff that reflect the most extreme of President Trump’s priorities, including far-right Project 2025 policies. Attorney General Bondi established a ‘Weaponization Working Group’ that is a clear effort to make good on her pledge to ‘investigate the investigators.’”
    “Given the political retribution that is already being carried out with the blessing of the President at the Justice Department, Mr. Blanche’s nomination deserves heightened scrutiny. If confirmed, he will serve as the second-in-command at the Department, overseeing the day-to-day operations.”
    “With Ms. Bondi’s unyielding loyalty to President Trump already disclosed, we must ask ourselves whether Mr. Blanche would be willing to act as an independent voice within the Department’s leadership.”
    “Mr. Blanche, I enjoyed meeting with you in my office… You told me repeatedly that your true loyalty is to the rule of law. That’s the right answer from my point of view. But I am afraid I need to ask you more to conclude that you would be able to arise to the occasion which is likely to present itself.”
    “What is happening at the Federal Bureau of Investigation should give Republicans and Democrats pause. That great agency is entrusted with the safety and security of the United States of America. Making it political does not help.”
    Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.
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  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Questions Todd Blanche, Trump’s Nominee To Be Deputy Attorney General, During Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    February 12, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, questioned Todd Blanche, nominated by President Donald Trump to be Deputy Attorney General (DAG), during today’s Senate Judiciary Committee nominations hearing. Mr. Blanche represented President Trump in multiple criminal cases, including the hush money prosecution brought by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for which Trump was convicted on 34 counts. Mr. Blanche also represented President Trump in the criminal investigations and prosecutions pursued by Special Counsel Jack Smith regarding Trump’s mishandling of classified documents in Florida and his role in the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
    Durbin’s questions focused on reports that Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove ordered Acting Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Brian Driscoll to compile a list of all current and former FBI employees who were assigned “at any time” to a January 6 investigation “to determine whether any additional personnel actions are necessary.”
    Durbin began by asking Mr. Blanche about the insurrection at the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
    “As a former prosecutor, when you saw those scenes, did it cross your mind that it should be investigated?” Durbin asked.
    Mr. Blanche responded, “absolutely.”
    Durbin then asked Mr. Blanche, “If you are going to have a federal prosecution of the people who assaulted the Capitol, it would be understandable that you would turn to FBI agents to conduct the investigation. True?”
    Mr. Blanche responded, “Well, yes.”
    “Of course, during the course of conducting the largest criminal investigation in the history of the Department of Justice, it is no surprise that some 5,000 FBI agents were called on and assigned duties to investigate those crimes,” Durbin said.
    Durbin continued, “Do you understand what is going on now? They are asking for the names of all of the FBI agents who were engaged in that investigation to be disclosed… I am just wondering, in this situation, how you can justify disclosing the identities of these individuals, many of whom were given an assignment. Didn’t you tell me that when you were a U.S. Attorney you didn’t have the luxury of picking the cases you worked on? You were told, at least at the beginning, that this is what you’ll do.”
    Mr. Blanche responded, “That is true.”
    Durbin went on to detail the crimes that January 6th insurrectionists, recklessly pardoned by President Trump, committed during the storming of the U.S. Capitol, including the violent assaults on law enforcement officers. Guy Reffitt was the first defendant to stand trial on charges related to the January 6 insurrection. He was sentenced to 87 months in prison for bringing a firearm to the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Reffitt’s 19-year-old son, Jackson, turned him into law enforcement after the attack. Jackson also indicated that Reffitt had threatened to shoot him and his sister, Peyton, if they reported him to authorities.
    Just weeks after his pardon, Reffitt returned to the Capitol to support Kash Patel, who has been nominated to serve as FBI Director despite a troubling record of peddling conspiracy theories about January 6 and whistleblower reports that he is personally involved in the ongoing purge of senior law enforcement officials at the FBI. Reffitt posted on social media: “Present and in support of @KashPatel as the leftist commies continue to spew lies, misinformation and disinformation. My man Klean House Kash…!!!”
    “Can you understand why the FBI agents would be reluctant to disclose not only their names but perhaps the locations of their families in an effort to justify keeping their jobs if this kind of person is on the loose?” Durbin said. “Let me lay it on the table. Are you prepared to say that if your nomination is approved by the United States Senate, you would stop any effort to disclose this information that might jeopardize the safety of FBI agents?”
    Mr. Blanche responded, “I cannot sit here and commit to anything beyond that statement that we will never do anything to put the lives of the family or the agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in danger.”
    Durbin concluded, “There were 5,000 agents involved in this investigation, and they are now being asked to disclose if they were involved in it. I don’t think there is any precedent at the FBI of that kind of effort. And the impact it’s going to have on morale and the operation of that agency will not benefit the safety of Americans.”
    Video of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.
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  • MIL-OSI Security: Perryton Coach Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Sexual Abuse of Teenage Student

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    A Perryton ISD coach who sexually abused a 15-year-old student was sentenced today to 30 years in federal prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad Meacham.

    Cole Underwood, 29, was charged via criminal complaint in June 2024 and indicted later that same month. In September 2024, he pleaded guilty to enticement of a minor. He was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk to 30 years in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. 

    According to court documents, Perryton ISD’s superintendent reached out to law enforcement in May 2024 to report a possible inappropriate relationship between Mr. Underwood and a female student. According to the superintendent, surveillance video allegedly showed Mr. Underwood meeting with the girl alone after hours, despite being given a specific directive not to be alone with her.

    Agents reviewed the footage and observed Mr. Underwood propping an exterior door open and then shutting off lights. Approximately 15 minutes later, the girl entered the darkened building through the propped door and walked into Mr. Underwood’s office.

    In interviews with law enforcement, the child said Mr. Underwood had sex with her in his office more than a dozen times between February and May.

    She said that after she added him as a contact on Snapchat, he established a personal friendship with her, and even invited her to his office to confide in him. She said that Mr. Underwood began messaging her in a flirtatious and sexual manner in December, and eventually used Snapchat to arrange sexual encounters.

    A search of the girl’s cell phone revealed multiple late-night conversations – some lasting more than six hours – between her and Mr. Underwood, who allegedly occasionally referred to the child as “wifey” and told her he loved her.

    At Thursday’s sentencing hearing, the student detailed how the situation escalated from the defendant acting as a confidant during a stressful period to isolating her and continually pressuring her for sex:

    “I had no idea that he was slowly in the process of grooming me, I genuinely thought that he actually cared about me,” she said in a victim impact statement. “I didn’t know how to stop it… He convinced me to shut everyone out. I felt like I seriously had no one but him.”

    “I hope if there is a girl out there who is going through what I have been through, she has the chance to hear my story to know it’s okay to speak up. There are people who want to help,” she bravely added. “Just because you have one bad chapter does not mean your story is over.”

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office – Amarillo Resident Agency, the Ochiltree County Sheriff’s Office, and the Perryton Police Department conducted the investigation with the full cooperation of the Perryton Independent School District. Assistant U.S. Attorney Callie Woolam is prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Wisconsin Rapids Man Sentenced to 9 Years for Methamphetamine Trafficking and Illegally Possessing Firearms

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Bradly Rosenthal, 42, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty and was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to nine years in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine intended for distribution and possessing two loaded firearms as a felon.

    Rosenthal sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant three times in February 2024. On March 13, 2024, law enforcement received a report of suspected drug activity at a car wash located in Nekoosa, Wisconsin. Officers responded to the car wash where they encountered Rosenthal. After a K9 alerted to the presence of illicit substances, law enforcement searched Rosenthal’s vehicle and found 266 grams of methamphetamine, two loaded firearms, a Taser, $2,000, and drug distribution paraphernalia. Rosenthal is prohibited from legally possessing firearms because of a prior felony conviction.

    At sentencing, Judge Conley expressed concern at Rosenthal’s “repeated serious crimes,” which include prior drug trafficking and firearms offenses, and his continued “endangerment of others.”

    The charges against Rosenthal were the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI Central Wisconsin Drug Task Force and the Wisconsin Rapids and Nekoosa Police Departments. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force also assisted with the case. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers (TFOs) from local agencies including the Dane County and Clark County Sheriff’s Offices and the Fitchburg, Madison, Sun Prairie, and La Crosse Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Remington and Megan Stelljes prosecuted this case.

    This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.

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