NewzIntel.com

    • Checkout Page
    • Contact Us
    • Default Redirect Page
    • Frontpage
    • Home-2
    • Home-3
    • Lost Password
    • Member Login
    • Member LogOut
    • Member TOS Page
    • My Account
    • NewzIntel Alert Control-Panel
    • NewzIntel Latest Reports
    • Post Views Counter
    • Privacy Policy
    • Public Individual Page
    • Register
    • Subscription Plan
    • Thank You Page

Category: Taxation

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from Governor Lombardo on Senate Bill 451

    Source: US State of Nevada

    CARSON CITY, NV – May 22, 2025

    Yesterday, Governor Joe Lombardo received Senate Bill 451 (SB451) from the Nevada State Legislature, and he signed it into law.

    “I signed Senate Bill 451 because it maintains essential funding for police officers in Southern Nevada,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. “Without this legislation, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) would lose nearly 25% of its police force, which would be an untenable loss for law enforcement and deeply detrimental to the safety of Clark County and its millions of residents and visitors. SB451 is not a new tax or a tax increase, and the extension of this voter-approved measure is critical for ongoing public safety efforts in Southern Nevada.”

     Background:
    • Taxpayers will not see an increase to their property tax bill as a result of SB451.

    • The current revenue supports approximately 860 police officer positions (which represents 25% of current authorized police force).

    • To be clear, the fundamental question presented by SB451 is whether the tax dollars in question should continue to support 860 police officers or whether those same dollars should become windfall revenue for other government entities. The Governor believes the answer to this question is clear: these dollars should ensure that public safety in Southern Nevada is not compromised.

    • Nevada Revised Statutes limits annual increases to property taxes to no more than 3% for residential properties and no more than 8% for commercial properties. The vast majority of properties are taxed well below the value of their property due to these partial tax abatements. As a result, 92% of taxpayers currently receive a discount to their annual tax bill. Discontinuing the current levy will reduce the amount of taxes that are abated but not the amount of taxes that are actually paid for the vast majority of taxpayers in Clark County.

     ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from Governor Lombardo on Assembly Bill 530

    Source: US State of Nevada

    CARSON CITY, NV – May 22, 2025

    Earlier this week, Governor Joe Lombardo received Assembly Bill 530 (AB530) from the Nevada State Legislature, and he signed it into law.

    “Fuel Revenue Indexing (FRI) supports critical transportation infrastructure across Southern Nevada, and Assembly Bill 530 enables the Clark County Commission to take timely action on this issue through a two-thirds vote,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. “I would have strongly preferred that AB530 go before Southern Nevada voters directly. To avoid similar situations in the future, my office is exploring a statutory amendment to require all sunset bills to automatically go back to the ballot before the sunset expires. Politicians should not be the sole arbiters of sunset extensions, and if passed, this amendment would return the vote to the people.”

    Background on Fuel Revenue Indexing (FRI):
    • Since its initial approval, FRI has been instrumental in creating over 20,400 jobs that need to be sustained.

    • FRI is set to expire on December 31, 2026 and has earlier deadlines for bonding. A delay in approval could jeopardize critical transportation projects.

    • Southern Nevada will face a severe transportation system funding shortfall without FRI, and roadway maintenance and construction funding would decrease by two-thirds from $300 million to $100 million per year.

    • With this significant decrease in roadway funding, Nevadans would see increased traffic delays, project cancellations, and inadequate maintenance of roads across the Las Vegas Valley, which would lead to significant safety hazards.

    • Southern Nevada currently has 179 unfunded projects totaling $2.7 billion – projects deemed essential by local jurisdictions. This unfunded project list, however, does not include needed infrastructure in key economic growth areas like Apex, El Dorado Valley, Ivanpah Valley, Sloan, and the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport.

     ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hartford Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Federal Tax Charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Harry Chavis, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that CLYDE GIBSON, JR., 43, of Hartford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarah F. Russell in New Haven to a tax fraud offense.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, from at least 2015 and continuing into 2024, Gibson operated as a tax return preparer under the name Build Understand Destroys LLC, and charged clients a fee for the preparation of tax returns.  Gibson prepared thousands of federal tax returns, many of which claimed false deductions.  For example, in some returns Gibson prepared and filed for his clients, he included false Schedules C, which reported that his clients had operated sole proprietorship businesses and had incurred certain expenses and losses when, in fact, they had not operated such businesses and had not incurred the claimed expenses.  In some returns, Gibson included false Schedules D, which reported that his clients had incurred capital losses, including carryover losses, or bad debts when, in fact, they had not incurred such capital losses and bad debts in the claimed amounts.

    During the investigation, Gibson met with an undercover federal agent posing as a customer.  The agent provided Gibson with a W-2 form for the 2021 tax year and offered no information about valid deductions for business losses, capital losses, and bad debt.  Gibson initially prepared an appropriate return, on which the undercover agent would have owed taxes.  Gibson then voluntarily opted to edit the return to reflect false and fraudulent information on the Schedules C and D.

    During the 2016 through 2022 tax years, Gibson prepared at least 135 tax returns containing fraudulent information, causing a loss to the IRS of at least $125,197.

    Gibson pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false and fraudulent income tax returns, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.  He is released on a $25,000 bond pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.

    Gibson has agreed to pay restitution of $125,197.

    This investigation has been conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elena L. Coronado.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defendant Convicted in Armed Assault Gets 18 Year Prison Term

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Aaron Brown, 29, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today in Superior Court to 18 years in prison for assault with intent to kill (while armed) stemming from the killing of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes in March of 2020, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the Washington Field Office, ATF Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Washington Field Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Brown also pleaded guilty to the assault with intent to kill charge on December 20, 2024, before Judge Rainey Brandt. Brown’s charge stemmed from his participation in a shooting after Lukes’s homicide. Previously, a jury found three of Brown’s co-defendants, Stephon Nelson, Tyiion Freeman and Koran Jackson—guilty of first-degree murder while armed, several counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, conspiracy to commit various firearms offenses and other firearms-related charges.  Freeman received 108 years; Jackson was sentenced to 164 years in prison while Nelson received 108 ½ years of incarceration.

                Between February 1, 2020, and May 31, 2020, the defendants, along with one other defendant (whose case was severed pre-trial and will be tried in August 2025), participated in a conspiracy to illegally possess, carry, and transfer firearms for the purpose of using those firearms in the commission of dangerous and violent crimes. Jackson, Freeman, Nelson along with Brown and the severed defendant, are members and associates of neighborhood crews. Between 2019-2020, the defendants’ neighborhood crews were feuding with other crews and the feud escalated when Tahlil Byrd, also known as Slatt Goon, was killed in September 2019.

                On March 1, 2020, Brown along with his co-defendants (Jackson, Freeman and the severed co-defendant) participated in two shootings in two separate neighborhoods over the span of 10 minutes. At 2:08 p.m., the defendants, who were traveling in a stolen Kia Soul, followed 13-year-old Malachi Lukes, along with his three friends, into the Ninth Street area of the 600 block of S Street, N.W., where two defendants exited the Kia Soul and opened fire on them. Malachi Lukes was shot in the back as he fled. The bullet traveled through his heart and lung causing him to collapse to his death. Brown remained in the car while the shooting took place. The defendants then traveled to another neighborhood where members of the rival crew were known to gather and at 2:18 p.m., opened fire on individuals in that block. No injuries were reported in that shooting spree. Brown was one of the shooters. 

                In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Jensen, ATF Special Agent in Charge Spotswood and Chief Smith commended the work of those investigating the case from the MPD and ATF along with the Arlington County Police Department. They also thanked the Arlington County Sheriff Department; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Capitol Police; D.C. Department of Forensic Sciences; DOJ Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section; Montgomery County Police Department; D.C. Department of Corrections; and the Internal Revenue Service—Atlanta Branch. 

                They also commended the efforts of those who provided assistance with the case including Lead Paralegal Sharon Newman, Supervisory Paralegal Tasha Harris, Paralegals April Urbanowski and Alyssa Schroeder, former Superior Court Operations Manager Linda McDonald, and Victim Witness Advocate Jennifer Allen. They acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Jackson, Tamara Rubb, and Nebiyu Feleke, who prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE investigation leads to indictment of 8 individuals with ties to China in transnational elder fraud scheme

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A federal indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Providence charges eight individuals for their roles in orchestrating and executing an elaborate transnational fraud and money laundering scheme targeting elderly citizens in the United States and Canada.

    The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-led investigation identified approximately 300 individuals in at least 37 states who have been defrauded. At this time, victims are estimated to have suffered known losses exceeding $5 million. However, investigators have identified a bank account through which approximately $16 million in additional suspected fraud funds appear to have been laundered.

    According to the charging documents, members of the conspiracy sent pop-up messages to seniors’ computers, often styled to appear as if they were originating from a well-known technology company. The messages contained various false claims, including that that the victims’ financial accounts had been compromised, that their computers had been hacked, or that the victims had been identified as the target of a criminal investigation.

    The pop-up message contained information that directed victims to call a “live agent,” who informed the victims that their financial assets were at risk or could be garnished, but the agent could assist in protecting their assets. During a series of calls, victims were connected with others who falsely claimed to be “representatives” of the victim’s financial institutions or government agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission and Federal Reserve Bank. Those “representatives” were, in fact, members of the conspiracy.

    During these calls, some victims were instructed that, in order to protect their assets, they should initiate a transfer of their funds from their accounts via wire transfers and cryptocurrency transfers to accounts controlled by agencies the scammers purportedly represented. Other victims were told to withdraw their funds in cash, purchase gold bars and turn them over to a purported government courier who would come to their home for transfer to a secure government location. Still others were told to simply turn the cash over to a courier for safe keeping by the government.

    The indictment charges:

    • Nanjun Song 27, of Brooklyn, New York, a Chinese national who has allegedly overstayed a B2 visa, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. ICE Homeland Security Investigations Las Vegas arrested the defendant. He is detained in federal custody in Rhode Island.
    • Jirui Liu, 23, of Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, a citizen of China and Canada, whose U.S. visa has expired, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. HSI Providence arrested the defendant with assistance from the Connecticut State Police and Narragansett Police Department. He is detained in federal custody in Rhode Island.
    • Xiang Li, 37, of Flushing, New York, a Chinese national and with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. HSI Providence with HSI New York and the New York City Police Department arrested the defendant. He was detained in New York and is being transferred to Rhode Island.
    • Xuehai Sun, 37, of Flushing New York, a Chinese national, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. HSI Providence with HSI New York and the NYPD arrested the defendant and he appeared that day in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
    • Fangzheng Wang, 24, of Westborough, Massachusetts, a Chinese national, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. HSI Providence with HSI New England arrested the defendant and he is detained in federal custody in Rhode Island.
    • Cynthia Jia Sun, 25, of Houston, Texas, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. HSI Houston with the Texas Department of Public Safety and is in federal custody in Houston arrested the defendant. She is awaiting transfer to Rhode Island.
    • Zhenyang Xin, 25, of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, a Chinese national, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. An arrest warrant has been issued for the defendant.
    • Wing Kit Ho, 22, of Markham, Ontario, Canada, a Canadian citizen born in Hong Kong, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. An arrest warrant has been issued for the defendant.

    A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    HSI Providence and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation led the investigation with assistance from and HSI New England, HSI New York, HSI Houston, and HSI Los Angeles, the Narragansett Police Department, East Providence Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, New York Police Department, Connecticut State Police. The United States Attorney’s Offices in the Eastern District of New York and Southern District of Texas provided valuable assistance.

    This investigation is an initiative of the Rhode Island Homeland Security Task Force, a multiagency task force focused on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Signs Laws to Fully Fund Colorado Schools, Expand Resources for Students, and Foster a Stronger Workforce, Economy & Colorado for All, Takes Action on Bills

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis attended a preschool graduation at Stevens Elementary School to celebrate the successful second year of the Colorado Universal Preschool Program, which is strengthening early childhood education and saving Colorado families more than $6,100 every year. The Governor also signed new laws to fully fund Colorado schools, strengthen our K-12 accountability system, and foster a strong workforce by creating more avenues for Coloradans to gain relevant skills that will help them succeed in the workforce. 

    “Congratulations, preschool class of 2025! I am so excited to be joining in on the celebrations and highlighting the second consecutive year of the successful Universal Preschool Program. Since day one, it has been my goal to expand access to early childhood education, helping students and families to find the best fit for their child, and ensuring that our early learners are ready for the next step in their academic journey,” said Governor Polis. 

    Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program (UPK) is seeing record enrollment numbers in its second year, serving more than 50,000 students and saving families an average $6,100 a year. 

    Later in the morning, Governor Polis signed HB25-1320 – School Finance Act, sponsored by Representatives McCluskie and Lukens, and Senators Lundeen and Bridges, fully funding K-12 education under Amendment 23, to support students and educators. 

    “With this bill, Colorado has made good on our promise to fully fund K-12 education and meet students where they are and bolster educational outcomes across our state. I appreciate the sponsors of this bill for working to increase school funding and turning on the new, student-focused school finance formula in a sustainable way,” said Governor Polis 

    Governor Polis additionally signed: 

    • HB25-1278 – Education Accountability System, sponsored by Representatives Bird and Lukens, and Senators Kirkmeyer and Michaelson Jenet
    • SB25-200 – Dyslexia Screening and READ Act Requirements, sponsored by Senators Kolker and Mullica, and Representatives Soper and Hamrick 

    “Every student should have the opportunity to succeed in the classroom, and today is another step forward in making sure that students, regardless of learning ability, have the correct resources to reach their fullest potential. Thank you to the sponsors for working diligently to ensure all Colorado students and educators have the tools to make a difference,” said Governor Polis. 

    Governor Polis also signed HB25-1192 – Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement, sponsored by Representatives Anthony Hartsook and Jennifer Bacon, and Senators Jeff Bridges and Lisa Frizell.

    “Increasing financial literacy helps young adults gain financial knowledge and make informed decisions about their personal finances. Thank you to the sponsors for recognizing the importance of education around money management and financial planning for young adults,” said Governor Polis. 

    Governor Polis concluded the day by signing bills into law, fostering a strong workforce by creating more avenues for Colordans to gain relevant skills that will help them succeed in the workforce. 

    • SB25-315 – Postsecondary & Workforce Readiness Programs, sponsored by Senators Jeff Bridges and Barbara Kirkmeyer and Representatives Shannon Bird and Emily Sirota
    • HB25-1105 – Public Employees’ Retirement Association True-up of Denver Public Schools Division Employer Contribution, sponsored by Representatives Sean Camacho and Jennifer Bacon, and Senators Julie Gonzales and Jeff Bridges 

    “Colorado is a national leader in connecting Coloradans to the skills needed to fill in-demand jobs, earn a good wage, and drive our state’s economic success. These laws build upon our work to create a more robust workforce in Colorado and help Coloradans save and plan for retirement,” said Governor Polis. 

    Earlier this week, Governor Polis signed an Executive Order building on Colorado’s success in strengthening the workforce by directing Colorado’s state agencies, including the Department of Education, to work together to help more post-high school learners access needed credentials. 

    As Chair of the National Governors Association, Governor Polis launched Let’s Get Ready, a yearlong initiative designed to support the nation’s Governors in driving innovative education policies. Let’s Get Ready aims to help Governors form policies that better evaluate outcomes for state investments in education and improve outcomes for learners at all stages of their education journey. The initiative also focuses on the ways states can meet the future needs of the workforce by preparing students for success in and outside of the classroom.

     Governor Polis also signed HB25-1309 – Protect Access to Gender-Affirming Health Care, sponsored by Representatives Brown and Titone, and Senators Cutter and Gonzales. 

    “Building a Colorado for All means ensuring that everyone can thrive no matter who you are or how you identify. This legislation takes another step toward making this vision a reality for everyone,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

    The Governor signed the following bills administratively: 

    • SB25-276 – Protect Civil Rights Immigration Status, sponsored by Senators Gonzales and Weissman, and Representatives Velasco and Garcia
    • HB25-1314 – Peace Officer Status for Certain Department of Revenue Employees, sponsored by Representatives Lindstedt and Sirota, and Senator Kipp 

    The Governor also vetoed the following bills: 

    • HB25-1291 – Transportation Network Company Consumer Protection, sponsored by Representatives Willford and Froelich, and Senators Winter and Danielson
    • HB25-1220 – Regulation of Medical Nutrition Therapy, sponsored by Representatives Karen McCormick and Anthony Hartsook, and Senators Byron Pelton and Kyle Mullica.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Lauren Boebert Announces June Staff Mobile Office Hours

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lauren Boebert (Colorado, 3)

    EATON, CO– Staff from Congresswoman Lauren Boebert’s (CO-04) office will be holding Mobile Office Hours in June across the district to connect with constituents within their communities. In addition to the Congresswoman’s congressional offices in Eaton and Lone Tree, the Mobile Office Hours aim to provide services to constituents who need in-person guidance.

    “Our Congressional Mobile Office Hours provide an opportunity for constituents from across the 4th District to get the assistance they need from our staffers who can help them in a variety of ways,” stated Congresswoman Boebert. “Meeting Coloradans where they are is a critical part of the work our office does, and I know our Mobile Office Hours will be a huge help to constituents of all backgrounds and locations.” 

    Staff from Congresswoman Boebert’s office will be available to help constituents who aren’t getting answers from federal agencies, like veterans seeking to get the care they earned from the VA, travelers that need expedited assistance to receive a passport on short notice, taxpayers being harassed by the IRS, and senior citizens having issues with the Social Security Administration or Medicare. Additionally, constituents are invited to come to the office hours to express their viewpoints on legislative issues or request special Congressional Commendations from the Congresswoman recognizing outstanding public achievements.

    Since the beginning of her tenure as Representative for the 4th Congressional District on January 3rd, 2025, Congresswoman Boebert’s office has returned $2,738,423.80 to constituents. 

    Mobile Office Hours will be available at the following times and locations:

    THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2025 

    Elbert County Mobile Office Hours 

    Agate Fire Protection District, Meeting Room 

    40160 County Road 153 

    Agate, CO 

    12:30-1:30pm 

    Lincoln County Mobile Office Hours 

    Flagler Town Hall, Library Meeting Room 

    311 Main Street 

    Flagler, CO  

    3:00-4:00pm

    Washington County Mobile Office Hours 

    Otis Fire Department  

    409 E 5th Ave 

    Otis, Co 

    10:00-11:00am 

    Logan County Mobile Office Hours 

    Fleming Community Center 

    117 N. Logan Ave 

    Fleming, CO  

    2:00-3:00pm

    THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025   

    Cheyenne County Mobile Office Hours 

    Town Hall, Community Building  

    301 Main Street 

    Kit Carson, CO 

    10:30am-12:00pm 

    TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2025 

    Yuma County Mobile Office Hours 

    Grassroots Community Center 

    6671 US HWY 36 

    Joes, CO 

    10:00-11:00am 

    WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 2025   

    Crowley County Mobile Office Hours 

    401 Warner Street 

    Olney Springs, CO 

    11:30am-1:00pm 

    East Weld County Mobile Office Hours 

    Hudson Public Library 

    100 S. Beech St. 

    4:00-5:00pm 

    TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2025 

    Adams County Mobile Office Hours 

    Bennett Town Hall 

    207 Muegge Way 

    3:30-4:30pm

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman García Takes House Floor, Condemns Republicans’ Tax Scam

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. –– Today, Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) took to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to condemn the Republican tax proposal that would strip healthcare and food assistance from millions of Americans to provide tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy.

    A video of the speech can be found here. 

    Remarks as delivered:

    “I rise today to speak against the Republican budget–a cynical plan that gives tax breaks to billionaires while ripping away health care and food from working families like those I represent.

    “This Republican Tax Scam would kick off nearly 14 million Americans off their health care, leaving them without coverage.

    “In my district, a mother working nights and caring for her family by day told us that she doesn’t know how they’ll survive if Medicaid is cut– her child relies on it for epilepsy medication. Without it, there’s no safety net. Just fear and uncertainty. 

    “This budget slashes Medicaid and SNAP, taking food from children, from seniors, from veterans, and people with disabilities. Even Republican Senators have called it ‘morally wrong’.

    “In my district alone, 278,000 people rely on these programs. Republicans want to take that away– we can’t allow them to continue to loot this country dry. America was not built for billionaires to hoard wealth while kids go hungry. Tax them — fairly, fully, now.”

     # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman García Votes Against Trump’s Tax Scam

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement after voting against Trump’s Tax Scam:

    “Republicans rammed through their Tax Scam in the dead of the night because they know the truth: this bill is a handout to billionaires at the expense of working families.  

    “The bill is cruel, harmful, and deliberate. The largest cut to healthcare and food assistance in U.S. history! Republicans ripped away care from children, seniors, and people with disabilities—just to fund tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy.

    “Nearly 14 million people will lose their health care. Millions more will have to pay higher premiums. In my district alone, 278,000 people who rely on Medicaid are at risk. 

    “The bill redirects nearly $80 billion to Trump’s mass deportation machine while terrorizing immigrants and imposing a new tax on non-citizens’ remittances.

    “I voted no. I stand with working families, not billionaires and bullies.”

     

    # # #

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Moolenaar Statement on Passage of H.R. 1

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

    Headline: Moolenaar Statement on Passage of H.R. 1

    This morning, Congressman John Moolenaar voted in favor of H.R. 1, the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act. The legislation delivers on the mandate given to President Trump and the Republican Party by the American people last November. Included in the bill are provisions to avoid a 25% tax increase on Michigan families, empower U.S. Border Patrol and ICE to secure the southern border, and ensure tax dollars are spent wisely by cutting wasteful spending, while protecting programs like Medicaid for vulnerable populations who rely on it.

    Congressman Moolenaar’s NO GOTION Policy was also included in the legislation passed today, which prohibits  companies affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party from qualifying for green energy production tax credits.

    “The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act is a major win for families in Michigan’s Second Congressional District. This bill delivers on our promises to the American people to prevent a tax hike that would cost them thousands, and puts an end to the crisis at the southern border. It also addresses wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars, by establishing commonsense policies to protect programs like Medicaid for the Michigan residents who rely on it,” said Moolenaar. “I am also grateful my NO GOTION policy was included in this critical legislation. The tax dollars of hard-working Michigan families should not fund companies like Gotion, which are beholden to the Chinese Communist Party. I will continue my work to support Michiganders and get our nation back on the right track.”

    Moolenaar’s NO GOTION policy would prohibit foreign entities of concern from claiming green energy production tax credits implemented by the Biden administration in the “Inflation Reduction Act.” Gotion is a “wholly owned and controlled” subsidiary of Gotion High-Tech, a Chinese-based battery company. In an amended Foreign Agents Registration Act filing, Gotion admitted it is subsidized by the Chinese government.

    The budget reconciliation bill protects Medicaid for the people who rely on it. Currently, 4.8 million able-bodied Americans are covered by Medicaid – who are choosing not to work, as well as 1.4 million illegal immigrants receiving this taxpayer funded program. H.R. 1 addresses this issue, removing Medicaid coverage from people who are in our country illegally and requiring able-bodied individuals to return to work so Medicaid can continue to serve the vulnerable populations it was intended for. 

    H.R. 1 extends the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanently, avoiding a 25% tax hike on Michigan families, saving an average of over $1,300 every year. It also provides additional tax relief for middle-class families, ending federal income tax on tipped wages, overtime pay, and interest on loans for American-made cars. 

    Under the previous administration, more than 10 million people came into our country illegally, averaging nearly 160,000 border patrol encounters per month. Under the Trump administration, border patrol is reporting over a 90% drop, with just 8,383 illegal crossings last month. H.R, 1 builds on this success by providing funding to US. Border Patrol for hiring, technology to detect fentanyl, and the completion of the border wall. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Charged in Connection With CARES Act Loan Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Joseph Ronald Trenkle, 54, formerly of Cherry Hills Village, Colorado and currently of Dorado, Puerto Rico, has been charged in a criminal information with one count each of wire fraud and money laundering.

    According to the information, between April 30, 2020, and February 25, 2022, Trenkle applied for and received $1,850,000 in COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from the Small Business Administration (SBA) and $2,999,995 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds from an SBA-approved lender.  The information alleges that after first obtaining an EIDL loan in March 2020, Trenkle made two requests to increase the amount of his EIDL and made false representations as part of each of request.  The information further alleges that Trenkle submitted two fraudulent PPP loan applications, and also submitted fraudulent applications for PPP loan forgiveness for each PPP loan.

    The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted in March 2020 and was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans dealing with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The CARES Act created the PPP, a program administered by the SBA that provided loans to small businesses to retain workers, maintain payroll, and certain other expenses consistent with PPP rules.  Additionally, the CARES Act authorized the SBA to provide EIDLs to eligible small businesses experiencing substantial financial disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The defendant made his initial appearance on May 22, 2025, in Denver in front of Magistrate Judge Cyrus Y. Chung.

    The charges contained in the information are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Craig Fansler.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form

    Case Number:                    25-cr-00150-RMR             

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Urine Drug Testing Laboratory and Owner Agree to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations

    Source: US FBI

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced today that LabXperior Corporation (LabXperior) and owner Tina Ball (Ball) have paid $235,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the Federal False Claims Act and North Carolina False Claims Act by knowingly billing North Carolina Medicaid (Medicaid) for urine drug tests that were medically unnecessary and resulted from violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute.

    The United States and State of North Carolina alleged that from September 28, 2016, through December 20, 2017, LabXperior submitted claims to Medicaid for urine drug tests that were false. The claims were false because they were the result of an illegal kickback arrangement between LabXperior and BPolloni Consulting, LLC (BPolloni), an entity that referred urine drug tests to LabXperior. Under the arrangement, LabXperior paid BPolloni a percentage of the revenue or profit from the Medicaid reimbursement for each urine drug test that BPolloni arranged for another entity, Do It 4 the Hood Corporation (D4H), to send to LabXperior. The Chief Executive Officer of BPolloni and other individuals who operated D4H previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and Anti-Kickback Statute violations arising from D4H’s illegal kickback arrangements with urine drug testing laboratories.

    In addition to being tainted by illegal kickbacks, the United States and State of North Carolina alleged that claims for drug tests that LabXperior submitted to Medicaid were false because the tests were medically unnecessary. Specifically, the orders for the tests were not patient-specific and did not reflect a qualified medical provider’s determination of the patient’s need for the testing.

    The civil settlement and resolution of claims obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI in Charlotte, with assistance from the Medicaid Investigations Division of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, the Office of Inspector General of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations.

    The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud.  One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act.

    Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grand Jury Indicts Two Central Ohio Women in $2.8 Million in COVID-Relief Fraud Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal grand jury has charged two Central Ohio women with crimes related to fraudulently receiving more than $2.8 million total in covid-relief funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

    Lorie A. Schaefer, 62, of Westerville, allegedly received nearly $1.9 million in covid-relief funds by fraudulently claiming an affiliation with an Ohio pizza company.

    According to the indictment, Schaefer opened new bank accounts in December 2020 prior to registering a fictitious business name with the State of Ohio in March 2021.

    It is alleged that Schaefer fraudulently claimed affiliation with the Flying Pizza restaurants in Dayton, Centerville and Fairborn. When notified that a PPP loan for nearly $1.9 million had been filed in the name of Flying Pizza, individuals at the family-owned business said their restaurants could not justify such a large loan.

    Schaefer claimed to have 98 employees and allegedly submitted altered bank records as part of her application. Schaefer also claimed the business was established in March 2021, even though the original Flying Pizza was established in 1984. Additionally, she claimed not to be under indictment despite having pending theft charges in Meigs County. Schaefer allegedly attached multiple fraudulent documents to her PPP application, including a bank statement, tax records, and a letter from the IRS.

    Bank records indicate Schaefer improperly used PPP funds for personal expenses, for example, nearly $26,000 on liposuction, a $10,000 check for a “newborn baby gift,” and more than $900,000 to purchase and renovate a condominium in Westerville. Schaefer also allegedly made purchases at Wayfair, Lamps Plus, Kroger, KFC, Burger King, Arby’s, McDonald’s and Olive Garden. Evidence also suggests Schaefer used the fraud proceeds to purchase vehicles in Ohio and property in Australia for her personal use.

    Schaefer allegedly assisted co-defendant Latisha C. Holloway, 42, of Reynoldsburg, in fraudulently receiving more than $980,000 in PPP loans.

    Holloway allegedly claimed to own a business called Jaguar Logistics, LLC. Holloway stated on loan application documents that she had 76 employees and had a total gross income of $4.9 million. Her loan application was submitted within a month of Schaefer receiving PPP loans and records indicate Holloway wired Schaefer $180,000 after receiving her own loan money. According to court records, Holloway similarly attached fraudulent documents to her PPP loan, including a bank statement and tax records.

    Both defendants allegedly collected unemployment benefits after receiving federal covid-relief funds.

    Finally, it is alleged that Schaefer used another individual’s Social Security Number to apply for and receive an additional $20,800 in PPP funds for “LS Associates,” a corporation established by Schaefer.

    The indictment charges each woman with two counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and money laundering carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison.

    Schaefer and Holloway were arrested in August 2023 and originally charged at that time by criminal complaint.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the case, which was investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division. Assistant United States Attorney David J. Twombly is representing the United States in this case.

    An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – FISC mission to Abu Dhabi and Dubai – Subcommittee on Tax Matters

    Source: European Parliament

    Members of the FISC Subcommittee will travel to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, from 26 to 28 May 2025 in order to discuss developments in the area of international taxation and the fight against tax avoidance and evasion. The mission, led by FISC Chair Mr Pasquale Tridico, will meet with Mr Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Mr Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council; and Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuami, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the FNC.

    The delegation will also meet with other Members of the Federal National Council, the UAE’s Parliament. Further meetings are scheduled with Mr Hamed Al Zaabi, Secretary General of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Office; Mr Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Director General of the Federal Tax Authority; and Mr Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director of Dubai Customs, along with other key stakeholders.

    Discussions will notably focus on the implementation of the OECD/G20 international tax reform and the United Arab Emirates’ efforts to combat tax evasion and avoidance and enhance transparency for taxation purposes. The country’s attractiveness for multinational enterprises (MNEs) and high-net-worth individuals will also be addressed, as well as the UAE’s readiness to enhance standards on good tax governance and to comply with anti-money laundering standards.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Missions – FISC mission to Abu Dhabi and Dubai – 26-05-2025 – Subcommittee on Tax Matters

    Source: European Parliament

    Members of the FISC Subcommittee will travel to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, from 26 to 28 May 2025 in order to discuss developments in the area of international taxation and the fight against tax avoidance and evasion. The mission, led by FISC Chair Mr Pasquale Tridico, will meet with Mr Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Mr Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council; and Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuami, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the FNC.

    The delegation will also meet with other Members of the Federal National Council, the UAE’s Parliament. Further meetings are scheduled with Mr Hamed Al Zaabi, Secretary General of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Office; Mr Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Director General of the Federal Tax Authority; and Mr Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director of Dubai Customs, along with other key stakeholders.

    Discussions will notably focus on the implementation of the OECD/G20 international tax reform and the United Arab Emirates’ efforts to combat tax evasion and avoidance and enhance transparency for taxation purposes. The country’s attractiveness for multinational enterprises (MNEs) and high-net-worth individuals will also be addressed, as well as the UAE’s readiness to enhance standards on good tax governance and to comply with anti-money laundering standards.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU Fact Sheets – General tax policy – 22-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Taxation is a prerogative of the Member States, the EU having only limited powers in this area. As EU tax policy is geared towards the smooth running of the single market, the harmonisation of indirect taxation was addressed before that of direct taxation. Efforts to combat the problem of tax evasion and tax avoidance then followed. EU tax legislation must be adopted unanimously by the Member States. The European Parliament has the right to be consulted on tax matters; for budgetary-related issues it is even co-legislator.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Statement from FBI Phoenix

    Source: US FBI

    The FBI’s Phoenix Field Office is conducting an investigation surrounding the death of an IRS special agent today, August 17, that occurred at the Federal Correctional Institution, Phoenix firing range.

    While the firing range is on Bureau of Prisons grounds, an interagency agreement allows for other law enforcement agencies to use the facility for training purposes. Today, the IRS was at the range for routine training.

    To preserve the integrity and capabilities of the investigation, details of the ongoing process will not be released. Findings of the FBI investigation will be turned over to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona for review.

    The FBI’s investigation will be methodical and thorough to address every element of the incident.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Anchorage Couple Sentenced to Prison for Distributing Drugs and Money Laundering

    Source: US FBI

    ANCHORAGE – Two people were sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess to federal prison for distributing drugs and money laundering.

    May Saelee, aka “The First Lady,” 47, was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. She pleaded guilty in August 2019 to drug conspiracy and money laundering charges. Saelee’s husband, Cher Vang, aka “The President,” 47, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. Vang pleaded guilty in July 2019 to drug conspiracy and money laundering charges. The couple was arrested in August 2018 as part of a months-long federal investigation into a drug ring operating out of Mountain View.

    According to court documents, between August 2011 and 2018, Saelee and Vang distributed methamphetamine from their home and other locations in Anchorage. Through multiple drug sales during this seven-year period, they sold more than 306 grams of actual methamphetamine. The couple then used the proceeds of their drug sales to purchase various items including jewelry and personal property. Additionally, between March 2015 and August 2018, Saelee and Vang structured bank deposits totaling more than $150,000 into their accounts to avoid federal banking requirements and to conceal that the source of the money was from drug proceeds.

    As part of the plea agreement, Saelee and Vang will forfeit to the United States any property derived from their illegal activities including but not limited to: jewelry, money, guns and personal property.

    “With today’s sentencing, we have put an end to another drug trafficking ring responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in Anchorage and the surrounding area,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson, District of Alaska. “These dangerous drugs are destructive poisons that threaten the health and safety of our communities. We will continue to work together with our law enforcement partners to ensure that drug traffickers are held responsible for the harm they cause.”

    “Drug trafficking and money laundering cause immense harm to our communities,” said Bret Kressin, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Seattle Field Office. “IRS-CI will continue to use our expertise to investigate those who knowingly traffic these damaging substances and will continue to bring these individuals to justice.”

    The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Alaska State Troopers (AST) investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephan Collins prosecuted the case.

    This case is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Little Rock Woman Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison for COVID Relief Fraud

    Source: US FBI

          LITTLE ROCK—A Little Rock woman was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison after fraudulently obtaining nearly $2 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans intended to provide relief for small businesses affected by COVID-19. Jonathan D. Ross, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and Diane Upchurch, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Little Rock Field Office, announced the sentence of Ganell Tubbs, 41.

          Tubbs pleaded guilty to bank fraud in December 2020 and admitted that she purported to own two businesses: The Little Piglet Soap Company, LLC, and Suga Girl Customs, LLC. According to the Arkansas Secretary of State, neither business is in good standing, and both businesses list Tubbs’ residence and personal phone number as the business contact information.

          On April 30, 2020, Tubbs submitted a PPP application representing that Suga Girl Customs had paid $1,385,903 in wages and compensation during the first quarter of 2020. She was approved for a PPP loan of $1,518,887 and received the funds on May 5, 2020, but two days later, she used the proceeds to make an $8,000 payment on her personal student loan. The following week, Tubbs spent approximately $6,000 in online purchases at retailers including Apple, Michael Kors, Sephora, North Face, Nike, and others.

          Similarly, on May 5, 2020, Tubbs submitted another PPP application, this time regarding The Little Piglet Soap Company. Based on the false representations she made in the loan application, The Little Piglet Soap Company received a PPP loan for $414,375.

          The indictment, which was returned by a grand jury on July 7, 2020, charged Tubbs with two counts of bank fraud, two counts of making a false statement on a loan application, and one count of engaging in a monetary transaction with proceeds of unlawful activity. Tubbs’ earlier guilty plea to one count of bank fraud was received in exchange for dismissal of the remaining charges.

          United States District Judge Brian S. Miller imposed the sentence, which included two years of supervised release in addition to the 41 month prison sentence. Judge Miller also ordered Tubbs to pay $14,000 restitution, as the rest of the nearly $2 million was able to be recovered previously. The FBI, the Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Pat Harris and Jamie Dempsey prosecuted the case.

    # # #

    This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the

    United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    Twitter:

    @EDARNEWS

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mountain Home Couple Plead Guilty to Charges in Connection with Obtaining COVID-19 Relief Funds

    Source: US FBI

    Fort Smith, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that James Read, age 44, and his wife, Crystal Payne, age 42, both of Mountain Home, Arkansas, pleaded guilty to charges stemming from their attempts to obtaining pandemic relief funds unlawfully.  The Honorable Judge P. K. Holmes III accepted the pleas in the U.S. District Court in Fort Smith.

    According to the plea agreement in his case, Read applied to the Small Business Administration for Payment Protection Program (PPP) funds, which, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, are forgivable loans intended for businesses struggling with essential expenses, such as payroll, during the pandemic. In that application, Read provided inflated wage and employee data about his business, SnowbirdBob LLC, and provided falsified tax documents. He further admitted to laundering the PPP loan proceeds by purchasing a new vehicle.

    Read also pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud for attempting to obtain unemployment benefits for himself and others in Louisiana. He falsely represented that he lived and worked in Louisiana to Louisiana’s state unemployment administrator.

    Payne pleaded guilty to a single count for false statements made in her own PPP loan application.

    Read and Payne’s sentencings will be later determined by the court, following the U.S. Probation Office’s completion of a presentence investigation.Based on his guilty plea, the maximum penalties Read faces include imprisonment for up to 30 years and a fine of up to $1,000,000.  Payne faces up to five years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.

    The PPP allows qualifying small-businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of 1%. PPP loan proceeds must be used by businesses on payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal on the PPP loan to be forgiven if the business spends the loan proceeds on these expense items within a designated period of time after receiving the proceeds and uses at least a certain percentage of the PPP loan proceeds on payroll expenses. 

    The CARES Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.

    The case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), and the Small Business Administration Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Hunter Bridges is prosecuting the case for the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Convicts Florida Woman on Four Counts of Wire Fraud for Operating Illegal Debt Collection Businesses

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal jury has convicted Angela Burdorf, 44, of New Port Richey, Florida of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Franz M. Wright and Aaron J. Mango, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that between March 2016 and May 2017, Burdorf conspired with others to operate various illegitimate debt collection businesses in Western New York, from Kenmore, Buffalo, Lackawanna, to the Town of Niagara. The businesses employed fraudulent means to collect on debts, to re-collect on debts already collected, to over-collect on debts actually owed, and to process and transfer payments related to the collection of such debts. Burdorf’s businesses, and the businesses she associated with, used false and threatening statements during collection telephone calls in an effort to induce the payment of debts, including referencing criminal statutes, and threatening to file criminal complaints and/or arrest warrants. Debtors were routinely routed to employees who posed as attorneys during the calls, in order to intimidate debtors and collect payment.

    The verdict is the result of an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Fattorusso; the Federal Matthew Miraglia; and the United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward.

    Sentencing is scheduled for November 26, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara, who presided over the trial.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arizona Man Sentenced to 49 Months in Prison for $4.4 Million Conspiracy to Defraud IRS

    Source: US FBI

    NEWARK, N.J. – An Arizona man was sentenced today to 49 months in prison for conspiring to obtain over $4.4 million by defrauding the IRS, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

    Walid Khater, 38, of Mesa, Arizona, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to defraud the IRS. Walid Khater’s conspirator, Omar Khater, 33, of Fairfield, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty to the same charges and was sentenced on June 12, 2024, to 57 months in prison.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    Walid and Omar Khater were relatives who worked together and with others to steal victims’ identities, which they used to file false tax returns and fraudulently receive tax refunds from the IRS. They electronically submitted tax documents to the IRS falsely claiming that the individual taxpayers listed on those documents had earned certain income or won thousands – and in some cases millions – of dollars in gambling and lottery winnings. The false filings also claimed tax withholdings on the purported income or gambling winnings that entitled the tax filer to refund payments from the IRS.

    The Khaters and others typically submitted these fraudulent tax filings using the names and personal identifying information of individual taxpayers without their knowledge or permission. The fraudulent filings caused the IRS to pay lucrative tax refunds, totaling $4.49 million, which the Khaters and others directed to various bank accounts that they controlled.

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Martinotti sentenced Walid Khater to three years of supervised release and ordered restitution of $4.49 million.

    U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, and special agents of FBI-Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado with the investigation leading to the sentencing. He also thanked the NJ Transit Police.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Fatime Meka Cano of the Economic Crimes Unit and Katherine M. Romano of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Albuquerque Warns of Government Impersonation Scams

    Source: US FBI

    The FBI Albuquerque Field Office is issuing a public warning about Government Impersonation scams.

    The FBI, along with other federal, state, local, and tribal partners, is working to investigate cases in which scammers are using advanced spoofing scams to steal the public’s hard-earned money.

    According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), there have been Nationwide reported losses of more than $33 million due to Government Impersonation scams from January through November 2024. While these scams are not new, they have become more advanced and involve networks of criminals. These schemes could be multi-layered and may last several weeks to months until victims realize they are being scammed and their financial accounts have been depleted.

    Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the FBI Albuquerque Division said, “While the FBI does not want the public to ignore calls that appear to come from law enforcement, be aware that neither the FBI nor any other legitimate law enforcement agency will ever demand cash or gift cards from you or ask you to move your money into an account for safe keeping.”

    Below describes how this scam is typically carried out:

    • Scammers claim to be personnel from the FBI, IRS, U.S. Marshal Service, Secret Service, or other federal agencies or local law enforcement agencies. The scammers “spoof” or fake where they are calling from, so it appears to the victim that they are calling from a legitimate agency.
    • Victims are threatened that a warrant for their arrest has been issued, that they are being implicated in a crime, that their Social Security number is suspended, or that they are simply under investigation and that they must pay a fee or fine to avoid detention.
    • These scammers often demand that the victim act quickly, not get off the phone, and threaten or scare the victim into believing that they will be arrested imminently.
    • Subsequently, some of these scams are much more elaborate, with multiple scammers spoofing different agencies to draw the victim into the scheme. Oftentimes the scammer will send fake documents on what appears to be U.S. Government letterhead to further legitimize the scam and involvement of multiple people.
    • Scammers may also provide victims with phone numbers to call, which lead to an associate of the scammer. This person may tell the victim that they can fix the problem, but that their financial accounts have been “hacked” and the victim should move their money to a secure account number provided by the scammers.
    • The victim is commonly instructed to withdraw money from their bank account and transfer via wire transfer, or deposit into a cryptocurrency kiosk or ATM, or instructed to purchase gift cards and then provide the card information to the fraud actor. Recently, scammers are requesting the victim purchase gold or other precious metals for a courier to pick up.

    A variation of this scam was recently reported in New Mexico:

    A victim received a call from a scammer stating that he worked with The U.S. Marshal Service (USMS) and informed the victim that his social security number had be implicated in a money laundering operation. Following the initial contact, the victim received a subsequent call from a spoofed phone number appearing to be from the local Police Department, this caller confirmed that the victim was in fact under investigation and that he should follow the instructions given by the supposed Marshal. The victim was instructed to withdraw funds from his bank account and deposit them into an ATM. At the time of this scam the ATM was out of service, so the scammer sent someone to pick up the funds from the victim’s residence.

    Tips to Protect Yourself:

    • Know that the U.S. Government and Law Enforcement agencies will not email you or call you unsolicited. Nor will they ever request that you wire money or cryptocurrency, send precious metals, or purchase gift cards to avoid detention or to mitigate an alleged issue with your finances or digital devices.
    • Slow down before taking action. Scammers oftentimes depend on victims to make quick decisions.
    • Always look up your local or federal law enforcement office’s phone number on your own and contact them directly. Do not call the number provided by the caller or allow them to transfer you.
    • Never give out your personal information, including banking information, Social Security number, or other personally identifiable information over the phone to individuals you do not know.
    • Do not click on unsolicited popups, links through text messages, or email links and attachments.
    • Do not contact unknown numbers provided to you in these communications.
    • Do not authorize unknown individuals access to your computer.
    • Do not meet with unknown individuals to deliver cash or precious metals.
    • Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as officials soliciting donations or demanding payment.

    If you suspect you are a victim of this or any scam, immediately end communications with the subjects and contact law enforcement.

    • If you feel that you are in imminent danger, call 911
    • Contact your financial institution immediately upon suspecting or discovering a fraudulent transfer
    • Report to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov
    • Submit a complaint to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bronx Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Filing Tens of Thousands of False Tax Returns Causing $145 Million in Fraudulent Tax Loss

    Source: US FBI

    Rafael Alvarez Perpetrated and Oversaw One of the Largest Ever Tax Frauds by a Return Preparer

    Edward Y. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the guilty plea of RAFAEL ALVAREZ, a/k/a “the Magician,” to a two-count Superseding Information charging ALVAREZ with one count of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and steal government funds and one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false and fraudulent U.S. individual income tax return.  The charges arise from ALVAREZ’s orchestration of a decade-long, $145 million tax fraud scheme to file tens of thousands of federal individual income tax returns that included false information designed to fraudulently reduce the individuals’ tax burden.  As part of today’s guilty plea, Alvarez agreed to pay the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) $145 million in restitution and forfeit over $11.84 million in fraudulent proceeds he received from his criminal conduct.  ALVAREZ pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim said: “Rafael Alvarez became known as ‘the Magician’ by his customers for his supposed ability to make their tax burden disappear.  But, as today’s guilty plea shows, there was no magic to what Alvarez was doing – he was committing a serious federal crime by falsifying tens of thousands of tax returns and, in the process, depriving the IRS of $145 million in tax revenue.  Today’s guilty plea, in one of the largest ever tax frauds by a return preparer, should serve as an important reminder to tax professionals that this Office will vigorously investigate and prosecute tax offenses.”

    As alleged in the Indictment and Superseding Information and statements made in public filings and court proceedings:

    From at least in or about 2010, up to and including in or about 2020, ALVAREZ was the CEO, owner, and manager of ATAX New York, LLC, also doing business as ATAX New York-Marble Hill, ATAX Marble Hill, ATAX Marble Hill NY, and ATAX Corporation (together, “ATAX”).  ATAX was a high-volume tax preparation company located in the Bronx, New York, which prepared approximately 90,000 federal income tax returns for its customers during this period.  ALVAREZ both prepared tax returns for ATAX customers and recruited, supervised, and directed other ATAX personnel who in turn prepared tax returns for customers.  During this period, ALVAREZ oversaw a sweeping fraudulent scheme, whereby he and his employees submitted false information to the IRS in ATAX customers’ tax returns. This false information, which included, among other things, bogus itemized tax deductions, made-up capital losses, phony business expenses, and fraudulent tax credits, served to fraudulently reduce the customers’ tax liability and increase the customers’ tax refunds from the IRS.

    In total, ALVAREZ oversaw ATAX’s fraudulent submission of tax returns on behalf of customers that deprived the IRS of $145 million in tax revenue.  ALVAREZ was so consistent at falsifying ATAX customer tax returns that he became known to ATAX’s customers as “the Magician.”  Additionally, ALVAREZ agreed as part of his plea agreement that he was a leader of the scheme and attempted to obstruct or impede the administration of justice with respect to the investigation of the tax fraud scheme when he and an ATAX employee made false statements to an IRS Revenue Agent.  ALVAREZ’s operation of ATAX helped the company generate approximately $12 million in fraudulent proceeds over the duration of the fraud.

    *                *                *

    ALVAREZ, 61, of Cortland Manor, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and steal government funds, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false and fraudulent U.S. individual income tax return, which carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison.  ALVAREZ is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Oetken on April 11, 2025.   

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

    Mr. Kim praised the outstanding investigative work of the IRS, Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration in this case.

    This case is being handled by the Office’s Illicit Finance and Money Laundering Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney David R. Felton is in charge of the prosecution. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Executive of Airline and Co-Conspirator Sentenced in a Money Laundering Conspiracy

    Source: US FBI

    Edward Y. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that SHUKHRATJON MIRSAIDOV and SHUKHRAT ABDULLAEV were sentenced to one year and a day and 24 months in prison, respectively, for their roles in operating a money laundering scheme from June 2019 to February 2022, using the U.S. bank account of an international airline (“Airline-1”) with a hub at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, where MIRSAIDOV was the lead U.S.-based executive.  U.S. District Judge Loretta A. Preska imposed MIRSAIDOV’s sentence today and ABDULLAEV’s sentence on September 4, 2024, following the defendants’ guilty pleas to conspiracy to commit money laundering. 

    Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim said: “For years Shukhratjon Mirsaidov and Shukrat Abdullaev engaged in a scheme to launder healthcare fraud proceeds through the accounts of an international airline in order to conceal the illicit nature of these funds.  Laundering schemes that use real businesses to conceal crime proceeds are often particularly difficult for law enforcement to detect.  This case demonstrates that this Office will continue to root out money laundering, no matter how sophisticated, wherever it occurs and that those responsible will be held to full account.”  

    According to allegations in the Indictment, the criminal Complaint, public filings, and statements made in court: 

    In the course of the money laundering conspiracy, MIRSAIDOV and ABDULLAEV used a U.S. company bank account for Airline-1 (the “Airline-1 Bank Account”) to operate a check-cashing scheme and to launder hundreds of thousands of dollars of healthcare fraud proceeds.  As a senior executive, MIRSAIDOV was one of two signatories for the Airline-1 Bank Account.  Between approximately June 2019 and August 2021, MIRSAIDOV deposited into the Airline-1’s Bank Account over 100 checks drawn from accounts controlled by seven shell companies that were used to launder the proceeds of healthcare fraud.  For example, the shell companies had received insurance payments for medical services purportedly provided by a doctor, but the doctor did not, in fact, provide such services.  The shell companies were primarily funded by payments from medical clinics, physicians, and medical diagnostic testing companies and had no relation whatsoever to the airline industry. 

    MIRSAIDOV obtained the checks from the shell companies from ABDULLAEV, who was not an employee of Airline-1 and who obtained the checks from the perpetrators of the healthcare fraud scheme.  MIRSAIDOV and ABDULLAEV collected cash generated from Airline-1 ticket sales and fees, and instead of depositing that cash into Airline-1’s bank account, used the cash to illegally cash the shell company checks.  ABDULLAEV gave the cash generated from the airline ticket sales and fees to the perpetrators controlling the shell companies.

    MIRSAIDOV and ABDULLAEV not only used the Airline-1 Bank Account to launder healthcare fraud proceeds from the shell companies, but also used the Airline-1 Bank Account to launder funds represented to be fraud proceeds in a series of sting transactions.  Between approximately June 2021 and February 2022, law enforcement, with the assistance of a confidential source (“CS-1”), conducted a series of sting money laundering transactions involving MIRSAIDOV, ABDULLAEV, and the Airline-1 Bank Account.  CS-1 asked ABDULLAEV to cash checks and transmit funds abroad and agreed to pay ABDULLAEV a four percent fee to do so.  ABDULLAEV told CS-1 a portion of the fee went to MIRSAIDOV.  During the transactions, CS-1 represented to ABDULLAEV that the funds were healthcare fraud proceeds.  Overall, CS-1 provided ABDULLAEV with 14 checks totaling $210,000 issued from a covert law enforcement account held in the name of a fictitious company.  MIRSAIDOV, working with ABDULLAEV, deposited 12 of the checks totaling $190,000 into the Airline-1 Bank Account.  CS-1 received cash from ABDULLAEV in exchange for the checks, and in one instance, ABDULLAEV coordinated the delivery of U.S. currency to an individual abroad in exchange for some of the checks.  During the course of these sting transactions, in a recorded conversation with CS-1, MIRSAIDOV admitted, in sum and substance, that he received many checks from ABDULLAEV and that MIRSAIDOV gave ABDULLAEV cash in exchange for the checks.  CS-1 informed MIRSAIDOV, in sum and substance, that the checks from CS-1 came from a medical company and that the company disguised the check payments in its financial reporting by claiming the check deposits were for business class flight tickets.  MIRSAIDOV nevertheless expressed a willingness to work directly with CS-1 to conduct check cashing using the Airline-1 Bank Account.       

    Participants in the underlying healthcare fraud scheme who laundered their crime proceeds with the assistance of MIRSAIDOV and ABDULLAEV using the Airline-1 Bank Account have been charged by this Office in U.S. v. Tariverdi, et al, No. 24 Cr. 599 (JPO).

    *                *                *

    In addition to the prison sentence, MIRSAIDOV, 46, of Fort Lee, New Jersey, was ordered to pay forfeiture in the amount of $674,171.  ABDULLAEV, 39, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay forfeiture in the amount of $704,171.   

    Mr. Kim praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

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

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Federal Charges, Including a Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act Violation, for Threatening a Reproductive Health Services Clinic

    Source: US FBI

    An Ohio man pleaded guilty today to a misdemeanor charge under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which prohibits a person from intentionally interfering with or intimidating any person because that person is providing reproductive health services. Mohamed Waes, 33, of Columbus, also pleaded guilty to felony charges of communicating interstate threats and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 5, 2022, Waes intentionally interfered with and intimidated employees of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio by threatening over the phone to burn down their building because they were providing reproductive health services.

    “Threatening to burn down facilities that provide reproductive health services is not just unlawful, it’s conduct that frightens and obstructs patients and providers of reproductive services,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to enforcing the FACE Act to protect all patients who seek reproductive health services and to protect all staff and facilities that provide these services.”

    “We will hold accountable individuals who make threats of force against health service providers and institutions,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio. “At the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we will do our part in charging those who break federal laws. As a society, we must handle our disagreements in a more civil way than threats of violence and intimidation.”

    “Mohamed Waes made a credible threat to commit violence and harm others,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Mimura of the FBI Cincinnati Field Office. “The FBI will continue to aggressively pursue civil rights violations and work with our partners to keep the community safe.”

    “Waes played a crucial role in a business email compromise scheme by attempting to launder nearly $2 million in fraud proceeds,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS:CI) Cincinnati Field Office. “IRS:CI remains committed to following the money and bringing those who launder illegal proceeds to justice.”

    According to court documents, Waes also conspired with others from on or about March 21, 2019, through on or about March 4, 2020, to launder funds using business email compromise (BEC) fraud schemes. As part of this conspiracy, scammers created fake email domains which mimicked legitimate email domains and then sent emails to various companies impersonating vendors and asking that payments be made on actual invoices to bank accounts controlled by Waes and others. Waes attempted to launder a total of $1,972,792.84 in BEC proceeds, of which he successfully laundered $273,982.08.

    A sentencing hearing will be set at a later date. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI Cincinnati Field Office and IRS:CI investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Rausch and Peter Glenn-Applegate for the Southern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Daniel Grunert of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Huron Man Charged With More Than $2.5 Million in COVID-19 Relief Fraud

    Source: US FBI

    TOLEDO – A federal grand jury in Toledo returned an indictment on February 7, 2024, charging Daniel R. Hitlan, of Huron, Ohio, with three counts of bank fraud and five counts of money laundering related to filing false applications for Paycheck Protection Program loans.

    The indictment charges that between April 14, 2020 and May 13, 2020, Hitlan submitted three false PPP loan applications and received funding totaling $2,578,318.  Hitlan applied for the loans using two businesses that he owned: Sailor Sales, LLC and Daniel Robert Hitlan.  Hitlan applied for the loans at three separate banks.  In each instance, he falsely stated the number of employees for the businesses and claimed to have payroll expenses when in fact the businesses had no payroll expenses.  Hitlan supported the PPP loan applications by creating and submitting fictitious payroll documents and payroll forms with his application. 

    It is further alleged that Hitlan used the proceeds to conduct several financial transactions to include a check for $88,811.27 for the purchase of a 2020 Cadillac Escalade, another check for $48,232.63 for the purchase of a 1968 Chevrolet Corvette, two wires for the purchase of real estate in the amounts of $179,013.97 and $248,423.89, and a debit card transaction for $20,000 to a jeweler for the purchase of Rolex watches. 

    An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

    The investigation was conducted by IRS–Criminal Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gene Crawford.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Largest Ukraine trade mission boosts UK defence partnerships

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Largest Ukraine trade mission boosts UK defence partnerships

    Largest multinational Ukraine trade mission boosts defence partnerships for British business

    • The UK led its largest-ever trade mission to Ukraine, with 51 defence companies taking part.
    • The mission brought together UK industry and likeminded European nations to secure contracts and boost high-skilled jobs across the UK.
    • Trade missions help strengthen national security, the foundation of the Plan for Change, and open up opportunities for our world class defence sector.

    A record 51 UK and international companies joined the fifth UK-Ukraine trade mission in Kyiv this week, making it the largest British-led trade delegation to Ukraine to date.

    Participating companies from across the defence economy specialising in areas like uncrewed systems and military goods are securing contracts which will boost high-skilled jobs in regions across the country, supporting the government’s Plan for Change.

    This week’s mission brought together leading UK defence firms to deepen cooperation with Ukrainian industry and partners from Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland and Latvia. This collaboration is vital in demonstrating a united multinational industrial front with European allies, scaling up support for Ukraine’s defence needs and strengthening supply chain resilience with international partners.

    This latest mission is a significant step in the UK’s 100 Year Partnership with Ukraine, reinforcing the UK’s long-term support for Ukraine’s defence, security and recovery and drawing on the collective industrial capacity and capability of European allies.

    Defence is a key growth sector in the Government’s upcoming modern Industrial Strategy and a prime example of how Government and industry can work together to aid our allies and boost UK security.

    Lord Coaker, Defence Minister said:

    Working with the Netherlands, Norway, and Ukraine we’re building resilient supply chains, putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position to achieve a just and lasting peace for years to come.

    The UK is continuing to lead the way on support for Ukraine, from military support to leading the Ukraine Defence Contact Group where since the UK took the chair nearly £23bn has been pledged in military support for Ukraine.

    Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS said:

    It is a privilege for industry to lead the UK in engagement both within Ukraine and with our Ukrainian counterparts. Indeed, this week’s trade mission – the most multinational of its kind to date – has been nothing but inspiring.

    The UK defence industry’s support to Ukraine is unwavering and stands ready to increase production capacity, develop innovative new capabilities, and build a resilient ecosystem. 

    Continued collaboration, both with our government counterparts and international allies, is pivotal as illegal Russian aggression continues to intensify. We will continue to deepen our industrial ties and fulfil our moral duty to the Ukrainian people.

    Marte Gerhardsen, Norwegian State Secretary said:

    European allies needs to stand together with Ukraine for as long as it takes. We work closely with Ukraine the UK and other European countries. The Russian aggression against Ukraine continues, and the need to rapidly strengthen Ukrainian and European defence capabilities are apparent.

    The security situation demands that we innovate and adapt. We need to ensure that our industries can meet the growing demands from our governments and armed forces.

    One of the purposes of the visit is to facilitate the establishment of projects and collaborations by more Norwegian companies in Ukraine. I am pleased to see how Norwegian companies work with Ukrainian partners to scale up productions.

    The mission follows the new UK-EU Security & Defence Partnership that was agreed on Monday, which could lead to significant opportunities for the UK’s world-leading defence industries, generating more high-skilled jobs across all regions of the UK.

    By joining forces with our European partners, the UK is strengthening its own defence industry while contributing directly to Ukraine’s long-term resilience.

    Background:

    • JEF nations represented on this mission include: Norway, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, and Latvia
    • DBT and MOD working closely together through the cross-government Task Force HIRST to drive increases in UK, Ukrainian and allies’ industrial capacity to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as domestic military resilience. It has recently secured a £1.6bn deal for air defence missiles for Ukraine.
    • The UK is fully committed to working with allies to step up support to ensure Ukraine remains in the strongest possible position, which is why £4.5 billion of military support will be provided this year – more than ever before.
    • Defence already supports 434,000 jobs and is an engine for growth. The Government’s new Defence Industrial Strategy will make sure national security and a high-growth economy are aligned and delivering on our promise to crack down on waste and boost Britain’s defence industry.
    • This week’s mission builds on the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Oslo Summit held earlier this month, highlighting the UK’s growing cooperation with European partners on defence and security.

    Share this page

    The following links open in a new tab

    • Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)
    • Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Newark Businessman Admits Bribing Former Newark Deputy Mayor and Director of Newark Department of Economic and Housing Development

    Source: US FBI

    NEWARK, N.J. – A Newark business owner today admitted bribing a former city official in exchange for that official’s assistance in acquiring and redeveloping Newark-owned properties, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

    Irwin Sablosky, 64, of Springfield, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court to two counts of an indictment charging him with honest services fraud and bribery.

    “As he admitted in court, Irwin Sablosky provided cash and jewelry to Carmelo Garcia, a former Newark deputy mayor and director of the Newark Department of Economic and Housing Development in exchange for Garcia’s use of his influence to assist Sablosky’s acquisition of  various Newark-owned properties for redevelopment, defrauding the people of Newark of their right to the official’s honest services. He corrupted the public official’s independent judgment and violated the public trust for his own financial gain. Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to make sure that the people of New Jersey are protected from public officials whose greed overrides their sworn duty to serve the people and from the individuals who bribe those officials.”

    U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger

    “By bribing a government official, Mr. Sablosky undermined the best interests of his community and threatened the confidence its citizens have in those that take an oath to serve the public,” Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, IRS Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office, said. “IRS-CI is committed to fostering trust in the legal system and holding bad actors accountable.”

    “Irwin Sablosky’s selfish actions and severe abuse of power violated the public trust and risked jeopardizing the integrity of the federal process for fair and honest acquisitions of government owned properties to further his own self interests,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Vicky Vazquez with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General.  “HUD OIG remains steadfast in its commitment to working with our prosecutorial, law enforcement, and oversight partners to aggressively pursue individuals who engage in activities that threaten the integrity of HUD programs.”

    According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:

    Sablosky admitted bribing Garcia – who was also executive vice president and chief real estate officer of the Newark Community Economic Development Corporation (NCEDC) – in exchange for Garcia’s assistance with the acquisition and redevelopment of city-owned property.

    According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:

    From 2017 through April 2019, Sablosky, Frank Valvano Jr., and others provided significant monetary payments and other benefits to Garcia while he was serving as a high-level Newark official, and prior to that, as an executive officer of the NCEDC (now known as Invest Newark), in exchange for Garcia’s use of his official positions and influence within the city of Newark and the NCEDC to advance real estate development matters of interest to Sablosky and Valvano. These matters included obtaining preliminary designation letters for Sablosky and Valvano and securing Newark-approved redevelopment agreements (RDAs) that allowed them to purchase and acquire various Newark-owned properties for redevelopment, and to ensure that Garcia did not use his influence and authority to act against their interests.In addition to cash, Sablosky and Valvano also gifted Garcia jewelry, including multiple high-end watches and chains, from their pawnbroker and jewelry business.

    Phone records and text messages obtained by law enforcement show extensive communication between Garcia, Valvano, Sablosky, and others throughout this period of time, including text messages in which Garcia arranged to personally collect cash provided by  Sablosky and Valvano. In one instance, in June 2018, Sablosky and Valvano, through an intermediary, supplied Garcia, then the city’s acting deputy mayor and director of the city’s DEHD, $25,000 in cash as part of the stream of bribes provided to Garcia.

    The honest services fraud charge in Count 18 of the indictment carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. The bribery charge in Count 26 carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. All charges are punishable by a fine of $250,000 or twice the amount of the pecuniary gain from the offense. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 20, 2025.

    Sablosky originally was charged by indictment in October 2021 with Valvano, 56, of Florham Park, New Jersey, and Garcia, 59, of Hoboken, New Jersey. Garcia previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the city of Newark and the NCEDC of Garcia’s honest services, honest services wire fraud, and receiving bribes in connection with the business of a federally funded local government and organization and awaiting sentencing. Valvano’s case is pending before Judge Arleo, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI’s Newark Field Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado; special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Piovesan, and special agents of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Vicky Vazquez, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

    The government is represented by Elaine K. Lou, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division, and Katherine J. Calle and Edeli Rivera of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Special Prosecutions Division.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Additional Defendant Pleads Guilty in $50 Million Ponzi Scheme Involving Off-the-Road Tires

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A New Jersey man who is alleged to have fled to Turkey has returned to the United States and pleaded guilty to his role in a nationwide, off-the-road tire sale fraud scheme that resulted in tens of millions of dollars of losses.

    Ahmet Neidik, 64, of Fort Lee, New Jersey, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to commit wire fraud.

    Neidik was the co-owner of, and ran the daily operations for, transportation, logistics and importing/exporting businesses. Some of the proceeds of the scheme were sent to businesses controlled by Neidik. Neidik would then wire money to the bank accounts of co-conspirators.

    It is alleged that John K. Eckerd, Jr., 58, of Dallas, is the leader of the multi-state conspiracy.

    Conspiring with previously convicted and sentenced defendant Jason E. Adkins, 46, of Jackson, Ohio, Eckerd and others orchestrated a $50 million Ponzi scheme that defrauded more than 50 investors.

    According to Eckerd’s indictment, from 2012 until at least in or around late 2018, Eckerd represented himself to potential investors as an entrepreneur and businessman with expertise in the market for off-the-road tires. Off-the-road tires are over-sized tires that are used on earth moving equipment and/or mining equipment. Eckerd had control of or access to many corporations allegedly used as part of the scheme.

    Co-conspirators allegedly solicited millions of dollars from investor-victims under false pretenses. Investors were told their money would be used to buy off-the-road tires at a steep discount, and that the tires would then be re-sold to a buyer at a much higher rate. Investors were promised a high percent rate of return on investment, generally within 180 days.

    It is alleged defendants rarely bought or sold tires, and when they did, they used the same tires as the basis for multiple deals, promising multiple investors that they each owned the same tires.

    Defendants corresponded with the potential investors face-to-face, as well as through a combination of phone calls, text messages, and, on occasion, emails. It is alleged they used private planes to showcase their inventory and appear wealthy and successful. Defendants also allegedly provided investors with elaborate, fraudulent paperwork regarding the purported deals. The co-conspirators requested large investments and loans, most to be funded through wire transfers.

    With his guilty plea, Neidik admitted to participating in the scheme. To give potential investors confidence in the tire deals, Eckerd and Adkins offered the services of a purportedly neutral third party to arrange shipment of the tires and/or hold investment funds in escrow until certain conditions were met in completing the deal. Neidik allowed Eckerd and Adkins to represent to investors that he was the neutral third party, and on some occasions, entered into escrow agreements with the investors.

    As part of his plea, Neidik has agreed to pay $370,000 in restitution for his part of the scheme.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation; and J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the guilty plea entered today before Chief U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Assistant United States Attorneys S. Courter Shimeall, Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and David J. Twombly are representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025
←Previous Page
1 … 76 77 78 79 80 … 268
Next Page→
NewzIntel.com

NewzIntel.com

MIL Open Source Intelligence

  • Blog
  • About
  • FAQs
  • Authors
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Patterns
  • Themes

Twenty Twenty-Five

Designed with WordPress