Three Iranian-Backed Operatives Indicted for Their Roles in Nearly 20 Terrorist Attacks and Attempted Attacks Across Europe and the United States

 

Most Recently, Iranian Operatives Orchestrated a Terrorist Plot at an Air Force Base in the United Kingdom

An eight-count superseding indictment was unsealed today charging Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, a dual Iranian-Iraqi national; Mohsen Mohajeri, an Iranian national; and Mohammad Ali al-Hassani, an Iraqi national, with terrorism-related offenses for their activities in support of Kata’ib Hizballah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), two U.S. designated foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs), including their involvement in nearly 20 attacks and attempted attacks throughout Europe and the United States, and a September 2026 terrorist plot at a British Royal Air Force Base in Fairford, United Kingdom, where American armed forces were stationed.

“Anyone who plans a terrorist plot on a military base housing American servicemembers will be prosecuted by the United States government,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The defendants listed in the indictment allegedly supported two foreign terrorist organizations, and al-Saadi allegedly coordinated with his co-defendants in the days leading up to the attempted terrorist plot. This Department of Justice will continue dismantling terrorist networks and protecting the American people from terrorist organizations.”

“This eight-count indictment shows the determination of Iran to commit terrorist attacks in Europe and the U.S., including one plot that was recently prevented at RAF Fairfield, a British Royal Air Force Base where American forces were stationed,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “According to the indictment, one of the subjects is behind bars awaiting trial yet he allegedly sent coded messages to assist in future acts of violence. To date, the subjects have been allegedly involved in nearly 20 attempted attacks throughout Europe and the United States in support of Kata’ib Hizballah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (“IRGC”), two U.S. designated foreign terrorist organizations. This FBI will use all our resources to detect and stop such terrorist attacks as we’ve done the last 21 months – with over 1,300 terrorists disrupted and nearly 7,000 Foreign Terrorist Organization related arrests, up 1,057%. All those who threaten our homeland will get the message – justice will find you.”

“Today marks a major disruption of an alleged global terrorism conspiracy,” said Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for National Security M. Scott Proctor. “No matter where they are in the world, the National Security Division of the Department of Justice will pursue those who target American citizens and American interests.  My thanks go out to the prosecutors and law enforcement partners for their work on this case.”

“As alleged, these defendants helped orchestrate a campaign of terror on behalf of terrorist organizations affiliated with Iran that targeted Jewish communities in Europe and the United States, and the British military base, RAF Fairford, housing American service members,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald for the Southern District of New York. “Even after one of their co-conspirators was arrested and placed in federal custody, the defendants allegedly continued coordinating terrorist activity through coded communications and a network of associates overseas. The threat presented by Iran and Iran-backed terrorist groups to America and our allies is not hypothetical — it is very real. Our Office will not stop working to address and disrupt this threat, and to prosecute those responsible.”  

According to the allegations contained in the superseding indictment and other court filings: Al-Saadi, Mohsen Mohajeri, and al-Hassani allegedly conspired to commit terrorist attacks in Europe and the United States on behalf of an Iran-aligned terrorist network, which included the IRGC and Kata’ib Hizballah, both of which are FTOs. Most recently, in approximately September 2026, al-Hassani allegedly orchestrated a terrorist plot at a British Royal Air Force Base (RAF Fairford) in Fairford, United Kingdom (the “RAF Fairford Terrorist Plot”), which at the time of the attempted attack, housed U.S. military aircraft and personnel. 

Al-Hassani and Mohajeri, both of whom were in Iran at the time of the RAF Fairford Terrorist Plot, allegedly relied on a network of contacts in the United Kingdom. Al-Saadi, who was imprisoned and awaiting trial on pending terrorism charges in the Southern District of New York, attempted to coordinate with al-Hassani and Mohajeri from jail by passing coded messages through third parties.

Al-Saadi, a longtime operative of the IRGC and Kata’ib Hizballah, was charged in May for working with and on behalf of the IRGC and Kata’ib Hizballah, as well as other FTOs, for his involvement in planning and promoting approximately 18 terrorist attacks in Europe; and for attempting to bomb a synagogue in New York. The picture below shows al-Saadi in front of an array of machineguns in a conference room with a map of the United States on the wall next to a list of “legitimate targets” (redacted here) identifying former and current U.S. officials. 

2024 Photo of al-Saadi in a conference room with guns and map of U.S. and targets (redacted).

As alleged, among the individuals with whom al-Saadi worked to facilitate and carry out the European Terrorist Attacks were Mohajeri and al-Hassani. Mohajeri is an Iranian national and operative of the IRGC who coordinated with al-Saadi and al-Hassani to carry out those terrorist attacks with the IRGC’s backing. Al-Hassani, who is originally from Iraq, used his contacts and criminal associates to carry out terrorist attacks in the United Kingdom.

The European Terrorist Attacks were carried out in the name of a purportedly new terrorist group with the pseudonym Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (HAYI), which is a front for Kata’ib Hizballah and other FTOs. Of the 18 terrorist attacks in the spring of 2026 for which HAYI claimed responsibility in Europe, seven took place in the United Kingdom, the most of any European country. The attacks involved arsons, explosives, and in one instance, a near-fatal stabbing in London of two Jewish men, including a dual U.S.-British citizen.

Al-Saadi, Mohajeri, and Al-Hassani were allegedly personally involved in planning many of the European Terrorist Attacks, and al-Saadi and Mohajeri helped create and publish online propaganda videos of these attacks. For example, on or about April 6, Mohajeri and al-Hassani planned attacks while together in a room in Iraq with a map of London displayed on a computer screen. In a video of that meeting, al-Hassani told Mohajeri, “we need to get focused on London.”  An image of the video is below, with Mohajeri on the right and al-Hassani on the left. HAYI then claimed responsibility for six terrorist attacks that occurred in and around London starting approximately one week later.

Image from an April video that showed al-Hassani (left) and Mohajeri (right) meeting to plan terrorist attacks.

On or about April 17, al-Saadi, al-Hassani, and Mohajeri allegedly directed an individual to carry out one of the European Terrorist Attacks in real time. Specifically, al-Saadi, al-Hassani, and Mohajeri, along with others, were in a room watching a FaceTime video with the individual who was carrying out the attack, which was projected onto a large screen against the background of the HAYI logo. Al-Hassani directed the perpetrators’ actions, including by instructing the individual on the other end of the call to execute the attack and directing that individual to take a lighter and “light one in your hand,” “light it,” and “throw the fourth one.” Al-Saadi recorded the attack in real time, while Mohajeri recorded al-Hassani and al-Saadi in the room as they directed the attack. A still image from Mohajeri’s recording, showing al-Saadi (circled in red) and al-Hassani (circled in green), as they directed and filmed the attack, is below.

Image from an April video showing al-Saadi (circled in red) and al-Hassani (circled in green), as they direct and film a terrorist attack in Europe.

The next day, on or about April 18, al-Hassani participated in another video call with an individual carrying out an attack on a synagogue in London, with the HAYI logo projected on the background of al-Hassani’s screen. During the video call, al-Hassani directed the individual to “light it up like a Christmas tree.” The person on the video then lit an improvised explosive device and threw it at a building. An image from the video is shown below.

Image from an April video of an attack on a London synagogue.

In March and April — overlapping with the time that al-Saadi was co-located in Iraq with Mohajeri and al-Hassani, planning the European Terrorist Attacks — al-Saadi allegedly attempted to coordinate and carry out terrorist attacks in the United States, including by targeting a synagogue in Manhattan.

On or about May 1, following the European Terrorist Attacks, al-Saadi was arrested abroad and subsequently transferred to the custody of the United States to face prosecution. Al-Saadi has been in federal custody since his arrival in the United States. For approximately four months following al-Saadi’s arrest, there were no additional attacks attributable to al-Saadi, Mohajeri, and al-Hassani. 

In August, however, al-Hassani allegedly directed and paid associates in the United Kingdom to conduct preparatory steps and arrange logistics for the RAF Fairford Terrorist Plot. On Aug. 22, al-Hassani paid one individual (Individual-1) to perform pre-operational surveillance of RAF Fairford’s perimeter and al-Hassani subsequently received videos of the area surrounding the base. In later communications with al-Hassani, Individual-1 referred to him as “Ali.” 

In September, al-Hassani also tasked and paid several individuals to help him prepare for the plot, including by procuring vans and barrels of fuel, researching the purchase of chemical accelerants, including large quantities of potassium chloride, and purchasing metallic objects that could be used as explosive shrapnel. At al-Hassani’s urging, those individuals commissioned custom decals that they affixed to the vans to create the appearance that they were used by a fuel delivery business and a swimming pool supply business.

On Sept. 26, al-Hassani allegedly tasked individuals to drive three vans, some of which were later determined to contain barrels of fuel, to the RAF Fairford base. That day, al-Hassani was in frequent communication with the van drivers, helping to coordinate their movements and directing them where to drive. At least two of the three vans, while en route to the perimeter of RAF Fairford, encountered a security roadblock and were not allowed to proceed on their intended route. Al-Hassani communicated with the drivers and occupants of the vans both before and after encountering the security checkpoint. In the early morning hours of Sept. 27, law enforcement authorities in the United Kingdom recovered three white vans to which the fuel delivery business logos were affixed and arrested the occupants.

While in prison in New York awaiting trial, al-Saadi has had phone calls with his immediate family members located in Iraq. As alleged, al-Saadi used those calls to pass coded messages to Mohajeri and al-Hassani in the days leading up to the RAF Fairford Terrorist Plot.

For example, in June and July, al-Saadi allegedly spoke with his mother and sister about Mohajeri. During those calls, they referred to Mohajeri by various aliases, including “Abbas, Abu Daniel” and “Sayyid Abbas.”  Al-Saadi also told his family members that he owed money to Mohajeri and directed them to pass along messages to Mohajeri about “work,” a term al-Saadi regularly used to describe terrorist activity, including on social media posts and in discussions with Mohajeri about partnering to conduct terrorist attacks. On one of those calls, al-Saadi also asked his sister, “What are they doing about all our old work?” and asked her whether it had been cancelled or just put on pause. Al-Saadi’s sister responded that “it isn’t cancelled.”

On or about Sept. 24, al-Saadi once again spoke with his immediate family by phone. On the call, al-Saadi allegedly inquired about how al-Hassani, whom al-Saadi referred to as “Ali,” was doing. Al-Saadi’s family informed al-Saadi that “Ali” had been transferred to the “International Section.”  Al-Saadi then allegedly instructed his family to “give him [al-Hassani] money so we can do it.”  As described above, three days later, al-Hassani orchestrated the RAF Fairford Terrorist Plot.

Al-Saadi, 32, is a citizen of Iraq and Iran. Mohajeri, 48, is a citizen of Iran. Al-Hassani, 35, is a citizen of Iraq. A chart containing the names, charges, and minimum and maximum penalties for the defendants is set forth below.

The Justice Department praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the NYPD, and over 50 other federal, state, and local agencies, and the FBI Washington Field Office, Counterterrorism Division, as well as the assistance of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterterrorism Section, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the NYPD, the New York State Police, and the Department of State.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey W. Coyle, Sarah L. Kushner, David J. Robles, and Chelsea L. Scism for the Southern District of New York are prosecuting the case, with assistance from James Donnelly and Paul Casey of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

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

Charge	Defendants	Minimum and Maximum Penalties
Count One: Conspiring to provide material support to Kata’ib Hizballah, a foreign terrorist organization	AL-SAADI MOHAJERI AL-HASSANI	Maximum: 20 years in prison
Count Two: Conspiring to provide material support to the IRGC, a foreign terrorist organization	AL-SAADI MOHAJERI AL-HASSANI	Maximum: 20 years in prison
Count Three: Conspiring to provide material support for acts of terrorism	AL-SAADI MOHAJERI AL-HASSANI	Maximum: 15 years in prison
Count Four: Providing material support for acts of terrorism	AL-SAADI MOHAJERI AL-HASSANI	Maximum: 15 years in prison
Count Five: Attempted acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries	AL-SAADI	Maximum: Life in prison
Count Six: Conspiring to bomb a place of public use	AL-SAADI MOHAJERI AL-HASSANI	Maximum: Life in prison
Count Seven: Attempted destruction of property by means of fire or explosive	AL-SAADI	Minimum: 5 years in prison Maximum: 20 years in prison
Count Eight: Financing terrorism	AL-SAADI MOHAJERI AL-HASSANI	Maximum: 20 years in prison

Idaho Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS in Plot to Attack Churches

 

Alexander Scott Mercurio, 21, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, was sentenced today to 18 years in prison and lifetime supervised release by U.S. District Judge David C. Nye of the District of Idaho for attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

According to court records, Mercurio planned to incapacitate his father with a metal pipe and take his firearms to use in a mass casualty attack on Idaho churches in the name of ISIS. Mercurio also planned to use flame-covered weapons, explosives, knives, and a machete in the attacks. A search of his house revealed that he had butane canisters, lighters, a pair of handcuffs, a knife, and a machete, as well as several firearms belonging to his father. Days before the planned attack, Mercurio stood before an ISIS flag holding a knife and pledged his allegiance to ISIS. The FBI arrested him on April 6, 2024, one day before his planned attack. In addition to his plot to attack Idaho churches, in early 2023, he created an online repository for pro-ISIS content with the purpose of spreading the doctrine of the Islamic State.

“America’s founders wanted our Nation to be a place where the faithful of any denomination could exercise their religious beliefs freely and without fear of violence,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for National Security M. Scott Proctor. “Alexander Scott Mercurio planned to attack that fundamental freedom by bringing death and destruction to several churches. This sentence shows that the Department of Justice will relentlessly investigate, pursue, and prosecute those who would terrorize and murder Americans for exercising their religious rights.”

“The sentencing of Mercurio today sends the clear message that where individuals intend to pursue acts of terrorism against the United States – whether in Coeur d’Alene, or any other community – they will be brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney John C. Shirts for the District of Idaho. “Protecting our communities from terrorist activity is always the number one priority of this office and the Department of Justice. I commend the investigation by the FBI, as well as the valuable assistance provided by the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and the Ada County Sheriff’s Office.”

“With today’s sentencing, this individual is being held accountable for pledging allegiance to ISIS and planning an attack on U.S. soil,” said Assistant Director Jarod Brown of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “The FBI works tirelessly to detect and prevent acts of terrorism in order to protect the American people. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement and Justice Department partners to make sure anyone who participates in terrorist acts faces justice.”

The case was investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force with assistance from the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and the Ada County Sheriff’s Office.

BRONX MAN INDICTED ON MURDER CHARGE FOR KILLING 59-YEAR-OLD MAN ON SUBWAY TRAIN

 

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced today that Jyrell Thomas has been indicted on murder and weapon possession charges for fatally stabbing 59-year-old Mesias Lojano on September 30 onboard a J train. Thomas allegedly produced a knife and randomly targeted Lojano, stabbing him multiple times as the train approached Woodhaven station. The defendant fled the train, was chased by good Samaritans and apprehended by police shortly after the incident.

District Attorney Katz said: “This defendant was indicted for taking the life of a hard-working father and grandfather who was simply trying to get home from work.  Commuters deserve to use our transit system without fear, and we will aggressively prosecute those who cause harm and mayhem on our subways. Our thoughts remain with Mesias Lojano’s family as we seek justice on his behalf.”

Thomas, 25, of the Bronx, was arraigned today on an indictment charging him with murder in the second degree and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree.

Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael Yavinksy remanded the defendant and ordered him to return to court January 26, 2027. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

District Attorney Katz said that, according to the indictment and investigation, on September 30, at approximately 5 p.m., Jyrell Thomas boarded a Queens-bound J train at the Broadway Junction station in Brooklyn.

At approximately 5:15 p.m., as the subway approached the elevated platform at Woodhaven train station near the intersection of Woodhaven Boulevard and Jamaica Avenue, Thomas screamed, allegedly produced a knife and repeatedly stabbed Mesias Lojano with whom he had no prior connection. The defendant’s knife broke in two pieces while stabbing Lojano, and the defendant then allegedly produced a second knife from his sleeve, chased the victim across the train car and continued stabbing him.

When the subway doors opened, Thomas ran and dropped his weapon. Fellow subway passengers chased after the defendant.  Responding NYPD officers apprehended Thomas two blocks from the subway station.

Police later recovered two kitchen knives — one broken knife left in the subway car and a second kitchen knife with blood on its blade allegedly dropped down the subway stairs by Thomas as he fled.

Lojano was taken to a local hospital and was pronounced deceased with stab wounds to his chest, neck, lip and back.

The investigation was conducted by Detective Frank Lasala of the 102nd Detective Squad.

New York City Council to Hold Major Oversight Hearing on Campus Safety Amid Sexual Assault Cases in New York State

 

Speaker Menin Calls on Ten New York City College and University Leaders to Testify Under Oath

Today, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin announced that the Council will convene a major oversight hearing on December 15. It will call on presidents from ten of New York City’s largest colleges and universities to testify under oath about the institutional measures taken to protect students from sexual misconduct. Through its efforts, the Council has set a national blueprint of how local governments can demand transparency and accountability from powerful institutions.

“New York City is the largest college town in the country, with over half a million students pursuing their education across all five boroughs, yet recent incidents have raised deeply troubling questions about student safety,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “The City Council will not wait for another tragedy before taking action to protect students from sexual assault and violence. Our colleges and universities have a fundamental responsibility to keep students safe, support survivors, and ensure accountability. This hearing is a critical first step toward examining where our institutions may be falling short so that every student can pursue their education in a safe and supportive environment.”

The Council has invited Jennifer Mnookin, President, Columbia University; Linda Mills, President, New York University; Felix V. Matos Rodriguez, Chancellor, City University of New York (CUNY); Tania Tetlow, President, Fordham University; Reverend Brian J. Shanley, President, St. John’s University; Marvin Krislov, President, Pace University; Dr. Alan Kadish, President, Touro University; Joel Towers, President, The New School; Susan L. Parish, President, Mercy College; and Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, Yeshiva University.

“Sexual violence is far too common on college campuses. More than one in four women will experience it as undergraduates,” said Council Member Rita Joseph, Chair of the Committee on Higher Education. “As the facts of the case at Cornell University come to light, the New York City Council must examine not only the policies and procedures of our higher education institutions, but also how they implement them. Women deserve to learn in an environment free from harassment and assault. There is much work ahead, and I am proud to join Speaker Menin in taking this first step.”

The hearing takes place in the wake of sexual assault incidents at New York’s Cornell University and Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), which have sparked national outrage and a contentious debate on the effectiveness of Title IX policies.

In 2024, college campuses nationwide reported over 30,000 incidents of sexual and dating violence to the U.S. Department of Education. One in four women enrolled in an undergraduate program experiences some form of rape or sexual assault, though experts estimate numbers are underreported.  

Tallahassee Armed Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison

 

Christopher L. Daniels, 47, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 25 years in prison after being found guilty by a federal jury of possession with intent to distribute various controlled substances including more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This serial felon made a career out of victimizing our communities and flooding our streets with deadly poison, but thanks to the aggressive prosecution by my office he’ll spend decades behind federal bars where he belongs. This case was built upon the close cooperation between the Tallahassee Police Department, ATF, and DEA, and shows our unified commitment to dismantling and eradicating the drug trafficking operations that have plagued our neighborhoods with violence, addiction, and blight. Our citizens deserve to live in safe, drug-free communities, and my office will deliver on that promise with aggressive prosecutions and lengthy prison sentences for anyone caught breaking the law in my District.”

Evidence at trial demonstrated that the Tallahassee Police Department conducted an investigation into drug trafficking by the defendant that culminated in the execution of a search warrant at his home on January 21, 2026. Officers found approximately 2.75 ounces of methamphetamine, an ounce of cocaine, half an ounce of crack cocaine laid out in plain view on an ironing board, approximately one ounce of “molly” (two different synthetic cathinones), 64 suspected MDMA tablets later confirmed to be low-purity methamphetamine, and a pound of marijuana. Four pistols were also found in the house, including a “Draco” AK-47-style pistol found near the plate of crack cocaine. Evidence on the defendant’s cellphone showed that he was engaged in drug-trafficking.

The defendant is a 12-time convicted felon, with convictions dating back to 1996, and faced enhanced sentencing due to multiple prior convictions for serious drug felonies.

“North Florida residents are much safer today,” said ATF Tampa Field Division’s Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard. “Special thanks to Tallahassee Police Department, DEA and federal prosecutors for holding this repeat violent offender accountable.”

This sentencing was the result of a joint investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain prosecuted the case.

Attorney General James Expands Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment for Millions of New Yorkers

 

OAG Investigations Found Widespread “Ghost Networks” That Prevented New Yorkers from Accessing Treatment and Denied Addiction Treatment Using Improper Criteria 

Carelon Will Pay At Least $10.35 Million in Penalties and Restitution, Repay Eligible Members, and Overhaul How It Serves New Yorkers

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced two settlements with Carelon Behavioral Health, Inc. (Carelon) after two Office of the Attorney General (OAG) investigations found that Carelon misled New Yorkers searching for mental health care by directing them to providers who were unavailable and improperly denied coverage for substance use disorder treatment. Carelon administers all behavioral health benefits for several popular health plans, including EmblemHealth, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Independent Health, and the Empire Plan, the health plan for state and local government employees. Under the settlements, Carelon will pay $2.35 million in penalties, fees, and costs, provide up to $8 million in restitution to eligible members who paid out of pocket for out-of-network mental health care, repay other eligible members for out-of-pocket payments for bills denied by Carelon, and overhaul its provider directories and substance use disorder coverage reviews.

“When someone is ready to seek help for a mental health condition or addiction, every day matters,” said Attorney General James. “Carelon left New Yorkers calling provider after provider who could not see them and made it harder for people to get the treatment to which they were entitled. These settlements will help people get the care they need and put money back in New Yorkers’ pockets. My office will keep fighting until every New Yorker can get the mental health and substance use treatment they deserve.”

Carelon is responsible for the mental health and substance use disorder coverage of more than four million New Yorkers across a variety of health plans. Through two investigations, OAG found that Carelon violated a 2015 agreement with OAG that required it to, among other things, maintain an accurate provider directory, ensure an adequate provider network, and only use approved criteria when reviewing requests for substance use disorder treatment.

Mental Health Ghost Network Investigation

The OAG’s first investigation found, through a secret shopper study, that Carelon's online provider directories contained many errors, including listings for providers who were unreachable, no longer practicing, not accepting new patients, or not actually in-network. As detailed in Attorney General James’ report, Inaccurate and Inadequate: Health Plans’ Mental Health Provider Directories, OAG determined that 82 percent of surveyed Emblem behavioral health providers that Carelon listed as accepting new patients were effectively unavailable, creating a “ghost networks” of providers. The OAG found that the company internally acknowledged that it had a ghost network, but did not share that information with Emblem, and that Carelon regularly dismissed members’ complaints about their inability to find care.

The consequences for New Yorkers were significant. In one case, a member searching for a psychiatrist for their spouse called at least eight providers listed in Carelon’s directory, but none could help. Carelon gave the couple approximately 25 additional names, all without success, and then contacted 38 more providers itself and still could not secure an appointment. Despite these efforts, Carelon rejected the member’s complaint as “unsubstantiated” because the member had not provided the names of the providers they called within 10 days. In another case, a mother seeking a psychiatrist for her 14-year-old son could not find an in-network provider accepting new patients, even after contacting Carelon directly for help. It took several months and OAG’s intervention before Carelon agreed to cover an out-of-network psychiatrist.

As a result of OAG’s investigation, Carelon will pay up to $8 million in restitution to members forced to seek out-of-network mental health care because they could not get an in-network appointment. Eligible members can seek reimbursement for care received as early as January 1, 2020. Carelon must also repay eligible members who paid extra, with 12 percent interest, because Carelon incorrectly listed a provider as in-network. An independent monitor will review claims and determine who qualifies for reimbursement.

Moving forward, Carelon must overhaul its provider directories by correcting inaccurate listings within two business days, verifying provider information every 90 days, and confirming that providers are accepting new patients before referring members. It must also allow members and providers to report inaccuracies, remove providers who have not submitted claims in 90 days unless they confirm they are still participating, and conduct quarterly secret shopper surveys. Carelon must count unanswered calls and unreachable providers when measuring directory accuracy and publish the results.

Attorney General James is also requiring Carelon to ensure members can get urgent care appointments within 24 hours and initial outpatient appointments within 10 business days. If members say they cannot secure an appointment with an in-network provider, and Carelon cannot find an appropriate provider within three business days, members must be allowed to see an out-of-network provider and pay their usual in-network costs. The same protection applies to members who were incorrectly told a provider was in-network.

Lastly, to improve access to mental health care, Carelon must develop a plan to recruit and retain behavioral health providers, reduce administrative burdens, and invest in recruiting child and adolescent psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners. An independent monitor will audit Carelon's provider directories, appointment availability, out-of-network use, and behavioral health reimbursement rates and network size compared with medical care, and report to OAG every six months.

Substance Use Coverage Denial Investigation

The OAG’s second investigation examined how Carelon decides whether to cover addiction treatment. The OAG found that Carelon improperly denied members’ substance use disorder treatment requests using unapproved medical necessity criteria in at least 41 instances. The OAG also reviewed dozens of cases in which independent reviewers overturned Carelon’s coverage denials and found that Carelon failed to adequately consider patients’ substance use histories, co-occurring mental health conditions, and withdrawal symptoms.

Since 2017, New York law has required insurers to use medical necessity criteria approved by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) when reviewing requests for substance use disorder treatment. Carelon failed to make determinations using OASAS’ standards and, between 2019 and 2022, independent reviewers overturned 17 of 24 appealed denials for Empire Plan members, 27 of 50 for Emblem members, and four of six for MVP members. Given that only a small share of eligible consumers appeal denials, the number of affected members is likely much higher.

As a result of the investigation, Carelon must repay eligible members who paid out of pocket or have unpaid bills for addiction treatment following an improper denial dating back to January 1, 2020. The company must proactively identify eligible members and issue refunds within 180 days of the settlement’s effective date, and pay $350,000 in penalties, fees, and costs.

Going forward, Carelon must use only OASAS-approved medical necessity criteria and review each member’s full case file, including their diagnosis, symptoms, treatment goals, substance use history, co-occurring conditions, and the risks of stopping treatment. Carelon may deny coverage only when treatment does not meet OASAS standards. The company is also prohibited from minimizing withdrawal symptoms, requiring patients to fail at a lower level of care before approving a higher one, or requiring proof that a patient poses a risk of serious harm to themselves or others.

WORST OF THE WORST: ICE Arrests Murderers, Sexual Predators, and Drug Traffickers

 

Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin’s leadership, DHS will never stop fighting for the victims of illegal alien crime

Yesterday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested more worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens, convicted for despicable crimes including second-degree murder, sexual assault, and controlled substance trafficking.

“Under President Trump, there will be no amnesty for illegal aliens, including in sanctuary cities that put illegal aliens over their own citizens. Just yesterday, ICE arrested murderers, sexual predators, and drug traffickers,” said Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “We will continue to carry out the American people’s mandate to arrest and deport illegal aliens from our nation.”

Yesterday’s arrests include: 

Gustavo Rodriguez-Callado, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for second-degree murder, THREE counts of aggravated assault, and robbery in Caldwell, Idaho.

Juan Contreras-Saucedo, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for sexual assault in San Antonio, Texas.

Jose Adrian Mejia-Garcia, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for controlled substance trafficking and manufacturing and delivery of more than 900 grams of cocaine in Freeport, Illinois.

Poeurt Nhean, a criminal illegal alien from Cambodia, convicted for assault with a deadly weapon not firearm: great bodily injury and FOUR counts of possession of a controlled substance in Santa Ana, California.

Manuel Francisco Tasama-Portilla, a criminal illegal alien from Colombia, convicted for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance in Reading, Pennsylvania. 

Americans can see more public safety threats arrested in their communities on our webpage at WOW.DHS.Gov.

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Governor Hochul Announces Start of Construction on $178 Million Housing Development in Westchester County

North White Plains Brings Nearly 300 Apartments and Retail to White Plains, Steps From Metro-North

Development Is First Project to Break Ground Under Governor Hochul's Innovative Housing Acceleration Fund

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of construction on North White Plains, a $178 million mixed-income, transit-oriented development that will create 296 new apartments in the city of White Plains. The development, which will feature two six-story buildings, retail space and a publicly accessible park, is the first development to utilize the Governor's Housing Acceleration Fund, an innovative program designed to jumpstart construction of shovel-ready mixed-income housing projects across New York State. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) has created or preserved more than 4,600 affordable homes in Westchester County. North White Plains continues this progress and is part of the Governor's $25 billion five-year Housing Plan, which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

“To combat the state’s housing crisis and deliver more housing options for New Yorkers, we have to be creative and use every resource at our disposal to accelerate new development,” Governor Hochul said. “Today we’re putting shovels in the ground on a great new housing development in Westchester that hundreds of households can soon call home. With smart, innovative programs like the Housing Acceleration Fund, we’re delivering projects like this to New Yorkers even faster. That’s how we build an affordable and more liveable New York.”

Developed by BRP Companies, North White Plains will include a mix of studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments designed to serve households of varying sizes. Five of the affordable homes will be reserved for households earning up to 60 percent of Area Median Income (AMI) and 25 will be reserved for households earning up to 110 percent of AMI. The remaining apartments will be market-rate.

Located adjacent to the North White Plains Metro-North station, the project will connect residents to job opportunities throughout Westchester County and New York City while encouraging a walkable, transit-oriented lifestyle close to dining and retail.

North White Plains will include a fitness center, resident lounge, co-working lounge, event space and patio. There will be a 1,000-square-foot ground-floor retail space envisioned as a coffee shop. The development will also include a publicly accessible park featuring a dog run, as well as a 383-space parking garage.

The all-electric project will include electric heat pumps for heating and cooling, electric vehicle charging, and is designed to meet or exceed ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction standards.

Financing for North White Plains includes a mix of public and private sources, including $18 million from the Housing Acceleration Fund, $120 million from Merchants Capital, $10 million from The Community Preservation Corporation, and $30 million in equity from Basis Investment Group and BRP Companies.

Administered by HCR, the Housing Acceleration Fund provides low-interest, revolving loans to shovel-ready mixed-income housing developments that face financing gaps preventing construction from moving forward. The program leverages public capital to attract private investment and accelerate housing production. HCR's financing is repaid with three percent interest upon project completion, allowing the State to reinvest the funds in additional housing developments.