Former Iranian-Owned Boeing Aircraft Successfully Returned to the United States

 

The Department of Justice today completed enforcement of a final order for forfeiture of a U.S.-manufactured Boeing 747 cargo plane, previously owned by Mahan Air, a sanctioned Iranian airline affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp-Qods Force (IRGC-QF), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).

On Feb. 11, the government of Argentina transferred physical custody of the aircraft to the United States pursuant to the final order of forfeiture, which was issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on May 3, 2023, which rests all right, title, and interest in the aircraft in the United States of America. The Boeing 747 cargo plane arrived in the Southern District of Florida where it will be prepared for disposition.

“The seized American-built aircraft was transferred by a sanctioned Iranian airline in a transaction that violated U.S. export control laws and directly benefited the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which is a designated terrorist organization,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The Justice Department is committed to ensuring that the full force of U.S. laws deny hostile state actors the means to engage in malign activities that threaten our national security.”

“Mahan Air – known to ferry weapons and fighters for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hizballah – violated our export restrictions by selling this airplane to a Venezuelan cargo airline.  Now, it’s property of the United States government,” said Assistant Secretary of Export Enforcement’s Matthew S. Axelrod. “This seized airplane’s arrival in the United States is a powerful example of our unceasing efforts to prevent Iran and its proxies from leveraging and profiting from U.S. technology.”

“The United States’ forfeiture of the Boeing 747 cargo plane culminates over 18 months of planning, coordination, and execution by the United States government and our Argentine counterparts,” said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “Bad actors – both near and far – are on alert that the United States will use all its tools to hold those who violate our laws to account.  The successful seizure of the Boeing 747 underscores our commitment to prevent the illegal exportation of U.S. technologies and enforce U.S. export control laws.”

“Using a whole-of-government approach, we have worked with our international partners to forfeit a plane transferred by Iranian entities in violation of U.S. sanctions and export control laws,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “Foreign adversaries – seeking to illegally use American-made products to further their endeavors – need to know that the United States government will work with the international community to hold them accountable for their illegal conduct. The United States appreciates the collaboration with our Argentinian law enforcement and judicial partners.” 

“The transfer of this plane to U.S. custody is the final step in the long process to bring this case to its rightful conclusion,” said Executive Assistant Director Larissa L. Knapp of the FBI's National Security Branch “The FBI, along with our federal government and international partners, used every tool under our authorities to hold the Iranian government and their affiliates accountable for violating U.S. laws.”

The plane was previously detained by Argentine law enforcement. On July 19, 2022, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a seizure warrant for the aircraft, which Argentine authorities promptly enforced. On Oct. 20, 2022, in support of its ongoing criminal investigation, the United States filed a civil forfeiture complaint alleging that the aircraft’s transfer from Mahan Air to Empresa de Transporte Aéreocargo del Sur, S.A. (EMTRASUR), a Venezuelan cargo airline and subsidiary of Consorcio Venezolano de Industrias Aeronáuticas y Servicios Aéreos, S.A (CONVIASA), a Venezuelan state-owned company, violated U.S. export control laws. As alleged, Mahan Air was subject to a Department of Commerce Temporary Denial Order, which prohibited, among other things, Mahan Air from engaging in any transactions involving any commodity exported from the United States that is subject to the Export Administration Regulations. The complaint further alleged that the unauthorized transfer of this aircraft directly benefited the IRGC-QF.

According to court documents, the registered captain of the aircraft was an ex-commander for the IRGC and a shareholder and member of the board of a second sanctioned Iranian airline, Qeshm Fars Air, affiliated with the IRGC-QF. Argentinian law enforcement also recovered a Mahan Air flight log documenting the aircraft’s flights after the unlawful transfer to EMTRASUR and confirmed additional violations of U.S. export control laws between February and May 2022 when EMTRASUR reexported the aircraft between Caracas, Venezuela; Tehran, Iran; and Moscow, Russia, without U.S. Government authorization.  

This matter is being investigated by the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security’s Miami Field Office and the FBI Miami Field Office.

Attorney General James Secures Full Refunds for New Yorkers Wrongfully Charged for COVID-19 Vaccines

 

Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care Refunded Nearly $15,000 to Patients and Will Pay $25,000 in Penalties

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that her office has secured full refunds for hundreds of New Yorkers who were wrongfully billed for COVID-19 vaccines by Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care (Northwell-GoHealth) clinics. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that Northwell-GoHealth wrongly charged up to 731 patients for COVID-19 vaccines, resulting in patients paying a total of $14,996.05 in improper fees. Northwell-GoHealth also sent 72 unpaid bills for COVID-19 vaccines to collections. As a result of the agreement announced today, Northwell-GoHealth has reimbursed all New Yorkers who were wrongly charged, will strengthen employee compliance with applicable laws for COVID-19 vaccine billing, and will pay a $25,000 penalty.

“During the pandemic state of emergency, COVID-19 vaccines were free to all who wanted them,” said Attorney General James. “Clinics should be careful in ensuring that New Yorkers were not improperly charged fees for these vaccines and should take steps to refund any payments wrongfully charged and received. I encourage anyone who believes they may have been billed for a COVID-19 vaccine that was supposed to be free to reach out to my office.”

The OAG launched an investigation into Northwell-GoHealth, which operates 57 urgent care clinics in the state, following complaints from New Yorkers who received and paid bills for COVID-19 vaccines. Under the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Provider Agreement regarding COVID-19 vaccine distribution, which was in effect until September 12, 2023, providers such as Northwell-GoHealth were required to administer COVID-19 vaccines at no out-of-pocket cost to the patient.

Due to administrative errors, Northwell-GoHealth instead charged as many as 731 New Yorkers who received COVID-19 vaccines at their clinics approximately $28 per vaccine dose. As a result, 451 patients or their guarantors made out-of-pocket payments to satisfy charges they should not have received, and unpaid accounts associated with 72 vaccine doses were sent to collections for reimbursement.

Under the agreement announced today, Northwell-GoHealth has refunded a total of $14,996.05 to all patients or guarantors who were improperly charged for vaccine administration and will notify all impacted consumers either of the refund or of the wrongful charge. In addition, the clinics have agreed to strengthen their billing practices to ensure that future COVID-19 vaccine appointments at Northwell-GoHealth clinics do not result in improper charges to patients.

If New Yorkers are aware of providers improperly charging consumers a fee for administration of the COVID-19 vaccine, they should submit a complaint to OAG’s Health Care Bureau or call 1-800-428-9071.

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Extreme Weather Forecast

 Governor Hochul: “People have been accustomed to a fairly mild winter, so take all the necessary precautions. Stay tuned to your news. If you can work remotely, that's great. Make sure that our roads are clear for the plows as always.”

First, I'd like to begin with the acknowledgement that Mother Nature is sending her love our way for Valentine's Day in the form of a massive snowstorm. We are expecting to see in Long Island and New York City, six to eight inches. The Hudson Valley and Catskills, anywhere from eight to 12 inches, and up to 18 in some places. Capital Region, two to six inches.

So, greatest impact will be on tomorrow's commute. Downstate, Mayor Adams has already told schools they'll be working remotely – much of the chagrin of the children. And heavy wet snow is expected on Long Island.

So, we are in for this once again. People have been accustomed to a fairly mild winter, so take all the necessary precautions. Stay tuned to your news. If you can work remotely, that's great. Make sure that our roads are clear for the plows as always. So, stay tuned for more details, but again, letting Mother Nature know she loves us by sending us a major snowstorm.

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR MONDAY NIGHT INTO TUESDAY FOR SNOW, GUSTY WINDS, AND MINOR COASTAL FLOODING

 

Alternate Side Parking will be Suspended on Tuesday, Meters Are Still in Effect  

NYC Public Schools will Pivot to Remote Learning 

The New York City Emergency Management Department has issued a Travel Advisory for Monday night, February 12 into Tuesday, February 13. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect citywide from 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday. The latest National Weather Service forecast calls for the possibility of 5 to 8 inches of snow at rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour. This may result in difficult travel alongside low visibility, especially for the morning commute tomorrow. New Yorkers are urged to remain off the roads to allow crews to operate and respond to weather conditions.  

Precipitation is expected to start off as rain around midnight tonight. Snow begins to mix in around 3:00 to 4:00 a.m. and transitions to all snow around 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. Snowfall will be heaviest toward daybreak and steadily continue through the morning, ending in the early afternoon. The precise storm track and location of heaviest snow banding remains uncertain. Snowfall totals may change leading up to and during the event.   

Gusty northeast winds of 30 to 40 mph are also expected tomorrow morning into the afternoon, reducing visibility due to blowing snow. Widespread minor coastal flooding is also possible during high tides tomorrow morning. Tides are expected to peak around 11:00 a.m. in the NY Harbor and Jamaica Bay, and around 2:00 p.m. in the Long Island Sound. 

“With several inches of snow, poor visibility on the roads, and possible coastal flooding heading our way, New Yorkers should prepare in advance of tomorrow’s storm and take the necessary precautions to remain safe,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “All relevant city agencies have been activated and are prepared to handle whatever comes our way, but we’re asking New Yorkers to do their part, too. If you do not have to be on the roads tomorrow, please stay home, and, if you’re a property owner, remember to clear your sidewalks. As a reminder, New Yorkers should sign up for Notify NYC to keep up to date on winter weather.” 

 

“NYC Emergency Management has issued a Travel Advisory due to a significant winter storm forecasted to impact the region," said New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “We have mobilized a comprehensive response with our city agencies and utility partners, but while we are preparing for any eventuality, I urge New Yorkers to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary for their safety and to allow our Sanitation Department (DSNY) crews and first responders to navigate the storm and reach those in need more quickly. Please stay informed through Notify NYC to navigate potential travel disruptions and to be able to get around safely. As always, let's not forget to check on our family and neighbors who might need extra support at this time.” 

 

"Thousands of New York’s Strongest are prepared to spread salt on every street in the City and plow snow when accumulations hit 2 inches or more,” said Jessica Tisch, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Sanitation. “With state-of-the-art snow fighting technology and the largest Sanitation Worker headcount in two decades, DSNY has never been more prepared to fight snow. We won’t stop until every street is safe and clear, and we urge all New Yorkers to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary to give our plows and spreaders the space they need to do their critical work.” 

  

NYC Emergency Management has proactively activated the City's Winter Weather Emergency Plan in response to the forecasted conditions. This includes conducting coordination calls with the National Weather Service and city and state agencies and utility partners, and bolstering staffing at the Emergency Operations Center, which is already operational due to the city's ongoing asylum seeker operations. The administration announced that Alternate Side Parking Regulations will be suspended tomorrow, Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Payment at parking meters will remain in effect throughout the city. 

  

As part of the Winter Weather Emergency Plan, the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) will be issuing a Snow Alert and is pre-deploying over 700 salt spreaders to pretreat roadways ahead of the first snowflake and is prepared to dispatch plows in all sectors when more than two inches of snow accumulates. During a Snow Alert, the Department collaborates closely with NYC Emergency Management and the Department of Transportation to implement snow clearing protocols, adhering to the detailed snow plans established by each agency. DSNY will be tracking operations via its new Bladerunner 2.0 platform, allowing real-time adjustments as conditions require. Every street is on a route and, for the first time, every route can be dispatched at the same time. 

 

While the NYC Department of Sanitation clears streets and bike lanes, property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks. As a reminder, property owners, including restaurants with outdoor dining structures, may not push snow into the street, including bike lanes. This impedes snow clearing operations and is illegal. Snow may be moved against the building, to the curb line, or areas on private property. Sidewalks should be passable for all pedestrians, including a minimum 4-foot clear path, where possible. While property owners are not required to clear bus stops, the Department of Sanitation suggests that property owners clear a path from the sidewalk to the curb at the bus stop. The fine for the initial failure to clear sidewalks summons is $100 for the first offense, $150 for the second offense and $250 for the third offense.  

 

The NYC Department of Homeless Services has issued a Code Blue and outreach teams will canvass all five boroughs to connect our most vulnerable New Yorkers to shelters. No one who is homeless and seeking shelter in New York City during a Code Blue will be denied. For the most immediate response, New Yorkers who see individuals they believe to be experiencing homelessness and in need should contact 311 via phone or mobile app and request outreach assistance. 

  

Residential building owners are legally required to maintain indoor temperatures at 68 degrees when the temperatures fall below 55 degrees outside during the day and a minimum of 62 degrees indoors overnight, regardless of outdoor temperatures. If an apartment lacks appropriate heat, a tenant should first attempt to notify the building owner, managing agent or superintendent. If heat is not restored, the tenant should register an official complaint via 311. Tenants can call 311, visit 311 online at NYC.gov/311, or use the 311 mobile app (on Android and iOS devices) to file a complaint. Hearing-impaired tenants can register complaints via a Touchtone Device for the Deaf TDD at (212) 504-4115. 

 

NYCEM urges all New Yorkers to prioritize their safety by remaining alert and well-informed, including with real-time updates by subscribing to Notify NYC and listening to news broadcasts for the latest weather information. NYCEM strongly encourages all New Yorkers to take proactive steps to ensure their own safety and support the city’s resilience: 

  

•   NYCEM offers New Yorkers tips on staying safe before, during, and after winter storms at on.nyc.gov/winterweather.  
•   Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the city will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including Notify NYC. Sign up for emergency notifications online or call 311. You can also follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter. 
•   Allow for extra travel time and expect delays with little to no notice. Use public transportation whenever possible. 
•   If you have to go outdoors, wear dry, warm clothing and cover exposed skin. Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered. Wear a hat, hood, scarf, and gloves. 
•   Shivering is an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Shivering is a signal to return indoors. Pedestrians should exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces; some ice may not be visible. Wear sturdy boots that provide traction to reduce slipping. Use handrails when using stairs. Older New Yorkers and those with disabilities, access, and functional needs should take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls.  
•   Be safe at work. Workers who spend a lot of time outdoors are at risk for cold-related health impacts. If you are an employer, implement safe work practices, provide appropriate protective equipment, and train workers on how to stay safe during cold and winter weather. 
•   If you must drive, drive slowly. Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement. Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible. Have heightened awareness of cars, particularly when approaching or crossing intersections. 
•   Always have an emergency kit in your car. It should include items like blankets, a flashlight, water, snacks, a first aid kit, and a snow shovel. 
•   Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.  
•   If you require assistance for daily activities, make arrangements in advance for support during the expected weather, ensuring caregivers are aware of and prepared for the weather conditions. 
•   Charge your phones and keep a flashlight and batteries handy. If you lose power and have a disability and/or use life-sustaining equipment and need immediate assistance, call 911. 
•   To report power outages, downed power lines or damaged electrical equipment, call your power provider immediately to report the outage. Con Edison’s 24-hour hotline is 800-75-CONED (752-6633) (TTY: 800-642-2308). You can also report an outage online on Con Edison's website. National Grid’s 24-hour hotline is 718-643-4050 (TTY: 718-237-2857). PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour hotline is 800-490-0025 (TTY: 631-755-6660). 

 

For more safety tips, visit NYC.gov/SevereWeather. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the city’s free emergency notification system, to stay informed about the latest weather updates and other emergencies. Notify NYC is available in 14 languages, including American Sign Language. To learn more about the Notify NYC program or to sign up, New Yorkers can visit the Notify NYC website, call 311, or download the free Notify NYC app for your Android or Apple device. You can now text to 692-692, using the code NOTIFYNYC, NOTIFYNYCESP (Spanish), and NOTIFYFRE (French) to be instantly enrolled to receive the highest priority, verified alerts across all the five boroughs.  

Allerton Avenue Homeowners and Tenants Association 45th Annual Dinner Dance

 

Allerton Avenue Homeowners and Tenants Association 45th Annual Dinner Dance

By Robert Press

Saturday February tenth, was the nicest February weather of the season, matching the high temperature on record, for the 45th Annual Allerton Avenue Homeowners and Tenants Association Dinner Dance at Marina Del Rey. 

The honorees were Rosa Leoncini, the President of FIAME (Forum of Italian American Educators) and Assistant Principal of PS 21, and Joanna Cartagena, Principal and Co-Founder of the Pelham Academy. Elected officials on hand to help celebrate the 45th Annual Dinner Dance included Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, City Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato, and Assemblyman John Zaccaro Jr. 

The Cocktail Hour began at 7:30 PM, then at 8:30 PM the honorees were presented and the elected officials came up to speak. After the ceremony was finished it was time for dinner and dessert, and then it was dancing until after midnight. 

The Allerton Avenue Homeowners and Tenants Association Executive Board (L - R) James Gerri, Rita Zullo-Philips, Sal Castorina, Frank Tirabasso, Frank Dipalo, and Stella Foley.

Honoree Rosa Leoncini received flowers and a plaque from the Allerton Avenue Homeowners and Tenants Association. 

Honoree Joanna Cartagena received flowers and a plaque from the Allerton Avenue Homeowners and Tenants Association.

Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato poses with Allerton Avenue Homeowners and tenants Association President Sal Castorina.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson speaks as she stands with the Allerton Avenue Homeowners and Tenants Association Executive Board. 

Assemblyman John Zaccaro Jr. gives the Allerton Avenue Homeowners and Tenants Association a check for $40,000.00 for their Senior program.

(L - R) Rita Zullo-Philips, Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, Frank Dipalo, Sal Castorina, James Gerri, Frank Tirabasso, and Assemblyman John Zaccaro Jr.

Wave Hill Events Feb 29 – March 7

 

Save the Date: April 8

Wave Hill will be hosting a free Solar Eclipse Viewing Party. Experience this amazing celestial event from our open lawns with spectacular views of the Hudson River and open sky above. Pot up some seeds and make a festive eclipse party hat or celestial floral headband at our activity stations and enjoy live music and story time with the Riverdale Library. There's solar-spirited fun for all at this community event! 

Family Art Project: Felted River  

Sat, Mar 2, 10:00AM – 1:00PM   

Sun, Mar 3, 10:00AM – 1:00PM

Free with admission to the grounds  

Registration not required. 

We'll let our creativity flow and use felt to create underwater scenes inspired by the Hudson River. With felt at our fingertips, we’ll craft woolly art pieces that reflect the river's diverse plant and animal life.  

At 11:30AM, families can enjoy a storytime program in the Gund Theater; all ages welcome. 

Garden and Conservatory Highlights Walk 

Sun, Mar 3, 1:00PM – 1:45PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration not required.    

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults. 

Intro to Birding (Virtual)    

Wed, Mar 6, 6:00PM – 7:30PM   

This virtual Zoom event is free    

Anyone can be a birder! Log on, and Ryan Mandelbaum from the Feminist Bird Club will help get you birding. Find out how to prepare for your outings with some basic equipment, then learn tips and tricks to observe and identify common birds in your local park, garden or neighborhood. Afterwards, connect with other birders at a free in-person birding event at Wave Hill (walk dates to be shared during the program). A link to the Zoom meeting will be provided upon registration and a reminder will be sent the day before.    

This is a virtual event in a meeting style on the Zoom platform. Participants do not need to have video or microphone enabled. A recording with captions will be available shortly afterwards.  

HOURS: 10AM–4:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday 

Shuttle Service suspended until Spring 

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.