To my friend Charlie King: I am a better Democrat than most of Them By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

You should know that back in 2009 three (3) Hispanic Senators, Sen. Pedro Espada, Sen. Hiram Monserrate and myself together with Sen. Carl Cruger,  (3 Hispanics and a Jewish person) created a caucus in the NY Senate trying to have some influence in Albany’s room of power.   

Sen. Pedro Espada wanted to be co-leader of the Senate; Carl Kruger wanted to be chair of the powerful Finance Committee, Hiram Monserrate wanted to chair the Consumer Affairs Committee and I just wanted the commitment that the Same Sex Marriage Bill will not come to the floor for a vote.   

The Situation became so complicated that we were attack by everyone, the governor, our colleagues, and the media.   They called us crooks, opportunists, blackmailers, selfish, greedy, stupid, and ignoramuses, etc..…The three Hispanics and the Jewish Senator became the laughing stock of Albany.   

The idea of creating such a powerful group by three Hispanics and a Jew was unthinkable!  It was too good, too big, too powerful of an idea. 

After everything calmed down then came Senator Jeff Klein with another group of   four White Senators, and taking a page from what we started, they created what they call the “Independent Democratic Conference (IDC).    They demanded and obtained more than what we demanded, and were called crooks, opportunists, blackmailers, and ignoramuses for.   

I remember Governor Cuomo denouncing us (the 3 Hispanic and the Jewish Senator), yet praised and gave Jeff Klein and his group,  all kinds of resources, assistance, and help them organize, calling them geniuses, smart, creative, etc…….   

You should know that Sen. Jeff Klein demanded and obtained what Pedro Espada wanted (Co-Leader of the Conference).   He demanded and obtained committee chairs for all members of his group in the IDC.   Each was given offices to the point that carpenters were contracted to knock out walls to build them bigger offices.   They demanded and obtained a budget of millions of dollars to benefit their conference to the point that, believe it or not, six members of Jeff Klein’s IDC, now have more resources and a bigger budget than the Democratic Conference of 25 Senators lead by Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins, an African American Woman.   

What irony?  We the three Hispanics and a Jew were called, crooks, blackmailers, opportunists, stupid, greedy, ridiculed and never obtained anything.  But the five White senators who did what we did, and even worst demanding and obtaining more, are called heroes, geniuses, and have the full backing and support of Governor Andrew Cuomo.   

Now my good friend, Charlie King, a surrogate to Governor Cuomo, is questioning why Senator Jeff Klein’s IDC is getting stronger, and why members of the regular Democratic Conference, are abandoning their leader Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins and the Democratic Conference to join Klein’s group. 

Charlie the answer is simple.  They are abandoning the Senate Democratic Conference because the IDC has been granted the money, they have the governor’s support, they have the media, and they have the resources that have been denied to the Regular Democratic Senate Conference.   

Honestly, it is ridiculous to ask Senator Jeff Klein and his followers to abandon all that the Democratic governor, who is the leader of the party in the state, has helped them to obtain.   
        
It is important also that my dear friend Charlie King understand that when he asked “How come there is room in the Democratic Conference for Sen. Ruben Diaz and not for Senator Simca Felder.”   The answer is because I, Senator Ruben Diaz, has never abandoned the Democratic Conference and that Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins never pushed Simca Felder out.   Since Senator Felder got elected he has always sided with the Republican Conference.   Never, Charlie never not even one day has Senator Felder sat with or sided with the Democrats.   

With the exception of my position against same sex marriage and abortion, I feel it safe to say that as of today, there has not been a better Democrat in the Senate than me always fighting on behalf of the needy, the abandoned and the children that have been left behind.   

I am Senator Ruben Diaz and this is What You Should Know. 

MAYOR DE BLASIO SIGNS PACKAGE OF LEGISLATION TO INCREASE GAS SAFETY IN NYC BUILDINGS

Also signs bill to establish electric car charging pilot program

   Mayor Bill de Blasio today held public hearings for and signed 17 pieces of legislation into law – Intros. 738-A, 1079-A, 1088-A, 1090-A, 1093-A, 1094-A, 1098-A, 1100-A, 1101 and 1102, in relation to gas safety; Intro. 1124-A, in relation to establishing an electric vehicle charging station pilot program; Intro. 1138-A, in relation to establishing a task force on affordability, admissions and graduation rates at the City University of New York; Intro. 1228-B, in relation to amending the New York City charter to review the operations, policies, programs and practices of the Department of Correction; Intro. 300-A, in relation to the removal of snow and ice from fire hydrants; Intro. 1147-A, in relation to establishing an Office of Crime Victim Services; and Intros. 1213-A and 1214-A, in relation to services provided to NYCHA residents, including the Jobs-Plus program.

“Gas safety is important for all New Yorkers, and this legislative package will resolve numerous regulatory oversights. These bills will help protect tenants in the event of an outage, and require greater information sharing between City agencies and gas utilities to enhance safety,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Most importantly, these reforms will ensure both property owners and utility companies are accountable for keeping buildings safe.”

“I would like to thank Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito for her continued support fighting for the safety of all New Yorkers and for sponsoring Intro. 1079-A. Additionally, I would like to thank Council Members Mark Levine, Rafael Espinal, Vanessa Gibson, Rosie Mendez, Donovan Richards, Ydanis Rodriguez, Jimmy Vacca and Jumaane Williams for sponsoring Intros. 738-A, 1088-A, 1090-A, 1093-A, 1094-A, 1098-A, 1100-A, 1101-A and 1102-A respectfully,” said Mayor de Blasio. 

“Ensuring meaningful oversight in New York City jails is paramount to our commitment to a fair and equitable criminal justice system,” said Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “First proposed in my State of the City address earlier this year, establishing a permanent entity to monitor, review and report on DOC activity marks an important milestone toward achieving this goal. I thank Mayor de Blasio for signing this measure into law, and commend my fellow council members for their advocacy on this critical issue.”

The first bill, Intro. 738-A, requires that all work on gas piping systems be done by a licensed master plumber, a person with a gas work qualification or a person with a limited gas work qualification. This bill also requires that such qualifications be issued by the Department of Buildings.

The second bill, Intro. 1079-A, requires the final inspection of gas pipe systems to be conducted by the Department of Buildings in the presence of the building holder or the superintendent of the building. 

The third bill, Intro. 1088-A, requires building owners to have their gas piping systems inspected by a DOB qualified inspector every five years. This bill also requires building owners to report on any fixes or corrections which were made after this inspection.

The fourth bill, Intro. 1090-A, requires dwelling owners to deliver a notice to all current and prospective tenants with written guidance of what they should do if a gas leak is suspected or discovered.

The fifth bill, Intro. 1093-A, requires gas service operators and owners to notify the DOB within 24 hours of gas service being shut off in a building. Additionally, gas service operators and owners must notify the DOB within 24 hours if gas cannot be restored due to safety concerns.

The sixth bill, Intro. 1094-A, requires an agency or office designated by the Mayor, to identify potential risk factors that may indicate a hazard to health or safety. Some risk factors include unauthorized gas usage, abandoned structures or structures condemned by the City and unusual gas usage for small buildings.

The seventh bill, Intro. 1098-A, requires gas utility corporations to provide annual reports with information on gas asset conditions, a summary of major planned infrastructure projects and investment priorities over the next year. This report will be discussed with City officials each year after being submitted.

The eighth bill, Intro. 1100-A, requires the DOB to establish or adopt a standard governing the installation and location of natural gas detectors after an industry standard has been promulgated. Intro. 1100-A also require that owners install and maintain these detectors.

The ninth bill, Intro. 1101-A, requires the Commissioner of the DOB to establish a penalty waiver program, allowing building owners an opportunity to bring appliances and systems up to code without paying a penalty. Eligibility would be restricted to building owners who own more than one building with fuel gas piping systems.

The tenth bill, Intro. 1102-A, classifies certain violations as “immediately hazardous,” including supplying or installing gas without a permit; operating an altered or newly installed gas piping system without first notifying the utility company; or operating an altered or newly installed piping system without completing a compliance inspection.

“I want to thank Mayor de Blasio and our partners in the City Council and in the construction industry for their effort on these bills. This package of legislation builds upon the Department’s work to enhance gas safety for all New Yorkers, while further enhancing coordination between DOB’s inspectors and utility companies,” said Rick Chandler, P.E., Commissioner of the Department of Buildings.

"In a relatively short time we've seen a number of gas explosions take place in the City; many of them due to failures to report and handle gas leaks properly. To ensure the well-being of New Yorkers and first responders, it's vital we pass legislation that will implement and enforce a system of safety procedures followed by all building owners and plumbers," said Council Member Jumaane Williams, Chair of the Committee on Housing and Buildings.

The eleventh bill, Intro.1124-A, requires the establishment of an electric vehicle charging station pilot program. This program requires the City to install at least 25 electric charging stations across the city, with at least two stations in each borough. The pilot program will end on March 1, 2020. The Electric Vehicle Advisory Committee will monitor the results of the program. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s co-sponsors, Council Members Costa Constantinides and Ydanis Rodriguez.

“Reaching our 80 x 50 greenhouse gas reduction goal requires greater use of electric vehicles and the infrastructure to support them. This new local law launches an important effort to provide a public-access electric vehicle charging network that will empower New Yorkers to go electric when they purchase vehicles,” said Daniel Zarrilli, Senior Director for Climate Policy and Programs and the Chief Resilience Officer for the Mayor’s Office. “We applaud Council Members Constantinides and Rodriguez on their stewardship to make sure we can meet the growing demand for sustainable transportation options in all five boroughs.”

“The adoption of electric vehicles is a critical component of the City’s commitment to green the transportation sector within our 80 x 50 greenhouse gas emissions reduction plan,” said Mark Chambers, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability. “The pilot program that goes into effect with today’s signing keeps us on the path to delivering cleaner transportation options for all New Yorkers. We thank Council Members Constantinides and Rodriguez for their efforts, and look forward to working with them to implement, support and grow these types of sustainable programs.”

“The City currently operates 356 charging stations for City owned fleet vehicles, the largest single EV charging network in NY State,” said DCAS Commissioner Lisette Camilo. “As DCAS grows this fleet network even further, we look forward to also supporting public access to charging through this bill.”

The thirteenth bill, Intro. 1228-B, requires that the Commissioner of the Department of Investigation permanently maintain a position to monitor and investigate the operations, policies and practices of the DOC. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsor, Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.

DOI Commissioner Mark G. Peters said, “As the City’s independent Inspector General, DOI’s work to date on Rikers has resulted in 36 arrests for violence and contraband smuggling as well as better hiring procedures going forward. To that end, I particularly appreciate that this bill reflects that confidence through the commitment of additional resources to carry out further work on these issues.”

“We thank the Council for its support of our reforms. The legislation strengthens oversight by ensuring that our partnership with the Department of Investigation continues during future administrations,” said Department of Correction Commissioner Joseph Ponte.

The fourteenth bill, Intro. 1147-A, creates an Office of Crime Victim Services. This new office will be a resource to connect crime victims to services designed to support them. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s co-sponsors, Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Council Member Laurie Cumbo.

The fifteenth bill, Intro. 1138-A, creates a task force to examine ways to increase affordability, admissions and graduation rates at CUNY schools. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsor, Council Member Inez Barron.

The sixteenth bill, Intro. 1213-A, requires the City of New York to report on utilization of services and the outcomes of services provided to public housing residents. This report will be completed on an annual basis. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsor, Council Member Ritchie Torres.

The seventeenth bill, Intro. 1214-A, calls for the City’s Center for Economic Opportunity to develop a recommendation for how the City might expand the Jobs-Plus program for public housing residents. Jobs-Plus is a comprehensive employment program including job and career support. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsor, Council Member Ritchie Torres.

"The Center for Economic Opportunity, housed within the Mayor's Office of Operations, is ‎committed to building effective programs through data-driven and evidence-based decision making," said Mindy Tarlow, Director of the Mayor's Office of Operations. "Intro. 1214-A advances these goals by asking for a plan that shows how Jobs-Plus, a robust employment program, could expand to serve all eligible public housing residents."

NEW STUDY SHOWS $3.69 BILLION IN ECONOMIC OUTPUT FROM HOSTING UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS IN NYC

UN Community in New York City helps support and sustain economic growth

   Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, in partnership with the New York City Economic Development Corporation, released the United Nations Impact Report 2016,an analysis that outlines the economic costs and benefits to New York City due to the presence of the permanent headquarters of the United Nations. Using 2014 as the base year, the study presents the significant economic benefit from hosting the UN and UN Community in New York City and showcases how New York City supports this global community in its diverse metropolis.

“New York City is not only an economic and cultural capital, but a diplomatic one. We are proud to be the host city to the United Nations headquarters and the largest diplomatic community in the world. The impact of the United Nations stretches far beyond New York City, and this study reflects the city’s enduring commitment to supporting this critical global institution,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“I am thrilled for my office to release this salient report which shows the concrete economic benefit – a significant $3.69 billion in total economic output to New York City from hosting the UN Community. The nearly 16,000 individuals that make-up the UN Community, representing countries across the world, adds to the vibrant diversity of our global city. The UN is much more than the sum of its economic impact – working to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the world today, from catalyzing action on climate change to assisting refugees. Now, more than ever, the partnership between the City of New York and the UN is of paramount importance. This study celebrates that partnership and the UN presence in New York City for seven decades,” said Penny Abeywardena, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs. 

The United Nations Economic Impact Report 2016 illustrates the UN Community’s role as a major employer and purchaser of local goods and services and how New York City realizes economic benefits from the UN Community by way of employment, earnings associated with those jobs, and tax revenue. It also highlights New York City’s special role as host city to the UN, specifically the investment made in supporting the UN Community.

“From increased foot traffic to local businesses from international visitors, to the impacts of household spending of UN Community employees throughout the five boroughs, the presence of the UN in New York City is helping to create and sustain additional jobs for New Yorkers. We were delighted to work with the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs to compile this analysis that shows not only what the UN brings to New York City, but also how the city supports the UN Community,” said NYCEDC President Maria Torres-Springer.

“This study shows the strength of the long-standing partnership between the United Nations and New York City. The Organization brings enormous value to its host city, and UN staff members actively contribute to the communities where they live, while the City continues to support our diverse UN family. I thank Mayor de Blasio and all New Yorkers for their steadfast support. We look forward to continuing to work together towards our shared goals of global peace, harmony and prosperity for all,” said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Among its findings, the UN Economic Impact Report  shows that in 2014:

Benefits:

·          The UN Community generated $3.69 billion in total annual economic output to the City of New York's economy.

·          The UN Community employed roughly 16,000 people with estimated earnings of almost $1.64 billion. These household earnings and the operating expenses of the UN Community help to create and sustain 7,940 jobs for New Yorkers.

o   The UN issued over 30,000 accreditations for visitors attending meetings and conferences. These visitors, on average, stayed in New York City for 14 days and received an average daily expense allowance of $258. This spend supported an additional estimated 1,210 jobs in NYC.

·          In terms of direct employment, the UN, and its Agencies and Affiliates in New York City, would have been the 22nd largest employer in the New York metropolitan area.

Costs:

·          New York City incurs costs by supporting the UN Community, estimated to be approximately $54 million, including costs for security and education costs for staff members enrolling their children in public schools.

·          New York City forewent an estimated $99 million in tax revenue in 2014 due to the UN Community’s tax-exempt status.

“It has been terrific to partner with the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs on innovative initiatives that integrate the UN into the fabric of this international city. I applaud the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs for releasing this timely analysis that reflects the positive return on investment from hosting this vital international institution in one of the most global cities in the world. U.S. engagement at the UN has a return on investment that goes beyond our foreign policy and security goals – we also see a tangible economic benefit at home,” said Kathy Calvin, President & CEO of the United Nations Foundation.

In 1946, New York City competed with cities across the globe to host the permanent headquarters of the United Nations. In 2016, the de Blasio Administration, through its continued support for the United Nations and UN Community, champions multilateral efforts to find lasting solutions to some of the most complex and pressing challenges in the world.   

The full report can be accessed on the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs website and additional information on data sources and methodology can be accessed by visiting www.edc.nyc/UNImpactReport2016.

BRONX ROTARY AND SONS OF ITALY ALONG WITH ASSEMBLYMAN MARK GJONAJ JOIN IN ON TOY DRIVE

 Bronx Rotary and Sons of Italy along with Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj celebrates the annual toy drive serving the blind, deaf and autistic children in the Bronx.

This annual toy drive has, time and time again, brought smiles to the faces of up to a thousand children in the Bronx. For the past four years the children of St. Josephs School for the Deaf, the NY Institute for the Blind, and P.S 811x have benefited from the toy drive to help make their holiday season special. The Bronx Rotary, Sons of Italy and Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj want to thank everyone who contributed to bring joy to those deserving of it.

Assemblyman Sepulveda Calls for Nationwide Search for New Leadership to 'Clean the Stables' at CUNY

  In the midst of major scandal and shakeup at the City University of New York, state Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda is calling for a nationwide search to fill the vacated seat of one of CUNY's top officials, and others that may come.

 With pressure from Gov. Cuomo to save his own job, CUNY Chancellor James Miliken recently made a number of moves, including demoting Jay Hershenson, senior vice chancellor, in charge of media and lobbying operations. Hershenson was transferred to a lesser position at CUNY's Queens College.

The university system came under fire in October after a New York Times expose on City College President Lisa Coico using college funds for personal expenses, followed a month later by Gov. Cuomo's  state Inspector General issuing a report charging CUNY leaders with widespread mismanagement and financial waste.

Cuomo had called a year ago for the city, rather than state, picking up primary responsibility for funding CUNY. But the state Democratically-Assembly, which is dominated by city Democrats, resisted and the plan was dropped.

Sepulveda called for the nationwide search to fill Hershenson's top job as "a first step in cleaning the stables and restoring the reputation of what has long been a premiere institution of higher learning."

"CUNY has opened the door for both higher education and a better life to countless residents of this city, many to most of them minorities," said Sepulveda.

The assemblyman pointed out a number of issues that CUNY has had to contend with, including:

·         CUNY’s community colleges continue their disastrous graduation rates of less than 23%;

·         Medgar Evers College has an appalling graduation rate of 11%;

·         CUNY has been working to implement a college exit exam that negatively impacts low-income students;

·         CUNY continues to over rely on adjunct professors as instructors;

·         Large class sizes and increased limits on course selection create barriers to graduation, and

·         Extravagant salaries and fringe benefits for former administrators continue to strain current funding.

 

"This once great institution needs to re-examine itself, its administration and its financial integrity," said Sepulveda. "Whatever heads may roll in the process, the university - and those overseeing it - need to reach out nationally to assure the public they seriously want to rebuild its quality reputation." 

Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda represents the 87^th Assembly District covering Parkchester, Castle Hill, West Farms, Van Nest and Stratton Park.

MAYOR’S OFFICE OF M/WBEs AND SBS TO HOLD BRONX OPEN HOUSE

Outreach effort aims to detail how the City will issue $16 billion in contracts to M/WBEs and award 30 percent of dollar amount of City contracts to M/WBEs By 2021

  Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Office of Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprises and the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) will host an M/WBE Open House on Thursday, December 8 in the Bronx. The event will detail the City’s commitment to issue $16 billion in contracts to Minority- and Women-owned Businesses across all boroughs.

Mayor de Blasio has set a bold, new goal of awarding 30 percent of the dollar amount of all City contracts to M/WBEs by 2021. Since taking office, the City has reached an all-time high of 4,500 M/WBEs certified to contract with the City, half way to reaching 9,000 certified firms by 2019.

The City has awarded a total of $3.54 billion to M/WBEs since the program’s inception in 2015, and in FY 2016, the City’s combined prime and subcontract M/WBE utilization was 14.3 percent, up from 8 percent in FY 2015, representing a 6.3 percent increase in utilization.

Event attendees will also have an opportunity to learn about upcoming bids for City projects and to network with other businesses. Senior City Hall staff and City agency representatives will be available to speak directly with business owners and answer questions. 

WHEN:          Thursday, December 8, 2016

4:00PM – 7:00PM

WHERE:       Lehman College, Music Building

250 Bedford Park Boulevard West

Bronx, NY 10468

Businesses can register online at bxmwbeopenhouse.eventbrite.com.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Arrest Of Pakistani Man For Heroin Importation Offenses

Shahbaz Khan Allegedly Conspired to Send Hundreds of Kilograms of Heroin to the United States for Distribution in New York City

  Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James Schrant, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) Special Operations Division, announced today the arrest of SHAHBAZ KHAN for conspiring to import and attempting to import heroin into the United States.  KHAN was taken into custody by Liberian authorities on December 1, 2016, and expelled to the United States later that same day.  He was presented before United States Magistrate Judge James L. Cott today. 

U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated: “Shahbaz Khan allegedly had designs on establishing an international narcotics smuggling empire.  As alleged, Khan sought to arrange for five kilos of ‘100% pure’ heroin to be imported to New York from Asia, promising to supply hundreds of kilograms more.  Thanks to the work of the DEA, Khan’s plans have changed dramatically, from arranging massive shipments of heroin to American cities to defending federal narcotics charges in a Manhattan courtroom.”       

According to the allegations contained in the Complaint,[1] which was unsealed today:

Between at least in or about August 2016 and October 2016, KHAN participated in a series of telephone calls and in-person meetings in countries in Southwest Asia with individuals who KHAN believed were heroin traffickers interested in purchasing kilogram quantities of heroin for importation into the United States.  Those individuals were, in fact, working at the direction of the DEA, including an undercover law enforcement officer (the “UC”).  During those meetings and telephone calls, which were recorded, KHAN agreed to supply hundreds of kilograms of heroin from Southwest Asia for importation into the United States and distribution in New York City.  KHAN represented that he could send heroin to the United States, Canada, and “anywhere else in the world,” and that he was able to send the narcotics by plane or ship.  

In late September 2016, KHAN traveled to a country in Southwest Asia where KHAN met with the UC, among others.  During the meeting, KHAN agreed to provide the UC with an initial shipment of five kilograms of heroin for importation into the United States.  KHAN informed the UC that, once the five kilograms of heroin successfully arrived in New York City, KHAN would begin supplying the UC with larger quantities of heroin on a regular basis.  KHAN further assured the UC that the heroin KHAN would provide was 100% pure.

In early October 2016, one of KHAN’s employees, acting at his direction, delivered the five-kilogram initial shipment of heroin in the same country in Southwest Asia.  Through a series of recorded telephone calls, KHAN confirmed with the UC that the heroin his employee had provided was KHAN’s, that the heroin was to be transported to New York City, and that KHAN would be paid for the heroin once it arrived in the United States.

The Complaint charges KHAN, 68, a citizen of Pakistan, in two counts:

KHAN is charged with one count of conspiracy to import heroin into the United States, and one count of attempting to import heroin into the United States.  If convicted of Count One or Count Two, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.  The statutory minimum and maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative efforts of the DEA Special Operations Division’s Bilateral Investigations Unit; the DEA Accra, Canberra, Dubai, Islamabad, Kabul, Nairobi, and New Delhi Country Offices; the DEA New York Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Strike Force Financial Investigative Team; the Government of Liberia; and the Maldives Police Service.  The defendant’s arrest and subsequent expulsion are also the result of the close cooperative efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs.

The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn G. Crowley and Rebekah Donaleski are in charge of the prosecution.

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

---

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

International Arms Trafficker Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison For Conspiring To Kill Americans And Provide Material Support To A Foreign Terrorist Organization

Virgil Flaviu Georgescu, a Dual U.S.-Romanian Citizen, Agreed to Provide Military-Grade Weapons to be Used to Shoot Down American Aircraft in Colombia

  Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that VIRGIL FLAVIU GEORGESCU was sentenced to 10 years in prison for conspiring to sell large quantities of military-grade weaponry to the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (the “FARC”) – a designated foreign terrorist organization – to be used to kill Americans in Colombia.  GEORGESCU was sentenced today in Manhattan federal court by U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said:  “Virgil Flaviu Georgescu was convicted by a unanimous jury of conspiring to sell the FARC military weapons, including anti-aircraft cannons and rocket-propelled grenades, to be used against American personnel and aircraft.  Having sought to profit from the murder of U.S. officers abroad, Georgescu will now spend years in a U.S. prison.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment, other documents publicly filed in Manhattan federal court, and the evidence introduced at trial:

Between May 2014 and December 2014, GEORGESCU, a Romania-based weapons broker, conspired with his co-defendants, a former Romanian government official and a former member of the Italian Parliament, to sell an arsenal of weapons, including machine guns and anti-aircraft cannons, to the FARC, with the understanding that the FARC would use the weapons against United States personnel in Colombia.  During a series of recorded telephone calls and in-person meetings, GEORGESCU and his co-conspirators agreed to sell the weapons to three confidential sources (the “CSs”), who represented that they were acquiring these weapons for the FARC but were, in fact, working with the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”).  GEORGESCU and his co-conspirators agreed to provide these weapons to the CSs with the specific understanding that the weapons would be used to kill Americans and, in particular, to shoot down American helicopters and airplanes.

GEORGESCU first spoke with a CS in May 2014.  Thereafter, GEORGESCU recruited both of his co-conspirators to help obtain the weapons for the CSs, with the understanding that the former Romanian government official would provide weapons expertise and the former Italian member of Parliament would help secure fraudulent end-user certificates, in order to make the illegal sale of weapons look legitimate.  GEORGESCU instructed his co-conspirators and others involved in the deal to use encrypted applications when communicating about the weapons deal to avoid detection by U.S. authorities.

Over the course of five consensually recorded meetings with the CSs in Romania and Montenegro, GEORGESCU and his co-conspirators provided the CSs with catalogues of weapons that included anti-aircraft cannons, rocket-propelled and thermobaric grenades, and other high-powered weapons, as well as military-grade optical equipment.  During these meetings, the CSs explained that the arms would be used to kill Americans and GEORGESCU offered his thoughts on what weapons would best suit the FARC’s needs.

Between September 2014 and December 2014, GEORGESCU and his co-conspirators traveled to Romania, Montenegro, Italy, Germany, Albania, Poland, and Bulgaria to advance the weapons deal.  During this period, the co-conspirators met with weapons suppliers, obtained sample fraudulent end-user certificates, and test-fired military-grade rifles.  In December 2014, GEORGESCU and his co-conspirators secured a signed contract from a European weapons supplier to provide more than $17 million dollars’ worth of weapons to a straw purchaser.  After obtaining the signed contract, GEORGESCU and one of his co-conspirators secretly altered the document in order to increase the conspirators’ personal profits from the weapons sale.  On December 15, 2014, GEORGESCU met with the CSs, showed them the contract, and discussed means of payment and transportation of the weapons to Colombia.

GEORGESCU, 43, was arrested by Montenegrin authorities on the charges in the Indictment on December 15, 2014, and extradited to the United States on February 25, 2015.  On May 25, 2016, following a 10-day jury trial in Manhattan federal court before Judge Abrams, GEORGESCU was convicted of one count of conspiracy to kill United States officers or employees and one count of conspiracy to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization.  In addition to the prison term, GEORGESCU was sentenced to three years of supervised release.

Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative efforts of the DEA’s Special Operations Division’s Bilateral Investigations Unit, the DEA’s Bucharest Country Office, the DEA’s Rome Country Office, the Montenegrin National Police, and the Romanian Authorities.  Mr. Bharara also thanked the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs.