Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Manhattan Man Sentenced In White Plains Federal Court To Six Years In Prison For Impersonating Federal Immigration Official To Defraud Victims


   Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Keith Barwick, the Special Agent-in-Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (“ICE”) Office of Professional Responsibility (“OPR”) Northeast, and Angel M. Melendez, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced that JUAN ANTHONY NIEVES was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel to six years in prison for impersonating a federal immigration official to defraud victims in New York and Connecticut. 
Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said:  “Juan Nieves exploited vulnerable immigrants working toward U.S. citizenship by posing as a federal immigration officer, charging his victims fraudulent fees while providing no assistance.  Nieves not only defrauded his victims of money but also undermined their trust in the immigration system.  Today’s significant sentence is a clear message that this outrageous behavior will not be tolerated.”
OPR Special Agent-in-Charge Keith Barwick said: “This case identified an illegal scheme to extort victims—impersonating a U.S. Department of Homeland Security official undermines the confidence people have in their government and in law enforcement.  We are committed to aggressively pursue impersonation cases. Having people come forward to report such schemes is crucial to deterring this type of fraud and preventing others from becoming victims.”
HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Angel M. Melendez said:  “This law enforcement impersonator demanded thousands of dollars in fees by preying on members of his own community.  The imitation of officers is not only illegal, but it also perpetuates a fear and panic within our city. The sentencing of Nieves demonstrates law enforcement’s commitment to locating and prosecuting these criminals so they can face the consequences of their actions.”
According to the Complaint and Information filed in White Plains federal court, as well as statements made in connection with the plea and sentencing proceedings:
NIEVES is not, and never has been, employed by the Department of Homeland Security.  But in March 2015 and from November to December 2015, in Orange County, New York, and Hartford County, Connecticut, NIEVES posed as a federal immigration officer capable of providing assistance in the immigration matters of certain victims and their family members.  NIEVES claimed that he was a “boss” or “chief” (“jefe” in Spanish) with United States Immigration; that he worked at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan and had numerous employees working for him; and that he signed the final paperwork that permits an individual to enter the United States or orders an individual to be deported.
NIEVES offered to help the victims and their family members with their immigration paperwork and in return demanded and received thousands of dollars in so-called fees.  In connection with this purported help, NIEVES received from the victims and their family members legitimate immigration paperwork that they had completed, and he also took photos or made copies of their identification documents.  NIEVES also engaged in a charade of purporting to contact, in the victims’ presence, one or more individuals who worked for him at U.S. Customs and Immigration Services to do certain work related to the victims’ applications.
In addition to the prison sentence, NIEVES, 49, of Manhattan, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.  Judge Seibel also ordered NIEVES to forfeit $15,080 in ill-gotten gains and to pay $15,080 in restitution.
Mr. Kim praised the outstanding investigative work of OPR and HSI.  Mr. Kim also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut and the Village of Monroe, New York, Police Department for their assistance.

Ten Arrested For Defrauding Victims Out Of More Than $9 Million In Diamonds


Schemers targeted victims in New York, Las Vegas, and Mumbai, India

   Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Leon Hayward, Acting Director of the New York Field Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the arrests of GODEL SEZANAYEV a/k/a “Gary,” MARK MULLAKANDOV, ALBERT FOOZAILOV, IMANIL MURATOV a/k/a “Eddy,” MANASHE SEZANAYEV a/k/a “Michael,” NATHAN ITZCHAKI, ARKADIY ISRAILOV, ALI JAVIDNEZHAD, MARK NATANZON, SHOLOM MURATOV, MENACHEM ABRAMOV, and NIZAMUDEN AKBARI for their role in fraudulently obtaining millions of dollars in virtually untraceable diamonds from victim wholesalers.  Ten of the defendants were arrested this morning and will be presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew J. Peck in Manhattan federal court.  JAVIDNEZHAD and AKBARI remain at large.
Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said:  “The twelve charged defendants allegedly participated in a global conspiracy to defraud diamond dealers out of more than $9 million. Centered in Manhattan’s diamond district, America’s busiest hub in the diamond trade, the defendants allegedly took advantage of an industrywide system of credit and trust to obtain largely untraceable diamonds, and then, using various allegedly illegal schemes, refused to pay. We commend our law enforcement partners for their work in shutting this alleged criminal scheme down for good.”
FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “Diamonds have value worldwide so it comes as no surprise that an alleged organized ring would target diamond wholesalers in Manhattan's diamond district in a worldwide scheme. Using everything from forged documents to bad checks and tall tales, the group allegedly swindled more than $9 million from victim wholesalers. The FBI-NYPD-CBP Joint Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force is committed to rooting out organized crime groups- big or small-wherever we find them operating I want to commend the FBI agents, NYPD detectives, and CBP officers on their hard work and collaboration in bringing this investigation towards prosecution.”
NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill said:  “As alleged, these defendants bought nine million in untraceable diamonds with bad checks, forged documents, and long stories to perpetuate their scheme. I want to thank the NYPD detectives, the FBI, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District for their efforts to bring these defendants to justice.”
Acting CBP NY Field Office Director Leon Hayward said:  “U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proud of the expertise we bring to support and assist investigations that result in the takedown of criminal enterprises. It is through interagency partnerships and collaborative efforts, like the one leading to today’s arrests, that law enforcement successfully combats today’s criminal organizations.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]
Since in or about 2015, the FBI has been investigating a series of predatory frauds perpetrated by a group of diamond merchants in New York City. This group swindles diamond wholesalers in a variety of ways, and then resells the ill-gotten diamonds through Manhattan’s diamond district.  In order to avoid detection, the group focuses on obtaining small round stones called melee diamonds, which are virtually untraceable, as they do not bear the unique numerical identifiers common on larger stones.
The group uses a variety of methods to defraud its victims, including bad checks, false references, forged documents, and tall tales—all to convince its victims to part with their diamonds before receiving payment.  The group’s most common technique is the “bust out”: first the group builds up credit and trust with a victim by paying for goods on delivery, and then, at the moment of maximum credit, the group walks away with the millions of dollars in diamonds, leaving the victim high and dry.
Once victims begin to realize their predicament, and begin to insist on payment, members of the group refuse and, instead, inform the wholesalers that their diamonds have been lost, or that another customer took the victim’s diamonds and has refused to pay, or that a different member of the group will repay the victim at some point in the future.  Members of the group have even conditioned payment on the victim’s willingness to assist the group in still another fraud.
Among the schemes described in the Complaint:
From at least January 2015 to November 2016, GODEL SEZANAYEV a/k/a “Gary”, ALBERT FOOZAILOV, IMANIL MURATOV a/k/a “Eddy,” MANASHE SEZANAYEV a/k/a “Michael,” and ALI JAVIDNEZHAD deployed an ad hoc strategy to obtain as much of the diamond inventory of a wholesaler (“Victim-1”) as possible without full payment. The defendants’ scheme caused Victim-1 in excess of $2.4 million in losses.
In or about May 2015, GODEL SEZANAYEV a/k/a “Gary,” ARKADIY ISRAILOV, and NIZAMUDEN AKBARI conspired to defraud a jewelry merchant at a Las Vegas trade show.
From in or about December 2015 to December 2016, ALBERT FOOZAILOV, NATHAN ITZCHAKI, MARK MULLAKANDOV, MARK NATANZON, MENCHAM ABRAMOV, and SHOLOM MURATOV induced numerous victims in Mumbai, India (“Victim-2,” “Victim-3,” “Victim-4,” and “Victim-5”) to send diamonds by interstate carrier by purporting to agree to payment terms that they had no intention to, and did not, honor. The defendants caused these victims losses in excess of $7.44 million.
GODEL SEZANAYEV a/k/a “Gary,” 40, ALBERT FOOZAILOV, 53, IMANIL MURATOV a/k/a “Eddy,” 60, MANASHE SEZANAYEV a/k/a “Michael,” 34, ALI JAVIDNEZHAD, 51, ARKADIY ISRAILOV, 38, and NIZAMUDEN AKBARI, 56, are each charged with conspiring to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. FOOZAILOV, NATHAN ITZCHAKI, 58, MARK MULLAKANDOV, 41, MARK NATANZON, 68, MENCHAM ABRAMOV, 31, and SHOLOM MURATOV, 35, are charged with conspiring to commit mail fraud, which also carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Kim praised the outstanding work of the FBI, the CBP, and the NYPD for their investigative efforts and ongoing support and assistance with the case.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are 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 herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation. 

Immigration Attorney Charged In Manhattan Federal Court With Visa Fraud And Aggravated Identity Theft


   Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York and Terence S. Opiola, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the Newark Field Office of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced today the arrest of CHARLES JASON LORE for visa fraud, aggravated identity theft, and mail fraud. LORE was arrested this morning and presented this afternoon in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew J. Peck.

Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said: “Charles Lore, an immigration attorney, is alleged to have submitted fraudulent forms for over 150 clients, claiming a rare exception intended for individuals with extraordinary achievements in film and television. When approached by law enforcement about the unusually high number of exceptions he sought, Lore allegedly stole the identity of another attorney and filed almost 200 additional petitions for the same exception under the unsuspecting attorney’s name.”

HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Terence S. Opiola said: “Attorneys allegedly misrepresenting their role should be put on notice that their actions will be uncovered. I commend our special agents on a job well done.”

According to the allegations in the Complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:

Beginning in April 2011 through January 2015, LORE participated in a scheme to submit fraudulent I-129 Forms in connection with applications for temporary nonimmigrant worker visas, known as O-1 visas. Specifically, LORE submitted over 150 fraudulent “no-objection letters” from trade associations that represent actors, musicians, and artists in support of scores of O-1 visa petitions. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services relies on these letters in determining whether the applicant possesses the extraordinary ability, or has demonstrated the requisite achievement necessary to obtain an O-1 visa. In addition, after he was approached by law enforcement agents concerning an apparently fraudulent letter, LORE stole the identity of an unsuspecting lawyer, and submitted nearly 200 additional visa petitions in this victim’s name.

LORE, of Denville, New Jersey, is charged with one count of visa fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, and one count of mail fraud. Mail fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; visa fraud carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; and aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Kim praised the outstanding investigative work of HSI.  He also praised the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of Fraud Detection and National Security, and the Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service for their assistance.  He added that the investigation is ongoing.

The charges 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 herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Former New York City Human Resources Administration Employee Sentenced In Manhattan Federal Court To More Than Seven Years In Prison For Fraud And Cocaine Trafficking


   Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that PETRONILA PERALTA, a/k/a “Petra,” a former employee with the New York City Human Resources Administration (“HRA”), was sentenced in Manhattan federal court to 90 months in prison for defrauding a public assistance program that she had administered during the time when she worked for HRA, resulting in the theft of more than $600,000 in public funds, and for trafficking more than 100 kilograms of cocaine following her separation from HRA. Sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim stated: “Petronila Peralta not only trafficked in large quantities of cocaine, but also abused her position of trust by enriching herself and her co-conspirators at the expense of some of New York City’s neediest citizens. For her serious crimes, she has now been sentenced to over seven years in federal prison.

According to the Complaint, Indictment, plea agreement, and other information in the public record:

HRA is an agency of the City of New York responsible for administering various public assistance programs. Among other things, HRA provides temporary help to individuals and families with social service and economic needs to assist them in reaching self-sufficiency. Its services include, among others, administering the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (more commonly known as “food stamps”), administering the federally funded Temporary Aid to Needy Families Program, and providing rental assistance to low-income families and individuals.

Between 2005 and August 2014, PERALTA worked at HRA. Although PERALTA was supposed to provide economic support and employment-related services to persons in need, between approximately 2009 and 2011, PERALTA abused her position by fraudulently issuing certain public assistance benefits not to the individuals who were entitled to them, but rather to her co-conspirators. The scheme led by PERALTA resulted in the loss of more than approximately $600,000 in public funds. In addition, following her separation from HRA, between approximately January 2013 and March 2015, PERALTA received, and helped others to receive, through the mail more than 100 kilograms of cocaine meant for re-distribution. In handing down the sentence, Judge Woods called PERALTA the “lynchpin” of both the HRA fraud and the narcotics conspiracy.

In addition to the prison sentence, PERALTA, 53, of Bronx, New York, was ordered to pay $600,000 in restitution and $675,000 in forfeiture.

Acting U.S. Attorney Kim praised the work of the New York City Department of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

BRONX MAN INDICTED FOR FIRST-DEGREE MURDER IN DEATH OF FDNY EMT YADIRA ARROYO


Defendant Ran Over Victim With Her Own Ambulance

   Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been indicted for first-degree Murder and other crimes for killing FDNY Emergency Medical Technician Yadira Arroyo by running her over as he fled with her ambulance. 

  District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant horrifically ended the life of someone who exemplified bravery, compassion and caring. Yadira Arroyo died a hero on the streets of the Bronx. We will seek justice for her, her family, and her extended family of the Fire Department’s Emergency Medical Services.” 

  District Attorney Clark said that Jose Gonzalez, 25, of Creston Avenue, was arraigned today before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas. He is due back in court on August 25, 2017. 

  Gonzalez was indicted on three counts of first-degree Murder, four counts of second degree Murder, first-degree Manslaughter, two counts of first-degree Robbery, two counts of second-degree Robbery, second-degree Assault, second-degree Vehicular Manslaughter and three counts of Operating a Motor Vehicle while Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs. If convicted on the top charge, he faces up to life in prison. 

  According to the investigation, on the evening of March 16, 2017, Gonzalez, who was riding on the back of Arroyo’s ambulance, jumped off and seized a backpack from a young man in the area of Watson Avenue and White Plains Road. The robbery victim, seeking help, flagged down Arroyo’s passing ambulance. Arroyo exited the vehicle and briefly spoke with Gonzalez.

  He jumped into the driver’s seat of the ambulance and, as Arroyo stood at the door trying to stop him from stealing the vehicle, Gonzalez geared the ambulance in reverse, striking Arroyo. He proceeded to drive the ambulance forward, again hitting Arroyo, causing her death. 

   Toxicology tests on Gonzalez were positive for PCP and Marijuana.

  District Attorney Clark thanked MTA Police Officer Daniel McDade, who tackled the defendant after the incident and detained him with the help of several Bronx citizens; the 43rd Precinct, specifically Detective Robert Rentas, and Detective Christopher Skulsky from Bronx Homicide. 

  An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

STATEMENT FROM STATE SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA ON THE NEW YORK STATE EXTENDER BUDGET BILLS


   "While I fully understand and recognize the critical importance of keeping our State's government adequately funded, I could not stand by and vote for budget extender bills that not only excluded important measures, but that were also drafted without the participation of the Senate Democratic Conference. We cannot allow important issues like Raise The Age, an adequate college affordability plan, the DREAM Act, adequate funding for public education, and voting, campaign finance and ethics reform, to be victims of political interest. We have an obligation to use the time provided by this extender to include critical measures in this year's budget that the millions of New Yorkers we proudly represent need and deserve."

USED BUT NO LONGER ABUSED: MAYOR, DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND COUNCIL MEMBERS ANNOUNCE NEW LEGISLATION TO COMBAT PREDATORY SALES AND FINANCING PRACTICES IN THE USED CAR INDUSTRY


Department of Consumer Affairs release report on their public hearing on predatory lending in the used car industry

  Mayor Bill de Blasio, Department of Consumer Affairs Commissioner Lorelei Salas, Council Membertoday announced a package of legislation to combat predatory practices in the used car industry. The legislation would require used car dealerships, which DCA licenses, to post a Consumer Bill of Rights and disclose information about financing and pricing, provide all required notices to the consumer be in whatever language used to negotiate the contract, and provide consumers with the option to cancel their contract within two days of the sale. The legislation comes as a result of the public hearing hosted by Commissioner Salas and Council Member Espinal last October to explore predatory lending in the used car industry. DCA and Council Member Espinal also issued a report on the public hearing that includes findings and recommendations.

“Predatory business practices that take advantage of immigrants and other hard-working New Yorkers have no place in our city,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “When buying a used car, consumers will now have the information they need to avoid loan products that border on usury. We’re fighting to prevent unscrupulous dealers from peddling deceptive loan products, which too often target families that are already economically vulnerable. I fully support these bills that reinforce consumers’ rights and create transparency where it is badly needed.”

“For many New Yorkers having access to a car is a vital part of their economic stability,” said DCA Commissioner Lorelei Salas. “This legislation creates an additional layer of protection for these consumers, specifically those in low-income neighborhoods who have been disproportionally affected by these predatory practices. By requiring that used car dealerships must offer additional disclosures such as a consumer bill of rights, we can better ensure that hard-working New Yorkers are operating within a fair and transparent marketplace when it comes to purchasing a car.”

The proposed legislation would require used car dealerships to disclose the following to consumers:

·         The lowest annual percentage rate offered by a finance company to the consumer;
·         Any charge imposed by the dealership for arranging financing, including mark-up charges and processing fees;
·         A statement that the consumer is not required to obtain financing through the dealership;
·         The price of each additional good, accessory, service, product, or insurance offered for sale with the automobile; and
·         The total cost and monthly payments, including financing, to purchase the car with each additional item included, without any items included, and with all items included.

The proposed legislation would also require used car dealerships to post and distribute a Consumer Bill of Rights to consumers. Dealerships will be required to retain a copy of the bill of rights signed and initialed by the customer for six years following the sale. The Bill of Rights would inform consumers that used car dealerships must:

·         Offer a contract cancellation option agreement;
·         Inform consumers that they are not required to finance their purchase through the dealership, they have the right to pay in cash or seek a loan from another lender;
·         Sell cars at the price advertised, quoted or posted on the automobile;
·         Inform consumers that they can file a complaint;
·         Inform consumers that they are entitled to a “Used Car Buyer Guide,” as well as various warranties and rights under NY state laws;
·         Inform consumers of the lowest annual percentage rate offered by the financing company and any fees being charged by the secondhand auto dealer for such financing purchases; and
·         Disclose in writing the itemized cost of each additional good or service being offered, including the monthly and total cost of financing with and without each additional good or service.

The bills aim to tackle common deceptive and predatory practices engaged in by used car dealers, including:

·         Deceiving consumers into loans with longer-than-necessary repayment terms, making the car much more expensive for the consumer;
·         Deceiving consumers into agreeing to purchase a car with expensive “add-on” products that are often misrepresented as “mandatory” for obtaining financing;
·         Misstating disclosed monthly payment amounts to make the car appear cheaper; and
·         Failing to disclose dealer markups of lender financing rates, total interest rate, and the total amount a consumer will pay for a car over the life of a loan.

Dealers have an obvious financial incentive to sell as many cars as possible and trends suggest that systemic abuses ensure larger profit margins for dealers at the expense of consumers. As a result of these tactics, consumers are being pressured into loans they cannot afford. As with other forms of predatory lending, the tactics in the used car industry disproportionately affect people of color or those with low incomes, and have already been the subject of inquiry by federal agencies including the Department of Justice and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

From October 2013 through March 2017, DCA received 826 complaints from consumers related to purchase or payment issues in connection with used cars. The complaints range from instances of forgery on contracts to a lack of material disclosures by dealership staff and are concentrated in boroughs outside of Manhattan where most of DCA’s licensees are located and customers are more likely to rely on automobiles for transportation.

The top five ZIP codes by number of complaints received are all in Brooklyn with the exception of Ridgewood in Queens. The characteristics of these neighborhoods suggest that used car financing issues are concentrated in areas that are traditionally unbanked or underbanked, have populations that are largely New Yorkers of color, or have sizeable communities of individuals with limited English proficiency.

American Community Survey data, aggregated by the City between 2010 and 2014, also shows that that our top complainant neighborhoods have significant populations of individuals without a high school diploma and living in poverty. In Cypress Hills, for example, approximately 22 percent of the neighborhood does not have a high school degree and nearly 30 percent live in poverty.

Although many aspects of financing, such as the way loans are structured or how high interest rates can be, are regulated at state and federal levels, New York City’s used car licensing law gives DCA oversight of used car dealers and the way in which dealers advertise and sell cars. The requirements in these bills would further strengthen the City’s ability to protect New York City consumers when they are buying a used car. The hearing for the bills is scheduled for April 26, 2017.

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, auto loan debt is one of the fastest-growing household debt levels, with an increase of nine percent from 2015 to 2016, and 13 percent since 2005. At the end of 2016, Americans had nearly $1.2 trillion in outstanding auto loan debt. Consumer reporting agencies report that more than 25 percent of auto loans are classified as subprime and that the number jumps above 30 percent for used car loans.

DCA currently licenses 775 used car dealerships citywide, and it has received more than 5,500 complaints about the industry since mid-2013, including more than 1,050 since July 2016, the start of the current fiscal year. Since July 2013, DCA has conducted nearly 2,500 inspections of used car dealerships and issued more than 650 violations, most of which are for unlicensed activity, failing to post required signage, and parking vehicles on the sidewalk or roadway. As a result of the mediation of consumer complaints, investigations and settlements, DCA has secured nearly $913,000 in consumer restitution and assessed $1.6 million in fines against used car dealerships over the past three years.

Last month, DCA announced charges against Major World, one of the largest local used car dealerships with multiple locations, for using deceptive financing and sales practices that resulted in predatory lending targeting immigrants and New Yorkers with low incomes. DCA alleges that Major World has been submitting false information on consumers’ credit applications and failing to inform consumers of the precise terms of the financing agreement, such as interest rates, finance charges, and number of required payments.

ENGEL STATEMENT ON REMOVAL OF STEPHEN K. BANNON FROM NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL PRINCIPALS COMMITTEE


  Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement:

“Steve Bannon should never have been on the National Security Council in the first place. There's no place for someone with his record and associations in a leading national-security role. His removal today was long overdue.”