Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Provisional Arrest In London Of Pakistani National Muhammad Asif Hafeez For Drug-Trafficking On A Massive Scale

  Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Raymond Donovan, the Special Agent in Charge of the Special Operations Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), today announced that MUHAMMAD ASIF HAFEEZ, a/k/a “Sultan,” was provisionally arrested in London pursuant to charges filed in the Southern District of New York, which were unsealed today, based on HAFEEZ’s participation in drug-trafficking activities involving large, and in some instances multi-ton, quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, and methamphetamine precursor chemicals.  The United States plans to seek HAFEEZ’s extradition from the United Kingdom.

Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said:  “As alleged, Muhammad Asif Hafeez, a long-time, priority target of the DEA known as the ‘Sultan,’ trafficked in drugs on a massive and global scale, working with transnational criminal organizations to manufacture and distribute enormous quantities of heroin and methamphetamine around the world and into the United States.  From Kenya and Mozambique to London and New York, Hafeez’s alleged drug operation saw no borders or boundaries – until now.  Thanks to the unwavering commitment of the DEA and the prosecutors in this Office, the ‘Sultan’ has been caught and will have to face American narcotics charges.”

Special Agent in Charge Raymond Donovan said:  “The arrest of Muhammad Asif Hafeez is another win in the fight against global criminals and one of DEA’s priority targets.  He has been allegedly linked to a transnational criminal organization responsible for manufacturing and distributing ton quantities of narcotics.  Removing criminals like Hafeez benefits not just the citizens of London, but communities worldwide.”

According to the allegations contained in S5 and S7 Superseding Indictments filed in Manhattan federal court charging HAFEEZ and certain of his co-conspirators:

From 2013 through the date of his provisional arrest, HAFEEZ conspired to import methamphetamine into the United States.  In connection with this conspiracy, HAFEEZ and certain of his co-conspirators sought to establish a methamphetamine-production facility in Mozambique.  But HAFEEZ and his co-conspirators were forced to abandon their plan after law enforcement authorities seized approximately 18 tons of ephedrine from a factory in Solapur, India, including several tons of ephedrine that HAFEEZ and his co-conspirators planned to use as a precursor chemical to manufacture methamphetamine in Mozambique.

HAFEEZ is also charged with participating in a conspiracy with co-defendants Baktash Akasha Abdalla, Ibrahim Akasha Abdalla, Gulam Hussein, and Vijaygiri Anandgiri Goswami to import heroin into the United States.  Baktash Akasha Abdalla was the leader of an organized crime family in Kenya (the “Akasha Organization”), which was responsible for the production and distribution of ton quantities of narcotics within Kenya and throughout Africa and maintained a network used to distribute narcotics for importation into the United States.  In October 2014, Ibrahim Akasha Abdalla delivered a one-kilogram heroin sample, on behalf of HAFEEZ and the Akasha Organization, to confidential sources acting at the direction of the DEA in Nairobi.  In early November 2014, Ibrahim Akasha Abdalla delivered 98 additional kilograms of heroin to the sources. 

In November 2014, Baktash Akasha Abdalla, Ibrahim Akasha Abdalla, Hussein, and Goswami were provisionally arrested in Kenya.  They arrived in the District for prosecution based on the pending drug-trafficking charges in January 2017.

HAFEEZ, 58, a Pakistani national residing in, among other places, London, is charged with conspiring to import heroin into the United States; conspiring to import methamphetamine into the United States; and aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin, knowing and intending that it would be imported into the United States.  Each charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.  The potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Kim praised the outstanding efforts of the Special Operations Division of the DEA, Bilateral Investigations Unit.  Mr. Kim also thanked the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, the London Metropolitan Police Service – Extradition Team, the DEA London Country Office, the DEA Dubai Country Office, the DEA Nairobi Country Office, the DEA Pretoria Country Office, the DEA New Delhi Country Office, and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and London Attaché. 

The charges contained in the Superseding Indictments charging HAFEEZ, Baktash Akasha Abdalla, Ibrahim Akasha Abdalla, Gulam Hussein, and Vijaygiri Anandgiri Goswami are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

A.G. Schneiderman Announces Civil Suit And Criminal Charges Against Pharmacy Owner For Allegedly Defrauding Medicaid Of Millions

Hin T. Wong Allegedly Paid Patients Kickbacks And Billed Medicaid For HIV Medications Never Dispensed

Defendant Allegedly Used Money Stolen From Medicaid To Fund Personal Expenses, Including Travel And Furniture 

  Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman  announced a lawsuit and criminal charges against pharmacist Hin T. Wong, 49, of Manhattan, and NY Pharmacy, Inc. (“NY Pharmacy”) for allegedly defrauding the New York State Medicaid program out of millions of dollars. Wong, a licensed pharmacist and owner of NY Pharmacy, located at 131 Walker Street in Manhattan, allegedly paid undercover agents posing as Medicaid recipients kickbacks for HIV prescriptions and for referring other Medicaid recipients to bring their prescriptions to NY Pharmacy. Wong and NY Pharmacy also allegedly billed and were eventually paid over $60,0000 by Medicaid for refills on prescriptions submitted by undercover agents that NY Pharmacy either did not dispense or were predicated on the payment of a kickback.   Various state laws and Medicaid regulations prohibit the payment of kickbacks for the referral of patients or individual prescriptions. In addition, the  Attorney General also announced the filing of a civil asset forfeiture action seeking over $11 million in damages from Wong, NY Pharmacy and two other pharmacies owned by Wong that are now closed.

“Stealing from Medicaid in order to purchase fancy accessories and travel tickets is absolutely shameful,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “We will not allow Medicaid to serve as a personal piggy bank for criminals. Fraudsters who seek to rip-off this vital program that helps millions of New Yorkers will be held accountable.”

The on-going investigation into NY Pharmacy being conducted by the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (“MFCU”) revealed that on multiple occasions between July 2014 and August 2017, Wong allegedly paid kickbacks to undercover MFCU agents posing as patients to fill prescriptions, most of which involved medication to treat HIV, at NY Pharmacy or at two other pharmacies she owned, which are now closed.  The defendants thereafter allegedly submitted claims for reimbursement to Medicaid through NY Pharmacy for refills that were not dispensed by the pharmacy, a scheme known as “auto-refilling.”    

Simultaneous to today’s arrest, the Attorney General filed a civil asset forfeiture action against Wong, NY Pharmacy, and Wong’s two closed pharmacies in New York State Supreme Court, New York County seeking over $11 million in damages.  In papers filed in court today, the Attorney General alleges that Wong personally made millions from the scheme and used the proceeds, among other things, to make lavish credit card purchases of high-end retail items (including Prada and Vuitton), and to pay for travel expenses and expensive furniture. An investigational audit uncovered evidence indicating that Wong’s pharmacies did not purchase enough medication to support their substantial billings to Medicaid. Between January 1, 2014 and August 1, 2017, Wong’s pharmacies billed Medicaid and other insurers over $15 million for medications, but allegedly purchased only a fraction of the amount of drugs necessary to fill those prescriptions. As part of the civil action, the Attorney General also obtained a court order freezing the bank accounts held by the defendants to preserve money wrongfully obtained from Medicaid.  

Investigators from the Attorney General’s Office with the assistance of investigators from the New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General executed a search warrant this morning at NY Pharmacy. Hin T. Wong and NY Pharmacy were arrested and charged by felony complaint filed in New York City Criminal Court, New York County with Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class D felony, and Medical Assistance Provider: Prohibited Practices (Kickbacks), a class E felony. Wong is expected to be arraigned later this afternoon. If convicted on the top count, Wong faces up to seven years in state prison. Wong may face additional criminal charges as the criminal investigation continues. 

The Attorney General thanks the New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General under the leadership of Inspector General Dennis Rosen for its continued partnership and its assistance in this investigation.  The Attorney General also thanks Medicaid managed care insurers Amida Care and Metro Plus for referring the matter and for their cooperation throughout the investigation.

The charges against the defendants are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

MFCU’s investigation was conducted by Investigator Nefertiti Clarke with the assistance of Supervising Investigator Dominick DiGennaro and Deputy Chief Investigator Kenneth Morgan. The audit investigation was conducted by Principal Auditor Investigator Cristina Marin and Auditor Investigator Megan Scott with the assistance of New York City Regional Deputy Chief Auditor Jonathan Romano and New York City Regional Chief Auditor Thomasina Smith.

OPERATION ZERO TOLERANCE: 29 FORMER AND CURRENT RIKERS ISLAND INMATES INDICTED FOR BRUTAL ASSAULTS IN THE JAILOPERATION ZERO TOLERANCE: 29 FORMER AND CURRENT RIKERS ISLAND INMATES INDICTED FOR BRUTAL ASSAULTS IN THE JAIL

Some Defendants Had Left Rikers, But Are Still Accountable for Violence There; Gang Members Attacked Other Inmates and Two Correction Officers in Four Incidents, One Inmate/Victim Needed 100 Stitches for Numerous Wounds 

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that 29 gang members have been indicted in attacks on fellow inmates and two New York City Department of Correction Officers in Rikers Island. 

   District Attorney Clark said, “Some of these defendants may have thought they were free and clear for crimes on Rikers Island because they had left there, but if you beat, slash or stab anyone while in jail we will arrest you, prosecute you and urge consecutive sentences if you’re convicted.

  “No one will escape justice for violence committed against inmates or staff. These defendants are charged with four separate incidents including disfiguring an inmate with multiple cuts, beating a Correction Officer who was protecting a slashed inmate, and attacking a rookie Correction Officer with a chair, fists and feet.

  “These indictments show that you will pay for such brutality.”

  Acting Department of Correction Commissioner Cynthia Brann said, “These arrests send a clear message: If you violently assault our hardworking staff or people in our custody, you will suffer certain consequences. Regardless of whether you have already been released, you will be prosecuted for any violent acts committed while in custody. We thank the Bronx D.A, the NYPD, the court, and our Correction Intelligence Bureau and Investigation Division for their work on these cases.”

  In a coordinated effort dubbed “Operation Zero Tolerance,” the defendants — members of the Bloods, Trinitarians, MS-13 and Folk Nation gangs — were brought before the court by the Bronx District Attorney’s Rikers Island Prosecution Bureau, the DOC Correction Intelligence Bureau and the NYPD Field Intelligence Investigation Unit. Nine of the defendants are currently incarcerated in state prison where they are serving sentences for various crimes, 13 defendants are currently in DOC custody, five defendants were arrested on felony warrants, one defendant is in federal custody and one defendant remains at large.

  District Attorney Clark said the defendants are variously charged in four indictments

  One of the indictments charges six men with first and second-degree Gang Assault, two counts of first-degree Assault, three counts of second-degree Assault, third-degree Assault, fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon and second-degree Harassment. According to the investigation, on Oct. 20, 2016, the defendants attacked an inmate, causing multiple, deep lacerations to his face, arms and hands, requiring over 100 sutures

  Another indictment charges eight defendants with two counts of second-degree Assault and two counts of Obstructing Governmental Administration. According to the investigation, the defendants slashed an inmate in a housing area on Jan. 24, 2017.

  In the third indictment, six defendants are charged with three counts of second-degree Assault, third-degree Menacing, second-degree Obstructing Governmental Administration and fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon. According to the investigation, on Feb. 20, 2017 the defendants covered a camera with peanut butter, put sheets over their heads and beat a rookie Correction Officer, striking him with a chair.

  In the fourth indictment, nine defendants are charged with four counts of second-degree Assault, two counts of third-degree Assault, two counts of second-degree Harassment, two counts of third-degree Menacing and second-degree Obstructing Governmental Administration. According to the investigation, on Nov. 17, 2016, the defendants slashed an inmate and proceeded to beat a Correction Officer when the officer got between the attackers and the victimized inmate.

  District Attorney Clark thanked the NYPD Field Intelligence Investigation Unit, DOC’s Correction Intelligence Bureau and Investigation Division, and Correction Investigators Anthony Scoma, Philip Lee, Anthony Marano, Epifanio Vasquez, Daniel Monaco, Timothy Fries, Omar Green, Cecil Phillips, Jeffrey Rios, Jason Gethers, Patricia Dockery, Victor Berrios, Wilson De los Santos, Scott Frank; Captain Johanna Banks, Deputy Warden Aisha Shannon, and Acting Deputy Commissioner Antonio Cruz; NYPD Detective Donniell Bright, Lieutenant Melody Robinson and Captain Wilson Ortiz of the Fusion Center (joint NYPD-DOC unit on Rikers Island) for their assistance in the investigations and the arrests. District Attorney Clark also thanked DA Squad Commanding Officer Lieutenant Javier Valentin, as well as Administrative Judge Robert Torres and Bronx Supreme Court Justice Robert Neary for facilitating the arraignments.

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

 DEFENDANTS ROBERT HAIRSTON, 30, DOC CUSTODY DAQUAN CANTY, 24, Brooklyn GAMARD TALLEYRAND, 28, DOC KELVIN JOHNSON, 21, STATE PRISON MALIK JOHNSON, 21, STATE PRISON KYLE DAVEY, 24, Queens NOAH ARANZAMENDI, 18, Manhattan JEFFERY SAPP, 20, Manhattan TISHAWN WASHINGTON, 21, STATE PRISON HIDALGO WILLIAMS, 22, DOC ISRAEL ORTIZ, 19, STATE PRISON SEBASTIAN ROGRIGUEZ, 20, Bronx MARQUISE FREDERICK, 21, STATE PRISON CARLOS PANIAGUA 19, FEDERAL CUSTODY LOUIS WAGNER, 24, DOC JOHN DOE NOT APPREHENDED JERMOINE FAISON, 23, STATE PRISON KENYAN JARVIS, 20, DOC KHALIL CHASE, 20, DOC NIUVAL VASQUEZ, 24, STATE PRISON JONATHAN DAVILA, 18, Bronx JOSE JIMINEZ, 21, DOC JEFFREY CASTILLO, 21, STATE PRISON JONATHAN MALDONADO, 21, DOC LUIS ZAPATA, 19, DOC JOSE TAPIA, 20, STATE PRISON RONNY ROCHA, 20, DOC CRISTIAN PAYANO, 21, DOC JESUS GONZALEZ, 20, Manhattan.

Senator Klein, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo celebrate signage of bill aimed at reducing childhood obesity and diabetes

New law authorizes schools to screen students for obesity, instruct them and their parents on the importance of healthy eating habits

Senator Jeff Klein and Assemblyman Marcos Crespo celebrated Governor Cuomo signing their legislation into law to help stop childhood obesity and better educate students on healthy lifestyle choices.

The legislation, signed on August 21, allows for schools to include a diabetes risk analysis during health exams and allows for the creation of school district nutrition advisory committees.

“The long term risks associated with childhood obesity are undeniable. Our schools should be the first line of defense in ensuring that children understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle. With the signage of this bill, we are taking preemptive action and giving schools the resources they need to educate students and their families so that we can curb this epidemic. I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this important bill,” said Senator Klein.

“Obesity and diabetes are at epidemic levels and our public health systems must pay full and immediate attention to the harm being caused.  We have over 10,000 children under 18 years of age with Type 2 Diabetes in the New York State Medicaid program.  Health experts now tell us that 50% of all Hispanics born after 2010 will develop this disease.  In New York State, we have 35% of our population classified as pre-diabetic due to obesity.  Every step we take to combat this problem is significant in saving lives and reducing health care costs that otherwise can bankrupt our health care system,” said Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Chair of the Assembly Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force.

The new law will help educate students on the risks of childhood obesity by integrating health education in other classes, such as the importance of a healthy diet within the context of biology and chemistry.

School district nutrition advisory committees will be able to make recommendations on nutritional practices and on educational information for parents and guardians. In addition to obesity, information on other diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and respiratory diseases are included.

TOMORROW: BP DIAZ TO HOST 'BACK TO SCHOOL' EVENTTOMORROW: BP DIAZ TO HOST 'BACK TO SCHOOL' EVENT

  On Saturday, August 26, 2017 (TOMORROW), Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. will host his annual “Back to School” Literacy & Health Fair at the Pablo Casals Middle School 181 on the Co-op City Education Campus, 800 Baychester Avenue, Bronx. The event will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

The event is co-sponsored by Montefiore, 92.3 AMP Radio, Healthfirst, with additional school supplies and backpacks donated by MetroPCS and FreshDirect.

 

The event will be emceed by 92.3 AMP Radio personality and host Shoboy, and will feature music, games and giveaways. Additional entertainment will be provided by performers from the Ed Sullivan Fellows Program at New York University, Mind Builders and Rob and EC Salsero.

 

WHEN:          

Saturday, August 26, 2017 (TOMORROW)

 

TIME:

11:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.

 

WHERE:        

Pablo Casals Middle School 181

800 Baychester Avenue

Co-op City Education Campus

The Bronx

International Family Day is this Saturday

ASSEMBLYMAN MARK GJONAJ, STATE SENATOR JEFF KLEIN & ASSEMBLYMAN MICHAEL BENEDETTO
 

INVITE YOU TO ATTEND THE

5TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL FAMILY DAY !

AUGUST 26TH,2017

12PM-4PM

OWEN F. DOLEN PARK

2551 WESTCHESTER SQUARE

BRONX,NEW YORK 10461

JOIN US FOR A DAY FULL OF FUN!

PONY RIDES! ARTS & CRAFTS! MAGIC SHOWS! BOUNCY HOUSES!FACE PAINTING &
BACK TO SCHOOL GIVEAWAYS!

MAYOR DE BLASIO SIGNS LEGISLATION TO BETTER PROMOTE HEALTH, TENANT PROTECTIONS AND FAIRNESS FOR ALL NEW YORKERS

Signs legislation to increases protections for tenants, improve the health of all New Yorkers, cracks down on those who violate construction codes, and help keep seniors in their homes

  Mayor Bill de Blasio today held public hearings for, and signed, two pieces of legislation into law. Intro. 1676 raises the maximum qualifying income for real estate tax exemptions for low-income senior citizen and disabled homeowners; Intro. 1676 raises the maximum qualifying income for real estate tax exemptions for low-income senior citizen and disabled homeowners; Intro. 1677 continues a surcharge on wireless communications service in order to fund for emergency 911 services. The Mayor also held public hearings for 25 other bills, including a package of bills aimed at decreasing smoking, Intro.1131-B, 1471-A, 1532-A, 1544-B, 1547-A, 1585-A, 484-A, a package of bills cracking down on tenant harassment, Intro. 347-B 1530-A,1548-A, 1549-A, 1556-A, Intro. 1133 and a package of bills championed by the Stand for Tenant Safety coalition, Intro. 918-A, 924-A, 926-A, 930-A, 931-B, 936-A, 938-A, 939-A, 940-A, 944-A, 1523-A.

Seniors and disabled individuals often struggle with a higher cost of living. Intro. 1676 will help alleviate that burden by allowing these New Yorkers to benefit from a greatly increased income eligibility threshold for property tax exemptions,” said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “I congratulate Council Member Deutsch on his hard work that made this bill a reality and thank the Mayor for signing this very important bill. Public safety communications networks help keep our city safe by improving the speed and ease of communications between the NYPD, FDNY, and other city agencies. I want to thank Council Member Julissa Ferreras-Copeland for her dedication to making this legislation a reality and the Mayor for signing this bill into law.”

"Today's bill signing is an important step towards easing some of the financial burdens that plague many senior and disabled homeowners. Until now, the Senior Citizen/Disabled Homeowner Exemption only entitled individuals who earned less than $37,400 for a tax benefit. We raised that income limit by $20,000, and now tens of thousands of New Yorkers with an income of $58,400 or less will be able to qualify for a property tax break of up to 50% of their total bill. They will no longer need to make a choice between paying their tax bill and putting food on their table. This is a huge victory for New Yorkers, and I want to thank my colleagues State Senator Diane Savino and Assemblymember Brian Kavanaugh for their leadership on this effort on the state level. I also want to thank Mayor Bill de Blasio for his collaboration and commitment to ensuring the passage of Intro 1676," said Council Member Chaim Deutsch.

Council Member King Sponsors Bill Providing Long Overdue Transparency & Oversight to DOC Inmate Transfer Protocol

  NYC Council Member Andy King introduced legislation (Int. 10849) today that would bring much needed oversight and transparency to current New York City Department of Correction (DOC) procedures concerning inmate transfers to facilities outside of the five boroughs.

Currently, DOC can transfer individuals to another State correction facility without providing timely notice to the actual individual or the individual’s attorney. This leaves little room for intervention if the transfer is unwanted. Existing procedure does not even afford incarcerated people the opportunity to notify relatives in an expedient fashion of a potential transfer.

Unwanted transfers can carry a whole set of consequences that restrict an incarcerated person’s involvement in their case, and access to their relatives and support network.

Specifically, this legislation would require DOC to:

• Institute an internal review procedure for each transfer request

• Notify an incarcerated person of the decision to seek their transfer

• Permit incarcerated people to notify up to three personal contacts by telephone immediately after receiving a notice of potential transfer

• Provide for notice to an incarcerated person’s attorney

• Maintain an electronic record of all transfer requests

“New Yorkers imprisoned in our city’s correction system deserve to be respected as people not chattel,” said Council Member Andy King. “With my legislation, we are ensuring that the process of transferring an inmate will be transparent and the incarcerated will be fully aware of their transfer applications. Nothing should be done in secrecy.”

“It’s as simple as this - our clients shouldn’t be moved overnight without ample notice provided to their attorney and family allowing a chance to intervene if necessary,” said Tina Luongo, Attorney-In-Charge of the Criminal Practice at The Legal Aid Society. “This has happened too often to many of our clients, impacting their cases and access to family. We applaud Council Member King for introducing this legislation and his leadership on crucial criminal justice issues.”  

Editor's Note:

  If this is not voted on by the city council by December 31st, this and all other proposed legislation not voted on by the council must be reintroduced when the new city council meets after January 1st 2018.