Bank Employee Arrested For Defrauding Her Employer Of $1.7 Million

 

 Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of a criminal complaint charging GANGADAI RAMPERSAUD AZIM, a/k/a “Julie Azim,” with wire fraud, bank fraud, bank theft, money laundering, and conspiracy, for her role in a scheme to defraud her employer, a Manhattan-based bank, of approximately $1.7 million.  AZIM was arrested today and presented before United States Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron this afternoon.

U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said:  “As alleged, Gangadai Azim betrayed her position as a trusted bank employee to defraud the bank and misappropriate client funds for more than a dozen years.  She allegedly stole more than $1.7 million and concealed the scheme until an absence from work led to its discovery.  Now Azim faces the prospect of a much longer absence from work.”

FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “Azim’s alleged $1.7 million fraud scheme not only victimized her employer, but also risked the financial standing of the customers whose accounts she manipulated.  In the long run, defrauding a financial institution with the hope of making an easy profit only resulted in federal charges and the potential for time behind bars.”

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

Between August 2008 and January 2021, AZIM, a long-time employee of a New York, New York-based bank (“Bank-1”) stole approximately $1.7 million from her employer.  Over the course of approximately 12 years, AZIM executed hundreds of wire transfers of Bank-1 funds to co-conspirators and related companies, who then sent portions of the ill-gotten funds to AZIM’s personal bank account. 

In furtherance of her scheme to defraud Bank-1, AZIM repeatedly made false entries in Bank-1’s systems, misappropriating funds paid to Bank-1 by its clients to satisfy outstanding loan obligations and then extending the maturity dates of those loan obligations, making it appear as though the loan obligations had not yet been paid.  When even the fraudulently extended maturity dates came due, AZIM originated new, fraudulent loans.  AZIM utilized the proceeds of those fraudulent loans to satisfy the loans for which she had previously stolen the client payments.  In doing so, AZIM abused her position at Bank-1 and enriched herself at the expense of her employer.

AZIM’s fraud was discovered by Bank-1 when AZIM took a leave from her position at Bank-1 as a result of illness earlier this year.  In January 2021, Bank-1 debited the account of a client of Bank-1 (“Client-1”) in order to pay off an outstanding loan obligation Client-1 had coming due.  Client-1 then alerted Bank-1 that the debit was improper, as Client-1 had, in fact, paid off that obligation in 2019.  Upon further investigation, Bank-1 discovered that while the funds had been withdrawn from Client-1’s account in or about 2019, AZIM had misappropriated those funds, using them for purposes other than satisfying Client-1’s obligation.

As a result of identifying this discrepancy, Bank-1 officials discovered approximately 14 loan obligations (the “Fraudulent Loan Obligations”), worth more than approximately $1 million, for which no underlying documents existed.  AZIM appears to have entered each of the Fraudulent Loan Obligations in Bank-1’s systems so that the proceeds could be used, in significant part, to pay off outstanding loan obligations coming to maturity; those loan obligations had, in fact, already been satisfied by clients, but AZIM had misappropriated the payments.  In addition, Bank-1 officials discovered approximately five outstanding loan obligations, worth more than approximately $706,000, for which AZIM appears to have extended the maturity dates, despite the relevant clients having paid off the loan obligations.  

The approximately $1.7 million of loan proceeds resulting from the Fraudulent Loan Obligations and the improperly extended maturity dates appear to have been misappropriated by AZIM.  Over the course of approximately 12 years, between 2008 and 2020, AZIM caused approximately 200 wire transfers of Bank-1’s funds, each for an amount under $10,000, to be sent to third party accounts, including those of co-conspirators and related companies, which then returned portions of those funds to AZIM.

AZIM, 58, of Richmond Hill, New York, is charged in the Complaint with (1) conspiring to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; (2) bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison ; (3) wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; (4) bank theft, embezzlement, or misapplication, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; (5) conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and (6) money laundering, which 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 defendant will be determined by the judge.

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI in this case.

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

[1] As the introductory phase 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.

Final Conspirator Pleads Guilty In Fraudulent Loan And Bank Bribery Scheme

 

 Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ADEDAYO ILORI pled guilty today before United States District Judge Lewis J. Liman to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud in connection with his role in a loan fraud scheme.  ILORI also admitted that he conspired to commit money laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956(h).  Codefendants Herode Chancy and Michael Albarella, who at the time of offense were employed as a managers at a Manhattan branch of a national bank (“Bank-1”), previously pled guilty before Judge Liman in connection with their respective roles in the scheme.

U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said:  “Adedayo Ilori worked with bank insiders to obtain over $1 million in commercial loans for fake businesses.  Ilori used stolen identities to apply for the loans and open bank accounts to receive the loan proceeds.  His co-conspirators used a stolen identity provided by Ilori to launder a portion of the loan proceeds.  Now all three have admitted their guilt and await sentencing for their crimes.”

According to the allegations in the Complaint, Indictment, and statements made in court:

From at least in or about March 2019 up to and including at least in or about March 2020, ILORI and Chancy conspired to fraudulently obtain business loans from a third-party commercial lender with the intent not to repay the loans – i.e., with the intent to “bust out” the loans.  ILORI and Chancy together submitted eight fraudulent business loan applications for a total of $1,020,000 in business loans.  The business loan applications submitted by ILORI and Chancy included doctored bank statements and listed the identities of other persons as the loan applicants, including stolen identities provided by ILORI.  ILORI and Chancy also opened bank accounts using the identities of those other persons in order to receive the loan payments from the third-party commercial lender.  ILORI and Chancy subsequently conspired with Albarella to open a bank account at Bank-1 using a stolen identity provided by ILORI to launder approximately $200,000 of the expected proceeds of the loan scheme.  Albarella opened the bank account at Bank-1 using the stolen identity provided by ILORI and Chancy, and Albarella accepted a $10,000 bribe to open the bank account.       

ILORI and Chancy believed that the underwriter for the third-party commercial lender was participating in the scheme and agreed to pay the underwriter a “commission” for the underwriter’s role in the scheme.  In reality, however, the underwriter was an undercover law enforcement officer. 

ILORI, 42 of Queens, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.  The statutory maximum sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

ILORI is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Liman on July 22, 2021, at 2:00 p.m.

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York FBI’s Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force and the El Dorado Task Force of Homeland Security Investigations. 

Governor Cuomo Announces More Than 11 Million COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Have Been Administered in New York State

 

223,154 Doses Administered in the Last 24 Hours  

More Than 1.4 Million Doses Administered Over Past Seven Days

More Than 2.5 Million Total Doses Administered at New York State-Run and FEMA-Supported Mass Vaccination Sites To date 

More Than 1 in 3 New Yorkers Have Received at Least One Dose 

More Than 1 in 5 Are Now Fully Vaccinated 

Vaccine Dashboard Will Update Daily to Provide Updates on the State's Vaccine Program; Go to ny.gov/vaccinetracker  

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that more than 11 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in New York State. 223,154 doses have been administered across the state's vast distribution network in the last 24 hours, and more than 1.4 million doses have been administered over the past seven days. To date, more than 2.5 million total doses have been administered through New York State-run and FEMA-supported mass vaccination sites.

"Every New Yorker who is 16 and older is now eligible to get their shot, but eligibility is not the same as accessibility, and we remain committed to bringing the vaccine to every community in our state and working with local leaders to make it clear that the vaccine is safe, effective, and necessary," Governor Cuomo said. "Every shot brings us one step closer to the light at the end of the tunnel, and that is why so important everybody gets vaccinated. Getting the vaccine shows you care. Caring is how we were able to withstand COVID's ambush of New York this time last year - and it's how we will defeat this beast once and for all."

New York's vast distribution network and large population of eligible individuals still far exceed the supply coming from the federal government. Due to limited supply, New Yorkers are encouraged to remain patient and are advised not to show up at vaccination sites without an appointment.

The 'Am I Eligible' screening tool has been updated for individuals with comorbidities and underlying conditions with new appointments released on a rolling basis over the next weeks. New Yorkers can use the following to show they are eligible:

• Doctor's letter, or
• Medical information evidencing comorbidity, or
• Signed certification            

Vaccination program numbers below are for doses distributed and delivered to New York for the state's vaccination program, and do not include those reserved for the federal government's Long Term Care Facility program. A breakdown of the data based on numbers reported to New York State as of 11 AM today is as follows.                                      

STATEWIDE BREAKDOWN

Total doses administered - 11,092,454

Total doses administered over past 24 hours - 223,154

Total doses administered over past 7 days - 1,436,749

Percent of New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 35.1%

Percent of New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 22.3% 

Assemblymember Pichardo: 2021-22 state budget provides historic investment in Bronx communities

 

     “For more than a year, Bronx residents have faced the devastating effects of COVID-19 and its economic fallout. From students and teachers who were forced to abruptly shift to remote learning to essential workers on the frontlines, this pandemic has challenged us. To support the Bronx’s recovery, I helped pass a final state budget that provides rent relief for tenants and landlords, protects essential social services our families need, and the financial aid our Bronx youth depend on to get ahead.

 “The state fiscal plan provides $2.3 billion in state and federal aid for tenants and landlords, expands eligibility for relief and sets aside initial funding for those with the most urgent need. The final budget also restores $542 million in proposed Medicaid cuts and protects indigent care pool funding for major public hospitals because we can’t afford to eliminate critical health care support during a pandemic. To help even more students follow their college dreams, the budget increases funding for college opportunity programs by $30 million. I also fought to ensure the budget included the Excluded Workers Fund, a $2.1 billion program to support those who were ineligible for previous relief, including undocumented immigrants. 

    “The 2021-22 state budget delivers critical relief to the New Yorkers who are the backbone of our state’s essential services and have borne the brunt of this pandemic.”

MAYOR DE BLASIO, COMMISSIONER NIGRO DELIVER REMARKS AT PLAQUE DEDICATION FOR FIREFIGHTER CHRISTOPHER SLUTMAN

 

 Mayor Bill de Blasio: Thank you, Captain. It's really an honor to be with the members of Engine 46 and Ladder 27, all the members of FDNY who are here, paying tribute to a fallen hero, keeping a memory alive, standing by his family – this is what the FDNY does so honorably, so consistently, with such heart year-in, year-out, generation after generation. I thank you for that and I honor you for that. And we are all honored in this place and in this city to be joined by the members of the United States Marine Corps. Your presence means a lot to us all today. Thank you. And thank you for all you do for this nation.  

Today, we pay tribute to a hero. And I can't think of many heroes who have done this much, honestly. Anytime you have to talk about someone with more than one title, because they've served in so many ways, it tells you something right away. Firefighter is a noble title. Staff Sergeant is a noble title. Christopher Slutman chose to be both. And when I met him in 2014, at Medal Day, it was a joyous day. And Medal Day, as you all know, is a time of celebration. It's often a beautiful sunny day and people are really celebrating the very best of the FDNY and moments of triumph. And in that joyous moment, I met this good young man and did not know I'd never see him again. I only knew he was a hero. He had saved an unconscious woman in a burning building. And let's face it, many of you here think that that is all in a day's work. But, for the vast majority of us, the notion of saving a single life would be our life's work. One life saved would be enough to say we did good here on this earth. But, for so many of you, you aspire to that every year, every month, every week, every day.  

 

Certainly, Christopher Slutman proved his commitment, put it into action, and saved a life, and then did so much more. Renowned as a firefighter, a veteran who showed everyone the right way to do things and could have rested on his laurels easily, but he kept asking, what else can I do? And he wanted to serve his country, and that took him to Afghanistan, and that is where we lost him. He was there to protect all of us. He didn't have to be there, he chose to, and that makes him an even more remarkable man. So, when we say hero, we mean it. All of us, we’re saluting a hero. In this city, we need our heroes. This last year, especially, may have been the hardest year we've all been through, the most fearful, the most confusing, and yet there were so many heroes we saw – our first responders, our health care heroes, so many people. And a lot of them, we will never know their names, who did such amazing acts. And they never asked for their names to be remembered. Christopher didn't act heroically because he yearned for recognition. He did it because he believed it was right, and that is the truest kind of hero.  

 

So, to you, Christopher's family – to Shannon, to Kenley, McKenna, Weslynn, Brian, Mary, all of you – we will feel an eternal bond with you, and we own eternal debt. And one thing I know in my heart is the FDNY will always be there for you, that is a sacred bond. Thank you and God bless you.  

 

[Applause] 

 

Captain Steve Moore, Ladder 27: Thank you, Mayor. Next, we’ll hear from Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro. 

 

Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro: Good morning, everyone. Thank you, Mayor, for those remarks and thank you for being here with us today. Two years ago, today, our department, our city, our country lost a true hero. Firefighter Christopher Slutman was taken from us as a result of injuries he suffered while bravely serving on active duty in Afghanistan. He was killed alongside his fellow Marines, Corporal Robert Hendriks, Sergeant Benjamin Hines, all three assigned to the 25th Marine Regiment, Fourth Marine Division of the Marine Forces Reserve. He wore two uniforms in life, his life of service to others as a New York City Firefighter and a Staff Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. As a firefighter, he spent 15 years as a member of this great department. He served here in the Bronx at Ladder 17, and in this firehouse as a member of Ladder 27. He was a decorated member of the FDNY, having received the Fire Chiefs Association Medal in 2014, for rescuing an unconscious woman from a burning apartment in the South Bronx. That's the impact he made on the lives of others, going into harm's way to save others.  

 

His officers described him as a total professional and the type of firefighter that everybody wanted to have in their firehouse. Chris was someone that his fellow firefighters looked up to as well for the manner in which he performed on the fire floor and for his selfless service to his country. It was not safe for us to meet in this manner a year ago in New York City, as we were the epicenter of COVID-19 in our country. Our members were risking their lives on every call, responding to fires and medical emergencies, not knowing who had the virus and who would be infected next. But today shows that no passage of time will ever remove Christopher from our memory.  

 

Here we are, one year later, hopefully and slowly emerging a little better each day from the shadow of this pandemic. And, together, our Department pays tribute to this extraordinary man who gave his life for our country. Shannon, you and your daughters and your entire family have been through an incredibly painful time. I'm sure this terrible year due to the pandemic has often made that pain more difficult to bear. Please know, we are very grateful to have you with us this morning as we remember your husband and permanently memorialize him in this firehouse he called home. That's what this plaque means. Chris will always be remembered for his bravery for all he did to save others every day of his outstanding career and for how we protected and defended our country. This firehouse and the entire department will always be here for your family. May God bless Firefighter Christopher Slutman, and may God continue to bless the New York City Fire Department. 

 

Captain Moore: Thank you, Commissioner. Next, we will hear from Acting Chief of Department Thomas Richardson. 

 

[Applause] 

 

Acting Chief of Department Thomas Richardson, FDNY: Good morning, everyone. Welcome once again to Shannon, McKenna, Kenley, Weslynn, such beautiful names, really. And the girls have really cool sneakers on today too, so I pointed that out before. And the entire Slutman family and friends, thank you for being with us today for this ceremony to remember Chris. These plaque dedications are so important to the FDNY because this is how we pay tribute to our fallen members and how we make sure their dedication and service to this Department, to the City, and in this case to our country lives on forever. I'd like to thank the officers and members of Engine 4-6, Ladder 2-7 for your efforts getting the firehouse ready for today. I want to say thank you to Steve and John, the captains and company commanders, the place looks great. Thank you very much. Well done.  

 

Chris spent 15 years as a New York City firefighter. As you all know, the FDNY is a large family and your officers and firefighters of 46 and 27, present and future, will be your extended family for a very long time. Chris was also proudly a United States Marine. As a point of information, we have over 1400 members of the Department that are either active reservists, or veterans. It's a large number of people. These are special people. Chris was a decorated firefighter, as previously mentioned, receiving the Fire Chiefs Association Medal of Valor in 2014 for rescuing a woman from a fire in the Bronx. He truly led a life of service. A few years back, I had the privilege of participating in several trips to Walter Reed Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital at the time, with other members of the Department to visit wounded members of our military, to let them know that the FDNY had great admiration for them, and simply wanted to say thank you. They, just like Chris, took up to fight for us after 9/11. I think I speak for most who participated in those trips that they were humbling, somewhat life-changing, and really an inspiration.  

 

Today, we pay tribute to Chris, and acknowledge once more that the FDNY continues its promise to never forget. My dad was a Korean War Marine, proud. As I grew up and became a young teenager, I remember in my dining room at home, he had a framed poem on the wall, all by itself, and he was extremely proud of it.  I didn't it until I was a little older, like I said, as a teenager, and this was the poem, it was called, The Title, United States Marine. Here's what it says, “It cannot be inherited, nor can it ever be purchased. You or no one alive can buy it for any price. It is impossible to rent, and it cannot be lent. You alone and our own have earned it with your sweat blood in lives. You own it forever, the title United States Marine. I might argue, and hopefully my friends in the Marine Corps here won't be upset, we might use that same poem that describing New York City firefighter. These titles are not careers, quite frankly, their vocations, their callings to something bigger than us.  

 

Chris's service was noble, it was selfless, and it was in the greatest traditions of bravery and service to our country and to the FDNY. We can never forget that, and this plaque that will be unveiled shortly ensures that fact. We all – we call these ceremonies plaque dedications, the words, dedication, and commitment are synonymous. While both words refer to a strong feeling of loyalty and strong support for someone or something, I can say the word commitment can also refer to an obligation or a pledge. So, today, we are pledging that the plaque being dedicated will also serve as a memorial to Chris. This memorial plaque will serve as a remembrance, a reminder of who he was, what his sacrifice was, and most importantly, it will be here forever. To the current and future members of this firehouse, and to all those in the neighborhood that this firehouse protects, Chris's memory will continue to live on. That is our solemn duty. As new members come here, they too will learn his story, when we need to make sure that his story is told. By doing that, he will continue to inspire others for generations to come. I want to, once again, say thank you to all the members here for their efforts and especially thanks Shannon and your family for being here today to pay tribute to Chris. Thank you. And God bless you all. 

 

Governor Cuomo Announces Statewide Distracted Driving Enforcement and Education Campaign

 

Statewide Distracted Driving Enforcement Campaign to Run April 8 through April 12

More than 30,000 Vehicle and Traffic Law Violation Tickets Issued During Last Year's Enforcement Campaign Including 2,897 tickets for Distracted Driving

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the New York State Police and local law enforcement will be participating in the national "U Drive. U Text. U Pay." mobilization to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month nationwide. Law enforcement throughout the state will be stepping up patrols during this enforcement initiative, which runs from Thursday, April 8 through Monday, April 12.

"As we saw with the tragic death of Trooper Joe Gallagher, distracted driving can have deadly consequences, and it will not be tolerated in the State of New York," Governor Cuomo said. "New York has proudly led the way in combatting distracted driving by becoming the first state in the nation to prohibit the use of cell phones and have since continued our efforts to ensure the safety of all on the road. Today and always, I urge everyone to do their part to drive responsibly and help save lives."

Trooper Joe Gallagher died last month from injuries sustained in 2017 when he was struck by a vehicle. The motorist was distracted by texting on a cellphone.

New York Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Governor's Traffic Safety Commission Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder said, "Our hearts go out to the Gallagher family and all those like them who have suffered losses because of distracted driving. As they know all too well, a few moments of inattention can lead to both costly and tragic consequences. The solution to this ongoing problem is simple — avoid any action that will take your eyes and attention off the road, and you can help keep our roads safe."

New York State Police Acting Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said "One of our top priorities is keeping New York's roadways safe. Distracted drivers are a clear and present danger to all of us. Drivers who use electronic devices behind the wheel not only take their attention from the road, but also put lives at risk. Accidents that result from the use of hand-held devices are completely avoidable and often result in terrible tragedy, like the recent death of Trooper Joe Gallagher of Troop L. Trooper Gallagher was struck by a distracted driver in 2017 while helping a disabled motorist. He passed away on March 26, 2021. Please, put down the electronic devices behind the wheel."

During the October 2020 distracted driving campaign, law enforcement throughout the state issued 30,151 tickets for vehicle and traffic law violations, including 2,897 tickets for distracted driving. Full breakdown here:

Violation	Number of Tickets
Distracted Driving	2,897
Move Over Law	227
Other Violations	16,643
Seatbelt	926
Speeding	8,653
Alcohol/Drugs	805
Grand Total	30,151

To help educate motorists about the dangers of distracted driving the GTSC has launched a public service campaign this April. The campaign will be featured on billboards, television, and radio.

Chief of Ilion PD and President of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police Timothy Parisi said, "Our members support and will actively participate in this statewide campaign. All too often we see the negative impacts that distracted driving causes in our communities. Bad decisions can cause tragic consequences! Help us keep our roadways safe, don't drive distracted."  

Columbia County Sheriff and President of the New York State Sheriffs' Association David Bartlett said, "Electronic devices can do many amazing things but they can also distract you while driving. When operating a vehicle put the devices down, limit distractions, and focus on driving. The Sheriffs of New York State want you to get to your destination safely so don't drive distracted."

To help deter motorists from talking on a cell phone without a hands-free device, texting, or using an electronic device while driving, the state has set strict penalties. The penalties can range from $50 to $450 in fines, 5 driver violation points, and suspension or revocation of license.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,142 people were killed in the United States in distraction-affected crashes in 2019. To help prevent more tragedies, NHTSA recommends the following for motorists:

• If you must send or receive a text, pull over to a safe location and park your car first.
• If you have passengers, appoint a "designated texter" to handle all your texting.
• If you can't resist the temptation to look at your phone, keep it in the trunk.

Combined with enforcement campaigns, GTSC coordinates various traffic safety activities throughout the year, and supports ongoing initiatives to improve pedestrian, motorcycle and bicycle safety. The GTSC also sponsors critical training for law enforcement, provides resources for teen drivers and their parents, and promotes seatbelt use statewide.

269 Days and Counting

 

I went to the Bronx this morning to the Ladder 27 firehouse to help dedicate a plaque with Fire Commissioner Dan Nigro for Firefighter Christopher Slutman a fifteen year veteran of New York's Bravest, who was killed while serving in the 25th Marine Regiment, Fourth Marine Division of Marine Reserves as a Staff Sergeant in Afghanistan. I hope those seeking to replace me know that this is one of the hardest parts of being the Mayor of New York City.  

Governor Cuomo Announces New York State Restores $600 Million in General Salary Increases for New York State Workers

 

Salary Increases Come After FY 2022 Enacted Budget Closes the Deficit and Invests in the Ongoing Response to the Pandemic and Recovery Efforts

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York State will restore $600 million in retroactive general salary increases for state workers after having sacrificed their contractual raises as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement comes after the federal government delivered $12.6 billion in funding and additional revenues were made available in the FY 2022 budget, which also invests in the ongoing response to the pandemic and recovery efforts.

"New York State workers showed up every day so people could stay home and they are true heroes of the COVID crisis," Governor Cuomo said. "The FY 2022 enacted budget will repay $600 million that was withheld from State workers during the pandemic. On behalf of the entire family of New York, we thank state workers for their extraordinary service, sacrifice, and selflessness which helped us through this unpredicted crisis."

In April of 2020, New York State was forced to freeze scheduled 2% pay increases as the State at the time was contending with the worst revenue loss in modern history as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Today's announcement fully funds the scheduled salary increases and retroactive pay to approximately 120,000 state workers, including members of the below unions:

• Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA)
• United University Professions (UUP)
• New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA)
• Management Confidential (MC)
• New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association (NYSTPBA)
• New York State Police Investigators Association (NYSPIA)
• DC37HOUS
• Graduate Students Employees Union (GSEU)

Throughout the pandemic, state workers answered the call to support New Yorkers, and went above and beyond, including:

• Employees of several agencies, including Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Division of Military and Naval Affairs, Office of Victim Services, and Division of Criminal Justice Services, supported the Department of Labor's Unemployment Insurance program benefits hotline. 
• The Justice Center supported the State's pandemic response by assisting with four call center activities, either directly within the Justice Center's own call center or by providing staff to assist other agencies' call centers, including: fielding questions related to sick and paid family leave for the NYS Worker's Compensation Board; helping the Department of Health and the Department of Tax and Finance set up COVID testing appointments and answer general COVID questions; and triaging calls from the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities' COVID-specific hotline. Through these efforts, the Justice Center has handled approximately 70,000 calls with New Yorkers regarding COVID-19.
• Department of Environmental Conservation staff from every division, including Emergency Management staff, Forest Rangers, and Environmental Conservation Police Officers, are serving on the frontlines of the State's response to COVID-19. More than 1,000 staff have volunteered to help combat the pandemic, supporting more than 20,000 missions in New York's coronavirus fight.  DEC staff stood up and operated testing and vaccine sites, delivered food, PPE, and test kits, supported Department of Health and Labor call centers.
• Department of Agriculture and Markets staff, with its partners, distributed more than 100,000 face coverings and tens of thousands of gallons of hand sanitizer to farms across the State. Ag&Mkts also launched on-the farm COVID-19 testing for farm workers, in partnership with NYS DOH, in targeted areas of the State that see the greatest number of seasonal farm workers.
• DHSES Emergency Operation Center has been activated since March 2020 in response to the pandemic. Their asset management personnel have coordinated the receipt, storage and distribution of millions of pieces of PPE and durable medical equipment at locations throughout the State.  They are involved in the management of the State's diagnostic testing operations, including test kit procurement, distributing medical supplies, and facilitating mask fit testing.
• Department of Transportation personnel helped establish testing sites, medical facilities, supply warehouses and vaccination centers across the state; and took the lead in transporting vital supplies and equipment, including more than 7 million bottles of hand sanitizer,  4 million test kits to health care facilities and millions of items of personal protective equipment. DOT employees also chipped in to assist with more than 75,000 DOH Call Center calls and 300,000 DOL Call Center calls. Over 2,250 DOT employees devoted more than 275,000 hours to COVID response.