Bronx Borough President Vanesa Gibson Introduces Bronx Week 2022

 

It may have been raining outside the Northeast YMCA, but inside Bronx Borough President Vanesa Gibson was introducing Bronx Week 2022, and the three honorees for the Bronx Week/ Walk of Fame 2022, and  Bronx Week Parade across Mosholu Parkway on Sunday May 15th. Bronx Borough President Gibson was joined by Deputy Bronx Borough President Janet Peguero, and Bronx Tourism Executive Director Olga Luz Tirado. Tirado introduced the Borough President who went through some of the events planned for Bronx Week with multiple events happening on one day. 

BP Gibson said that others have seven days in a week, but here in the Bronx we have ten days for Bronx Week. The events begin on May 5th with a Senior Day buffet style luncheon. This event is by invitation only. Each day afterward there are one, two or even three events going on ending Bronx Week on Sunday May 15th with a Bronx Week Parade across Mosholu Parkway, Bronx Week Street Festival, and Bronx Week Grand Finale Concert. You can visit ilovethebronx.com and go to the right of the page between the Bronx Week 2022 banners and click on View All Events to see each day's events, and how to participate.

Three honorees will be inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame Class of 2022. Since 1997, the Bronx Walk of Fame has served as the premier honor that can be bestowed upon any Bronx native, with past luminaries including Prince Royce, Chazz Palmintieri, Fat Joe, Swizz Beats and several others. This year, our honorees are Actor Luis Ramos, Director, Editor and Cinematographer Eif Rivera and Rapper Remy Ma.

Bronx Tourism Executive Director Olga Luz Tirado introduces Bronx Borough President Vanesa Gibson.

Bronx Borough President Vanesa Gibson has a very big smile as she introduces her first of many to come Bronx Weeks. 

At the new Northeast Bronx YMCA in the middle of students from CS 112 are Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and Deputy Borough President Janet Peguero.

(L- R) - Essen Health Care SVP Silvia Poada, Bronx Borough  President Vanesa Gibson, Deputy Borough President Janet Peguero, Amaurys Grullon of Bronx Native , and Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez, all showing the Bronx X.

Bronx Borough President Gibson and Deputy Borough President Peguero stand on either side of the three honorees for Bronx Week 2022, Actor Luis Ramos, Director, Editor, and Cinematographer Elf Rivera, and Rapper Remy Ma.

MAYOR ADAMS KICKS OFF CAMPAIGN TO HIGHLIGHT IDNYC EXPANSION OF BENEFITS

 

Expanded Access Includes New Cultural Institutions and Recreational Centers

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today kicked off a campaign to highlight new benefits, including access to cultural institutions and other recreational centers, for city residents with an IDNYC. A Day of Action will take place on Wednesday, May 4^th, where the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) will lead an interagency and multilingual citywide effort to encourage New Yorkers to enroll for an IDNYC or renew their current card. DSS and MOIA will have multilingual staff and volunteers available to help New Yorkers at train stations and other points in the city.

 

“An IDNYC unlocks benefits many New Yorkers don’t even realize they have access to, and thanks to the expansion of services we’re announcing today, New Yorkers will be able to do even more across New York City effective immediately,” said Mayor Adams. “All New Yorkers will utilize the benefits of this card, regardless of immigration status, that will allow them to enjoy the benefits of so many of the city’s many cultural institutions and recreational centers.”

 

“With over 1 million enrollees, IDNYC is an innovative and inclusive program that provides access to a wide variety of benefits and cultural resources across the city,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “IDNYC provides a valuable service to New Yorkers, and I am happy to see the list of partners continue to grow, and excited for this push for usage of the IDNYC program.”

 

IDNYC — managed by DSS in close collaboration with MOIA — is the largest and most successful municipal ID program in the country, providing all New Yorkers with a broadly accepted government-issued photo identification, regardless of background or immigration status. New Yorkers with an IDNYC card expiring in less than 60 days, or whose card has been expired for less than six months, can now renew their IDNYC through an online portal or by appointment at an enrollment center.

 

IDNYC benefits all city residents, including undocumented immigrants, New Yorkers experiencing homelessness, the formerly incarcerated, and others who may have difficulty obtaining other government-issued photo IDs. New Yorkers may renew their cards up to 90 days before expiration, and up to one year after it expires. Due to reduced capacities at IDNYC enrollment centers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the IDNYC program expanded the renewal period for all cardholders whose cards expired in 2020 — expanding the renewal period through December 31, 2022.

 

“We are delighted to launch our IDNYC renewal effort as we continue to honor and strengthen New York City’s inclusive legacy,” said DSS Commissioner Gary Jenkins. “The program has provided more than 1 million New Yorkers with proof of identification, which is vital for vulnerable New Yorkers looking to access the city resources and supports to which they are entitled. As I renew my IDNYC card today, I urge all New Yorkers to join me and enroll in this program as we build a more equitable, diverse, and accessible city for every New Yorker, regardless of background.”

 

“The IDNYC card has been instrumental in helping vulnerable communities get access to city resources and enjoy great benefits, like discounts on food and cultural attractions,” said MOIA Commissioner Manuel Castro. “MOIA is proud to continue to work with DSS on the IDNYC renewal effort to ensure communities continue to use their card as a passport across the city.”

 

"IDNYC has opened doors for so many people, more fully integrating them into the fabric of our city and giving them access to resources and services every resident deserves," said Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. "And of course, every card-carrying New Yorker deserves access to the cultural assets that are so integral to the life of our city, so we applaud the partners who are joining us again to offer free arts and culture memberships to IDNYC card holders. As our city continues to recover, IDNYC gives us all a powerful tool to reconnect with the things we love about New York, so get yours or renew today!"

 

As part of its expanded IDNYC benefits, the city is proud to announce partnerships with The Africa Center, Blink Fitness, Partners Coffee, and Wollman Rink, as well as other of the city’s prestigious cultural institutions and popular recreational centers. IDNYC cardholders will now have access to various discounts and benefits at these sites, including:

 

• The Africa Center: 30 percent off the exhibition admission fee.
• Blink Fitness: Join for $1 and get 15 percent off an all-access gym membership to Blink Fitness, which provides entry to all 48 New York City gyms, full access to the Blink App, unlimited guest privileges, and a free personal training startup session.
• Partners Coffee: $2 small cold brew or hot filter drip coffee. Valid anytime, one daily use per customer.
• Wollman Rink: $14 for admission, a skate rental, and a hot chocolate.

 

“We’re proud to be a new IDNYC partner in the Harlem community,” said Dr. Uzodinma Iweala, CEO, The Africa Center. “Our neighborhood is home to one of the largest populations of African people and people of African descent, all of whom we hope will stop by to receive or renew their IDNYC card and take some time to discover a little more about our shared history in our exhibition halls.”

 

“We are pleased to be working with IDNYC to provide New Yorkers with fun, friendly, feel-good fitness at an incredible value, so they can prioritize their health and wellness,” said Todd Magazine, CEO, Blink Fitness. “New Yorkers interested in starting their fitness journey can do so at any of the 48 New York City Blink locations and take advantage of a free personal training startup session.”

 

"We're thrilled to be joining so many extraordinary New York City institutions in offering IDNYC cardholders unique benefits. Offers like those provided through this program make exploring everything our great city has to offer more accessible to all residents — a subject important to us since opening our first store in 2012,” said Andrew Costaris, director of customer experience, Partners Coffee. “Our retail team excitedly looks forward to welcoming cardholders at our locations in Williamsburg, Long Island City, West Village, and Midtown Manhattan."

 

“IDNYC has hidden benefit and practical uses. It recognizes all New Yorkers regardless of where they are from. We are proud to partner with IDNYC to offer a discount to Wollman Rink, not only for ice season, but for all of our yearlong programming,” said Stefanie Tomlin, general manager, Wollman Rink. “Thanks to IDNYC, every New Yorker can enjoy Central Park and all that the iconic Wollman Rink has to offer.”

 

IDNYC card holders can also still enjoy continued partnerships with more than 35 institutions, including:

• American Museum of Natural History
• Apollo Theater
• BRIC
• Bronx Museum of the Arts
• Brooklyn Academy of Music
• Brooklyn Children’s Museum
• Carnegie Hall
• China Institute
• Drawing Center
• Film Forum
• Flushing Town Hall
• King Manor
• Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art
• Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
• Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Metropolitan Opera
• MoMA PS1
• Museum at Eldridge Street
• Museum of Jewish Heritage
• Museum of Modern Art
• Museum of the City of New York
• National Sawdust
• New York City Ballet
• New York City Center
• Park Avenue Armory
• Pregones Theater
• Public Theater
• Queens Museum
• Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden
• St. George Theater
• Staten Island Children’s Museum
• Staten Island Museum
• Studio Museum
• Symphony Space
• The Julliard School
• The Shed
• Wildlife Conservation Society

 

For more information on benefits, eligibility criteria, and how to renew or enroll, New Yorkers can go online portal or call 311 and say “IDNYC.” D/deaf and Hard of Hearing New Yorkers   can also learn more about IDNYC in ASL by contacting the DSS ASL direct video phone at 718-262-3608.

 

IDNYC Day of Action - May 4 Locations/Times

 

Queens:

Location: Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave (7/E/FMR) Trains

Time:  8AM – 10 AM

Location: Woodhaven Blvd Train Station (E/M/R)

Time:  4:00PM – 6:00PM 

Location: Flushing Library (41-17 Main St. Flushing)

Time:  12 Noon – 2:00PM

 

Manhattan:

Location:  125^th Street Lenox Avenue Train station (2/3 lines)

Time:  8AM – 10 AM

Location: Grand Street Train station (B/D)

Time:  12 Noon – 2:00PM

Location: 96 Street Train Station (1/2/3)

Time:  4:00PM – 6:00PM 

 

Brooklyn: 

Location:  Newkirk Avenue – Little Haiti Train station (2/5)

Time:  8AM – 10 AM

Location: Rockaway Avenue Station (2/3/4)

Time:  12 Noon – 2:00PM

Location: 36^th Street Train Station (D/N/R)

Time:  4:00PM – 6:00PM

 

Bronx: 

Location:  Tremont Ave Train station (B/D)

Time:  8AM – 10 AM

Location: Fordham Rd (B/D)

Time:  12 Noon – 2:00PM

Location: Pelham Parkway Train station (2/5)

Time:  4:00PM – 6:00PM

 

Staten Island: 

Location: SIR Tompkinsville station/St. George Staten Island Ferry

Times:

8AM – 10 AM

12 Noon – 2:00PM

4:00PM – 6:00PM

 

Governor Hochul Announces Start of $17.8 Million Pavement Improvement Project on I-87/I-287 in Rockland County

 

Project Includes Repairs and Resurfacing to Heavily Traveled Section of Highway

All Work to Take Place Overnight to Limit Traffic Impacts

Project Scheduled to Be Completed in Fall 2022 

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of a $17.8 million pavement improvement project on the New York State Thruway (I-87/I-287) in Rockland County. The work will cover a nearly eight-mile stretch from the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge in South Nyack to just beyond exit 14A (Spring Valley - Nanuet - NY Route 59) in Ramapo.

"The lower Hudson Valley region is a critical artery for commerce and drivers traveling to and from New York City and beyond," Governor Hochul said. "This investment will help ensure a safer, smoother ride for the tens of thousands of Thruway travelers using this section each day. My administration is laser focused on creating the infrastructure of the future by enhancing travel connections, restoring essential roads and bridges, and building back better and stronger than ever before."

The project includes renewing the pavement by performing mill and inlay operations to a two-inch depth from milepost 16.4 to milepost 24 northbound and southbound, including five interchange ramps from South Nyack (exit 10) to Spring Valley (exit 14). Additional work includes adding more reflective line striping, new signs and drainage improvements. Crisdel Group, Inc. is the project contractor following a competitive bidding process.

All of the work will take place overnight to limit impacts to traffic and is expected to be completed by late Fall 2022. Motorists may encounter lane closures on the Thruway along with traffic shifts and stoppages while construction is underway. All work is weather dependent and subject to change. Motorists are urged to be alert and follow the posted work zone speed limits and are reminded that fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. In accordance with the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual's driver license.

DEC ANNOUNCES OPENING OF CENTRAL-FINGER LAKES SEGMENT OF STATEWIDE BIRDING TRAIL

 

Central-Finger Lakes Birding Trail Includes 54 Locations in 15 Counties

 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the grand opening of the Central-Finger Lakes segment of the New York State Birding Trail to highlight the state’s world-class and wide-ranging birding opportunities. The Central-Finger Lakes segment includes 54 locations throughout 15 counties, providing a variety of quality birding experiences for New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy.

"With the annual bird migration and the wide variety of species coming to the region, Spring is truly a perfect time of year to visit any of the 54 locations on the newest segment of the New York State Birding Trail," Commissioner Seggos said. “The Central-Finger Lakes region brings together many partners to provide a curated birding experience for both expert birders and New Yorkers new to this fun and accessible activity.”

Birdwatching has quickly become one of New York’s fastest-growing recreation and tourism activities. DEC manages the New York State Birding Trail in collaboration with partners that include the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The statewide trail network includes promoted birding locations that can be accessed by car or public transportation, providing an inclusive experience for all visitors to enjoy birds amid beautiful natural settings with little or no cost or investment in equipment.

State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, “With the opening of the Central-Finger Lakes segment of the New York State Birding Trail, our visitors can discover some of the prime bird watching areas of the state, allowing for a greater connection to nature and outdoor recreation. The trail includes 17 State Park facilities in the Central-Finger Lakes Region with nearly 30 different designated sites.”

The Central-Finger Lakes segment of the trail includes 54 locations on a mix of public and private lands throughout Chenango, Oneida, Oswego, Madison, Onondaga, Otsego, Cortland, Cayuga, Seneca, Yates, Ontario, Wayne, Livingston, Monroe, and Tompkins counties. This large region is home to diverse habitats of woodlands, wetlands, grasslands, open lakes, and even coastal ecosystems that support a huge array of species and something for all visitors to experience and enjoy. 

Each spring, hundreds of thousands of geese and ducks of some two dozen species migrate through this region on the Atlantic flyway. Visitors can check out the nationally recognized Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge’s wetlands to see where bald eagles make their home. Birds of prey can be observed at Derby Hill Bird Observatory, the location of a spring hawk watch with 40,000 to 90,000 raptors. Make a stop at Braddock Bay just west of Rochester on Lake Ontario to see migrating raptors, waterfowl, and songbirds at a designated Bird Conservation Area. High Tor Wildlife Management Area is also an Important Bird Area with ponds, waterfalls, rivers, gorges, forests, and open fields. Visitors can expect to observe sandhill cranes, osprey, and herons, as well as blue jays, crows, and belted kingfishers and a large variety of songbirds. Don't miss the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary to watch birds, rain or shine, and explore four miles of trails. At Beaver Lake Nature Center, join a morning bird walk in search of spring migrants and summer residents along the hedgerows, meadows, lakeshore, at the forest's edge, and across the bog.

New segments of the Birding Trail are opened in a phased approach. DEC announced the New York City trail segment in October 2021, Greater Niagara in February 2022, Long Island in March 2022, and Hudson Valley in April 2022, totaling more than 180 birding locations. Commissioner Seggos also announced the addition of Birdsong Park in the town of Orchard Park, Erie County, to the previously announced Greater Niagara segment. Once finished, the New York State Birding Trail will provide birding opportunities for everyone, regardless of age, ability, identity, or background, across the state.

To promote the trail as an inclusive experience for all, DEC and partners are working to select sites that are welcoming and accessible by public transportation. DEC also continues to solicit input from a wide range of New Yorkers and organizations that represent Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities and is making information available in both English and Spanish. Bird walks will be held in collaboration with organizations working with BIPOC communities.

The New York State Birding Trail map is available at www.ibirdny.org and provides valuable information on each site such as location, available amenities, species likely to be seen, directions, and more. Additional information on birding and educational and interpretive information is also available. Digital information on the Birding Trail will be updated periodically, so budding outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to check back often.

In addition to State-owned and managed locations for the Birding Trail, publicly and privately managed sites can complete a simple self-nomination process to be considered for inclusion on the trail. Sites all meet criteria to help ensure a positive experience for visitors throughout the State. Additionally, each site will post signage noting it as an official location on the birding trail. For information on the nomination process, see www.ibirdny.org.

DEC encourages birding enthusiasts to visit I Bird NY for more information on where and how to observe birds, upcoming bird walks, a downloadable Beginner's Guide to Birding (available in Spanish), and additional resources.

DEC manages and oversees nearly five million acres of public lands and conservation easements and plays a vital role in both protecting New York’s natural resources and providing opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors. From fishing on scenic streams, hiking and rock climbing, swimming and boating, birding, and nature study, or simply relaxing in a tent under the stars, there are endless adventures to be found. Visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/, connect with us on Facebook, or follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES $5 MILLION COMMITMENT TO RACIAL JUSTICE COMMISSION FOR BALLOT PROPOSAL VOTER EDUCATION EFFORT

 

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced a $5 million commitment to the New York City Racial Justice Commission (RJC) to educate New Yorkers about the three ballot proposals they will see during the November general election. RJC outreach plans prioritize equity, accessibility, and language justice, while making a special effort to reach groups protected by the Voting Rights Act.

 

“Equity and justice go hand in hand and are key to building a prosperous city that serves all New Yorkers. And while our city has come a long way, we have more work to do,” said Mayor Adams. “I am proud to support the Racial Justice Commission’s efforts to ensure New Yorkers can fully participate in our democracy with full transparency. These three ballot initiatives intend to place racial equity at the heart of New York City government.”

 

“After hearing from BIPOC New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs about the persistent racial injustices and disparities they face as they pursue opportunities and a better way of life, the Racial Justice Commission developed three ballot measures to begin the work of both preventing and reducing such inequities as we recover from COVID and move forward as a multicultural city,” said Jennifer Jones Austin, chair, RJC. “With generous funding provided by Mayor Adams, the commission will be able to reach and educate New Yorkers about how these measures would begin to dismantle structural racism in our city and ensure equity as a core government function and responsibility.” 

 

“These proposals are intended to fundamentally change the way City government runs by writing equitable principles into the City’s constitution,” said Henry Garrido, vice-chair, NYC Racial Justice Commission and executive director of DC 37 and AFSCME. “Collectively, the commission worked to put these proposals on the ballot with the aim to improve the lives of New Yorkers. I encourage everyone New Yorker to learn how these proposals could impact their lives and make their decision about each one at the polls.”

 

Operating simultaneously as a Charter Revision Commission, RJC is responsible for educating voters and publicizing the ballot measures before the election. If New York City voters adopt these proposals, the charter will incorporate the broadest structural racial equity laws in the country:

 

1. Add a statement of values to guide government,
2. Establish a racial equity office, plan, and commission, and
3. Measure the true cost of living.

 

Initial plans incorporate strategies to deeply engage New Yorkers through partnerships with community organizations on the ground, creative and accessible communications, and strategic paid media. The RJC is seeking city-certified Minority and Women-Owned Businesses (M/WBE) for the contracting needs, aiming to contract at least 50 percent of the total budget to M/WBEs. Interested businesses can email to receive updates about solicitations.

 

Community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and other non-partisan community organizations will have the opportunity to receive funding to support civic education efforts through November 2022. Application details will be available soon and interested organizations can sign up to receive updates online.

 

New Yorkers are encouraged to visit the RJC’s website to read more about each proposal and view how each of the questions will appear on the back of New Yorkers’ ballots, as well as find more details about the legislative changes that would go into effect if the proposals are adopted.

 

The RJC was formed on March 23, 2021, empowered with the legal authority of a Charter Revision Commission. RJC is identifying and proposing transformative structural changes, as well as significant policy reforms to advance racial justice and equity and begin to dismantle structural racism for all New Yorkers.

Governor Hochul Announces Expanded Eligibility for $15 Million in Cooling Assistance

 

All Income-Eligible New Yorkers Could Qualify for an Air Conditioner    

Program Expected to serve an Estimated 20,000 Low-Income Households   

Applications Begin May 2

 Governor Hochul today announced that $15 million is available through the Home Energy Assistance Program to help low-income individuals and families who lack air conditioning to stay cool during the upcoming summer months. Under the direction of the Governor, the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance - the agency administering HEAP - expanded eligibility for the cooling component to more effectively assist those in need by including all income-eligible New Yorkers.    

"For too many New Yorkers, relief from the stifling heat that summer brings each year is prohibitively expensive," Governor Hochul said. "By expanding the eligibility guidelines for cooling assistance, we can help ensure that more low-income and disadvantaged households have the means to stay comfortable and safe when temperatures inevitably rise."      

To qualify for cooling assistance under the amended guidelines, applicants must meet HEAP eligibility criteria and income thresholds, which vary by household size. For instance, a family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $5,249 or an annual gross income of $62,983. Prior to this year, the cooling component of HEAP was only available to income-eligible households with an individual suffering from a documented medical condition exacerbated by extreme heat.   

The program covers the cost of an air conditioning unit and installation. Under the expanded eligibility, the cooling component is expected to serve up to 20,000 households throughout the state.   

Applications for cooling assistance will be accepted at local departments of social services starting Monday, May 2 and extending through August 31, or until funding runs out. Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. New York City residents may download an application and obtain program information at access.nyc.gov.        

The cooling assistance program provided about 11,300 benefits throughout the state last year alone. More than 36,000 households throughout New York have benefited from cooling assistance over the past five years. 

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Daniel W. Tietz said, "Summer inevitably brings sweltering temperatures that are not only uncomfortable for New Yorkers lacking the ability to cool their homes, but also pose significant risk of heat-related health emergencies. The expanded eligibility for cooling assistance will be welcome relief for low-income households that struggle to moderate the heat during the hottest days of summer."  

New York State Office for the Aging Acting Director Greg Olsen said, "Extreme heat poses major health and safety risks for people of all ages but especially for older adults. The Heating and Cooling Assistance cooling assistance program provides relief right where individuals and families need it most, in their home living environments. I applaud Governor Hochul for expanding this important benefit to help more New Yorkers and ease their access to much-needed cooling assistance."  In addition to cooling assistance, the agency also continues to offer the emergency HEAP benefit to those households experiencing a crisis or life-threatening heat or heat-related energy emergency. The emergency benefit is available through Aug. 31 or until the funds allocated are exhausted.      

Statewide demand for HEAP remains high. So far this season, nearly 1.5 million regular benefits were received by low to moderate-income households, and nearly 63,000 emergency benefits were also issued to these households. 

Two Lebanese Citizens Extradited from Republic of Georgia to Face International Money Laundering Charges

 

Mohamad Yassine and Hassan Rahman Sought to Launder Tens of Millions of Dollars for Criminals Worldwide

 Mohamad Yassine and Hassan Rahman, citizens of Lebanon, will be arraigned today on money laundering charges for operating an international money laundering organization.  Yassine and Rahman were arrested in September 2021 in the Republic of Georgia and extradited to the United States on April 30, 2022. The defendants are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Sanket J. Bulsara at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn. 

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Susan A. Gibson, Special Agent-in-Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New Jersey Division announced the extraditions.

“The defendants operated a sophisticated money laundering conspiracy that used the international banking system to move bulk cash by sending wire transfers for criminals throughout the world,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “This Office is committed to working with our international partners to dismantle the money laundering networks upon which drug traffickers and other criminals rely.” 

Mr. Peace thanked the Georgian Ministry of Justice, the Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia, the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs, the DEA’s Country Attaché Office in Georgia, and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs for their assistance with the arrest and extradition.

“Drug traffickers rely on international money laundering organizations in order to further their criminal operations,” stated Special Agent in Charge Gibson. “The defendants in this investigation have helped to fuel the misery felt by so many affected by illegal drug use. The men and women of DEA will continue to work with our international partners to ensure these criminals are brought to justice.”

According to court filings, between approximately June 2017 and March 2018, Yassine and Rahman participated in a sophisticated Lebanon-based money laundering organization.  Yassine led the organization, and Rahman was a member who reported directly to Yassine.  The organization collected, laundered, and repatriated illicit funds, including drug proceeds, throughout Europe, the Middle East, South America, Australia, and the United States, in exchange for a percentage-based commission of the amount laundered.  The organization typically charged a double-digit commission, as high as 17%.  The organization used a network of workers to pick up and deliver bundles of cash, and it used the banking system to launder money through wire transfers.  Some of the funds the defendants laundered originated in Australia, were sent to Turkey, and ultimately transferred into a bank account in Brooklyn. 

The charges in the superseding indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted, the defendants face up to 40 years in prison.