Chinese National Charged For Conspiring To Provide Materials For The Production Of Ballistic Missiles To Iran In Violation Of U.S. Sanctions

 

Xiangjiang Qiao, an Employee of a Chinese Company Sanctioned for Its Role in the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, Conspired to Provide Isostatic Graphite, a Material Used in the Production of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, to Iran

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Matthew G. Olsen, the Assistant Attorney General for National Security, Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Matthew S. Axelrod, Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement of the Commerce Department, announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging XIANGJIANG QIAO, a/k/a “Joe Hansen,” with sanctions evasion, money laundering, and bank fraud offenses based on QIAO’s alleged participation in a scheme to use a sanctioned Chinese company to provide materials used in the production of weapons of mass destruction (“WMDs”) to Iran, in exchange for payments made through the U.S. financial system.  QIAO is at large in China.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen said: “These charges demonstrate the Justice Department’s commitment to preventing sensitive technology from falling into the hands of foreign adversaries, including Russia, China, and Iran.  We will not tolerate those who would violate U.S. laws to allow authoritarian regimes and other hostile nations to use advanced technology to threaten U.S. national security and undermine democratic values around the world.”

FBI Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll said: “Qiao, as alleged, participated in a yearslong scheme that directly violated United States sanctions by seeking to provide components used in manufacturing Weapons of Mass Destruction to Iran.  Evasions of sanctions designed to deter hostile foreign nations from producing dangerous weapons is a threat to the national security of the United States and our allies.  The FBI will be aggressive in its pursuit of any individual willing to deliberately violate imposed sanctions.”

Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod said: “Protecting sensitive American technology – like source code for ‘smart’ automotive manufacturing equipment or items used to develop quantum cryptography – from being illegally acquired by our adversaries is why we stood up the Disruptive Technology Strike Force.  The Strike Force actions announced today reflect the core mission of our Export Enforcement team – keeping our country’s most sensitive technologies out of the world’s most dangerous hands.”

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

XIANGJIANG QIAO, a/k/a “Joe Hansen,” is a national of the People’s Republic of China (“China”) and an employee of the China-based company Sinotech Dalian Carbon and Graphite Manufacturing Corporation (“Sinotech Dalian”).  Sinotech Dalian is part of a network of Chinese companies involved in the proliferation of WMDs and that, in particular, provide assistance in the procurement of materials for Iran’s ballistic missile program.  In 2014, the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) sanctioned Sinotech Dalian, adding the company to OFAC’s List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (the “SDN List”), explaining that Sinotech Dalian is part of a network of China-based entities used to proliferate WMDs and, specifically, to aid Iranian ballistic missile procurement.  Sinotech Dalian’s inclusion on the SDN List prohibits it from using the U.S. financial system to conduct transactions without authorization from OFAC.  QIAO is an associate of Li Fangwei, a/k/a “Karl Lee,” who managed the Sinotech Dalian network of companies and was charged in 2014 in the Southern District of New York with sanctions evasion and other offenses based on his alleged illicit activities as a principal contributor to Iran’s ballistic missile program through China-based entities that have been sanctioned by the U.S. Government.  See United States v. Li Fangwei, 14 Cr. 144 (S.D.N.Y.).

In willful violation of U.S. sanctions on Iran and Sinotech Dalian, between at least March 2019 and September 2022, QIAO participated in a scheme to use Sinotech Dalian, including through transactions involving the U.S. financial system, to supply isostatic graphite to Iran for the production of WMDs.  Isostatic graphite is a type of graphite with an ultra-fine grain that is used in the manufacture of WMDs.  In particular, isostatic graphite is used in the manufacture of rocket nozzles and reentry vehicle nose tips in intercontinental ballistic missiles.  QIAO further took steps to conceal Sinotech Dalian’s involvement in the transaction by creating a bank account in the name of a front company to receive two transfers from a U.S. bank totaling over $15,000 as part of his efforts to facilitate the supply of isostatic graphite to Iran.

QIAO, 39, a Chinese national, is charged with one count of conspiracy to violate U.S. sanctions against Iran and Sinotech Dalian, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”), which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; two counts of violating the IEEPA, which each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; two counts of attempted bank fraud, which each carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and two counts of money laundering, which each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and its New York Field Office, Counterintelligence Division.  Mr. Williams also thanked the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, for their assistance.

This case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gillian S. Grossman and Nicholas S. Bradley are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney S. Derek Shugert of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

Today’s actions were coordinated through the Disruptive Technology Strike Force, an interagency law enforcement strike force co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce designed to target illicit actors, protect supply chains, and prevent critical technology from being acquired by authoritarian regimes and hostile nation states.  Under the leadership of the Assistant Attorney General for National Security and the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Enforcement, the Strike Force leverages tools and authorities across the U.S. Government to enhance the criminal and administrative enforcement of export control laws. 

The charges in the Indictment 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 Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Governor Hochul Announces $82 Million in Funding Opportunities to Enhance New York State Arts and Culture

 

Application Guidelines for FY 2024 Council on the Arts Grants Now Available

Builds on Last Year’s Historic Funding to Support Arts and Culture Organizations

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that $82 million in New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) grants are now available for nonprofit arts and culture organizations and individual artists across New York State. The launch of these grants will provide flexible funding to support a wide range of organizations and artistic pursuits, including helping individual artists create new works, sustaining new and existing programming at community organizations, increasing access to affordable rehearsal and studio space, and expanding opportunities for performing arts residencies. Application guidelines are available now at arts.ny.gov.

“Arts and culture have long been a key part of New York’s identity, and a critical component of our state’s success as a rich and vibrant place to live, work, and visit,” Governor Hochul said. “These vital funding opportunities will strengthen our creative sector by supporting a wide range of diverse and innovative projects, and will allow our arts and cultural organizations to further develop and grow, while making it more accessible for New Yorkers and visitors alike.”

A kick-off webinar for the NYSCA FY 2024 Opportunities will be held on Thursday, May 18 at 11 a.m. Registration is available here.

Guidelines for the following opportunities are available to download on the NYSCA website:

• Support for Organizations
  • Provides flexible operating and programmatic funding for qualified arts and culture organizations. Awards range from $10,000 to $49,500.

• Support for Artists
  • Funds creative commissions to individual artists across the state. The commission areas include Choreography, Composer, Film, Media, and New Technology, Folk and Traditional Arts, Interdisciplinary, Literature, Theater Commissions, and Visual arts. Award amount is $10,000.

• Support for Targeted Opportunities
  • Rehearsal and Studio Space for the Performing Arts: This funding is intended to support creative rehearsal time and organizations that provide viable and affordable space for non-profit arts groups and artists.  Awards range from $15,000 to $35,000.
  • Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeships: This funding provides individuals experienced in a folk art with opportunities to study with master folk artists from their own community. Award amount is $10,000.
  • Performing Arts Residencies. This opportunity supports a minimum 3-consecutive-week residency by New York-based performing arts groups in a targeted area in New York State outside of the applicant's home county and outside New York City. Awards range from $15,000 to $35,000.

• Support for Regrants and Services
  • Supports funding to State Community Regrant sites – a network of regional arts and culture organizations located across the state – that leverage their local expertise to extend the impact of NYSCA’s grantmaking to artists and nonprofits in all 62 counties as well as funding to organizations for services to the field. This opportunity is by invite only.

The application portal will open on Thursday, June 1. The deadline to apply is Thursday, July 13, at 4 p.m. All applicants must complete the prequalification process through NYS Grants Gateway before applying for a grant. NYSCA urges applicants to begin the prequalification process as soon as possible. Opportunities for Capital Project Grants will be announced in the Fall.

These historic opportunities for the arts and culture sector continue last year’s historic levels of arts funding, including unprecedented support for capital projects. In FY 2023, NYSCA awarded $90 million in support grants to 426 artists and over 1,200 organizations.

About the New York State Council on the Arts

NYSCA preserves and advances the arts and culture that make New York State an exceptional place to live, work and visit. The Council upholds the right of all New Yorkers to experience the vital contributions the arts make to our communities, education, economic development, and quality of life. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, NYSCA is awarding $127 million in FY 2024, providing support across the full breadth of the arts.

NYSCA further advances New York's creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit www.arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA's Facebook page, Twitter @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES EIGHT JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced eight judicial appointments to New York State Family Court, New York State Criminal Court, and New York State Civil Court. Specifically, Mayor Adams appointed three Family Court judges, three Criminal Court judges, and two interim Civil Court judges.

 

“A just and safe city depends on a well-functioning criminal justice system,” said Mayor Adams. “This slate of judges represents the best and brightest our legal system has to offer, and we are grateful for their service to our city.”

 

“The city’s judiciary is more crucial than ever to keeping New York City the safest big city in America,” said Chief Counsel to City Hall Brendan McGuire. “Mayor Adams is committed to appointing the strongest available candidates to the bench who reflect the diversity of the city. We are confident that these new judges will help deliver fair and efficient justice in both the criminal and family courts. We are grateful for their service.”

 

Mayor Adams appointed the following judges to Family Court:

 

Judge Maura A. Keating began her legal career as a staff attorney with The Legal Aid Society, Juvenile Rights Practice before joining the Manhattan practice of the Center for Family Representation, initially as a litigation supervisor, then also as co-director. Prior to her appointment to the bench, she served as the director of litigation at the Center for Family Representation.

 

Judge Robert A. Markoff has served the New York State Unified Court System for over two decades. He first served as a court attorney in Supreme Court, Kings County before becoming a senior court attorney serving in Civil Court, Kings County. He then briefly worked as an associate at a private firm before returning to the court system, where he resumed his service as a principal law clerk in Supreme Court, Kings County. Most recently, he served as a senior principal law clerk in the Appellate Division, Second Department.

 

Judge Jessica Sin joined the New York City Administration for Children’s Services as an agency attorney shortly after graduating from law school, before establishing her solo practice where she concentrated on matrimonial and family law. She then joined the New York State Unified Court System as a principal law clerk in Supreme Court, Queens County, then as a court attorney in Family Court, Queens County. She went on to become a support magistrate in the Family Courts of Bronx, New York, and Queens counties prior to her appointment to the bench.

 

Mayor Adams appointed the following judges to Criminal Court:

 

Judge Pamela A. Goldsmith began her legal career at the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office, where she started as an assistant district attorney in the Criminal Court Bureau. While there, she was also assigned to the Grand Jury Bureau and, finally, Trial Bureau 30. She then joined the New York State Unified Court System as a court attorney in Supreme Court, Bronx County and in Criminal Court, New York County. Prior to her appointment, she was a principal court attorney in Supreme Court, Bronx County, Criminal Term.

 

Judge John N. McPadden began his legal career as a criminal defense attorney in a private firm. Since 2006, he has been serving with the New York State Office of Court Administration. He has held several titles, including associate court attorney and principal law secretary to several Supreme Court justices. Prior to his appointment, he served as the supervising court attorney to the supervising judge of New York County Criminal Court.

 

Judge Jung Park began her legal career with the New York County District Attorney’s Office as an assistant district attorney, where she has been for over 20 years serving in the Appeals Bureau and Trial Bureau 80, eventually becoming deputy bureau chief of Trial Bureau 80. Prior to her appointment she served as the bureau chief of Trial Bureau 80.

 

Mayor Adams appointed the following judges to Interim Civil Court:

 

Judge Grace Oboma-Layat began her legal career in public service at The Legal Aid Society, Juvenile Rights Practice, and has served there for close to two decades. Prior to her appointment, she served as a staff attorney in child protection, termination of parental rights, and custody and visitation proceedings.

 

Judge Marjorie R. Steinberg started her legal career with a private firm as an associate attorney focusing on custody, visitation, domestic violence, matrimonial, guardianship, and neglect litigation. She then joined The Children’s Law Center, first as a staff attorney, then as deputy director. She later joined the New York State Unified Court System as a court attorney in the Integrated Domestic Violence Part, then as principal court attorney in the All Purpose Matrimonial Part in Richmond County, Supreme Court. Prior to her appointment, she served as a support magistrate presiding in Richmond County, Family Court.

 

Massachusetts Man Indicted for Acting as an Illegal Agent of the People’s Republic of China

 

Liang Allegedly Reported to PRC Officials on Pro-Democracy Protesters and Founded U.S. Advocacy Group to Covertly Advance the PRC’s Agenda in Boston and Surrounding Areas

 A Massachusetts man was arrested on May 9 for allegedly acting as an agent of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) without providing notification to the U.S. Attorney General.

Litang Liang, 63, of Brighton, was indicted on one count of acting as an agent of a foreign government without providing notification to the U.S. Attorney General and one count of conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign government without providing notification to the U.S. Attorney General.

“We will not tolerate the PRC’s efforts to interfere with public discourse and threaten civic participation in the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “This case demonstrates, once again, the lengths that the PRC government, including its Ministry of Public Security, will go to target people in the U.S. who exercise their rights to speak out against the PRC.”

“The Department of Justice will protect these individual rights and protect our country against those who seek to unlawfully act on behalf of foreign governments while within our borders,” said U.S. Attorney Rachael S. Rollins for the District of Massachusetts. “We allege that Mr. Liang engaged in a series of acts on behalf of the PRC government including providing information on Boston-area residents, organizations and dissidents to PRC government officials – potentially placing people at risk here in Massachusetts and abroad. Attempts to repress constitutionally protected rights here in the United States will never be tolerated. Anyone who infringes upon those rights on American soil will be identified and held to account.”

“The United States requires agents of foreign countries to register with our government, and for good reason – in such cases, those agents often act against the interests of the United States,” said Assistant Director Suzanne Turner of the FBI Counterintelligence Division. “The FBI is not going to stand by and allow undeclared agents of the People’s Republic of China to operate in our country unchecked. We will continue to steadfastly enforce the law of the land, uncovering these efforts and holding accountable all those who work with foreign governments to violate our laws.”

According to the charging documents, from in or around 2018 through at least 2022, Liang acted within the United States as an agent of the PRC government by allegedly providing PRC government officials with information on Boston-area individuals and organizations; organizing a counter-protest against pro-democracy dissidents; providing photographs of and information about dissidents to PRC government officials; and providing the names of potential recruits to the PRC’s Ministry of Public Security. At no point did Liang notify the U.S. Attorney General that he was acting as a PRC government agent.

Specifically, beginning in or around 2018, Liang allegedly provided information about Chinese individuals and organizations in the Boston area to PRC government officials – including PRC officials formerly in the United States, the Ministry of Public Security, and the United Front Work Department, an entity which reports directly to the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and works to further the CCP’s goals.

It is alleged that Liang provided PRC government officials with information regarding members and leaders of Boston-area, Chinese family associations and community organizations with pro-Taiwan leanings. Additionally, it is alleged that Liang sent information regarding anti-PRC dissidents to PRC officials including: identification of an individual he accused of having “sabotaged” PRC flags in Boston’s Chinatown in October 2018; video of a dissident attending the “Boston Stands with Hong Kong” march in August 2019; and photographs of anti-PRC dissidents in front of the Boston Public Library in September 2019.

The charge of acting as an agent of a foreign government without providing notification to the U.S. Attorney General provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign government without providing notification to the U.S. Attorney General provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy H. Kistner for the District of Massachusetts is prosecuting the case. Valuable assistance was provided by Trial Attorney Elizabeth Abraham of the Justice Department’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Car Parade by City Council Candidate Irene Estrada Fails to Draw Followers

 

Signs like the one above were posted on poles throughout Indian Village. It was an event behind Jacobi Hospital Building #2 where the Just Home proposal to house current incarcerated people at Rikers Island. At 6 PM there were only four cars gathered for the Car Rally. It took forty-five minutes and many calls by City Council candidate Irene Estrada to get six more cars to join the Car Parade. Getting off forty-five minutes late there were eleven cars in the parade including the News 12 car that was filming the event. By the time the Car Parade turned onto Eastchester Road it was down to only Eight cars. 

If signs for political candidates are placed on city owned poles there is a seventy-five dollar fine for each sign, and a copy  of the sign must be filed with all other materials which mention this event as a city council candidate event to the Campaign Finance Board. 

At the 6 PM hour only four cars were lined up for the Car Parade. one car from the 49th Precinct is at the curb, while a New York Hospital Police car is double parked next to the car from the 49th Precinct.

Governor Hochul Reminds New Yorkers to Take Action to Stay Covered Through New York State Marketplace

 

Eligibility Redetermination Notices are Being Distributed to Over 9 Million New Yorkers Enrolled in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan as Federal Law Now Requires Eligibility Reviews for Public Programs to Resume

Enrollees in New York's Public Health Insurance Programs Will Need to Renew Their Insurance by the Deadline to Avoid a Gap in Health Insurance Coverage

NY State of Health Marketplace Prepares to Assist Consumers, Maintain Open Enrollment During Transition Out of Public Health Emergency

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that health insurance renewals have begun for more than 9 million New Yorkers enrolled in public health insurance programs, and New York stands ready to help consumers stay covered. The federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 ended the requirement to keep individuals continuously enrolled in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan. Federal law now requires eligibility reviews for public programs to resume. Current state enrollees will receive renewal notices in advance of their coverage end dates with detailed instructions of how to stay covered and their deadline to take action.

"New Yorkers deserve access to quality and affordable health care, which is why my administration has prioritized delivering health insurance to a record number of New Yorkers," Governor Hochul said. "Through our nation-leading health care system, we continue to ensure everyone in our state has access to the best care available and I urge New Yorkers to renew their coverage in New York's public health insurance programs." 

In coordination with the Department of Health, participating health insurance plans, health care providers, and thousands of certified enrollment staff across the state stand prepared to assist consumers through the renewal process and keep New Yorkers covered. The Department of Health has reviewed federal government guidance; developed plans to enhance systems; increased resources and added staff; and collaborated with state and federal government officials, local departments of social services, partners, advocates and other stakeholders to help New Yorkers navigate the changes to their insurance programs.    

Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, "COVID-19 took a tremendous emotional, physical and financial toll on New Yorkers, so it's critical that they have all the resources they need post-pandemic. The Department remains committed to ensuring that New Yorkers stay covered and have access to quality and affordable health coverage."

New York State Medicaid Director Amir Bassiri said, "Over the past three years, the Department of Health has collaborated with other agencies, stakeholders and communities to help the state through the setbacks caused by the pandemic. As the transition to post-pandemic New York, our efforts to preserve health insurance coverage, protections and services for the most vulnerable New Yorkers who depend on them continue."

New York State of Health Executive Director Danielle Holahan said, "During the pandemic, New York State of Health provided millions of New Yorkers with free or low-cost health insurance in the face of the unprecedented economic and public health uncertainties. We will not rest until we've ensured all of our members have had every opportunity to stay covered."

Throughout the next year, current enrollees will receive renewal notices based on the end date of their coverage.  Enrollees with coverage end dates of June 30 have already begun receiving their renewal notices. New York State of Health enrollees should follow the instructions on their renewal notices and take any needed actions once the renewal window opens to avoid a gap in health insurance coverage.  Members who enrolled through their county's Local Department of Social Services or the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) will receive a renewal packet in the mail and should follow the instructions and deadlines outlined in that packet to renew their coverage.

New Yorkers whose incomes and other family circumstances have changed since the pandemic began and are no longer eligible for fully subsidized public coverage, continue to have a broad range of free or low-cost health insurance options available. New York's Essential Plan for low-income individuals will smooth the transition for New Yorkers who no longer qualify for Medicaid and enhanced federal tax credits will make coverage more affordable for individuals transitioning to a Qualified Health Plan. 

Enrollment in NY State of Health will remain open through May 2024 so anyone who loses their Medicaid, Child Health Plus, or Essential Plan coverage during the redetermination process will be able to enroll in a Qualified Health Plan, if they qualify.

New York has made major strides in recent years, combined with federal efforts, to improve the affordability and accessibility of health insurance, bringing uninsured rates to historically low levels:

• In the State FY 2021 Budget, New York eliminated premiums in the Essential Plan for adults not eligible for Medicaid with incomes up to 200 percent of FPL;
• In 2021, New York expedited the availability of enhanced Premium Tax Credits for Qualified Health Plan coverage for New Yorkers with incomes above 200 percent of FPL;
• In the State FY 2023 Budget, New York extended 12 months postpartum coverage to pregnant individuals in Medicaid, eliminated premiums for children with incomes at or below 222 percent of FPL in the Child Health Plus programs, and aligned Medicaid eligibility levels for all adults at 138 percent of FPL;

• In the State FY 2024 Budget, the state reiterated its intention to seek a federal waiver to extend the Essential Plan to more low- and moderate-income New Yorkers with incomes up to 250 percent of FPL, which will smooth the transition for consumers moving from Medicaid. 

For more on New York State Marketplace eligibility and renewals, New Yorkers should reach out to their local Department of Social Services office, or learn more on the NY State of Health website and the Department of Health's Medicaid website. Governor Hochul's FY 2024 Enacted Budget provides an additional $22 billion multi-year investment to support the State's health care system, including an additional $1 billion in health care capital funding for providers and expanded Medicaid benefits for more than 7.8 million low-income New Yorkers.

Prominent Ghanaian Influencer Charged For Role In Romance Scheme And Extradited From United Kingdom To The United States

 

Mona Faiz Montrage Received Over $2 Million in Fraud Proceeds and Pretended to Marry One Victim to Further the Fraud Scheme

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of a six-count Indictment charging MONA FAIZ MONTRAGE for her role in a series of romance schemes and for laundering the proceeds of those schemes.  MONTRAGE was arrested in the United Kingdom on November 10, 2022, and was extradited from the United Kingdom on May 12, 2023.  MONTRAGE will be presented before U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty, to whom the case is assigned, later today.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Mona Faiz Montrage was a member of a criminal conspiracy that specifically targeted older Americans through romance scams.  These scams can be both financially and emotionally devastating for vulnerable victims.  Thanks to the efforts of our law enforcement partners, Montrage was arrested abroad and has been brought to the United States to face justice.”

FBI Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll said: “We alleged today that Ms. Montrage participated in multiple romance scams – often targeting elderly victims – resulting in more than $2 million in fraudulent funds under her control.  Romance scams – especially those that target older individuals – are of major concern.  The FBI will be tireless in our efforts to hold fraudsters accountable in the criminal justice system.”

As alleged in the Indictment and other publicly filed materials:[1]

From at least in or about 2013 through in or about 2019, MONTRAGE was a member of a criminal enterprise (the “Enterprise”) based in West Africa that committed a series of frauds against individuals and businesses in the United States, including romance scams. 

Many of the Enterprise’s romance scam victims were vulnerable, older men and women who lived alone.  The Enterprise frequently conducted the romance scams by sending the victims emails, text messages, and social media messages that deceived the victims into believing that they were in romantic relationships with a person who had, in fact, a fake identity assumed by members of the Enterprise.  Once members of the Enterprise had successfully convinced victims that they were in a romantic relationship and had gained their trust, they convinced the victims, under false pretenses, to transfer money to bank accounts the victims believed were controlled by their romantic interests, when, in fact, the bank accounts were controlled by members of the Enterprise.

MONTRAGE is a Ghanaian public figure who rose to fame as an influencer through her Instagram profile, under the username “Hajia4Reall,” which at one point had approximately 3.4 million Instagram followers and was among the top 10 profiles with the most followers in Ghana.

MONTRAGE received money from several victims of romance frauds whom members of the Enterprise tricked into sending money.  Among the false pretenses used to induce victims to send money to MONTRAGE were (i) payments to transport gold to the United States from overseas; (ii) payments to resolve a fake FBI unemployment investigation; and (iii) payments to assist a fake United States army officer in receiving funds from Afghanistan.

As to one victim, MONTRAGE used her real name and spoke to the victim several times by phone.  MONTRAGE sent the victim a tribal marriage certificate purporting to show that MONTRAGE and the victim had been married in Ghana.  The victim sent MONTRAGE approximately 82 wire transfers totaling approximately $89,000 to purportedly help with costs associated with MONTRAGE’s father’s farm in Ghana.

In total, MONTRAGE controlled bank accounts that received over $2 million in fraudulent funds from the Enterprise.

MONTRAGE, 30, of Accra, Ghana, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of wire fraud, one count of money laundering conspiracy, and one count of money laundering, each of which carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  MONTRAGE is also charged with one count of receipt of stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to receive stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of MONTRAGE will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the FBI.  Mr. Williams also thanked the United States Marshals Services, the National Extradition Unit, United States Customs and Border Protection, and the FBI Legal Attaché in London for their assistance in the investigation.  The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s extradition from the United Kingdom.

The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mitzi Steiner and Kevin Mead are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictment 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 Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Governor Hochul Announces Launch of Round XIII Regional Economic Development Council Initiative

 

New York State Consolidated Funding Application Now Open With Available Funding from 30 Programs

Councils Will Update Strategic Plans to Reflect Regional Strengths and Priorities

New Competition Will Award Three Regions with $10 Million Each for Implementing Creative Solutions to Statewide Challenges

New Micro Programs Will Award Capital Grants to Craft Beverage Manufacturers and Non-Profit Organizations

 Governor Hochul today announced the launch of Round XIII of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative. Round XIII includes core capital grant and tax-credit funding combined with a wide range of programs from 10 State agencies, including $150 million in grant funds from Empire State Development, available to projects on a continuous basis. The Councils are encouraged to support projects that advance or address strategic State priorities - including green buildings and sustainable development, child care, distressed communities, and innovative public-private partnerships; those projects, will be eligible for additional award funding. New this year, two new micro programs will award capital grants to support New York State craft beverage manufacturers and non-profit organizations, and a new $30 million Challenge competition will award $10 million to up to three regions to implement creative solutions to tackle persistent barriers to economic growth. Also, for the first time since 2015, the Councils will be tasked with updating their strategic regional economic development plans.

"Our Regional Economic Development Council Initiative continues to transform communities across the state, creating jobs and driving private investment all over New York," Governor Hochul said. "The launch of this latest round builds on state efforts to address our most pressing economic priorities — from sustainable development to the growing demand for childcare — all while empowering communities to tap into their regional strengths. Thanks to the work of the REDCs, New York is continuing to make the catalytic investments that foster economic growth and continued success in every corner of our state."

Consolidated Funding Application

The Regional Councils will score projects submitted through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA), the State's single application for State resources which includes programs from numerous agencies. It is designed to give project applicants expedited and streamlined access to a combined pool of grant funds and tax credits from dozens of existing programs. This year, funding is available from 10 State agencies across 30 programs. Regional Councils will review projects and provide scores that reflect how well a project aligns with a region's goals and strategies.

In Round XIII, ESD is launching two new micro grant programs: the Craft Beverage Micro Grant Program and the Not-for-Profit Capital Grant Program. Up to $5 million will be available through the Craft Beverage Micro Grant Program, designed to increase the production capacity, business infrastructure and profitability of businesses licensed to produce wine, beer, spirits, hard cider and mead in New York State. Grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 would support equipment purchases and facility upgrades.

Up to $5 million will be available through the Not-for-Profit Capital Grant program, which will award matching funds grants to not-for-profit organizations who provide economic and community benefits in their region to assist with facility improvements and upgrades. Grant awards would range from $25,000 to $100,000. 

The 2023 REDC Guidebook and a list of additional resources available to REDC Members are accessible here. The CFA is available here; the deadline for applications is Friday, July 28 at 4 p.m. Open enrollment programs are not subject to the July 28 deadline and will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis until funds are exhausted.

The REDC process continues to support and empower regional stakeholders in developing strategic plans and funding priorities that meet local economic needs. To date, through the REDC Initiative, more than $7.7 billion has been awarded to more than 9,500 job creation and community development projects consistent with each region's strategic plan.

About the Consolidated Funding Application              

The Consolidated Funding Application was created to streamline and expedite the grant application process. The CFA process marks a fundamental shift in the way State resources are allocated, ensuring less bureaucracy and greater efficiency to fulfill local economic development needs. The CFA serves as the single-entry point for access to economic development funding, ensuring applicants no longer have to slowly navigate multiple agencies and sources without any mechanism for coordination. Now, economic development projects use the CFA as a support mechanism to access multiple State funding sources through one application, making the process quicker, easier, and more productive. Learn more about the CFA here.

About the Regional Economic Development Councils  

The Regional Economic Development Council initiative is a key component of the State's approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, 10 Regional Councils were established to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth for their regions. The Councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations. The Regional Councils have redefined the way New York invests in jobs and economic growth by putting in place a community-based, bottom up approach and establishing a competitive process for State resources. Learn more at regionalcouncils.ny.gov.