Defendant Charged With Theft Of Cryptocurrency And NFTs Through Spoofing Of OpenSea Marketplace

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Christie M. Curtis, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of a four-count Indictment charging SOUFIANE OULAHYANE, a/k/a “Soufiane Oulahya,” for a scheme to impersonate the OpenSea marketplace in order to obtain unauthorized access to cryptocurrency and non-fungible tokens (“NFTs”).  In September 2021, OULAHYANE stole approximately $450,000 worth of cryptocurrency and NFTs from a victim in Manhattan.  OULAHYANE is currently in custody in Morocco for foreign charges. 

FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Christie M. Curtis said: “Oulahyane is alleged to have operated a spoof website to gain unauthorized access to victims’ cryptocurrency wallets to steal their cryptocurrency and NFTs.  The FBI is committed to holding all individuals who conduct malicious cyberattacks against U.S. interests accountable in the United States criminal justice system - no matter where in the world they are located.”

As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]

In or about September 2021, SOUFIANE OULAHYANE, a/k/a “Soufiane Oulahya,” engaged in a scheme to “spoof” the login page to the OpenSea marketplace, the first and largest NFT marketplace.  Through paid advertisements on a popular search engine, OULAHYANE caused his spoofed version of OpenSea to appear first in search results for “opensea.”  The spoofed website was purposefully designed to look like the legitimate OpenSea login page in order to trick unsuspecting victims into thinking they were interfacing with the real OpenSea marketplace.  However, when victims entered their login credentials or other private information on the spoofed site, their credentials were automatically sent to an email account controlled by OULAHYANE.

On or about September 26, 2021, a Manhattan-based victim (“Victim-1”) used a popular search engine to search for “opensea.”  That search yielded a link that, unbeknownst to Victim-1, connected to OULAHYANE’s spoofed version of the OpenSea login page.  Believing that the spoofed website was the legitimate OpenSea website, Victim-1 entered the seed phrase to their cryptocurrency wallet.  By doing this, Victim-1 unwittingly transferred their seed phrase to OULAHYANE, giving access to Victim-1’s cryptocurrency wallet.

Almost immediately, OULAHYANE used Victim-1’s seed phrase to obtain unauthorized access to Victim-1’s cryptocurrency wallet.  OULAHYANE then transferred the cryptocurrency from Victim-1’s wallet to another cryptocurrency wallet outside of Victim-1’s control.  In addition, OULAHYANE sold approximately 39 of Victim-1’s NFTs on the OpenSea marketplace and transferred the fraudulent cryptocurrency proceeds to a wallet outside of Victim-1’s control.  For example:

OULAHYANE sold an NFT from the “Bored Ape Yacht Club” series, depicted below, which Victim-1 had purchased for approximately 49 ETH.

OULAHYANE sold an NFT from the “Meebit” series, depicted below, which Victim-1 had purchased for approximately 9.88 ETH.

OULAHYANE sold an NFT from the “Bored Ape Kennel Club” series, depicted below, which Victim-1 had purchased for six ETH.

OULAHYANE sold an NFT from the “CryptoDad” series, depicted below, which Victim-1 had purchased for 1.789 ETH.

In total, OULAHYANE stole cryptocurrency and NFTs from Victim-1 that Victim-1 had paid approximately $448,923 to obtain.

OULAHYANE, 25, of Morocco, is charged with wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; the use of an unauthorized access device, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; affecting transactions with an access device to receive something of value that is equal to or greater than $1,000, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison; and aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in prison. 

The maximum and mandatory potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas W. Chiuchiolo is 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 $3.5 Million in Available Funding for 13 New Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics

 

Clinics Provide 24-hour Behavioral Health Services Daily, Provided to New Yorkers in Need Regardless of Income

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Office of Mental Health and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports have made $3.5 million available for start-up grants to develop 13 new Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, 24-hour centers that provide comprehensive services for those requiring behavioral health support, specifically coordination care across behavioral, physical health, and social service systems. Of the 13 clinics, six will be located in New York City, and seven in other regions throughout New York State.

“My administration is committed to creating a robust and effective mental health care system that works for every New Yorker,” Governor Hochul said. “Through the development of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, we are providing comprehensive wrap-around care to our most vulnerable New Yorkers, helping ensure no one is left behind.”

Governor Hochul has proposed a comprehensive reform plan for New York’s mental health care system, including $60 million in capital and $121.6 million in operating funding to dramatically expand outpatient services. Central to this, the development of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC)’s represents the first phase of a two-year expansion plan, which will triple the number of CCBHCs statewide from 13 to 39 by July 2025. CCBHCs serve children, adolescents, adults, and older adults experiencing mental health disorders, substance use disorders, or both, including individuals with co-occurring intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Services are provided regardless of ability to pay, or county or city location of residence.

New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “CCBHCs make it easier to get behavioral healthcare and can help people who don’t need inpatient care to avoid hospitalization. In addition to mental health care, they offer treatment for substance use disorder as well as screening and referral for physical health care services. Tripling the number of CCBHCs across the State is an important component in Governor Hochul’s comprehensive plan to strengthen our mental healthcare system.”

New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, “CCBHCs serve a vital role in helping people access comprehensive health care, including treatment for substance use disorders, by providing a wide range of coordinated services designed to support their overall health. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with the Office of Mental Health on this important effort to support Governor Hochul’s vision, and help more people receive the care they need to address substance use and mental health disorders.”

CCBHCs are required to provide a comprehensive array of behavioral health services to assist people who are transitioning from one level of care to another and help them to navigate the behavioral healthcare system across multiple providers. This requires that they establish strong communication protocols and partnerships with community-based partners.

The CCBHC model was established by Congress via the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014. In 2017, thirteen providers throughout NYS implemented the program model under New York State’s demonstration program. CCBHC’s are required to directly provide or contract for certain services, including, but not limited to:

• Crisis mental health services including 24-hour mobile crisis teams, emergency crisis intervention, and crisis stabilization;
• Screening, assessment, and diagnosis including risk assessment;
• Patient-Centered treatment planning or similar processes, including risk assessment and crisis planning;
• Outpatient mental health and substance use services;
• Outpatient clinic primary care screening and monitoring of key health indicators and health risk;
• Targeted case management;
• Psychiatric rehabilitation services;
• Peer and family support services; and
• Intensive community-based mental health care for members of the armed forces & veterans.

A Request for Proposals has been issued by the agencies and awards are expected to be made by November 1, 2023. Selected agencies will each receive $265,000 in start-up costs. More information is available in the Request for Proposals on the Office of Mental Health and Office of Addiction Services and Supports websites. In addition to clinic services, CCBHCs provide access to 24/7 crisis services.

If you are in crisis, experiencing emotional distress, or worried about someone you know, you can get help and support by calling or texting 988 (you can also chat at 988lifeline.org) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).

CONSUMER ALERT: Attorney General James Warns Against Price Gouging of Essential Goods in Aftermath of Devastating Storms Across New York

 

AG James Encourages New Yorkers to Report Price Gouging of Essential Items to Her Office

New York Attorney General Letitia James today issued a consumer alert warning against price gouging of essential goods in the aftermath of storms that caused flash flooding, power outages, and significant damages in the Hudson Valley, Western New York, and the Capital Region. A state of emergency has been declared in counties impacted by the heavy storms. New York’s price gouging statute prevents businesses from taking advantage of consumers by selling essential goods or services at an excessively higher price during market disruptions or emergencies. Attorney General James urges New Yorkers who see higher prices on essential goods like water, batteries, or generators to report the issue to her office.

“Strong storms have caused significant damage across the state and families shouldn’t have to worry about price gouging as they stock up on essential supplies,” said Attorney General James. “That is why I am sending a clear warning to businesses that they cannot use this as an opportunity to raise prices on essential items. I urge New Yorkers who see higher prices on essential goods to report it to my office immediately. New Yorkers impacted by the storms should also follow local guidance to stay safe.”

New York law prohibits businesses from taking unfair advantage of consumers by selling goods or services that are vital to health, safety, or welfare for an unconscionably excessive price during emergencies. The price gouging statute covers New York state vendors, retailers, and suppliers, and includes essential goods and services that are necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of consumers or the general public. These goods and services include food, water, gasoline, generators, batteries, flashlights, hotel lodging, and transportation options.

When reporting price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), consumers should:

• Report the specific increased prices, dates, and places that they saw the increased prices; and,
• Provide copies of their sales receipts and photos of the advertised prices, if available.

New Yorkers should report potential concerns about price gouging to OAG by filing a complaint online or calling 800-771-7755.

MAYOR ADAMS, OLR COMMISSIONER CAMPION APPLAUD UFT’S RATIFICATION OF CONTRACT, PROVIDING RAISES TO CITY’S EDUCATORS AND SCHOOL STAFF, FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND VIRTUAL LEARNING PROGRAM

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Office of Labor Relations (OLR) Commissioner Renee Campion today applauded the United Federation of Teachers’ (UFT) vote to ratify its contract with the city last night. The agreement announced last month — retroactive to September 14, 2022 and expiring on November 28, 2027 — provides for wage increases between 3.00 percent and 3.50 percent, a $3,000 ratification bonus, and annual retention payments. Additionally, it creates a first-of-its-kind voluntary virtual learning program to give students access to a broader set of course offerings and provides needed flexibility to those with nontraditional schedules.

 

“Our teachers and school staff work day in and day out to provide a brighter future for our children, and we are proud today that they have voted to ratify this contract,” said Mayor Adams. “It gives them much-needed wage increases, as well as a new retention bonus that will help ensure we are holding on to our valuable educators. Further, with the creation of a virtual learning program that will create new academic opportunities for our students, this contract helps set our young scholars — including those with nontraditional schedules — up for success. I thank UFT President Michael Mulgrew and all the members of the UFT, as well as our OLR Commissioner Renee Campion and Chancellor David Banks, for their work on behalf of our city.”

 

“We are extremely pleased that the membership of the UFT has voted to ratify this significant contract,” said OLR Commissioner Campion. “This agreement is fair to UFT members and to taxpayers, providing important benefits to our school staff and students. Thank you to Michael Mulgrew and Chancellor Banks for their partnership in negotiating this contract.”

 

UFT members will receive the following compounded wage increases:

• September 14, 2022: 3.00%
• January 18, 2024: 3.00%
• January 18, 2025: 3.00%
• September 14, 2025: 3.25%
• September 14, 2026: 3.50%
  

In addition to wage increases planned over the next five-plus years, the tentative agreement includes:

• Annual Retention Payments: UFT members will receive a retention payment of $400 in May 2024, $700 in May 2025, and $1,000 in May 2026 and every May thereafter.
• Virtual Learning Program: The New York City Department of Education will offer an expansive voluntary virtual learning program to all high school students and some middle school students. This program will allow for flexible class scheduling, like weeknights and weekends, and the opportunity for educators to teach virtually.
  

 

Permits Filed For 1166 Fox Street In Foxhurst, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a seven-story residential building at 1166 Fox Street in Foxhurst, The Bronx. Located between Home Street and Intervale Avenue, the lot is two blocks from the Freeman Street subway station, serviced by the 2 and 5 trains. Peter Abowitz is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 74-foot-tall development will yield 40,360 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 59 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 684 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a 30-foot-long rear yard and 30 open parking spaces.

NA Design Studio is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the lot is vacant. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center (VCJC) Organizes Blood Drive to Save Lives

 

The Van Cortlandt Jewish Center (VCJC) is proud to announce its upcoming blood drive aimed at making a positive impact on the community. The event will take place on Sunday, July 30, 2023 from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM at the Van Cortlandt Jewish Center on 3880 Sedgwick Avenue, Bronx, NY 10463. This initiative is part of VCJC's ongoing commitment to saving lives and supporting the New York Blood Center.

With blood shortages becoming a growing concern, especially during the summer, the VCJC is taking proactive steps to address this critical issue. By hosting this blood drive, the VCJC aims to ensure that hospitals and medical centers have an adequate supply of blood to meet the needs of patients in our community.

"We believe that giving blood is a mitzvah, a good deed that has the power to save lives," said Mr. Stuart Harris, president of VCJC. "Through this blood drive, we hope to bring the community together and make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need."

The blood drive will be conducted in accordance with the highest standards of safety and hygiene, adhering to all necessary protocols to ensure the well-being of donors and staff. Trained healthcare professionals will be on-site to guide donors through the process and ensure a smooth and comfortable experience.

Individuals interested in participating are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance to help manage the flow of donors and minimize wait times. Appointments can be made by visiting the NY Blood Bank website at https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/307306 or calling NYBC at 800-933-2566 and requesting VCJC on 7/30.

The Van Cortlandt Jewish Center extends its gratitude to all those who choose to participate in this life-saving event. By donating blood, community members will be making a direct impact on the lives of those in need, potentially providing hope and healing to patients in our local hospitals.

For more information about the VCJC Blood Drive or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Name: Stuart Harris

Title: President

Phone: (718) 884-6105

Email: info@vcjewishcenter.org

News, updates and more from NYC Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr.

 

Gun violence is tearing the South Bronx apart. In six months, my district has experienced 30 shootings that have resulted in 12 murders, including those of our youth.

Today, I stood with families impacted by the gun epidemic & my colleagues to say the violence MUST stop! 

*****

La violencia armada está destrozando el sur del Bronx. En seis meses, mi distrito ha experimentado 30 tiroteos que han resultado en 12 asesinatos, incluidos los de nuestra juventud.

a las familias afectadas por la epidemia de armas y a mis colegas para decir que la violencia DEBE detenerse!

Councilman Rafael Salamanca Jr. and Congresswoman  Alexandria Ocassio-Cortez touring Hunts Point. Hunts Point, do you have a new US Representative as a  result of redistricting? Today, Council Member Rafael Salamanca. Jr., gave  Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez a tour of the  Peninsula to highlight the important work our community is doing. Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez, I look forward to working with  you on behalf of our shared constituents! ***** Hunts Point, Tiene un nuevo representante de EE. UU. como  resultado de la redistribución de distritos Hoy, el Concejal Rafael Salamanca. Jr., le dio a la congresista  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez un recorrido por la Península para  resaltar el importante trabajo que está haciendo nuestra comunidad. Congresista Ocasio-Cortez, ¡espero trabajar con usted en nombre  de nuestros electores compartidos! Visit our District Office at:  1070 Southern Boulevard Bronx, New York 10459 (718) 402-6130 salamanca@council.nyc.gov

D.A. Bragg: Three Indicted For Murder Conspiracy Following Drug Sale Dispute

 

 Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., announced the indictment of TERRENCE HAYNES, a/k/a “Rallo,” 43, SHAUN MCCLAM, a/k/a “Sunny,” 40, and LUIS ROMAN, a/k/a “Isaac Roman,” a/k/a “Zack,” a/k/a “Lite,” 28, for conspiring to murder 37-year-old Timothy “TJ” Parker in a dispute over drug sales.

All defendants are charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree. MCCLAM and ROMAN are also each charged with one count of Murder in the Second Degree and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.[1]  

“As alleged, for several weeks these defendants carefully plotted to murder Timothy Parker before fatally shooting him last fall,” said District Attorney Bragg. “We see time and time again the countless lives that are taken due to gun violence and we stand at the ready to prosecute those who commit these acts of violence.”

According to court documents and statements made on the record in court, in September 2022, the defendants and victim all lived in or near NYCHA’s George Washington Houses in East Harlem. HAYNES, who was incarcerated, had an ongoing dispute with Parker over drugs and money he claimed Parker owed to him through a drug dealing operation. HAYNES asked MCCLAM and ROMAN to help him retaliate against Parker over a series of jail phone calls.

In one instance, on September 29, 2022, HAYNES told ROMAN that Parker was on “borderline eviction notice.”

On October 4, 2022, in response to HAYNES saying that Parker was on the “eviction list,” ROMAN stated, “All right. The gloves is off for them then, is that what you saying?”

In the days leading up to the murder, HAYNES grew increasingly upset that Parker was not picking up his calls. On October 1, 2022, HAYNES told another co-conspirator to threaten Parker and that if he didn’t give him “everything” immediately, Parker would “get his head bust.”

On October 21 and 22, 2022, MCCLAM used his cell phone to video the hallway of Parker’s apartment building and Parker himself.

On October 24, 2022, ROMAN retrieved a gun from another individual and gave it to MCCLAM.

At approximately 10:15 p.m., MCCLAM wore a black wig, disguised himself as a delivery worker and rode an e-bike to Parker’s building. MCCLAM circled the building and walked through the lobby multiple times over the next several hours, at one point passing Parker, all while changing his appearance two more times.

On October 25, 2022, at approximately 2:30 a.m., MCCLAM shot Parker outside of his apartment in the body and head, killing him. Immediately after the shooting, MCCLAM and ROMAN shared information from CitizenApp about the murder and celebrated. In one instance, MCCLAM sent text messages that ROMAN could “get some good rest now” and “sleep good.”

D.A. Bragg thanked the detectives and supervisors of the NYPD’s 23rd Precinct Detective Squad and the Manhattan North Homicide and Shooting Enhancement Team, especially Detectives Tyler Conner, William Dunn, Edward Stackpole, and Paul Pastorini.