Two Defendants Charged With Orchestrating $2 Million Loan Fraud Scheme

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Patrick J. Freaney, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the U.S. Secret Service (“USSS”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging YISROEL HEBER, a/k/a “Scott Heber,” and YECHIEL MESHI-ZAHAV with running an advance-fee loan fraud scheme through which they defrauded dozens of victims of at least approximately $2 million.  HEBER and MESHI-ZAHAV were arrested this morning and will be presented later today before U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan, to whom this case is assigned. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Yisroel Heber and Yechiel Meshi-Zahav allegedly brazenly siphoned funds from the bank accounts of dozens of victims after fraudulently inducing them to provide their bank details. Herberand Meshi-Zahav’s victims thought they were securing loans, but instead they were robbed of large sums of cash.  No matter the complexity of the scheme or size of the loss amount, this Office will relentlessly investigate fraudsters who dare to illicitly line their own pockets by victimizing others.” 

USSS Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Freaney said: “These individuals allegedly garnered the trust of victims by posing as lending companies, only to turn around and steal millions from them.  This kind of fraudulent activity has a very real impact on people’s lives, and the Secret Service appreciates our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York as we work together to deliver justice for these victims.”

According to the allegations contained in the Indictment:[1]

From at least in or about March 2021 through at least in or about December 2021, YISROEL HEBER and YECHIEL MESHI-ZAHAV participated in an advance-fee loan fraud scheme that defrauded dozens of victims of at least approximately $2 million.  HEBER and MESHI-ZAHAV operated this fraudulent scheme through purported lending companies called Blue Ribbon Funding, Tru Capital Funding, Fund Capital LLC, a/k/a “Fund Cap LLC,” and Ameriquest Capital (collectively, the “Fraudulent Lenders”).  During the course of the scheme, HEBER and MESHI-ZAHAV, through their control of the Fraudulent Lenders, induced victims to provide their bank account information in order to make payments related to loans that the Fraudulent Lenders promised to issue to the victims.  Instead, however, HEBER and MESHI-ZAHAV defrauded the victims by withdrawing thousands of dollars from each of the victims’ bank accounts without issuing the promised loans.

HEBER, 43, of Kings Point, New York, and MESHI-ZAHAV, 32, of Valley Stream, New York, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The maximum potential penalty is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

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

This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra S. Messiter is in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Attorney General James Warns Jewish Communities to be Cautious of Discriminatory Practices Ahead of Passover

  

AG’s Office Has Received Complaints about Businesses Raising Prices of Car Cleaning Services and Other Services for Passover

New York Attorney General Letitia James today issued a consumer alert urging New Yorkers to be careful of potential discriminatory pricing practices at car washes in the days leading up to Passover and warning businesses that this practice is illegal. This year and in previous years, there have been reports of car wash businesses in predominantly Orthodox Jewish communities in New York City and the Hudson Valley raising prices for Jewish customers seeking cleaning services close to Passover. In the days leading up to Passover, many Jews clean their homes, cars, and other spaces to remove “chametz” (leavened products). According to reports provided to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), some companies have advertised “specials” for car washing services related to Passover, but instead, charged higher prices to Jewish customers. Under New York law, it is illegal to discriminate against someone on the basis of religion. 

“New York has zero tolerance for antisemitism and discrimination of any kind,” said Attorney General James. “Passover is an important holiday for millions of Jews in New York and beyond, and it is illegal and discriminatory to take advantage of a religious holiday to charge more for a service. We will not hesitate to take action against any business that engages in such offensive behavior, and I urge anyone who has been a victim of this discrimination to contact my office immediately.” 

Anyone who is aware of businesses using discriminatory practices or believes that they were charged more for services because of their religion, race, or background is encouraged to file a complaint online or call 1-800-771-7755.

Governor Hochul Celebrates One Year of MTA Station Agents Assisting Riders Outside of Booths

  

Survey Reveals Customers Feel Safer and More Satisfied With Transit Experience After Interaction With Station Agents

Customer Service Centers to Expand Services and Assist in Reduced-Fare Enrollment

Five Station Agents Commended for Exceptional Customer Service

Governor Kathy Hochul today celebrated one year since MTA station agents began their enhanced role of stepping out of booths and assisting riders with core customer service functions throughout the station such as providing wayfinding information, assisting at fare machines and informing new riders about contactless fare payment. This shift away from the booth-centered role, which dates to the era of tokens, modernized the role to better serve the needs of customers in a 21st century station environment and improve the customer experience. In just the past year, NYC Transit presented 208 commendations to station agents receiving positive feedback from customers between March 2023 and February 2024, compared to 33 commendations between March 2022 and February 2023, when agents began regularly leaving the booth.

“I am committed to making our subways safer and more accessible for the millions who rely on them each day,” Governor Hochul said. “Station agents are the first point of contact for riders in need of assistance, and their continual presence in our stations is delivering results for New Yorkers.”

As part of the enhanced customer service initiative, NYC Transit more efficiently deployed station agents throughout the system, delivering $10 million in annual savings while improving customer service and increasing hourly pay. Over the next few weeks, NYC Transit will gradually introduce additional services to the 15 Customer Service Centers (CSCs) in the subway system with capacity for customers to be able to apply for and receive on the spot a permanent Reduced-Fare MetroCard. Additional services, such as the ability to complete Fair Fares applications at CSCs, will be phased in over the coming months.

Since the transition out of the booth, the Fall 2023 Customers Count survey found that customers’ interactions with station agents were positive and particularly high among riders whose interactions had taken place outside of booths due to the more personable, tailored support provided. Additionally, customers who are satisfied with their station agent interaction were more likely to feel safe on platforms (52 percent vs 26 percent) and be satisfied with the subway overall (61 percent vs 31 percent).

As part of the celebration, NYC Transit recognized five station agents for their exceptional customer service: Ruhul Amin, Nelson Chang, Matthew Patrick, Ruben Taylor and Rashelle McFadden. All these employees received a North Star pin as part of the Authority’s recently launched Employee Recognition Program to encourage outstanding customer service.

Station agents can now also engage in supportive roles as they did last month for the City’s largest one-day collective effort, recognized as Fair Fares Day of Action, to raise awareness of reduced fare options available and information on eligibility. In addition to the duties previously described, the new role has allowed station agents to provide customer support through:

• Assistance for customers with disabilities and seniors
• Customer service during service disruptions and major planned changes
• OMNY guidance and information, including conversion and questions on use
• Reduced fare guidance and information
• Timely reporting of any issues related to customer amenities, including elevators, escalators, digital signage, Help Points and turnstiles
• Maintenance of a safe and clean customer environment
• Reporting of quality-of-life issues

The shift complemented the construction of Customer Service Centers in every borough across the system. There are currently 15 Customer Service Centers, with more expected to open this year. For the list of current locations see here. These facilities are staffed 24/7 by New York City Transit station agents and provide services that historically were only provided exclusively at 3 Stone Street in Lower Manhattan.

NYS OASAS Announces Availability of Credentialing Exams in Multiple Languages

 

Exams to be Provided in Spanish, with Accommodations Available for More than 70 Additional Languages

New Initiative Builds on Ongoing Efforts to Enhance and Support Addiction Workforce in New York State

The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS) today announced that the certification exams for Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) and Credentialed Prevention Professional or Specialist (CPP/CPS) are now available in Spanish, with the option to request a special accommodation for 77 additional languages. These certifications allow individuals to work in OASAS-certified programs and provide counseling and other services to New Yorkers impacted by addiction. This new language availability program is designed to build on efforts to increase accessibility to services, and address workforce shortages.

“This new initiative offers more individuals a way to enter a rewarding field and use their unique skills to help their fellow New Yorkers,” OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said. “Increasing equity and diversity in the field is one of our core goals at OASAS, and this will not only give more people an opportunity to aid individuals affected by addiction, but will also make it easier for those in need to find help.”

With the new language availability, test takers will be able to switch between English and Spanish during the examination. In addition, for candidates interested in taking the exam in a language other than English or Spanish, a special accommodation can be requested for 77 other languages and a translator and special room will be provided. There are no additional fees for taking the exam in another language. 

More information and links to the exam applications can be found on the CASAC page and CPP/CPS pages of the OASAS website.

CASACs provide direct clinical care services and substance use disorder counseling including assessments, interventions, referrals, and SUD counseling in both individual and group settings. More than 6,000 individuals currently hold a CASAC credential in New York State, with more than 4,200 applications in process. Many of those with applications in process are currently CASAC-Trainees, meaning after they complete the required education, they can work in the OASAS system of care while they are earning their work experience hours for their full credential.

“Under the state’s language access policy expanded by Governor Hochul in 2022, the Office of Language Access at the Office of General Services (OGS) is working with many state agencies to ensure New Yorkers with limited English proficiency have access to government programs and services,” OGS Commissioner Jeanette Moy said. “We applaud the efforts by OASAS to increase the number of multilingual speakers on its staff who are helping those who have an addiction get the treatment and recovery services they need.”  

The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports oversees one of the nation’s largest systems of addiction services with approximately 1,700 prevention, treatment and recovery programs serving over 731,000 individuals per year. This includes the direct operation of 12 Addiction Treatment Centers where our doctors, nurses, and clinical staff provide inpatient and residential services to approximately 8,000 individuals per year. 

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). 

Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, residential, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website. 

If you, or a loved one, have experienced insurance obstacles related to treatment or need help filing an appeal for a denied claim, contact the CHAMP helpline by phone at 888-614-5400 or email at ombuds@oasas.ny.gov

DEC Announces Lake Erie Fisheries Outreach Meeting on April 24

 

Biologists to Provide Update on Status of Lake Erie and Upper Niagara River Fisheries

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is inviting the public to learn more about the status of Lake Erie and Upper Niagara River fisheries at a public meeting on Wednesday, April 24, from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. at Woodlawn Beach State Park's lodge in Blasdell, Erie County.

"Anglers look forward to this event every spring because it provides an excellent opportunity to engage directly with the DEC biologists who manage Lake Erie’s fishery," DEC Chief of Fisheries Steve Hurst said. "DEC is committed to the sound, science-based management of Lake Erie and Upper Niagara River fisheries and the world-class freshwater fishing opportunities they support.”

The meeting will begin with an informal discussion followed by presentations on Lake Erie and Niagara River fisheries management, including updates on assessment activities and research for prominent recreational and restoration species such as walleye, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, steelhead, lake whitefish, lake trout, cisco, and prey fish. All are welcome to attend this free event and registration is not required. This annual meeting is sponsored by DEC's Lake Erie Fisheries Research Unit and Region 9 Fisheries offices.

Lake Erie and the Upper Niagara River rank among New York State's top fishing destinations, especially for walleye, smallmouth bass, and steelhead, with more than 900,000 angler days spent on these waters and an estimated value of more than $17 million to the local New York economy.

Anglers, new and experienced, are encouraged to check out DEC's 'Tackle Box' feature in the HuntFishNY App, which provides anglers one-stop shopping for waterbody-specific information on fishing regulations, stocking, and fishing/boating access sites. For more information about fishing Lake Erie and Western New York, visit DEC's website. 

CONSUMER ALERT: As Tax Day Draws Near, the NYS Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Reminds New Yorkers About Check Washing Scams

 

For Maximum Security, Deposit Your Check in your Local Post Office Lobby

Secretary Rodriguez said, “When paying your taxes, deposit your check in the lobby of your Post Office for maximum security. Check washing scams can really hurt your wallet which is why I encourage New Yorkers to follow our tips to protect yourself and your business.”

Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for “Tuesday’s Tips” – Practical Tips to Educate and Empower New York Consumers on a Variety of Topics

As tax season approaches, the NYS Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is providing consumers with guidance to avoid mail theft and check washing schemes. Check washing schemes involve thieves stealing checks, often in bulk from U.S. Postal Service mail collection boxes and use common chemicals like nail polish remover to erase (or “wash”) the payee and dollar amount while preserving the check’s original signature. These scammers can then profit from making checks out to themselves or selling the stolen, signed blank checks. 

According to the US Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), the number of check fraud crimes nationwide surged in 2020 and has worsened each year since. In 2022, FinCEN received over 680,000 suspicious activity reports related to check fraud, almost twice number recorded in 2021. 

Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, “When paying your taxes, deposit your check in the lobby of your Post Office for maximum security. Check washing scams can really hurt your wallet which is why I encourage New Yorkers to follow our tips to protect yourself and your business.” 

Acting Tax Commissioner Amanda Hiller said, “Taxpayers need to be especially careful when conveying payments through the mail. Follow the steps recommended below and consider electronic filing of state and federal taxes to protect yourself.”

U.S. Postal Inspection Service Inspector in Charge of the New York Division, Daniel B. Brubaker said, “When thieves violate the sanctity of the mail, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service will spare no resource to bring these nefarious individuals to justice for their crimes. Our persistence in investigating these crimes, along with recent enhancements to USPS equipment and other prevention efforts, are the many ways we ensure the public’s trust in the U.S. Mail.”

Follow these tips to avoid mail theft and check washing scams:

TIPS TO AVOID CHECK WASHING:

• For maximum security: Go directly to the post office to deposit mail. If you need to use a public U.S. Postal Service collection box, try to do so before the last pickup of the day to minimize the amount of time the check spends in the box.
• Check your mailbox frequently: Don’t leave mail in your mailbox overnight.
• Hold mail at your local post office: If you are going to be away from home and can’t check your mail, request to have your mail held at your local post office or have a trusted neighbor pick it up until your return. You can submit a USPS Hold Mail request online at www.usps.com/manage/hold-mail.htm or in-person at your local post office.
• Use black gel pens: Gel pens may have ink that thieves have greater difficulty erasing compared to standard ballpoint pens.
• Sign up for informed delivery from USPS: Informed delivery services allow consumers to receive a daily email with pictures of all letter-sized mail for that address each day. You can sign up online at www.usps.com/manage/informed-delivery.htm
• Review your checking account regularly: Look out for unusual or unexpected withdrawals from your bank account and take time to confirm when your checks clear.

What to do if you experience check washing:

• Contact your bank immediately.
• File a police report.
• Report the check washing to the United States Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455 or www.uspis.gov/report
  

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone here.

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides resources and education materials to consumers on product safety, as well as voluntary mediation services between consumers and businesses. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.

For more consumer protection tips, follow the Division on social media at Twitter: @NYSConsumer and Facebook: www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.

MAYOR ADAMS CELEBRATES HOUSING MILESTONE AHEAD OF SCHEDULE, WITH PLANS TO REDEVELOP BRONX LIBRARY INTO NEW FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOUSING AND STATE-OF-THE-ART LIBRARY

 

Announced in State of the City, ‘24 in 24’ Plan Aims to Advance 24 Affordable Housing Projects on Public Sites in 2024, Creating or Preserving Over 12,000 Units of Housing

 

Adams Administration Has Already Advanced Housing on More Than Twelve Public Sites in 2024, Moving Ahead of Schedule on Mayor Adams’ ‘24 in 24’ Plan

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today celebrated a major milestone towards the city’s ambitious “24 in 24” plan to advance 24 affordable housing projects on public sites in 2024 that will ultimately create or preserve over 12,000 units of housing. Delivering on a key promise in Mayor Adams’ State of the City address, the city has already advanced — ahead of schedule — housing on more than half the public sites it committed to moving forward on in 2024. The 13^th development, the Grand Concourse branch of the New York Public Library, today started community engagement for an affordable housing project and a new state-of-the-art library. The new development will create much-needed family-friendly housing for Bronx residents and further the administration’s commitment to addressing the housing shortage crisis by building more affordable housing across the five boroughs. 

 

“To meet the moment of addressing a historic housing crisis, we must use every tool possible to create more affordable housing in our city and build our way towards a better future,” said Mayor Adams. “Our administration continues to innovate and explore every possible piece of land in our city, especially on our public sites, to create or preserve more housing units. Thanks to a multi-agency collaboration, we are already more than halfway on delivering critically needed housing to New Yorkers through our ‘24 in 24’ plan. While the city is doing its part, we continue our call on our partners in Albany to fulfill their duty and pass legislation needed to allow our administration to build the housing New Yorkers need.” 

 

“The Adams administration is dedicated to solving our city’s decades-long housing crisis, and reaching the halfway milestone of activating 24 public sites for housing, well ahead of schedule, is proof of that dedication,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “Delivering on a vision born in Women Forward NYC to provide even more resources families need to thrive, the New York Public Library’s Grand Concourse branch will also bring Bronx families closer to quality, affordable housing and state-of-the-art library facilities.”

 

“I’m excited to see the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development and New York Public Library kick off community engagement for the ultimate redevelopment of the Grand Concourse library into a future, state-of-the-art library that also provides much needed affordable housing within the community,” said Executive Director for Housing Leila Bozorg. “Not only does this mark the halfway point of the mayor’s commitment to advance 24 public site developments in 2024, but it’s also a great example of how public sites can be reimagined to meet the ever-growing and changing needs of our neighborhoods.”

 

“We can solve the housing crisis and we can enrich neighborhoods — it just takes creativity, unwavering dedication to our communities, and more efforts like the Grand Concourse library project,” said New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. “Together, with the New York Public Library and the Bronx community, we’re transforming a 65-year-old library branch into a modern, vibrant facility alongside new affordable apartments. We’re not just here to stem a crisis, we’re here to create homes and make life better for all New Yorkers.”

 

“Housing is not a luxury,” said New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “Housing is a fundamental need and directly affects the quality of life for all New Yorkers. We commend Mayor Adams and his administration for their ongoing dedication and work in advancing projects to preserve and build new affordable housing stock across New York City through the ‘24 in 24’ plan.”

 

“We need more housing everywhere right now in New York City, and through the ‘24 in 24’ plan, the Adams administration is taking action by turning city assets into housing for New Yorkers,” said New York City Economic Development (NYEDC) Corporation President & Chief Executive Officer Andrew Kimball. “NYCEDC is thrilled to be working alongside our partners in government and the private sector to achieve this ambitious housing goal and look forward to welcoming families to this former library turned housing complex along the Grand Concourse in the near future.”

 

 “Libraries offer a wealth of opportunities in free and welcoming spaces that support the needs and dreams of New Yorkers,” said New York Public Library President Anthony W. Marx. “The New York Public Library is looking forward to working with the city on this innovative proposal to build a state-of-the-art Grand Concourse branch that can adapt and evolve with the community. We are excited to be part of a project that includes 100 percent affordable housing at a time when our city is in the midst of a housing crisis. This process is just in the beginning stages, and we are eager to hear from our patrons about what they would like to see at their new library and look forward to updating everyone on what we learn.”

 

The existing library branch was built in 1959 and has served the Bronx for 65 years. The redevelopment of the site will be initiated through a competitive process that asks developers to respond to a set of goals and guidelines that reflect community priorities. HPD has launched a webpage with additional information about how community members can get more engaged in the process. HPD and the New York Public Library will begin outreach in the community this spring. In the meantime, the library branch will remain open to serve the public until construction begins.

 

Prior to today’s announcement the administration has advanced housing on 12 other public sites:

 

Brooklyn:

• 516 Bergen Street: HPD selected a development team to build approximately 275 units.
• Bay View Houses: NYCHA is preserving 1,610 units through the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program.
• Coney Island Houses: NYCHA started community engagement ahead of a resident vote to preserve 530 units.
• Unity Towers: NYCHA started community engagement ahead of a resident vote to preserve 192 units.

Bronx:

• 351 Powers Avenue: HPD selected a development team to build approximately 110 units.
• 1388-1400 Stebbins Avenue: HPD released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to build approximately 110 units.
• Bronx River Addition: NYCHA commenced resident voting on preserving 133 units.

Manhattan:

• 2460-2478 Second Avenue: NYCEDC selected a lead consultant for the education and engagement campaign for the Harlem African Burial Ground Memorial where the city is advancing approximately 730 units.
• 4095 9th Avenue: HPD launched community engagement to build approximately 570 units.
• Campos Plaza II: NYCHA is preserving 224 units through the PACT program.

Queens:

• 5421 Center Boulevard: HPD launched community engagement to build approximately 850 units.

Staten Island:

• 30 Canal Street: NYCEDC released an RFP seeking proposals to build approximately 550 units.

Today’s announcement also delivers on another key promise made in Mayor Adams’ State of the City speech with the ambitious goal of making New York City the most women-forward city in the United States. Unveiled in January 2024, “Women Forward NYC: An Action Plan for Gender Equity” invests more than $43 million in initiatives to help all women, including through additional place-based housing strategies, like co-located housing with library facilities, that support the needs of families.

 

Mayor Adams has taken bold steps to address the city’s severe housing crisis and achieve the administration’s moonshot goal of creating 500,000 homes over the next decade. The Adams administration introduced “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” to add “a little more housing in every neighborhood.” City of Yes for Housing Opportunity is the most pro-housing set of zoning changes in New York’s history. These changes includes lifting arbitrary and costly parking mandates for new residential construction; implementing the Universal Affordability Preference, a bonus allowing roughly 20 percent more housing in developments, so long as the additional homes are affordable; developing more transit-oriented development and town center zoning, which would allow three-to-five story apartment buildings to be built near transit and along commercial corridors; and allowing homeowners to add accessory homes, like backyard cottages.

 

To accelerate housing production and deliver relief to New Yorkers, the Adams administration has also advanced a number of creative solutions, including laying out an office conversion accelerator to advance conversions more quickly; unveiling new proposed rules to streamline approvals for sustainable housing; and debuting several pilot programs to help fund the creation of accessory dwelling units, help move New Yorkers out of shelters and into renovated apartments, and help fuel mixed-income developments in neighborhoods across the city; among other innovative efforts.