U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York Collected over $400 Million in Asset Forfeiture Actions in FY 2024

EDNY Ranked No. 1 in Asset Forfeiture Among All U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Nation 

United States Attorney John J. Durham announced that the Eastern District of New York (EDNY) collected over $400 million in asset forfeiture actions in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, ranking the EDNY first among all 93 districts in the country.  Forfeiture recoveries are generally derived from warrants and forfeiture orders against illegal proceeds generated by, among other things, transnational criminal organizations and cartels; financial frauds; bribery and political corruption; cybercriminals; and those who violate the Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctions (OFAC).  

“The forfeiture of criminal assets is an important tool used by law enforcement to deter crime and punish wrongdoers by depriving them of their ill-gotten gains,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “To the extent possible, forfeited funds are used to compensate victims of crime.  That my Office collected the largest dollar amount of asset forfeiture of all U.S. Attorney’s Offices is a testament to the hard work and exceptional dedication of our prosecutors and professional staff in carrying out their mission to do justice, compensate victims, and hold defendants accountable for their crimes.”

In certain circumstances, forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund can be used to compensate victims of crimes, and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.  In addition, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, along with the Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims.  The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss.  While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs. 

In addition to the asset forfeiture recoveries, EDNY collected a total of $333,368,879.70 in judgments and other debts on behalf of victims and the government in FY 2024 in criminal and civil actions filed in the district and in cases in which the Office worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice.  Of this amount, $303,583,835.60 was collected in criminal cases and $29,785,044.11 in civil cases.

FY 2024 Forfeiture Highlights

In March 2024, Gunvor S.A. (Gunvor), a part of the Gunvor Group, one of the largest commodities trading firms in the world, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.  The charge arose out of a scheme to bribe officials of the Ecuadorian Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Petroecuador, the Ecuadorian state-owned oil company, in order to obtain contracts to purchase oil products.  In exchange for these bribe payments, high-level Ecuadorian officials helped Gunvor win contracts to provide a series of oil-backed loans to Petroecuador.  Following the plea, United States District Judge Eric N. Vitaliano sentenced Gunvor to pay a criminal monetary penalty of more than $374 million and to forfeit more than $287 million in ill-gotten gains.

In October 2023, as previously ordered by United States District Judge Pamela K. Chen, $100,189,754.61 was forfeited from a Swiss bank account held by Datisa S.A.  As proven at two separate trials, Datisa was a corrupt corporate entity that paid and promised to pay millions of dollars in bribes to top soccer officials to secure the media and marketing rights to the 2016 Copa America Centenario, a soccer tournament played in stadiums throughout the United States.  This forfeiture is part of the larger investigation of the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), which exposed corruption throughout world soccer and has resulted in over 30 felony convictions and guilty pleas, and the recovery of over $200 million in forfeiture funds.  

California Teenager Sentenced to 48 Months in Prison for Nationwide Swatting Spree

Alan W. Filion, 18, of Lancaster, California, was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for making interstate threats to injure the person of another.

According to the plea agreement, from approximately August 2022 to January 2024, Filion made over 375 swatting and threat calls, including calls in which he claimed to have planted bombs in the targeted locations or threatened to detonate bombs and/or conduct mass shootings at those locations. Filion targeted religious institutions, high schools, colleges and universities, government officials, and numerous individuals across the United States.

Filion intended his calls to cause large-scale deployment of police and emergency services units to the targeted locations. During these calls, he provided information to law enforcement and emergency services agencies that he knew to be false, such as false names, false claims that he and others had placed explosives in particular locations, false claims that he and others possessed dangerous weapons, including firearms and explosives, and false claims that he and other individuals had committed, or intended to imminently commit, violent crimes.

In some instances, armed law enforcement officers approached and entered a targeted residence with their weapons drawn and detained individuals that occupied the residence. Indeed, Filion claimed in a post on Jan. 20, 2023, that when he swats someone, he “usually get[s] the cops to drag the victim and their families out of the house cuff them and search the house for dead bodies.” Additionally, Filion’s calls caused law enforcement officers and dispatchers to respond, and to be unavailable in response to other emergencies.

Filion became a serial swatter for both profit and recreation. He claimed in a Jan. 19, 2023, online post that his “first” swatting was like “2 to 3 years ago” and that “6-9 months ago [he] decided to turn it into a business. . .” On several occasions, Filion placed posts on social media channels advertising his services and swatting-for-a-fee structure.

On Jan.18, 2024, Filion was arrested in California on Florida state charges arising from a May 2023 threat he made to a religious institution in Sanford, Florida. In that threat, he claimed to have an illegally modified AR-15, a Glock 17 pistol, pipe bombs, and Molotov cocktails. He said that he was going to imminently “commit a mass shooting” and “kill everyone” he saw. He pleaded guilty in federal court to making that threat.

Filion also pleaded guilty to making three other threatening calls: an October 2022 call to a public high school in the Western District of Washington, in which he threatened to commit a mass shooting and claimed to have planted bombs throughout the school; a May 2023 call to a Historically Black College or University in the Northern District of Florida, in which he claimed to have placed bombs in the walls and ceilings of campus housing that would detonate in about an hour; and a July 2023 call to a local police department dispatch number in the Western District of Texas, in which he falsely identified himself as a senior federal law enforcement officer, provided the federal law-enforcement officer’s residential address to the dispatcher, claimed to have killed the federal officer’s mother, and threatened to kill any responding police officers.

The FBI and U.S. Secret Service investigated the case, with valuable assistance provided by the Seminole County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office; the Anacortes (Washington) Police Department; the Florida Department of Law Enforcement; the California Department of Justice; the Los Angeles County (California) Sheriff’s Office; and the Volusia County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office.

 

Statement from a DHS Spokesperson on Termination of 4 FEMA Employees Who Made Payments to Luxury Hotels for Migrants

 

Effective immediately, FEMA is terminating the employment of four individuals for circumventing leadership to unilaterally make egregious payments for luxury NYC hotels for migrants. Firings include FEMA’s Chief Financial Officer, two program analysts and a grant specialist.

Under President Trump and Secretary Noem’s leadership, DHS will not sit idly and allow deep state activists to undermine the will and safety of the American people.

Keeping Money in Your Pockets: Governor Hochul Takes on Sky-High Utility Costs and Demands Accountability for New York Ratepayers

Governor Directs Department of Public Service to Reject Con Ed’s Outrageous Rate Hike Proposal

Directs Department To Audit Employee Salaries At All New York State Utility Companies To Ensure New York Ratepayers Get A Fair Deal

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced new steps to protect consumers from sky-high utility costs that are making New York less affordable. In a letter to Public Service Commission Chair and Department of Public Service CEO Rory Christian, Governor Hochul calls for the rejection of Con Edison’s proposed rate hike. Governor Hochul also directed the Department of Public Service to conduct a statewide audit of utility company salaries and compensation, to ensure New York ratepayers are getting a fair deal.

“The cost of living is too damn high and New Yorkers need more money in their pockets,” Governor Hochul said. “Of course we need safe, reliable energy sources to power our homes and businesses. But utility companies shouldn’t be jacking up costs unnecessarily – especially if they’re paying their own staff too much.”

To address the immediate threat of Con Ed’s proposed rate hikes, which would cost New Yorkers hundreds of dollars each year, Governor Hochul today sent a letter to Public Service Commission (PSC) Chair and Department of Public Service (DPS) CEO Rory Christian urging action on behalf of New York consumers. The Governor called on DPS to act in the best interest of New Yorkers by closely scrutinizing this rate case and rejecting Con Ed’s unconscionable request to increase electricity rates by 11.4 percent and natural gas rates by 13.3 percent.

Governor Hochul also directed DPS to conduct a first-of-its-kind audit of utility management compensation. The audit will focus on compensation for non-union utility management employees statewide and the results will inform future rate cases to protect New Yorkers from unfair rate hikes. Numerous recent management and operations audits of large, investor-owned electric and gas utilities have highlighted meaningful concerns with how utilities administer their programs. For example, in a recent audit of Central Hudson, the auditor concluded their bonus structure rewarded financial performance, but only set reliability and service quality metrics at the bare minimum.

Over the last four years, Governor Hochul has prioritized energy affordability by:

• Affordability policy enhancements to expand eligibility in the Energy Affordability Program and creating the Energy Affordability Guarantee, the first-in-the nation pilot program that ensures low-income New Yorkers participating in the EmPower Plus program never pay more than 6 percent of their incomes on electricity and incentivizes them to fully electrify their homes.
• Budget appropriations to reduce ratepayer costs of EAP that provides critical utility bill relief to low-income New Yorkers.
• Providing arrears forgiveness of more than $1 billion.
• State procurements of renewable generation to offset ratepayer costs of developing new clean generation resources
• $300 million to create power-ready sites for attracting new businesses through the Promote Opportunity with Electric Readiness for Underdeveloped Properties (POWER UP) Fund.

Governor Hochul has prioritized affordability and helping New Yorkers with the high cost of living. To address rising costs related to home heating, Governor Hochul recently added $35 million to fund the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) which supports low-income New Yorkers who need help paying utility bills; the Governor also signed legislation in 2024 to help senior citizens access this vital program. New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) administers the Weatherization Assistance Program which helps HEAP-eligible households reduce energy costs, conserve energy, and improve safety and health standards.

In her 2025 State of the State, Governor Hochul prioritized passing an affordability agenda that puts money back in the pockets of middle-class New Yorkers. Governor Hochul proposed New York’s first-ever Inflation Refund, which would give eligible New Yorkers checks of up to $500. The Governor is also calling for a tax cut that would reduce rates for middle-class families to the lowest levels in nearly 60 years and proposing a massive expansion of the Child Tax Credit.

Attorney General James Secures Over $6.9 Million in Refunds from CityMD for New Yorkers Wrongfully Charged for COVID-19 Testing

 

CityMD Refunds 215,000 Patients, Cancels Outstanding Bills for 87,000 Patients, and Pays $95,000 in Penalties to the State

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that her office has secured over $6.9 million in refunds and $7 million in canceled debt from CityMD, a popular urgent care provider with over 140 locations in New York, for patients who were wrongfully billed for COVID-19 testing at the height of the pandemic. An Office of the Attorney General (OAG) investigation revealed that CityMD improperly billed its patients for COVID-19 tests, in some cases issuing bills up to two years after services were provided and even threatening to escalate overdue bills to debt collection. CityMD issued these bills despite knowledge of state and federal laws that protected patients from being billed for COVID-19 testing during the pandemic. As a result of OAG’s enforcement, CityMD has canceled more than $7 million in outstanding COVID-19 testing bills for over 87,000 patients and refunded nearly $7 million to over 215,000 patients who already paid.

“New Yorkers should never have to worry about unexpected medical bills, especially during a public health crisis,” said Attorney General James. “CityMD’s actions added unnecessary stress and financial burdens to patients seeking essential COVID-19 testing at the height of the pandemic. I am proud to have secured millions of dollars in refunds for impacted individuals and I encourage anyone who believes they’ve been a victim of fraudulent medical billing practices to file a complaint with my office.”

The OAG opened an investigation in October 2022 after receiving numerous complaints about CityMD charging patients for COVID-19 tests. The investigation revealed that between March 2020 and November 2022, CityMD billed and collected payment from thousands of New Yorkers for COVID-19 testing services, with many bills being issued nearly two years after the date of service. The OAG also found that CityMD continued this practice despite knowing that New York and federal law prohibited health plans from charging co-pays and deductibles for medically necessary COVID-19 testing and related services or visits during the public health emergency. 

Based on CityMD’s website and assurances by staff at the time tests were performed, patients understood they would not face out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 testing services. CityMD also did not include a clearly posted cash price for COVID-19 testing services on its website. Many patients who tried to report concerns or complaints regarding testing bills to CityMD found it difficult to get in contact with the company. When these patients were able to reach CityMD, the company often refused to amend previously issued COVID-19 testing bills. 

As a result of the OAG investigation, CityMD has issued $6,910,986 in refunds to 215,819 patients and recalled $7,026,668 in outstanding medical bills for 87,334 patients. CityMD sent all impacted patients a letter via mail and email notifying them of the refunds and debt cancellations and posted notices of the refunds and cancellations on its website and social media. Moving forward, CityMD must ensure its COVID-19 test billing practices comply with the law, must provide transparent pricing for COVID-19 testing services on its website, and continue to cooperate with OAG to address any COVID-19 testing-related consumer complaints. CityMD will pay $95,000 in penalties to the State of New York and has agreed to pay an additional $5,000 per violation for any future violations or failure to implement the required programmatic updates. 

If a patient believes they have been a victim of misleading billing practices, they should contact the OAG Health Care Bureau online or call 1-800-428-9071. 

High-Ranking Affiliate of Sinaloa Cartel Charged with Drug Conspiracy in Chicago

 

A grand jury in Chicago returned an indictment yesterday charging a high-ranking affiliate of the Sinaloa Cartel for allegedly manufacturing and distributing fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and other drugs and importing them into the United States.

“As alleged, the defendant conspired to traffic dangerous drugs, including fentanyl, into the United States — and employed dozens of gunmen to protect his drug trafficking operation and the leadership of the Guzman faction of the Sinaloa Cartel,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Stopping Mexican cartels from poisoning our communities with fentanyl and other narcotics is a top priority of this Administration. Today’s indictment demonstrates that the Criminal Division is relentless in its pursuit of the drug traffickers who profit at the expense of the American people.”

“Our nation’s fentanyl crisis has devastated individuals and families in northern Illinois and throughout the country,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual for the Northern District of Illinois. “Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt the production and trafficking of fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics before they can reach more victims.”

“From San Diego to Chicago to D.C., we are united to bring down the traffickers pushing these poisons into American communities,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath for the Southern District of California. “We are attacking at every level — from street dealers to cartel leaders.”

“This indictment reinforces the FBI’s unwavering commitment to hold accountable those who endanger our communities and traffic violence and drugs across our borders,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Let this serve as a clear message: if you engage in cartel activity, we will pursue you and bring you to justice. Together with our law enforcement partners at every level, we remain fully committed to protecting the American people and stopping the flow of these dangerous drugs into our nation.”

According to court documents, Ceferino Espinoza Angulo, 43, employed dozens of gunmen in Mexico to protect and support the leadership of the Guzman faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, including Ivan Guzman-Salazar, Jesus Alfredo Guzman-Salazar, Ovidio Guzman-Lopez, and Joaquin Guzman-Lopez, collectively known as “the Chapitos.” Espinoza Angulo allegedly conspired to obtain fentanyl precursor chemicals and to manufacture, distribute, and import into the United States fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and ecstasy. Ceferino Espinoza also allegedly illegally possessed a machinegun in furtherance of his drug trafficking scheme.

The Chapitos are the sons of Joaquin Guzman Loera, also known as “El Chapo,” who led the Sinaloa Cartel before being convicted by a federal jury in Brooklyn, New York, and sentenced to life in prison. The Chapitos allegedly assumed their father’s role as leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel. The Chapitos have been charged with drug trafficking in other U.S. indictments.

Espinoza Angulo is charged with drug conspiracy and firearm offenses. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. Espinoza Angulo is believed to be residing in Mexico, and a U.S. warrant has been issued for his arrest.

The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit, and the Portland, Oregon, Police Bureau, Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Interdiction Taskforce.

Trial Attorney Kirk Handrich of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Parthum and Andrew C. Erskine for the Northern District of Illinois, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Sutton for the Southern District of California prosecuted the case.

The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug trafficking organizations and other criminal networks that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local enforcement agencies.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - Community Resources & Updates

 

Dear Neighbor,

Thank you for joining us for another week in review.

 

This week, we issued a strong statement condemning the White House’s proposal to abolish the Department of Education. The DOE plays an essential role in supporting our youth and families, particularly for underserved students who depend on these resources to thrive. We are committed to investing in education and are proud to have invested over $50 million in our Bronx schools and scholars. Our schools are the backbone of our communities, providing critical services and opportunities that uplift students and create pathways to success. We must stand firm in preserving and strengthening this vital institution that ensures every child has access to a quality education.

I also want to invite both visitors and residents alike to Savor the Bronx, returning from February 18th to February 23rd. This is an exciting opportunity to support our local small businesses while experiencing the rich, diverse cuisines that make our borough so unique. Whether you're a Bronx native or a first-time visitor, this event is the perfect way to explore the flavors of our neighborhoods and celebrate the talented chefs and restaurateurs who make the Bronx a culinary destination.

Additionally, for those seeking new career opportunities, I invite you to join us on Wednesday, February 19th from 10 AM - 2 PM at Bronx Borough Hall (851 Grand Concourse) for our Health Career Opportunities Fair, hosted in partnership with the New York State Department of Labor. Whether you're exploring a career change or taking your first step in the healthcare field, this event will connect you with employers and resources to help you on your journey. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about exciting positions in a growing and essential industry!

Stay engaged, stay inspired, and let’s continue building a stronger, more vibrant Bronx together!

As always, if you need support from our office, you can call 718-590-3500 or email us at webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov.

In partnership,

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson

IN THE COMMUNITY

Grateful to all who joined us at Borough Hall for World Hijab Day of Solidarity! A heartfelt thank you to our incredible partners for their support and to the inspiring women who showed up to celebrate empowerment, unity, and choice.

Investing in the Future of STEM & Sustainability! Yesterday, we took a significant step in expanding hands-on learning for our students by supporting the NY Sun Works Hydroponic Classroom at PS X811! This innovative program not only enhances STEM education but also teaches students about sustainability, climate change, and the importance of fresh, healthy food.

I'm proud to have funded this initiative and look forward to seeing the next generation of Bronx leaders thrive in this green, cutting-edge learning environment!

Thank you to NYIC, Afrikana, Afrilingual, and everyone who joined our Know Your Rights Virtual training. Now more than ever, it's essential for immigrants to stay informed and empowered. We remain committed to providing the resources and support our communities need.

UPCOMING EVENTS

GENERAL INFORMATION

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE RESPONDS TO THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS ON HIS CASE

 

"The mayor is simply lying to New Yorkers – the good news is, he’s never given them a reason to believe him before, so I hope they don’t start now. 

"He is still entitled to prove his innocence, but that is not what happened here. The Department of Justice did not drop this case because they believe the mayor to be innocent, they explicitly stated that this decision is not based on a review of evidence. Nor is it gone forever – the request is to dismiss without prejudice, with the ability to bring the case back in the future. Dropping this case is purely a political favor to a man who can now be leveraged and threatened, a practice that should concern all Americans. 

"The mayor is trying to sell misinformation to a city he’s already decided to sell out. This is not in fact over, it’s just being held over his head. He refuses to even address the conduct that led to the indictment in the first place, or how he could hope to govern while under Donald Trump’s thumb. We don’t have a mayor who cares enough to be honest about his case or his inability to lead – the truth is, we barely have a mayor at all. 

"I would call for the mayor to resign, but that would mean him putting the interests of the city first. At this point it is beyond clear that he can't or doesn't care enough to, and that should anger every New Yorker."

EDITOR'S NOTE:

It should be noted that If Mayor Adams was to resign the person with the most to gain would be the current Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who would then become the Mayor of New York City.