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Wednesday, June 2, 2021
VOTERFEST - Art, Performances, Snacks, Voter Info - June 5th ~ 12-6pm
6 Defendants Charged With Laundering Millions Of Dollars In Proceeds Derived From Romance Scams
The Defendants Used Shell Companies to Launder Over $3.5 Million in Funds from Victims of Romance Fraud Schemes
Audrey Strauss, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Patrick J. Freaney, Deputy Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the United States Secret Service (“USSS”), and Jonathan D. Larsen, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), announced today the unsealing of a complaint charging ABUCHI SHEDRACH FELIX, NADINE JAZMINE WADE, OLUWATOMIWA AKINTOLA, GREGORY OCHIAGHA, HABIBA FAGGE, and OLANREWAYU AJIBOLA with conspiracy to commit money laundering, in connection with their involvement in laundering millions of dollars in proceeds derived from romance fraud schemes.
FELIX, AKINTOLA, and AJIBOLA were arrested last night at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey. OCHIAGHA was arrested earlier today in the Bronx. WADE and FAGGE are currently fugitives. FELIX, AKINTOLA, AJIBOLA, and OCHIAGHA will be presented in Manhattan federal court later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “As alleged, the conspirators preyed on the emotions of their numerous online romance fraud victims to fleece the victims out of millions of dollars. Thanks to the Secret Service and IRS Criminal, the defendants have dates in court to face federal charges.”
USSS Deputy Special Agent-in-Charge Patrick J. Freaney said: “Cyber enabled romance schemes continue to harm innocent and unsuspecting people, and the U.S. Secret Service remains committed to investigating those who perpetuate these acts. In this instance, the conspirators allegedly utilized online aliases and created shell companies in furtherance of their scheme to defraud. Through a collaborative investigative effort by the Secret Service, the Internal Revenue Service, and the New York City Police Department Financial Crimes Task Force, the accused will answer the charges brought against them in the Southern District of New York. For further information on ways to better avoid romance scams, please visit www.secretservice.gov/romancescams.”
IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Jonathan D. Larsen said: “The arrests of the alleged perpetrators of this $3.5 million scheme deal a death blow to the vast criminal activity in which the defendants were allegedly engaged. IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to aggressively pursue those who profit from illegal activity and ensure they are brought to justice.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint:[1]
Using online aliases, the defendants’ co-conspirators contacted victims on various dating sites, and convinced those victims, under false pretenses, to transfer funds to the defendants and others. One online alias used in the schemes frequently employed the names “Diego Francisco,” “Richard Francisco,” or “Tom Francisco” (the “Francisco Alias”). The conspirators used online photos of a male model when providing victims with photos of the Francisco Alias. After engaging in conversation with the victims via phone, text, and email, the conspirators, posing as the Francisco Alias, would ask victims for money. The reason offered for why the Francisco Alias needed money could vary. In one version of the scheme, the Francisco Alias was supposedly an architect who had traveled to Dubai and needed funds in order to receive several million dollars in payment. In another version of the scheme, the Francisco Alias supposedly worked on an oil rig and needed funds to repair the rig. The Francisco Alias would then instruct the victims to transfer funds to bank accounts controlled by the defendants. The means of transfer varied. For example, in some cases, the Francisco Alias instructed victims to obtain cashier’s checks or money orders made payable to one of the defendants’ companies and then either mail the check to the conspirators – at addresses that included one in the Bronx – or to deposit the cashier’s check directly into a bank account held in the name of one of the defendants’ companies. The Francisco Alias would instruct the victims to send him photographs of any cashier’s checks and any mailing labels.
Each of the defendants created a shell company and opened bank accounts in the name of his or her respective shell company (the “Shell Company Accounts”). The Shell Company Accounts received funds from victims of the romance fraud scheme described above and rapidly depleted those funds through cash withdrawals, cashier’s checks, and the purchase of vehicles, among other means. The Shell Company Accounts received over $4.5 million between in or about 2018 and 2020, over $3.5 million of which came from victims of the romance fraud scheme.
ABUCHI SHEDRACH FELIX, of Newark, New Jersey, NADINE JAZMINE WADE, of Bronx, New York, OLUWATOMIWA AKINTOLA, of Brooklyn, New York, GREGORY OCHIAGHA, of Bronx, New York, HABIBA FAGGE, of Towson, Maryland, and OLANREWAYU AJIBOLA, of Newark, New Jersey, were each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h), which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants would be determined by a judge.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of USSS and IRS-CI.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth in this release constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Governor Cuomo Announces 2021 Reimagined New York International Auto Show
North America's First and Largest-Attended Auto Show Returns August 20-29, 2021 at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
Tickets Go on Sale Starting June 30 and Will Be Made Available at Pre-Pandemic Attendance Levels
Nearly One Full Floor Dedicated to Electric Vehicles at This Year's Show
Auto Show Will Follow State's Health Guidance
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the 2021 Reimagined New York International Auto Show will return to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center from Friday, August 20 to Sunday, August 29, 2021. Beginning June 30, tickets to North America's first and largest auto show - which will dedicate nearly a full floor to electric vehicles this year - will be made available at pre-pandemic attendance levels. This announcement builds upon the continued reopening of New York's economy and event venues and reflects New Yorkers' significant progress in vaccinations and sustained reductions in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
"The annual New York International Auto Show is not just one our most beloved summer traditions, it is a great economic engine for our state," Governor Cuomo said. "Last year this widely popular event was cancelled due to the pandemic, but thanks to the hard work of New Yorkers in beating back COVID the show will return this year. We are excited to welcome back auto enthusiasts and industry professionals for this year's show with full, pre-pandemic attendance levels and a new exhibit focused on electric vehicles with five indoor tracks where attendees can go for a test drive. This is a sure sign that New York is coming back stronger and better than ever."
Alan Steel, President and CEO of the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation which operates the Javits Center, said, "We are excited to welcome the New York International Auto Show back to the Javits Center and demonstrate all of the remarkable progress New York has made. After hosting the largest vaccination center in the United States, the Javits Center has reinforced its role in New York's recovery, and this one-of-a-kind event signifies that our industry is ready to gather together, share ideas and move our world forward. Get ready to start your engines in August!"
Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the 2020 New York International Auto Show, which dates back to 1900. This year, the show returns and is being planned and prepared in accordance with the State's COVID-19 health guidance. As public health conditions and the guidance is improving dramatically, the Auto Show and Javits Center will adapt and adhere to applicable policies and protocols, as necessary (such as using touchless advance ticketing, social distancing, and extensive cleaning protocols during the entire run of the show). The State will continue to work closely with show management in preparation for the safe and successful return of the 121st New York International Auto Show in August.
The New York International Auto Show ushers in the latest automotive trends, showcasing an incredible collection of cutting-edge design and extraordinary innovation. The Auto Show occupies a 1 million square feet of exhibit space at the Javits Center, with multiple floors of displays from the world's automakers featuring the newest vehicles with the latest advanced technology available on the market. Nearly 1,000 cars and trucks will be on display.
New York International Auto Show EV Exhibition
The 2021 New York International Auto Show will play an important role in supporting one of New York State's top green energy priorities by focusing on electric vehicles. At this year's show, nearly an entire floor of the Javits Center will be dedicated to electric vehicles. The exhibition will feature a total of five indoor test tracks, giving show attendees the opportunity to experience first-hand the feeling of an all-electric vehicle. Nine manufacturers will be participating in this multi-brand demonstration, which is expected to introduce EVs to thousands of attendees. This special exhibition will host more than two dozen companies including the nine automakers, New York Power Authority, Charge NY, NYSERDA, and a number of home, mobile and curbside charging partners committed to consumer education and EV adoption. The Show will also present ten personal electric mobility companies to the public by featuring a wide range of two-wheeled electric vehicles for attendees to experience on controlled test tracks.
The return of the New York International Auto Show means significant benefits for New York's economy, generating over $300 million to the local and State economies. In addition, 72 percent of consumers who attend the show identify themselves as 12-month intenders and 85 percent of those intenders say attending this event helps them in their purchasing decision, making the Show one of the most influential marketing events for the industry. The event also supports 72,000 jobs at local retail new car & truck dealerships whose economic imprint exceeds $53 billion a year.
Pride Flag raising Ceremony at Bronx Borough Courthouse, Begins Pride Month in the Bronx
Tuesday June first was a beautiful sunny afternoon for Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. to be with friends and members of the LGTBQ+ community to raise the Pride flag this year at Bronx Borough Hall to kick off Pride Month. Borough President Diaz Jr. said this would be the last year as BP that he would be hosting this event, and that he could say whatever he wanted now that he was no longer running for office. It seemed by our conversation later however that Ruben Diaz Jr. wants to continue to contribute to Bronx or New York City perhaps as a member of the Eric Adams administration as First Deputy Mayor should Mayoral candidate Eric Adams, who Ruben Diaz Jr, has endorsed for mayor wins.
Before raising the pride flag, Borough President Diaz Jr. gave a citation to Sage Rivera of Destination Tomorrow for the organization's fine work in helping the LGBTQ+ community. He also called on Judge Max Rosen and Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark to say a few words. In closing BP Diaz Jr. said that is LGBTQ heavy, and that we are all in this together. The Pride flag was then set up on the flagpole, and all posed for a group photo. Also on hand were Councilwoman Vanesa Gibson, Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, and Sammy Ravelo, all three are a few of the candidates to replace Ruben Diaz Jr. as the next Bronx Borough President.
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. was very open with his words saying that he will be retiring shortly as Bronx Borough President at the end of the year.
Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark was called up to say a few words. She said her office fights for the LGBTQ community as it does for every person living in the Bronx.
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. presents a citation to Sage Rivera (behind Justin Sanchez of the BP's office who is clapping) for the work Destination Tomorrow does in the LGBTQ+ community.
The Pride Flag is raised up the flagpole outside the Bronx County Courthouse to everyone's delight.
Everyone gathered behind the Borough President Diaz Jr.'s pride flag for a group photo.
Nigerian National Arrested For Scheme To Conduct Cyber Intrusions To Steal Payroll Deposits
Hacking Campaign Resulted in the Compromise of At Least Approximately 5,500 Individual User Accounts and the Theft of Approximately $800,000
Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Jonathan D. Larsen, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), announced today the arrest of CHARLES ONUS for charges in connection with a scheme to conduct cyber intrusions of multiple user accounts maintained by a company that provides human resources and payroll services to employers across the United States, in order to steal payroll deposits. ONUS was previously arrested on April 14, 2021, in San Francisco and detained, and he will be presented later today in Manhattan federal court before Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Charles Onus allegedly participated in a scheme that stole nearly $1 million by hacking into a payroll processing company’s system to access user accounts and divert payroll to prepaid debit cards he controlled. As alleged, Onus did this as effectively as someone who commits bank burglary, but with no need for a blowtorch or bolt-cutters. Thanks to the FBI and IRS-CI, Onus is in custody and facing serious federal charges.”
FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “Cyber intrusions ripple through everything our society relies upon – this one impacted people’s paychecks. The FBI’s goal is to prevent cyber criminals from causing harm and holding them accountable, but we can’t do it alone. Companies need to continuously improve their cyber hygiene and awareness. Taking steps like training the workforce to protect and frequently change passwords, and to use different login credentials across platforms, can have an impact. Each one of us, from the individual citizen to the biggest corporation, plays a critical role in defending the nation from cyberattacks.”
IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Jonathan D. Larsen said: “IRS Criminal Investigation will always work with our law enforcement partners to track down those who try to breach our country’s tax and financial infrastructure. We will continually endeavor to bring to justice criminals who think they can comfortably steal from victims in America while hiding behind their computer screens.”
According to allegations in the Indictment filed in federal court[1]:
From at least in or about July 2017 through at least in or about 2018, ONUS participated in a scheme to conduct cyber intrusions of multiple user accounts maintained by a company that provides human resources and payroll services to employers across the United States (the “Company”), in order to steal payroll deposits processed by the Company.
During the course of the scheme, unauthorized access was obtained to over 5,500 Company user accounts through a cyber intrusion technique referred to as “credential stuffing.” During a credential stuffing attack, a cyber threat actor collects stolen credentials, or username and password pairs, obtained from other large-scale data breaches of other companies. The threat actor then systematically attempts to use those stolen credentials to obtain unauthorized access to accounts held by the same user with other companies and providers, to compromise accounts where the user has maintained the same password.
After ONUS successfully gained unauthorized access to a Company user account, he changed the bank account information designated by the user of the account so that ONUS would receive the user’s payroll to a prepaid debit card that was under ONUS’s control.
From at least in or about July 2017 through at least in or about 2018, at least approximately 5,500 Company user accounts were compromised and more than approximately $800,000 in payroll funds were fraudulently diverted to prepaid debit cards, including those under the control of ONUS. The compromised Company user accounts were associated with employers whose payroll was processed by the Company, including employers located in the Southern District of New York.
ONUS, 34, a resident and national of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, was charged with one count of computer fraud for causing damage to a protected computer, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; one count of computer fraud for unauthorized access to a protected computer to further intended fraud, and one count of receipt of stolen money, each of which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed.
The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and IRS-CI. Ms. Strauss also thanked the New York City Police Department, the FBI New York Cyber Task Force, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the FBI Field Office in San Francisco for their assistance in the investigation of this case.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety 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.
214 Days and Counting
Do you like my new background. It is more child friendly so the young children of the city will want to get vaccinated. What's that you say, what will the vaccine do to them, we will find out in about ten to fifteen years when they try to reproduce.
I have Councilman Eric Dinowitz of Riverdale to help me, since he was a teacher for fourteen years, and is the dad of twin boys now going to school. Eric's father Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz taught Eric well, and really pulled all the strings he could to get Eric elected to the city council. We thought about me endorsing Eric, but that might of had a negative effort on Eric since I am hated in the Bronx for dumping all those homeless people from other boroughs there, and the many other things I have done that hurt the Bronx.
Van Nest Memorial Day Ceremony 2021
The annual Van Nest Memorial Day Ceremony began with a small parade from White Plains Road and Van Nest Avenue to the recently renovated Memorial Plaza and Flag Pole which were replaced and fixed by former Councilman Ritchie Torres. He is now Congressman Torres in Washington, and the winner of the special election to replace him in the City Council Oswald Feliz did not attend the community event. However Councilman Fernando Cabrera who is a candidate for Bronx Borough President was on hand along with Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, who is also a candidate for Borough President.
Richard Vitacco gave a brief history of the Van Nest War Memorial Monument which honors veterans of World Wars One and Two, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
This year the remembrance was for Anthony Tartaglia who lived at 1953 Wallace Avenue, and was killed in World War two while serving in the navy. Two plaques remembering him were given to his niece Janet.
Richard Vitacco speaks as Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance President Bernadette Ferrara holds a flag, Earl Manard Jr. and Ricardo Garcia hold the two plaques to be given to Anthony Tartaglia's niece Janet who spoke. There was also the tossing of twenty-nine small wreaths by the monument with the twenty-nine names on it.
A view if the crowd for the Van Nest Memorial Day ceremony.
The ceremony ended with a modern day Taps being played on Mr. Garcia's cell phone.
(L - R) Ricardo Garcia, Councilman Fernando Cabrera, VNNA President Bernadette Ferrara, and Earl Manard Jr.
Tuesday, June 1, 2021
Peace Plaza Memorial Day 2021 Ceremony
Peace Plaza Memorial Day 2021 Ceremony
By Robert Press
It was the first time the Peace Plaza Memorial Day Ceremony did not have Veteran Silvio Mazzella emcee the event. Silvio was in a hospital bed, and unable to make the event, but as you see above in front are Silvio's wife, son, and grandchildren, with longtime friend Al D'Angelo, Councilman Mark Gjonaj, and Veteran's Joseph Rondo and Gene de Francis. Almost one-hundred people were in attendance.
Grace Lovac sang a beautiful National Anthem, and Father Knapp gave the blessing. Joseph Rondo opened the event with an explanation as to why he and Gene de Francis were doing the ceremony instead of Silvio Mazzella. He introduced the elected officials Councilman Mark Gjonaj, Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, and Councilman Fernando Cabrera who all spoke about what Memorial Day means to them. Councilman Gjonaj said that while the ceremony was going fine, that he missed the way Silvio would run the show. Assemblywoman Fernandez spoke of her brother who had returned from a year's deployment overseas. Councilman Cabrera said that Freedom is not free, because lives must be lost to get that freedom.
Gene de Francis the Commander of the Korney Post in Throggs Neck then read a letter from Silvio Mazzella which asked the people in attendance to keep this ceremony going with its new hosts Joseph Ronda and Gene de Francis. He then said the next event at Peace Plaza would be on Veteran's Day November 11th.
Councilman Mark Gjonaj tells what it is to have a Memorial Day ceremony without the man who began the Peace Plaza Veteran remembrances, Silvio Mazzella who was in a hospital bed.
Councilman Fernando Cabrera wishes every soldier would come back as they left to go fight overseas with veterans Joseph Ronda and Gene de Francis standing next to him.
Wreaths are laid for the fallen soldiers of the various wars.
The bugler plays Taps as the wreaths are put on the ceremonial headstones.
Gene de Francis reads the letter from Silvio Mazzella, and then reminds everyone that the next event at peace plaza will be the Veteran's Day remembrance on November 11th.