Attorney General James Wins Landmark Victory in Case Against Donald Trump

 

Donald Trump, Adult Sons, and Former Executives Ordered to Pay More Than $450 Million They Fraudulently and Illegally Obtained

Donald Trump Banned from Serving as an Officer or Director of Any New York Company for Three Years

New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement after Justice Arthur F. Engoron of New York State Supreme Court ruled in her favor in her office’s civil fraud case against Donald Trump, the other individual defendants, and the Trump Organization entities, ordering the defendants to pay more than $450 million in total, which represents $363.8 million in disgorgement and pre-judgment interest:

“Today, justice has been served. This is a tremendous victory for this state, this nation, and for everyone who believes that we all must play by the same rules — even former presidents. 

“For years, Donald Trump engaged in massive fraud to falsely inflate his net worth and unjustly enrich himself, his family, and his organization. While he may have authored the ‘Art of the Deal,’ our case revealed that his business was based on the art of the steal.

“When powerful people cheat to get better loans, it comes at the expense of honest and hardworking people. Everyday Americans cannot lie to a bank to get a mortgage to buy a home, and if they did, our government would throw the book at them. There simply cannot be different rules for different people.

“Now, Donald Trump is finally facing accountability for his lying, cheating, and staggering fraud. Because no matter how big, rich, or powerful you think you are, no one is above the law.”

The decision issued today by Justice Arthur F. Engoron grants the following relief:

• Donald Trump and the other defendants are ordered to pay more than $450 million in total, which represents $363.8 million in disgorgement and pre-judgment interest;
• Donald Trump, Allen Weisselberg, and Jeffrey McConney are each banned from serving as an officer or director of any New York company for three years;
• Allen Weisselberg and Jeffrey McConney are additionally banned from serving in a financial management role in any New York company for life;
• Donald Trump, Jr. and Eric Trump are banned from serving as an officer or director of any New York company for two years;
• Donald Trump and his companies are banned from applying for loans from any New York bank or financial institution for three years;
• A new, Independent Director of Compliance role will be created at the Trump Organization to ensure the company establishes internal protocols and meets financial reporting obligations; and
• The current independent, external monitor will continue to oversee the company’s financial dealings and ensure this fraud cannot continue.

Following a three-year investigation, in September 2022 Attorney General James filed a lawsuit against Donald Trump, a number of Trump Organization companies, and senior executives for engaging in years of financial fraud and illegal conduct. In September 2023, before this trial began, Justice Engoron issued a ruling granting Attorney General James' motion for partial summary judgment, finding that Donald Trump and the defendants committed fraud by falsely inflating the value of his assets. Today’s decision and order that Donald Trump and the other individual defendants also engaged in illegal conduct and that relief against the defendants is necessary to prevent further fraudulent and illegal conduct comes after 11 weeks of trial, which concluded with closing arguments last month.

U.S. Citizen Charged with Providing Material Support to Isis And Receiving Military-Type Training at Isis Fighter Camp

 

Harafa Hussein Abdi Joined ISIS fighters in Somalia in 2015 and Threatened to Attack New York City in the Name of ISIS

A complaint was unsealed today charging Harafa Hussein Abdi, 41, of Minneapolis, with providing and conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and receiving and conspiring to receive military-type training from ISIS. Abdi, a U.S. citizen, was recently taken into custody overseas and was transported to the United States yesterday. Abdi will be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo in Manhattan federal court later today.

“As stated in the complaint, Mr. Abdi left his country to join ISIS, trained as a fighter and actively aided the group’s propaganda efforts to spread its vile ideology,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “There is no higher priority for the National Security Division than to protect Americans from terrorist organizations and we will work tirelessly to find and hold accountable those who would join these groups to do our people harm wherever they may be.”

“As alleged, Harafa Hussein Abdi, a citizen of this country, traveled from Minnesota to join a group of ISIS fighters in Somalia,” said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York. “While training with ISIS fighters in Somalia, Abdi allegedly carried an AK-47, threatened to attack civilians in New York City, and encouraged others to carry out such attacks. Our law enforcement partners have relentlessly pursued this investigation to ensure the disruption of Abdi’s alleged plans to wage terror on our shores and bring Abdi to an American court to face justice. No matter how long it takes, this office is steadfast in its commitment to investigate, disrupt and prosecute terrorist threats against Americans.”

“Abdi allegedly trained in an ISIS camp, encouraged others to fight on behalf of ISIS, and sent social media messages  about committing violent acts in New York City,” said Executive Assistant Director Larissa L. Knapp of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “The FBI works tirelessly to protect the American people against acts of terrorism and will hold accountable all those who break our laws and endanger our citizens. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners both here and overseas to uncover and disrupt terrorist activity.”

As alleged in the complaint, Abdi, moved from Minnesota to Somalia in 2015. Once there, he joined a group of ISIS fighters at an ISIS training camp in the Puntland region of Somalia. During his time with the group, Abdi regularly carried an AK-47 assault rifle and received training on how to use it. In addition, Abdi worked in the ISIS group’s “media” wing, where he filmed footage for distribution by a pro-ISIS media outlet.

In social media communications during his time at the ISIS camp, Abdi described how he had left the United States and joined the “Islamic state.” Abdi also stated that he had made “hijra,” an Arabic term used by ISIS supporters to refer to traveling overseas to join ISIS and engage in jihad. Abdi also sent a photograph of himself carrying an AK-47 assault rifle, as depicted below:

In or about January 2017, Abdi sent an audio clip of rap lyrics in which he expressed support for ISIS and described multiple acts of violence, including shooting and bombing individuals in New York City. Specifically, Abdi stated, “hollow tips put a hole in your Catholic vest, and chop his head off let it rest on his Catholic chest.” Abdi further stated, “We going to carry on jihad”; “Fly through America on our way to shoot New York up. They trying to shut this thing. We ain’t going. We going to come blow New York up.” Abdi sent the audio clip to at least 20 other social media users and included messages with the audio clip, such as “Fighting back the kuffar who’s at war with Muslims if [that] is not islam then I don’t know wats Islam.”

Abdi left the ISIS camp in 2017 after his relationship with the ISIS group’s leadership deteriorated. After being jailed by the group, Abdi escaped and traveled to East Africa, where he was arrested by law enforcement authorities. In subsequent Mirandized interviews with FBI personnel, Abdi admitted that he had joined the training camp, which was affiliated with a known ISIS leader in Somalia. Abdi also identified himself in an ISIS propaganda video that he helped to film at the training camp in which Abdi carried an AK-47 assault rifle, promoted ISIS and urged others to join and fight on its behalf. In the video, Abdi said, “We thank almighty God for making us His soldiers and chose us to be among the Khilafa troops,” and “So do not stay behind, brother, and get on this caravan…. Those who believe fight in the cause of Allah, and those who reject Faith fight in the cause of Evil.” Abdi also admitted that he was trained on and regularly carried an AK-47 assault rifle and practiced shooting the AK-47 in the Somali wilderness outside the camp.

Abdi is charged with (i) conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (ii) providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (iii) conspiring to receive military-type training from a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison; and (iv) receiving military-type training from a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine or both.

The FBI’s New York Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the case. The National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, Justice’s Department’s Office of International Affairs, FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, the FBI’s International Operations Division and the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection provided assistance.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas S. Bradley for the Southern District of New York is prosecuting the case, with assistance from Trial Attorney Kevin Nunnally of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

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

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Bronx Business News You Can Use

 

Upcoming Events, Legislative News, Grant Opportunities, & More

(Friday) Extra, Extra Click here for this week's video: Implementation of Commercial Waste Containerization  NYC Small Business Open + Online Program New Credit Card Surcharge Law Take Valentine's Day on 138th In Mott Haven Upcoming Events NYSABPRHAL Legislative Conference 2.16 - 18. 2024 Black History Month Networking Event 2.22.2024 6:00pm - 8:00pm The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York 2024 3.3rd - 5th 2024 -10:00am to 5:00 pm Ladies First: Women's History Month Event 3.6.2024 Irish Heritage Month Celebration 3.14.2024 Women of Distinction - 3.22.2024 11:30am - 2:00pm Events Highlight

Bronx Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Black History Month

Black History Month is a time to celebrate the fullness of African American history and culture. Join the Bronx Chamber of Commerce on February 22nd, 2024, as we honor a few amazing black-owned businesses in the Bronx during our Black History Month Networking Event.  Thursday, February 22nd, 2024  6:00 pm to 8:00 pm  Residence Inn by Marriott New York The Bronx at Metro Center Atrium 1776 Eastchester Rd, Bronx NY 10461 

Reserve Your Spot

Commercial Waste Containerization

Starting March 1, 2024, ALL businesses of any size MUST set out waste in a bin with a secure lid. This applies to ALL businesses that set out waste on the curb. This does not apply to businesses with waste collected from a loading dock. This includes catering, food manufacturing, food service, and food preparation businesses, food wholesalers, and retail food stores. It also includes businesses under the same name, under common ownership, or businesses pursuant to a franchise agreement with the same franchisor. For more information, Click Here

NYC SMALL BUSINESS OPEN + ONLINE PROGRAM

It's crucial that your small business has a strong online presence to compete in today's marketplace. The Open + Online program offers FREE website building, logo/branding design, or expert SEO (search engine optimization) consulting. For more information about this program, Click Here

NEW CREDIT CARD SURCHARGE LAW TAKES EFFECT

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a new consumer protection law that went into effect on February 11, 2024.  This new law will clarify New York’s existing credit card surcharge law. The NYS Division of Consumer Protection assists aggrieved consumers in the marketplace, and the New York State Attorney General and local governments have the authority to enforce the credit card surcharge law.  For more information, Click here

VALENTINE'S DAY ON 138TH IN MOTT HAVEN

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the 138th Street Merchant's Collective, spreads love the Bronx way with Hearty the Heart Hernandez on 138th Street. Hearty greeted local residents, informing them of local deals and specials area businesses offered for Valentine's Day. Thank you to the NYPD at the 40th Precinct and Avenue NYC program manager, Tony Billups, for accompanying Hearty on his tour of 138th Street. For more information, email AvenueNYC@bronxchamber.org

Fiscal Year 2025 Discretionary Funding Applications Released The applications for discretionary funding are now available. The FY2025 application was posted on the Council’s website on Thursday, January 4, 2024, and the submission deadline will be on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. For more information, or to apply, Click Here

53rd Annual NYSABPRHAL Legislative Conference Happening this weekend. Join NYSABPRHAL for their 53rd Annual Legislative Conference on February 16- 18, 2024, in Albany, New York. This conference's mission is to engage New State residents of a minority descent in a dialogue about issues and policies that have an impact on their daily lives and communities. The workshop forums that take place on Saturday during the conference will focus on a plethora of issues including, but not limited to, healthcare inequities, how to become a legacy leader in the new cannabis industry, housing insecurities, criminal justice reform, enhancing equitable distribution of wealth, closing disparities within the educational system, MWBE opportunities and many more engaging topics. For more information or to register for this event, Click Here

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

NYC Funds Finder NYC's Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and Next Street announced the launch of a new platform connecting small businesses with trusted resources they need to open, grow, and maintain their business. The user-friendly platform – NYC Funds Finder is where small businesses can review funding options, including loans and grants, and request free 1-on-1 financing assistance from the SBS team.  NYC Funds Finder is a partnership between SBS and Next Street and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. Next Street Scale, the platform that powers NYC Funds Finder, was created to address the hurdles that small businesses, especially those run by women and minorities, face in accessing the resources required to grow their business and build wealth.

M/WBE Certification Unlocking Opportunities The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with NYC SBS to help guide you through the application process of getting certified as a Minority/Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE). This certification program, offered by NYC Small Business Services, is a critical initiative aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in government contracting and procurement processes. The program seeks to create opportunities for businesses owned and operated by minority individuals and women, ensuring they have fair access to government contracts and economic opportunities, opens your business up to increased opportunities from New York City agencies, free advertising in the NYC Online Directory of Certified Businesses, mentorship programs and workshops, networking events, and more. The City has committed to awarding $16 billion in contracts to M/WBE certified organizations over the next decade--don’t miss out! Are you eligible? (Qualification checklist below) Business is legally authorized to transact business in New York City Business has been in operation for at least one year Business is more than 51% minority and/or woman owned JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN THE BRONX Seeking a candidate to work alongside Owner and Broker of Commercial Real Estate Company to provide general administrative assistance. We are searching for an individual with an outgoing personality who is comfortable interacting with Landlords/Owners and potential clients. We are asking candidate to work out of the office 2 days per week (preferably Tuesdays and Thursdays) between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. For more information or to apply, Click Here Founded in 2015, DailyPay, Inc. is transforming the way people get paid. As the industry’s leading on-demand pay solution, DailyPay uses an award-winning technology platform to help America’s top employers build stronger relationships with their employees. This voluntary employee benefit enables workers everywhere to feel more motivated to work harder and stay longer on the job while supporting their financial well-being outside of the workplace. DailyPay was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in New York City, with operations in Minneapolis and Belfast. For more information about Dailypay, click the following link, www.dailypay.com UPCOMING EVENTS Ladies First: Women’s History Month Small & Local Business Development Event Wednesday, March 6th, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Sankofa Haus 2422 3rd Avenue Bronx NY Join the Bronx Chamber of Commerce for our Women’s History Month Networking Event sponsored by Assemblymember Amanda Septimo. During the event, you will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded women, gain valuable insights from industry experts, and build a supportive network that will help you and your business thrive. Reserve Your Spot A Celebration of Black History Networking Event Thursday, February 22nd, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Residence Inn by Marriott New York 1776 Eastchester Road Bronx NY Please join the Bronx Chamber of Commerce as we celebrate our borough's black businesses and leaders who are making a difference in our community. Enjoy happy hour drink pricing and complimentary hors d'oeuvres while you meet and mingle with fellow Chamber members and new prospective members during Speed Networking. Reserve Your Spot The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York 2024 March 3rd - 5th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Jacob Javits Center 429 11th Ave NY NY The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York is a once-a-year event that focuses on serving the food service industry in the Northeast. Vendors offer you the opportunity to see the best in the restaurant and food service industry, from the newest food trends to the best technology to fit your restaurant and everything in between. This is your opportunity to find the latest and greatest for your operation. This is a ticketed event, for pricing and more information, Click Here A Celebration of Irish Heritage Thursday, March 14th, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Rambling House 4292 Katonah Avenue Bronx NY Join the Bronx Chamber of Commerce for an evening of networking and celebrating the Bronx's Irish heritage. The evening features live music, networking, drink specials, Irish fare, and acknowledges the contributions of notable Irish Americans and their influence on Bronx business and economic development. Reserve Your Spot The Women of Distinction Luncheon 2024 March 22 11:30 am to 2:00 pm Villa Barone Manor 737 Throggs Neck Expwy Bronx NY For 19 years, the Women of Distinction Luncheon has recognized outstanding women leaders for their contributions to the Bronx community. Each year, with the support of local Bronx businesses and Bronx Chamber members, we are able to provide scholarships to deserving college-bound female students through the Bronx Chamber of Commerce Foundation.   Join us this year as we honor a new class of scholars and celebrate the strong women leaders of our community! Reserve Your Spot For the complete Bronx Chamber Events Calendar, featuring educational workshops, networking events and other opportunities hosted by the Chamber, its members, & partners, please visit and bookmark our website events calendar link in your browser - new events are added weekly!