Queens Man Sentenced to 16 Months in Prison for Laundering Bitcoin and Operating Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business

  

Mustafa Goklu, also known as “Mustangy,” was sentenced in federal court in Brooklyn by United States District Judge Pamela K. Chen to 16 months’ imprisonment for money laundering and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business as part of a scheme to launder Bitcoin that the defendant believed to be the proceeds of drug trafficking.  Goklu was convicted of those charges after a jury trial in October 2022.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Frank A. Tarentino, III, Special Agent-in-Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Division (DEA), announced the sentence.

“Drug trafficking would be less pervasive and lucrative if money launderers like the defendant did not enable washing the illegal proceeds of the deadly trade,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “In this case, Goklu used an online peer-to-peer cryptocurrency exchange to advertise his cryptocurrency for cash exchange services.  Facilitating the ability of drug traffickers to distribute narcotics in the United States is fully deserving of a prison sentence.”

“Technology may change the manner in which money laundering takes place; but not the motive,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino.  “Money launderers' true nature is to conceal criminality and this sentence shines a light on Mustafa Goklu’s conviction.   DEA is focused on bringing drug traffickers and those who support the distribution of poison through money laundering to justice. I commend the DEA NY Cyber Investigative Unit and our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York for their diligent work throughout this investigation.”

In July 2018, DEA Special Agents identified an advertisement posted on the website “localbitcoins.com” where an individual with the username “Mustangy” offered to purchase up to $99,999 worth of Bitcoins (BTC), a type of digital currency also known as cryptocurrency, and convert them into U.S. currency for a fee.  Law enforcement agents later identified Goklu as the individual using the username Mustangy. On July 11, 2018, a DEA Special Agent acting in an undercover capacity (the “UC”) began exchanging encrypted text messages with Goklu to arrange in-person exchanges of BTC to U.S. currency.  The UC and the defendant subsequently met and engaged in seven transactions or attempted exchanges of BTC to cash over a nine-month period, culminating in Goklu’s arrest in April 2019.  The UC indicated to the defendant on multiple occasions that the source of the BTC the defendant was exchanging was narcotics trafficking and that as part of the UC’s business he sold oxycodone, Adderall, and marijuana.  The transactions occurred in the defendant’s parked Mercedes-Benz, at a coffee shop in Sunnyside, Queens, and at locations in Manhattan.  The amounts exchanged at each transaction ranged from approximately $5,000 to $50,000 for a total of $133,000.  During each transaction, the UC transferred BTC to Goklu’s cryptocurrency wallet, after which the defendant retained a seven or eight percent commission fee and provided the UC with the remaining amount in cash. The evidence introduced at trial also showed that the defendant was engaged in similar illicit Bitcoin exchanges with multiple other individuals.

Citizen Of India Pleads Guilty To Tech Support Fraud Scheme That Exploited The Elderly

 

Vinoth Ponmaran Was a Leader of a Technical Support Scheme That Deceived More Than 6,500 Victims Across the United States and Canada, Many of Whom Were Elderly, into Paying for Phony Computer Repair Services 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that VINOTH PONMARAN pled guilty to participating in a conspiracy that for several years exploited elderly victims by remotely accessing their computers and convincing victims to pay for computer support services they did not need, and which were never actually provided.  In total, the conspiracy generated more than $6 million in criminal proceeds from at least approximately 6,500 victims.  PONMARAN pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to intentionally damage victims’ computers before U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick, to whom his case is assigned.    

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As he admitted, Vinoth Ponmaran was a leader of a sophisticated fraud scheme that preyed on thousands of victims, including the elderly.  This conspiracy caused pop-up windows to appear on victims’ computers — pop-up windows which claimed, falsely, that a virus had infected the victim’s computer.  Through this and other misrepresentations, this prolific fraud scheme deceived victims into paying a total of more than $6 million.”    

According to the allegations contained in the Superseding Information, court filings, and statements made during plea proceedings:

From approximately March 2015 through July 2018, PONMARAN was a member of a criminal fraud ring (the “Fraud Ring”) based in the United States and India that committed a technical support fraud scheme targeting elderly victims located across the United States and Canada, including in the Southern District of New York.  The Fraud Ring’s primary objective was to trick victims into believing that their computers were infected with malware in order to deceive them into paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for phony computer repair services.  Over the course of the conspiracy, the Fraud Ring generated more than $6 million in proceeds from at least 6,500 victims.

The scheme generally worked as follows.  First, the Fraud Ring caused pop-up windows to appear on victims’ computers.  The pop-up windows claimed, falsely, that a virus had infected the victims’ computers.  The pop-up windows directed the victims to call a particular telephone number to obtain technical support.  In at least some instances, the pop-up windows threatened victims that, if they restarted or shut down their computer, it could “cause serious damage to the system,” including “complete data loss.”  In an attempt to give the false appearance of legitimacy, in some instances, the pop-up windows included, without authorization, the corporate logo of a well-known, legitimate technology company.  In fact, no virus had infected victims’ computers, and the technical support phone numbers in the pop-up windows were not associated with the legitimate technology company.  Rather, these representations were false and were designed to trick victims into paying the Fraud Ring to “fix” a problem that did not exist.  And while the purported “virus” was a hoax, the pop-up windows themselves did cause various victims’ computers to completely “freeze,” thereby preventing these victims from accessing the data and files in their computer — which caused some victims to call the phone number listed in the pop-up windows.  In exchange for victims’ payment of several hundred or thousand dollars (depending on the precise “service” victims purchased), the purported technicians remotely accessed the victim’s computers and ran an anti-virus tool, which is free and available on the Internet. 

PONMARAN was an India-based leader of the Fraud Ring.  Among other things, PONMARAN managed a call center in India that was used to provide purported computer repair services to victims of the scheme.  PONMARAN also recruited co-conspirators in the United States to register fraudulent corporate entities and open bank accounts that were used to receive fraud proceeds from victims of the scheme.  PONMARAN also laundered fraud proceeds in multiple ways, including by directing co-conspirators to wire fraud proceeds to accounts in India and the United States.

PONMARAN, 35, a citizen of India, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to intentionally damage a protected computer, each of which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.  Under the terms of his plea agreement, PONMARAN has agreed to forfeit $6,110,884.51 and to pay restitution of $1,851,830.18.

The statutory maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as PONMARAN’s sentence will be determined by the judge.  PONMARAN’s sentencing is scheduled for June 24, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.

PONMARAN’s co-defendants, Romana Leyva and Ariful Haque, were both sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty in 2022, following their respective guilty pleas.  Leyva was sentenced to 100 months in prison and three years of supervised release, and she was ordered to forfeit $4,679,586.93 and to pay restitution of $2,707,882.91.  Haque was sentenced to one year and one day in prison and three years of supervised release, and he was ordered to forfeit $38,886.32 and to pay restitution of $470,672.16.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the New York Office of Homeland Security Investigations’ El Dorado Task Force, Cyber Intrusion/Cyber Fraud Group.  Mr. Williams also thanked the New York City Police Department for its assistance on this case.                

Governor Hochul Illuminates New York State Landmarks in Honor of St. Patrick's Day

        

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State landmarks will be lit green tonight, March 17, in honor of St. Patrick's Day.

"As the highest-ranking Irish-American elected official in New York State, I am proud to honor the contributions Irish-American New Yorkers have made to our State and to our nation," Governor Hochul said. "Today, I wish the hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers celebrating a very safe and happy St. Patrick's Day.”

The landmarks to be lit in honor of St. Patrick's Day include:

• 1WTC
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
• Niagara Falls
• Lake Placid Olympic Center
• MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
• Moynihan Train Hall
• Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building

Housing Lottery Launches For 2754 Creston Avenue In Fordham, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 2754 Creston Avenue, a six-story residential building in Fordham, The Bronx. Designed by Rise Architecture and developed by Alfred Mitaj of First Structure LLC, the structure yields 22 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are eight units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $102,480 to $198,250.

Residences come with air conditioning, intercoms, and high-speed internet. Amenities include an accessible entrance, package lockers, elevator, bike storage lockers, and security cameras. Tenants are responsible for electricity.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are 19 studios with a monthly rent of $3,128 for incomes ranging from $107,246 to $146,900.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than April 3, 2024.

Mississippi Tax Preparer Sentenced to Prison in False Tax Return Conspiracy

 

Filed Thousands of False Client Returns Causing More than $3.5 Million in Loss

A Mississippi man was sentenced  to 70 months in prison for conspiring to prepare and file false tax returns for clients in Jackson, Mississippi, and for preparing false returns.

According to court documents and evidence presented in court, Christopher Randell worked at Sunbelt Tax Services and conspired with others to claim inflated tax refunds for clients by reporting false education credits, itemized deductions and business profits or losses on their clients’ tax returns. Over the years, Randell and his co-conspirators prepared thousands of fraudulent returns, causing over $3.5 million in tax loss to the IRS. A jury convicted Randell and his co-conspirators in November 2023.

In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Daniel P. Jordan III for the Southern District of Mississippi ordered Randell to serve three years of supervised release, and to pay restitution to the United States, in an amount to be determined later by the Court.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

Wave Hill Weekly Events April 4 – April 11 | Free Solar Eclipse Viewing Party from our Spectacular Vista!

            

The Glory-of-the-snow is almost at “super-bloom” here at Wave Hill! This marks the start of spring for us and it’s an absolute glorious site. Their blue flowers bloom together, producing a carpet-like display under trees, in garden beds and alongside paths in the Woodland. The blooms surronding the century old Cooper beech outside Glyndor Gallery is especially beautiful. It only lasts a short while, so we’re thankful the upcoming weather looks good to welcome visitors. Hoping the weather holds for our upcoming free community events too, especially the Solar Eclipse Viewing Party, April 8. 

Great Tree Renderings: Plein Air Watercolors

Thu, Apr 4,10:00AM – 1:00PM – First of 5 Sessions 

$275; including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill members save 10%

Registration required; online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. 

Observe and paint the bark, buds and other details of Wave Hill’s venerable trees using the luminous and versatile medium of watercolor. Through careful observation, notice the changes in the spring garden from week to week and capture delicate young leaves and flowers as they begin to unfurl. Weather permitting, work from direct observation while exploring various compositions, techniques, and visual approaches to rendering trees and the surrounding landscape. Weekly demonstrations, individual guidance, reflections, and group critiques led by artist, Wennie Huang. 

A supplies list will be provided prior to the first class. This series is rain or shine, with an indoor location reserved in case of rain.  

This five-session workshop series continues on April 11, 18, May 2 and 9. There is no class on April 25.  

Plantwise Walk: Woodland Wildflowers

Fri, Apr 5, 2:00PM – 3:00PM

Free with admission to the grounds  

Registration required 

Many woodland wildflowers take advantage of the sunlight to bloom before trees leaf out in the spring. Meander along trails through the Abrons Woodland to learn about these naturalized (native and nonnative) wildflowers their impact on this woodland ecosystem.  

Family Art Project: Exploring the Eclipse

Sat, Apr 6, 10:00AM – 1:00PM  

Sun, Apr 7, 10:00AM – 1:00PM

Free with admission to the grounds  

Registration not required 

Get ready for the solar eclipse on April 8th by creating and decorating your own pinhole projection box. Awaken your inner astronomer by learning about this rare phenomenon and how to safely observe it indirectly with your homemade device. 

At 11:30AM, families can enjoy a storytime program in the Gund Theater; all ages welcome.  

Winter Workspace 2024: Open Studios

Sat, Apr 6, 12:30PM – 3:30PM  

Free with admission to the grounds

Registration encouraged, but not required  

The Winter Workspace is a program that takes place over two, six-week sessions and provides artists with free studio space, a financial stipend, and access to Wave Hill’s living collection. Session Two takes place from February 20 to April 7, 2024. Since its start 14 years ago, the Workspace has supported more than 150 artists. During the Winter Workspace, artists have intimate access to the greenhouses, as well as horticultural and curatorial staff. Experimentation is encouraged and artists expand their practices while working on site. Artists also engage with Wave Hill visitors through Drop-In Sundays and Open Studios, as well as adult or family workshops. At the core of the Winter Workspace is the recognition that creating art within the context of a garden is a unique experience. 

During this Open Studios event, meet the artists participating in Session Two of the Winter Workspace and see what they've been working on over the last six weeks. Visitors can learn about the artists' practice, sources and materials. Explore each artist studio, see new and in-process work inspired by Wave Hill and created on site, and meet other art-lovers. Artists participating in this session are Yan Cynthia Chen, Lili Chin, Anastasia Corrine, Emily Lombardo, María-Elena Pombo and Karina Aguilera Skvirsky. 

This event is family-friendly, and we welcome visitors of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to attend. A Discovery Guide for families is available at the gallery desk, offering a fun way to engage with the artwork on view.  

Garden and Conservatory Highlights Walk 

Sun, Apr 7, 1:00PM – 1:45PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration not required 

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults.  

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party 

Mon, Apr 8, 12:00PM – 5:00PM 

This community event is free with registration 

The solar eclipse is coming to NYC and we’re saving you a front row seat! Experience this amazing celestial event from our open lawns with spectacular views of the Hudson River and open sky above. Pot up some seeds and make a festive eclipse party hat or celestial floral headband at our activity stations and enjoy live music and story time with the Riverdale Library. There's solar-spirited fun for all at this community event! 

We won’t see another eclipse in NYC until 2044, so don’t miss it! All registrants receive a pair of safety-certified eclipse viewing glasses. 

Grab a light lunch or drinks at our Cafe or bring snacks to enjoy in our outdoor picnic areas (limited seating available). Personal chairs and blankets are allowed for this special event and a limited number of folding chairs are available to borrow. 

In case of rain, the party moves indoors! Watch the eclipse livestream on our flatscreen TVs. Enjoy all the activities throughout historic Wave Hill House and other indoor spaces.  

HOURS: 10AM–5:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday 

Shuttle Service suspended until Spring 

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.  

Tile, Marble, Terrazzo Workers Recruit Apprentices

 

The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) for Tile, Marble and Terrazzo BAC, Local Union #7 of NY & NJ will conduct a recruitment from April 15, 2024 through October 25, 2024 for five Tile Setter apprentices; five Terrazzo Worker apprentices; and five Marble, Carver, Cutter and Setter apprentices, the New York State Department of Labor announced today.

Applications will be available at the International Masonry Institute, 12-07 44th Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on 4/15/24, 4/16/24, 4/17/24, 4/18/24, 4/19/24, 10/21/24, 10/22/24, 10/23/24, 10/24/24 and 10/25/24. Applications must be completed, and exams taken, on the day of application. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. There will be no admittance after 8:30 a.m. Processing will be until 10:00 a.m. Applications will not be accepted by mail.

The Committee requires that applicants:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must have a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (such as a TASC or GED).
• Must have reliable means of transportation to and from various job sites and required classes at the approved school. The Union operates in New York and New Jersey states.
• Must take a Basic Assessment Skills Exam and score a minimum of 23 (out of total of 31) on the exam.
• Must take and pass a drug test, at the expense of the sponsor, after an offer of employment.
• Must sign an affidavit agreeing they are physically capable of performing the essential functions of the trade without posing a threat to the health or safety of themselves or others. The functions may include:
• Working with hand tools and power tools.
• Exposure to loud noise, hazardous machinery, hazardous voltages and respiratory irritants.
• Prolonged standing, climbing, walking, repeated squatting, stretching and bending.
• Working under extreme weather conditions in summer and winter months.
• Working at temperatures and in confined areas where movement is greatly limited.
• Lifting and moving heavy supplies and equipment up to 100 pounds.
• Working from ladders, scaffolds, and personnel lifts, which may exceed 100 feet.
• Must provide DD-214 Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, if applicable, after selection and prior to enrollment.

For further information, applicants should contact Tile, Marble and Terrazzo BAC, Local Union #7 of NY & NJ at (718) 706-9294. Additional job search assistance can be obtained at your local New York State Department of Labor Career Center (see: dol.ny.gov/career-centers).

Apprentice programs registered with the Department of Labor must meet standards established by the Commissioner. Under state law, sponsors of programs cannot discriminate against applicants because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability or marital status. Women and minorities are encouraged to submit applications for apprenticeship programs. Sponsors of programs are required to adopt affirmative action plans for the recruitment of women and minorities.

PUBLIC ADVOCATE JUMAANE D. WILLIAMS - TO PREVENT E-BIKE BATTERY FIRES, PUBLIC ADVOCATE CALLS ON CITY TO PURCHASE AND DISTRIBUTE FIREPROOF BATTERY STORAGE BAGS

 

As the number of fires linked to lithium-ion batteries continues to rise citywide, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams called on the city today to take unilateral action to help prevent this damage and devastation by purchasing and providing fireproof storage bags for e-bike drivers to store their batteries. These low-cost containers are extremely effective in preventing the kinds of fires that have raged across the five boroughs in recent years. At a hearing of the City Council Committee on Fire and Emergency Management today, he pushed for including this expense in the budget. 

“We must take immediate action to make New York City safer, and providing riders with both information and equipment is among the most direct ways we can act,” said Public Advocate Williams. “One of the easiest ways to prevent lithium-ion battery fires at the source is using a fire retardant storage case for storing lithium ion batteries at home or at the office. These inexpensive storage cases cost about $20, and protect batteries during the charging process when most vulnerable to overheating and exploding. This relatively affordable investment will pay a huge dividend in decreasing the number of fires as well as saving lives and infrastructure.”

He continued, “Often in government, we’re forced to make hard decisions about whether the impact of a policy is worth the price tag. Here, though, we have a simple, cost-effective solution that will ultimately save money, and much more importantly save lives. This does not solve the issue fully or forever, but it can have real and immediate impact at a moment when this destruction is constantly on our streets and screens. We are responding far too slowly to the alarms that have been sounding for over a year, and the longer we delay action, the more we’re playing with fire. I urge the administration and Council to fund this purchase and distribution.”

The Public Advocate noted that the containers retail for about $20 each, or $1.3 million to provide a bag for each of the 65,000 delivery e-bike drivers in the city. However, he believes that with New York City’s purchasing power and bulk quantities, it would be possible to equip every delivery driver in the city for as little as $500,000. He emphasized that this cost is minimal relative to the benefits. 

Below is the Public Advocate’s full statement to the Committee as prepared.

STATEMENT OF PUBLIC ADVOCATE JUMAANE D. WILLIAMS 

TO THE NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON FIRE AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 

MARCH 15, 2024

Good Morning,

My name is Jumaane D. Williams and I am the Public Advocate for the City of New York. Thank you to Chair Ariola and members of the Committee on Fire and Emergency Management for holding this hearing and for allowing me to share my statement. Thank you Commissioner and team for being here.

Fire safety is a top concern for New Yorkers. The Preliminary Fiscal 2024 Mayor’s Management Report states that there have been 102 civilian fire fatalities in FY23, which means a civilian death once every three days. This is a sharp increase from FY22 and FY21, with 64 civilian fire fatalities in FY21. Fire safety is a public safety concern, and I appreciate that the Mayor has acknowledged it during his Preliminary Budget for Fiscal Year 2025 by exempting the FDNY from additional PEGs.

However, more must be done to stem the trend of fire deaths. Under the Preliminary Budget for Fiscal Year 2025, the Mayor's Office’s budget added a 5th firefighter to 20 companies. I support the increase in fifth firefighters and applaud the Adams Administration for supporting fire safety. However, this means that only about 10% of engine companies will have five firefighters, or 20 out of 193 engine companies. Furthermore, this just restores an extremely recent December 2023 cut. This is less of a positive change and more of putting out a fire you’ve started- which in and of itself would be a return to the broken status quo. The Uniformed Firefighters Association President Andrew Ansbro argues that with an increase in fires and increase in the strength of fires, there needs to be more resources for engine companies. I agree and stand in support of the Uniformed Firefighter Association’s calls for fifth firefighters. 

Part of the growth in civilian deaths from fires can be attributed to lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion battery fires are difficult to contain and the fire can spread very quickly, putting civilians and firefighters in danger. On February 2, 2024, Fire Commissioner Kavanaugh announced that lithium batteries are now a leading cause of fires. The FDNY, the Mayor's Office and the collective New York City Council all acknowledge how lithium-ion battery fires are a significant challenge for New Yorkers safety, and have passed life-saving legislation such as restricting reconditioned batteries.

We must continue to look ahead, because micromobility device usage and lithium-ion batteries will only become more commonplace. Our city faces a major challenge and we must respond as comprehensively and quickly as possible. One of the easiest ways to prevent lithium-ion battery fires at the source is using a fire retardant storage case for storing lithium-ion batteries at home or at the office. These inexpensive storage cases protect batteries during the charging process when batteries are most vulnerable to overheating and exploding. Fire retardant bags only cost about $20. This relatively affordable investment will pay a huge dividend in decreasing the number of fires as well as saving lives and infrastructure. We must take immediate action to make New York City safer, and providing riders with both information and equipment is among the most direct ways we can act. With the purchasing power of New York City buying these bags in bulk, it will cost roughly $500,000 to provide a lifesaving tool to the 65,000 delivery workers citywide driving e-bikes for their livelihood. These funds should be allocated to the Fire Department to work with the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection to distribute fire retardant storage cases, similar to the smoke detector and battery distribution program. Furthermore, delivery apps can mandate that drivers use and own certain equipment, such as possessing a fire retardant storage case, in order to be able to make deliveries, or provide them themselves. 

Often in government, we’re forced to make hard decisions about whether the impact of a policy is worth the price tag. Here, though, we have a simple, cost-effective solution that will ultimately save money, and much more importantly save lives. This does not solve the issue fully or forever, but it can have real and immediate impact at a moment when this destruction is constantly on our streets and screens. We are responding far too slowly to the alarms that have been sounding for over a year, and the longer we delay action, the more we’re playing with fire. I urge the administration and Council to fund this purchase and distribution without delay.  

In the long term we must redesign New York City’s infrastructure to accommodate electric micromobility devices. These devices help to transport New Yorkers who otherwise may use a car or use a gas-powered moped as well as assist the disabled community. We must encourage wide-scale adoption through addressing outstanding safety concerns. It is now common in South and East Asian countries to see battery swap stations where ebike owners can pay a monthly subscription to swap a dead battery for a fully charged battery, so they do not have to ever charge the device at home. The City should consider creating a franchise agreement for a battery swap system with a singular battery standard, as we already have similar infrastructure in the form of the Citi Bike system. Delivery apps also have a responsibility for supporting infrastructure for its delivery drivers. Companies offering 15-minute delivery local services like Getir already provide charging stations to their drivers. The onus should be on delivery companies to set up charging stations for their drivers. 

Finally, the New York City Council Committee on Fire and Emergency Management has been doing an excellent job responding to lithium-ion battery safety concerns by passing comprehensive legislation. The committee must continue to make sure that the legislation is being enforced by holding oversight hearings to determine if the Mayor’s Office has complied with the Local Laws. Thank you.