All posts tagged: fraud

Justice Department contractor sentenced after gambling away government phone fraud proceeds

Justice Department contractor sentenced after gambling away government phone fraud proceeds

Published by skeptic

A former Department of Justice contractor who admitted stealing and reselling thousands of government-issued cell phones was sentenced Tuesday to a little more than a year in federal prison after prosecutors said he blew much of the money on gambling. King’s theft of thousands of government phones was a brazen betrayal of the public trust that drained taxpayers of more than a million dollars. He then squandered the stolen money on gambling, luxury vacations, and a high‑end vehicle. He will now be required to repay the very… https://t.co/LWxhoFckdK pic.twitter.com/YJXnE9iPoP — US Attorney Pirro (@USAttyPirro) May 26, 2026 Javan King, 42, of Laurel, Maryland, worked as an information technology contractor in the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division. Investigators said he used that position to order phones the department did not actually need, then quietly sold them to phone resellers for cash. Prosecutors estimated the scheme cost the government more than $1.3 million and generated roughly the same amount in personal payments to King. Justice Department contractor luxury spending and gambling fueled phone fraud According to prosecutors, the operation ran from …

Former PM Tsipras looks to unite Greece’s fragmented opposition with new party – POLITICO

Former PM Tsipras looks to unite Greece’s fragmented opposition with new party – POLITICO

Published by Sam Flores

The 53-year-old pediatrician emerged as a figurehead in a wave of protests against the country’s political establishment, following the crash and a perceived cover-up by the authorities. She ultimately alienated many people, however, with comments that veered close to right-wing populism on topics such as abortion rights and relations with Turkey. “Her positions are very reminiscent of [Italy’s] 5Star Movement, but with a much stronger patriotic and nationalist slant and a focus on corruption,” Seriatos said. “While it started with moral capital and it seemed that many people would be receptive to what it had to say politically, she is on a downward trajectory,” he added. Critics have also accused her of surrounding herself with figures who maintain pro-Russian views or ties to Moscow. Another party from the right of the political spectrum is likely to emerge from former Prime Minister and New Democracy leader Antonis Samaras. He was expelled from the party back in 2024 after strongly criticizing government policies, including on the relationship with neighboring Turkey, as well as what he considers “woke” …

Federal casino fraud indictment targets Sacramento man over fake cannabis investment

Federal casino fraud indictment targets Sacramento man over fake cannabis investment

Published by skeptic

Federal prosecutors say a Sacramento man collected more than $500,000 through a bogus cannabis investment operation that targeted people he met while socializing at casinos, bars and restaurants across California. A federal grand jury indicted 49-year-old Keinyatey Deboros Chambers on 10 wire fraud counts tied to the alleged scheme. Court records show Chambers was expected to appear in court Friday for his first hearing in the case, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California. We’ve arrested a Sacramento casino conman for defrauding investors out of more than half a million dollars through a fake cannabis investment scheme. Those who exploit the trust of innocent people to enrich themselves will face the full consequences of the law.… — Rob Bonta (@AGRobBonta) May 22, 2026 Investigators believe the operation stretched from December 2017 through March 2026. Prosecutors said Chambers told potential investors he worked in the cannabis business and promised unusually large profits within a matter of days or weeks if they invested money with his company. Authorities said those claims were …

Jury Clears Boeing in 737 MAX Fraud Lawsuit

Jury Clears Boeing in 737 MAX Fraud Lawsuit

Published by Sam Flores

SEATTLE, May ⁠22 (Reuters) – ⁠Boeing was found ⁠not guilty of hiding safety problems ​with 737 MAX jets sold to LOT ‌Polish Airlines last decade, ‌a jury ruled Friday in ⁠U.S. ⁠District Court in Seattle. LOT had accused Boeing of ​defrauding it by withholding a critical change to the popular single-aisle jet’s flight-control ​systems. The change was linked to two ⁠fatal ⁠737 MAX crashes in ⁠2018 ​and 2019 that led to the jets ​being grounded ⁠around the world for 20 months. The airline was seeking $153 million in damages that it said resulted from the ⁠grounding. After a two-week trial, the jury members deliberated for ⁠three hours.  “We are gratified by the jury’s verdict in our favor today,” a Boeing spokesperson said.  LOT issued a statement acknowledging the outcome but leaving room for an appeal. “As the legal process may not yet be ⁠concluded, LOT will not comment further on the details of the proceeding at this stage,” the company said. (Reporting ​by Dan Catchpole in Seattle; Editing ​by William Mallard) Copyright 2026 Thomson Reuters. Source …

Top EU prosecutor complains to Brussels about Greece amid farm fraud probe – POLITICO

Top EU prosecutor complains to Brussels about Greece amid farm fraud probe – POLITICO

Published by Sam Flores

In a letter to the European Commission on Friday, Kövesi said that the “hasty” move by the government in Athens “has a negative effect on the EPPO’s ability to effectively investigate and prosecute offences under its competence in Greece.” She also has sent a formal complaint regarding the amendment to Greek Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis. In her letter to the Commission, Kövesi said the Greek Supreme Judicial Council recently refused to renew the mandate of three European Delegated Prosecutors for five years, as requested by EPPO, which “has a negative effect on the EPPO’s independence in Greece.” The prosecutors are currently investigating the farm fraud scandal and have sent case files to the Greek parliament requesting the lifting of the immunity of several lawmakers accused of involvement. More cases are expected in the future. Earlier this month, the Judicial Council renewed the terms of the delegated prosecutors for just two years. Kövesi said these developments “cast serious doubts as to the Greek authorities’ compliance with their obligation of sincere cooperation” with the EPPO. A Commission …

15 people indicted in alleged healthcare fraud scheme in Minnesota

15 people indicted in alleged healthcare fraud scheme in Minnesota

Published by Sam Flores

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Thursday that 15 people were charged in connection to an alleged $90 million healthcare scheme in Minnesota following a joint investigation with the FBI. “The defendants defrauded Minnesota public healthcare resources for tens of millions, targeting programs such as Housing Stabilization Services, Child Care, Medicaid programs, Individualized Home Supports… Source link

Rayner embroiled in ‘election fraud row’

Rayner embroiled in ‘election fraud row’

Published by Sam Flores

Angela Rayner has become embroiled in a row linked to alleged electoral fraud at her local council. Four men and a woman, all aged between 23 and 47, were arrested on Thursday morning on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud, Greater Manchester Police said. It follows claims that fake independent candidates were entered on the ballot for Tameside borough council, in the heart of Ms Rayner’s constituency of Ashton-under-Lyne, to split votes for opposition parties. The alleged plot was reportedly carried out by people associated with Tameside Labour group, with one discussion said to have taken place in Ms Rayner’s kitchen. Labour candidate Atta Ul-Rasool, the former vice-chairman of the Ashton-under-Lyne Labour branch, was elected after beating the second-placed candidate, Ahmed Mehmood, an independent, by 177 votes. The two alleged fake candidates received 291 votes between them. St Peter’s ward was the only one in Tameside to return a Labour councillor on May 7, with the remaining 18 being won by Reform UK, resulting in no single party having overall control of the council. The Telegraph …

Woman at center of sprawling Minnesota fraud case gets nearly 42-year prison sentence

Woman at center of sprawling Minnesota fraud case gets nearly 42-year prison sentence

Published by Sam Flores

MINNEAPOLIS — A judge on Thursday handed down an extraordinary prison sentence — nearly 42 years — to the former leader of a Minnesota nonprofit who was convicted in a staggering $250-million fraud case that helped ignite an immigration crackdown by the Trump administration. Aimee Bock ran Feeding Our Future, which had claimed it helped provide millions of meals to children in need during the pandemic. The U.S. Justice Department, however, said she was atop the “single largest COVID-19 fraud scheme in the country.” “I understand I failed. I failed the public, my family, everyone,” Bock said in federal court. President Trump used the fraud cases against Bock and many others to initially justify a massive surge of federal officers to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area last winter, leading to a pushback by residents and the deaths of two people. “Feeding Our Future operated like a cash pipeline, open to anyone willing to submit fraudulent claims and pay kickbacks,” prosecutors said in a court filing. Bock had long proclaimed her innocence but was convicted last year of conspiracy, …

Guam bingo operators sentenced over multimillion-dollar charity gambling fraud targeting children

Guam bingo operators sentenced over multimillion-dollar charity gambling fraud targeting children

Published by skeptic

Three Guam residents tied to a charitable bingo operation were sentenced in federal court after prosecutors said they siphoned more than $10 million away from children needing medical treatment and used the money for themselves. The convictions stem from the Guam Shrine Club’s Hafa Adai Bingo parlor in Tamuning, which authorities said operated for years while falsely presenting itself as a fundraiser supporting travel for children seeking care at Shriners Hospital for Children in Hawaii. NEWS ALERT: Guam Bingo Operators Receive Federal Prison Sentences for $34 Million Fraud Scheme Hagåtña, Guam – Jose Arthur D. Chan, (Art Chan) Jr., his spouse, Christine C. Chan, and Michael L. Marasigan were sentenced for their roles in an illegal gambling operation involving… pic.twitter.com/qWOA0YNIPJ — FBI Honolulu (@FBIHonolulu) May 20, 2026 Jose Arthur “Art” Chan Jr., 77, received a 60-month prison sentence on May 12. His wife, Christine Chan, 64, was sentenced the same day to 70 months behind bars. Michael Marasigan, 54, was sentenced in absentia on May 18 to 262 months in prison after authorities said he …

Greece moves to sideline EU prosecutor from investigating parliamentarians – POLITICO

Greece moves to sideline EU prosecutor from investigating parliamentarians – POLITICO

Published by Sam Flores

In an amendment tabled to parliament late on Monday, the government stipulates that in cases involving criminal acts by members of parliament, the investigation must be conducted by a special investigating judge, effectively excluding European prosecutors. “In cases of criminal acts committed by members of Parliament, for the prosecution of which the relevant authorization of the Parliament has been granted […] in the case of felonies, the preliminary investigation must be conducted, notwithstanding any other general or specific provision, by a special investigating judge,” the provision reads. The legislative amendment will go to a parliamentary vote late on Tuesday.  EPPO reacted with alarm to Greece’s move and the speed with which the legislation was being pushed through. It also casts doubt on Athens’ sincerity about ensuring the legal use of EU funds in Greece.  European Prosecutor Laura Codruța Kövesi sent a formal complaint regarding Monday’s amendment to the Greek Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis, according to officials following the matter. In a statement, the EPPO said: “The potential implications of the changes are wide ranging and their rushed …