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US Government Files Civil Forfeiture Action to Recover $5.3 Million Stolen in Business Email Compromise Scheme

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The United States government has initiated a civil forfeiture action to recover approximately $5.3 million in funds allegedly obtained through a business email compromise (BEC) scheme that targeted a Massachusetts workers union. The scheme, which took place in January 2023, involved a spoofed email that deceived the union into transferring $6.4 million to a fraudulent account.

According to a press release from the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Massachusetts, the fraudulently obtained funds were then routed through various intermediary bank accounts, with some of the money being transferred or attempted to be transferred to a cryptocurrency exchange and bank accounts in Hong Kong, China, Singapore, and Nigeria. US authorities have successfully seized the contents of seven domestic accounts connected to the scheme.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy emphasized the severe threat posed by BEC fraud schemes, stating that they cause significant financial and emotional harm to victims by exploiting trusted communication channels. He also highlighted the importance of victims reporting such misconduct to the authorities, as it may enable the recovery of stolen funds and help restore stability and justice for those affected by fraud.

The press release advises members of the public who believe they are victims of cybercrime, including cryptocurrency scams, romance scams, investment scams, and BEC fraud scams, to contact the United States Attorney’s Office via email at US************@***oj.gov.

The civil forfeiture action is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Lyons of the Asset Recovery Unit, along with Trial Attorneys Jasmin Salehi Fashami and Adrienne E. Rosen of the Justice Department’s Money Laundering & Asset Recovery Section. The United States must prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the property in question is subject to forfeiture. If successful, the court will order all the interests of any potential claimant forfeited.

BEC schemes are sophisticated fraud schemes that target businesses using wire transfers as a form of payment. These schemes affect large global corporations, governments, and individuals, with current global daily losses estimated at approximately $8 million. Criminals compromise legitimate business email accounts through various hacking methods, including social engineering and the use of malware.

The announcement underscores the US government’s commitment to combating cybercrime and recovering funds obtained through fraudulent means. It also highlights the importance of international cooperation in tackling such crimes, as the funds were traced to accounts in multiple countries.

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Coco Gauff Breaks Down in Tears After French Open Semi-Final Loss to Iga Swiatek

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American tennis star Coco Gauff was left in tears following a heated exchange with the umpire during her 6-2, 6-4 defeat to world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the French Open semi-finals. The 20-year-old accused the umpire of making a wrong call and told her she “should be ashamed” during the contentious moment at Roland Garros.

Coco Gauff.

The flashpoint occurred when Gauff was attempting to fight her way back into the match, leading 2-1 in the second set on Swiatek’s serve. A second serve from the Polish player was called out just as Gauff hit her return long. However, when the umpire overruled the call and awarded the point to Swiatek, Gauff vehemently argued that she had hit her return after the ball had already been called out, and the point should have been replayed.

“He called it and then I hit it. I’m a thousand percent sure,” Gauff insisted. “If he called it before I hit it, I stopped my reaction. I didn’t even finish my follow-through. He called it before I hit it. Will you ask him?”

Coco Gauff sad.

Umpire Aurelie Tourte refused to consult the line judge, stating, “No, we cannot ask him. For me, it did not affect your shot.”

As the crowd booed in response to the incident, Gauff retorted, “They’re booing because you’re wrong. It’s the second time that’s happened. You should be ashamed. It’s a grand slam semi-final, know the rules of the game.”

Iga Swiatek.

Replays suggest that the call occurred at the same instant as Gauff played her return, making it a marginal decision. However, Gauff’s argument that the call caused her to pull out of her follow-through is a compelling one.

Despite breaking Swiatek’s serve in that game for a 3-1 lead, Gauff ultimately lost the next four games in a row, as Swiatek served out a comfortable victory. The head-to-head record between the two players now stands at 11-1 in Swiatek’s favor, and on this evidence, it appears challenging for Gauff to improve that record in the near future.

Gauff’s aggressive approach, which saw her attempt to blast Swiatek off the court, led to a high number of unforced errors. In contrast, Swiatek was able to settle into a consistent rhythm, waiting for her opponent to make mistakes. The first set ended with Swiatek winning 29 of the 31 points she needed courtesy of Gauff’s errors.

Although Gauff showed improvement in the second set, being more selective with her aggression and focusing on depth rather than power, her unforced error count remained too high, ultimately leading to her defeat.

As Swiatek continues her march towards a potential fourth French Open title in five years, Gauff and her team must now address the pressing question of how to overcome the formidable Polish player in future encounters.

Credit: Dailymail.com

Gilgo Beach Suspect Rex Heuermann Charged with Two Additional Murders, Crimes Dating Back to 1993

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In a significant development in the Gilgo Beach case, suspect Rex Heuermann has been charged with two additional murders, bringing the total number of his alleged victims to six women, with crimes now dating back to 1993. According to a court document unsealed on Thursday, Heuermann is accused of the 2003 murder of Jessica Taylor and the 1993 murder of Sandra Costilla, both of whose remains were found on Long Island.

The addition of these two cases significantly expands the timeline of Heuermann’s alleged crimes. Investigators have linked Heuermann to Taylor’s death through DNA evidence recovered from a surgical drape found underneath her body. Taylor, a sex worker in midtown Manhattan, was decapitated, and her arms were severed from her torso. Some of her remains were discovered in 2003, while her head, hands, and forearm were found in March 2011, close to where four of Heuermann’s other alleged victims were discovered in December 2010.

Phone records also showed that Heuermann’s wife and children were out of town when Taylor was killed, providing him with ample time to execute his plans without fear of being discovered by his family. Prosecutors noted that Heuermann had accessed a Newsday article about the discovery of Taylor’s remains.

DNA evidence also linked Heuermann to the murder of 28-year-old Sandra Costilla, whose body was found in a wooded area in North Sea, Long Island, in November 1993. Investigators discovered that pornographic images accessed by Heuermann largely coincided with how the remains of Taylor and Costilla were found.

During a search of Heuermann’s home, investigators recovered a planning document from one of 350 electronic devices. The document contained a checklist of tasks to package a body for transport, avoid leaving DNA traces, and other steps, including notes for “next time.” Heuermann also allegedly had a “post event” checklist, which appeared to be a list of tasks following a homicide to avoid apprehension, such as burning gloves, disposing of pictures taken of the victim, and having an alibi set.

Heuermann, an architect and father, was initially arrested in July and charged with murdering three escorts: Megan Waterman, Amber Costello, and Melissa Barthelemy. In January, he was charged with the murder of a fourth escort, Maureen Brainard-Barnes. The remains of all four women were found in 2010 near Gilgo Beach, along with six additional sets of remains. Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to the four murders.

Investigators have continued to search Heuermann’s Long Island home as recently as May and have also searched a wooded area in Manorville on Long Island in April as part of the ongoing investigation.

2face Idibia’s Daughter Isabella Shares Heartbreaking Experience of Body Shaming from Family and Others

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In a powerful and emotional TikTok video, Isabella Idibia, the 15-year-old daughter of Nigerian music icon 2face Idibia and acclaimed actress Annie Idibia, has bravely shared her heartbreaking experience of being body shamed by family members, friends, and even strangers.

Isabella, her parents, 2face and Annie Idibia

With tears streaming down her face, Isabella recounted the deep pain and hurt caused by derogatory comments labeling her as “plus-size.” The young girl’s vulnerability and honesty shone through as she described the devastating impact these remarks had on her self-esteem and sense of self-worth.

Isabella’s story resonates with many, as she revealed the constant comparisons made between her and slimmer girls, which only served to deepen her feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. The teenager candidly shared her struggles with uncontrollable eating habits during this challenging period, highlighting the complex relationship between emotional distress and food.

The unsolicited advice Isabella received to hit the gym only added to her pain, as it reinforced the notion that her body was somehow unacceptable or in need of fixing. The pressure to conform to societal standards of beauty and the relentless onslaught of body shaming left Isabella feeling the need to cover up certain parts of her body in an attempt to shield herself from further criticism.

In one particularly poignant slide, Isabella wrote, “Me after being body shamed by family, ‘friends’, and random,” encapsulating the pervasive nature of body shaming and its far-reaching impact on an individual’s mental health and well-being.

Isabella’s decision to share her story on such a public platform is a testament to her courage and resilience. By speaking out about her experiences, she is not only shedding light on the harmful effects of body shaming but also empowering others who may be facing similar struggles to know that they are not alone.

Isabella, her parents, 2face and Annie Idibia.

As the daughter of two prominent figures in the Nigerian entertainment industry, Isabella’s voice carries significant weight and has the potential to spark important conversations about body positivity, self-love, and the need for greater empathy and kindness in our society.

African legendary music icon, 2face and wife, Annie.

Her emotional TikTok video serves as a powerful reminder that words have the power to hurt and that we all have a responsibility to be mindful of the impact our comments and actions can have on others, especially vulnerable young people who are still navigating the complexities of self-identity and body image.

Credit: Tribuneng.com

Giraffe Plucks Toddler from Truck at Wildlife Park

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A family outing took an unexpected turn when a giraffe accidentally lifted a toddler from the back of a truck during a drive-thru safari experience at the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, Texas. Jason Toten, 24, and his fiancé, Sierra Robert, 23, were enjoying a family day with their children on Saturday when the incident occurred.

As the family admired the animals and encouraged their two-year-old daughter, Paisley, to feed a giraffe from her hand, the giraffe accidentally used its teeth to grab the toddler’s shirt, lifting her into the air. Sierra reacted quickly, grabbing Paisley as she was pulled up by the giraffe. A stern “hey” from Sierra caused the animal to realize its mistake and drop the uninjured toddler back into the car.

Jason admitted that the incident scared him, but once they realized everyone was safe and unharmed, they were able to laugh about it. He understood that the giraffe had intended to grab the food bag from Paisley’s hands, but accidentally caught her shirt instead.

Despite the scare, Paisley remained unfazed and even requested a giraffe toy and T-shirt from the gift shop after the incident. The family does not blame the park or the giraffe for what happened, and they plan to return to Fossil Rim in the future.

However, in response to the viral video of the incident, Fossil Rim announced a new policy on Wednesday, prohibiting guests from riding in the bed of pick-up trucks during the drive-thru safari experience.

Sierra has faced criticism online from viewers who labeled her a “bad mom” for allowing her daughter to ride in the back of the truck. In response, she posted a lengthy statement on her Facebook profile, defending her parenting choices and emphasizing that dangers exist everywhere, regardless of the activity or location. She refuses to teach her child to be afraid of experiencing the world, and she does not blame the park or the giraffe for the incident.

The mother explained that she had never visited a safari before and assumed it would be safe since the park allowed guests to ride in the bed of their trucks. She also shared that she grew up riding in the back of her family’s truck and believes many others have done the same.

While the incident may have been alarming, it serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures and the unpredictable nature of wild animals, even in controlled environments like drive-thru safari parks.

Credit: Dailymail.com

Ukrainian Drones Target Russian Oil Facilities

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Firefighters extinguish oil tanks at a storage facility that local authorities say caught fire after the military brought down a Ukrainian drone, in the town of Klintsy in the Bryansk Region, Russia January 19, 2024, in this still image taken from video. Russian Emergencies Ministry/Handout via REUTERS

In a continuation of efforts to disrupt Russia’s war machine, Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery in Russia’s Rostov region and a fuel depot in the Belgorod region, according to officials in the targeted areas. The attacks occurred as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined world leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, at D-Day commemorations in France on Thursday.

Zelenskyy’s trip to France, where he is also set to meet with French officials on Friday, comes amid Ukraine’s ongoing struggle to hold back a recent Russian offensive in the eastern regions. The conflict, which has been raging for over two years, has seen Ukraine face shortages of ammunition and troops along the roughly 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line.

The drone attacks on Russian oil facilities follow a warning from Russian President Vladimir Putin that Russia could provide long-range weapons to other countries, enabling them to strike Western targets. This threat was issued in response to NATO allies’ decision to allow Ukraine to use Western-supplied weapons to attack Russian territory.

Fire scene at one of Russian’s oil refineries.

Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, stated that Putin’s comments signaled a significant shift in Russia’s foreign policy, suggesting that Russian weapons could be provided to anyone who considers the U.S. and its allies as enemies. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov added that the use of Western weapons against Russia would have consequences.

However, the U.S. military clarified that it does not control the missiles it provides to Ukraine or the targets, and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized that the alliance has no plans to deploy forces to Ukraine. Instead, NATO is focusing on establishing a stronger framework for long-term financial and institutional support for Ukraine.

The overnight drone attacks on the Novoshakhtinsk refinery in the Rostov region and an oil depot in the Belgorod region caused fires but did not result in any casualties, according to regional governors. These attacks are part of Ukraine’s increasingly sophisticated drone campaign targeting Russia’s energy infrastructure, aiming to deny Moscow revenue and exacerbate the pressure on its energy sector.

Meanwhile, Russia has been attacking Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, causing widespread power outages in an apparent attempt to sap public morale and affect military manufacturing plants.

As the conflict continues, Zelenskyy’s presence at the D-Day events in France underscores Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to garner Western support in what has become Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II.

Credit: AP

33 Dead in Israeli Strike at Gaza School Allegedly Used by Hamas

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An Israeli airstrike early Thursday targeted a school housing displaced Palestinians in central Gaza, resulting in the tragic loss of over 30 lives, including 23 women and children, as reported by local health authorities. The Israeli military asserted that Hamas militants had been operating from within the school premises.

This devastating incident adds to a series of casualties suffered by Palestinians seeking refuge amidst escalating Israeli offensives in the Gaza Strip. Just a day prior, the military had announced a renewed ground and air assault in central Gaza, citing the presence of regrouped Hamas militants in the area. Despite previous invasions by Israeli troops, Hamas continues to demonstrate resilience, complicating Israel’s nearly eight-month campaign in the region.

Witnesses and medical officials confirmed that the pre-dawn airstrike struck the al-Sardi School, administered by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), where numerous Palestinians had sought shelter from previous Israeli attacks. Eyewitnesses described the harrowing scene, with missiles hitting classrooms where families had taken refuge, resulting in multiple casualties.

The casualties from the school strike overwhelmed the nearby Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, which had already been struggling to cope with the influx of patients since the onset of the central Gaza incursion. Videos circulated online depicted wounded individuals being treated on the hospital floor, illustrating the dire situation in Gaza’s medical facilities.

Despite the Israeli military’s claim that it took precautions to minimize civilian harm, including aerial surveillance and intelligence gathering, the scale of the tragedy underscores the challenges faced by civilians amidst the ongoing conflict. UNRWA schools across Gaza have served as shelters for the territory’s displaced population, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in the region.

The recent escalation follows previous Israeli strikes near UNRWA facilities, including an incident in Rafah that resulted in a deadly inferno, drawing international condemnation. The mounting civilian casualties have intensified calls for a cease-fire, with the United States endorsing a phased approach outlined by President Joe Biden. However, Israel remains committed to its campaign against Hamas, while the militant group insists on a lasting cease-fire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.

As the conflict rages on, the civilian population in Gaza continues to bear the brunt of the violence, underscoring the urgent need for a sustainable solution to end the cycle of bloodshed and devastation.

Credit: AP

South Africa’s ANC Engages in Early Coalition Talks with Five Parties Following Election Deadlock

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In the wake of losing its 30-year majority in last week’s election, South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) has initiated exploratory talks with five other parties to discuss the possibility of forming a coalition government. Despite remaining the largest party, the ANC faced an election deadlock as no party managed to secure a majority.

ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri.

ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri revealed that the party had engaged in preliminary discussions with the main opposition Democratic Alliance, the far-left Economic Freedom Fighters, and three smaller parties. However, she noted that the talks were still in the early stages, and no decisions had been made.

Bhengu-Motsiri also mentioned that the ANC had repeatedly reached out to former President Jacob Zuma’s newly formed MK Party for talks but had received no positive response. Zuma, a former ANC leader, has become a fierce critic of current President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The ANC has framed these discussions as an attempt to form a government of “national unity,” with a formal coalition being just one of the options on the table. The party is open to engaging with any of the more than 50 parties that contested the election to find a solution. Parliament must convene by June 16 to elect a president, with Ramaphosa seeking a second term, and an agreement needs to be in place for that to happen.

In its worst-ever electoral showing, the ANC secured only 159 of the 400 parliamentary seats. The Democratic Alliance followed with 87 seats, the MK Party with 58 seats, the Economic Freedom Fighters with 39 seats, and the Inkatha Freedom Party with 17 seats.

Analysts have cautioned that the ANC risks alienating some of its traditional base by forming a coalition with the three main opposition parties, two of which were formed by leaders who broke away from the ANC in recent years.

President Ramaphosa.

The prospect of an ANC-Democratic Alliance coalition is expected to face opposition from some ANC members and alliance partners, including the Congress of South African Unions (Cosatu) and the South African Communist Party. Cosatu spokesman Matthew Parks emphasized the importance of a coalition led by the ANC and President Ramaphosa that prioritizes the needs of the working class, defends workers’ rights, grows the economy, creates jobs, tackles crime and corruption, invests in public services, and unites the nation.

Tensions are already apparent between the ANC and the MK Party, with an MK Party spokesman stating that the party would not negotiate with Ramaphosa’s ANC. Some senior ANC members, such as former Defence Minister Siphiwe Nyanda, have publicly warned against a coalition with Zuma’s MK Party, accusing Zuma of trying to destroy the ANC from within.

As coalition talks continue, the future of South Africa’s government hangs in the balance, with the ANC facing the challenge of finding a solution that satisfies its members, alliance partners, and the diverse needs of the nation.

Credit: AP

Woman Arrested for Stealing Burger King Employee’s Laptop and Tablet

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A woman identified as Janie McNeal, 55, was arrested and charged with grand theft after allegedly stealing a Burger King employee’s laptop bag containing a laptop and tablet from a restaurant in Florida on Memorial Day. The arrest report states that a training specialist for Burger King had placed his laptop bag in an unoccupied booth while engaging with employees, only to discover it missing shortly after.

The three faces of suspect Janie McNeal, 55.

Surveillance footage from the restaurant showed a woman, later identified as McNeal, approaching the counter and briefly interacting with a cashier, apparently asking a question. The victim informed police that the stolen Acer laptop, worth $900, and the tablet, valued at $200, were provided to him by Burger King corporate for business purposes.

Although an initial search of the area did not yield any results, an officer from the restaurant soon spotted McNeal crossing the street with a black scooter. Due to the recent theft report involving a female suspect matching McNeal’s description and possessing a scooter, the officer turned to approach her. However, McNeal was observed wearing different clothes and a different colored wig at the time.

Upon being read her Miranda rights, McNeal initially became argumentative but confirmed her understanding and agreed to answer questions. She claimed to have taken the bag because she thought it was hers. However, during the conversation, McNeal’s story regarding her actions after leaving the business changed multiple times.

McNeal was subsequently arrested and charged with grand theft between $750 and $5,000. She did not pay her $2,500 bond and remains in jail.

This incident serves as a reminder for individuals to remain vigilant and secure their personal belongings, even in seemingly safe public spaces. It also highlights the importance of surveillance systems in helping law enforcement identify and apprehend suspects in theft cases.

As the legal process unfolds, it remains to be seen how McNeal’s case will be resolved and what consequences she may face for the alleged theft of the Burger King employee’s laptop and tablet.

NYPD to Revoke Donald Trump’s Gun Permit Following Felony Conviction in Manhattan Case

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Sources have informed ABC News that the New York Police Department (NYPD) will be revoking former President Donald Trump’s gun permit in the wake of his conviction on 34 felony counts last week in Manhattan. The possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is considered a federal crime.

Trump’s gun permit was initially suspended after he was criminally indicted last year by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. On May 30, a jury found him guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records in a criminal case related to an alleged hush money payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Despite Trump’s contention that he did nothing illegal and his intention to appeal the decision, his sentencing is scheduled for July.

While the exact timeline for the NYPD’s official revocation of Trump’s gun permit remains unclear, sources have confirmed that the process is underway. It is important to note that the former president will continue to receive protection from the Secret Service, regardless of the status of his gun permit.

This development comes amidst a series of legal challenges faced by the former president. Trump has been indicted twice by Special Counsel Jack Smith on federal charges related to his alleged interference with the 2020 election and the alleged keeping of classified government documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

Additionally, Trump is facing state charges in Fulton County, Georgia, over his alleged interference with the 2020 election. The former president has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

As the legal proceedings against Trump continue to unfold, the revocation of his gun permit in New York serves as a significant consequence of his recent felony conviction in Manhattan. The case highlights the ongoing scrutiny and legal challenges faced by the former president, even as he maintains his innocence and vows to appeal the verdict.

The impact of these developments on Trump’s political future and his ability to mount a successful campaign for the 2024 presidential election remains to be seen, as the nation closely watches the various legal battles surrounding the controversial figure.

Credit: ABCnews

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