logo
Targeting A Major Backer Of Virtual Currency Investment Scams

Targeting A Major Backer Of Virtual Currency Investment Scams

Scoop03-06-2025

Tammy Bruce, Department Spokesperson
May 29, 2025
The United States is imposing sanctions on Funnull Technology Inc., a Philippines-based company that provides the critical computer infrastructure for virtual currency investment scams, and its administrator Liu Lizhi, a Chinese national. Fraudulent virtual currency investment scams cause serious financial harm to the American people. Today's targets are directly connected to over $200 million in losses reported by U.S. victims, with an average cost of over $150,000 per individual.
The United States will go after those who misuse virtual currencies and internet services to perpetrate fraud and other crimes. We will continue to pursue cybercriminals who abuse the U.S. financial sector.
The Department of the Treasury's sanctions actions were taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13694, as amended by E.O. 14114.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Meth And MDMA Seized In Joint Police/Customs Investigation
Meth And MDMA Seized In Joint Police/Customs Investigation

Scoop

time21 minutes ago

  • Scoop

Meth And MDMA Seized In Joint Police/Customs Investigation

Press Release – New Zealand Police This investigation is ongoing but we are confident we have made a dent in this syndicates supply chain and the charges reflect the seriousness of the alleged offending. NZ Police and Customs have disrupted a Wellington-based syndicate dealing a variety of drugs into the community, seizing 23 kilograms of methamphetamine and more than 1000 MDMA pills. Over the past month a joint NZ Police and New Zealand Customs investigation – Operation Armani – identified a group smuggling significant amounts of drugs into New Zealand over a number of months. The 23 kilos of methamphetamine was intercepted at the border and has a street value of more than $8 million dollars. The MDMA seized has a street value of around $50,000. Last week the National Organised Crime Group, Customs, district investigators and specialist support groups executed a number of search warrants across the Wellington district. As a result four men, aged 26 to 30-years-old and residing in the Hutt Valley and Wellington city, are facing a range of serious charges. They include the import and supply of methamphetamine, and possession for supply of cocaine, MDMA and cannabis. Police also located a loaded pistol and ammunition, which has also resulted in charges. The four men have appeared in the Lower Hutt and Wellington District Courts. 'This investigation demonstrates how the excellent work of frontline Customs officers combined with the collaborative efforts of our Police partners is protecting our communities from the scourge of illicit drugs,' says Acting Customs Investigations Manager Matt Green. 'This is an enormous amount of serious harm being peddled into our communities, with these suppliers giving no conscious thought to the impact on those they are supplying to,' says Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson of NZ Police's National Organised Crime Group. 'Meth is a highly addictive illicit substance that often leads to addiction and violence. It brings misery to families and relationships. Keeping New Zealand safe from those deriving profit from this offending is a priority for NZ Police.' 'This investigation is ongoing but we are confident we have made a dent in this syndicate's supply chain and the charges reflect the seriousness of the alleged offending. Evidence gathered at the scene will allege that this syndicate had been operating for some time, and that Police and Customs' actions have dismantled their offending and prevented future harm.'

Kaibosh gets a clean-energy boost in the fight against food waste
Kaibosh gets a clean-energy boost in the fight against food waste

NZ Herald

time38 minutes ago

  • NZ Herald

Kaibosh gets a clean-energy boost in the fight against food waste

Five million kilograms of food saved. Eleven million meals delivered. And now, two electric vans on the road. Since 2008, Wellington-based food rescue charity Kaibosh has rescued the equivalent of 250 fully loaded supermarket trucks of food, keeping it out of landfill and getting it to people in need. 'One in four children in Aotearoa often or sometimes go without food,' says Susie Robertson, Kaibosh's chief executive. 'For Māori children, it's one in three. For Pacific children, it's one in two. That's the reality we're facing.' Kaibosh runs seven days a week, collecting surplus food from supermarkets, growers and markets, sorting it at one of three regional bases, and redistributing it to 154 partner charities across the Wellington region. All food is donated and distributed free of charge. 'We don't purchase food, and we don't charge anyone for it,' says Robertson. 'Everything we collect is rescued and everything we give out is free to community groups, food banks, marae and others supporting people in need.' Now, with the help of Meridian Energy's Community Decarbonisation Fund, Kaibosh is also cutting its transport emissions, a key step in staying true to its 'zero food poverty, zero food waste' mission. 'It's a no-brainer,' says Robertson. 'We're already fighting climate change by keeping food out of landfill. Switching to electric vans means we're not undoing that good work on the road.' The Decarbonisation Fund provided Kaibosh with two electric vans, supporting its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint while continuing to collect and distribute large volumes of fresh food. The environmental benefits are just as powerful. Food waste in landfill is a major source of methane, one of the most damaging greenhouse gases. 'Methane does immediate harm to the atmosphere,' says Robertson. 'So every kilo of food we save makes a difference, not just to people, but to the planet.' Meridian's support means Kaibosh can keep expanding its reach without undermining its environmental mission. Electric vans had always aligned with the organisation's values, but the high upfront costs limited adoption. 'Most community groups are running off the smell of an oily rag,' says Robertson. 'EVs are expensive. We couldn't have done this without Meridian's help.' The Decarbonisation Fund helps community organisations cut emissions through real-world electrification, from solar panels to EVs and energy-efficient upgrades. The fund is powered by the net proceeds of Meridian's Certified Renewable Energy product, which enables businesses to match the amount of electricity they use with an equivalent amount of electricity put into the national grid from one of Meridian's hydro stations or wind farms which have been independently verified as producing 100% renewable electricity. All net proceeds go towards decarbonisation projects like Kaibosh's, and since 2022 the fund has invested a total of nearly $3 million. 'There's a real alignment in values between Meridian and Kaibosh,' says Robertson. 'We're both about reducing emissions and creating a more sustainable Aotearoa. It's a great fit.' Those values also run deep for Robertson herself. 'I've worked in youth health and development, but I've always cared about the environment too,' she says. 'Kaibosh brings those two worlds together - people and planet.' Robertson says nearly three-quarters of the food Kaibosh provides to communities is made up of produce, dairy, meat and eggs, the kind of food many families now struggle to afford. 'We're not just giving out calories, we're giving people real, nutiritious food, food they'd feel proud to serve their whānau.' Kaibosh's partner services range from housing organisations to marae. The need is growing fast. 'We're seeing families where both parents are working and still can't afford to put food on the table,' she says. 'They're one unexpected bill away from real hardship.' That's why partnerships like the one with Meridian matter so much. 'With support like this, we can do even more,' says Robertson. 'More food rescued, fewer emissions, and more dignity for the people we're here to serve.'

Meth And MDMA Seized In Joint Police/Customs Investigation
Meth And MDMA Seized In Joint Police/Customs Investigation

Scoop

time2 hours ago

  • Scoop

Meth And MDMA Seized In Joint Police/Customs Investigation

NZ Police and Customs have disrupted a Wellington-based syndicate dealing a variety of drugs into the community, seizing 23 kilograms of methamphetamine and more than 1000 MDMA pills. Over the past month a joint NZ Police and New Zealand Customs investigation - Operation Armani - identified a group smuggling significant amounts of drugs into New Zealand over a number of months. The 23 kilos of methamphetamine was intercepted at the border and has a street value of more than $8 million dollars. The MDMA seized has a street value of around $50,000. Last week the National Organised Crime Group, Customs, district investigators and specialist support groups executed a number of search warrants across the Wellington district. As a result four men, aged 26 to 30-years-old and residing in the Hutt Valley and Wellington city, are facing a range of serious charges. They include the import and supply of methamphetamine, and possession for supply of cocaine, MDMA and cannabis. Police also located a loaded pistol and ammunition, which has also resulted in charges. The four men have appeared in the Lower Hutt and Wellington District Courts. 'This investigation demonstrates how the excellent work of frontline Customs officers combined with the collaborative efforts of our Police partners is protecting our communities from the scourge of illicit drugs,' says Acting Customs Investigations Manager Matt Green. 'This is an enormous amount of serious harm being peddled into our communities, with these suppliers giving no conscious thought to the impact on those they are supplying to,' says Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson of NZ Police's National Organised Crime Group. 'Meth is a highly addictive illicit substance that often leads to addiction and violence. It brings misery to families and relationships. Keeping New Zealand safe from those deriving profit from this offending is a priority for NZ Police.' 'This investigation is ongoing but we are confident we have made a dent in this syndicate's supply chain and the charges reflect the seriousness of the alleged offending. Evidence gathered at the scene will allege that this syndicate had been operating for some time, and that Police and Customs' actions have dismantled their offending and prevented future harm.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store