Latest news with #EricGonzalez
Finextra
2 days ago
- Finextra
US cops bust cryptocurrency scam that used Facebook advertisements and scam websites
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York State Attorney General Letitia James and Superintendent of the New York State Department of Financial Services Adrienne Harris, today announced that a multi-agency long-term investigation resulted in the disruption of a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scam that targeted members of the Russian community in Brooklyn and across the country. 0 Stolen cryptocurrency was sent to domain registrars as payment to create fake cryptocurrency investment domains and to Meta as payment for Facebook advertisements that promoted fraudulent cryptocurrency investment opportunities. After learning of the investigation, Meta shut down more than 700 accounts associated with the 'Black Hat' advertiser promoting the scam. Court orders have led to the seizure of $140,000 worth of cryptocurrency, the freezing of approximately $300,000 worth of cryptocurrency, and the dismantling of a cluster of scam websites and registrar accounts. District Attorney Gonzalez said, 'As crypto scams continue to proliferate, it is crucial for law enforcement agencies to work together in order to stop them. That's what happened in this case, with the fraudulent network being shut down, victims warned to stop investing and some of the stolen money getting recovered. I am grateful for the partnership with the Attorney General's Office and the Department of Financial Services that led to this successful outcome. My office will continue to investigate every reported scam in Brooklyn and to educate residents about how to protect themselves from these dangerous frauds.' 'Hundreds of New York investors thought they were putting their hard-earned money in safe, high-return investments, only to be defrauded out of millions of dollars,' said Attorney General James. 'These scammers targeted Russian speakers on Facebook with enticing ads and my office together with DFS and the Brooklyn District Attorney's office took action to stop these scammers and protect New Yorkers. I urge all New Yorkers to be vigilant of online cryptocurrency investment ads.' New York State Department of Financial Services Superintendent Adrienne Harris said, 'Through partnership and collaboration with the Brooklyn District Attorney and New York Attorney General, hundreds of thousands of dollars were returned to victims and these criminals were held accountable for their deplorable actions. As a preeminent global regulator of cryptocurrency, banks, insurers, and other financial services providers, the Department will continue to work every day to build a more equitable, transparent, and resilient financial system for all New Yorkers.' The investigation began in October 2024 when NYDFS became aware that a fake cryptocurrency investment website was displaying what looked like a BitLicense certificate, purportedly issued by the agency (these certificates are issued to legitimate virtual currency businesses operating in New York to ensure compliance with state laws, consumer protection and transparency). The first site NYDFS identified was and further investigation revealed that the domain name was linked to a large network of related domains and accounts that were part of a scam campaign targeting Russian-speaking residents of Brooklyn and across the state and country. The scammers involved in this scheme lured victims with deceptive social media ads, many in Russian and primarily on Facebook, featuring popular names and personalities. Once victims showed interest in investing, scammers responded and moved the conversation to encrypted private messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. After the victims made an initial investment on the fraudulent platforms, scammers then falsely showed the victims that their investment accounts were increasing in value and encouraged victims to send more money. After making more investments, sometimes totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars, victims were unable to withdraw their funds and were told they needed to pay more in false withdrawal fees or taxes. Eventually, the scammers cut off contact with the victim and pocketed their money. In the course of the investigation, more than 300 victims were identified, and many were personally contacted by Brooklyn District Attorney and New York State Department of Financial Services investigators and alerted to the fraud so that they would stop sending funds to fake investment platforms. It's estimated that the scheme caused over $1 million in losses in Brooklyn alone. To disrupt the scheme and prevent future harm, the DA's Office executed a series of warrants that resulted in the seizure of over 100 domains and 17 registrar accounts; terminated scammers' access to their web-based email, effectively disconnecting their communications with victims; seized $140,000 that was stolen from victims that can now be returned; and was able, with NYDFS, to monitor blockchain activity in real time and warn dozens of victims who had just started engaging with the scammers, preventing the future loss of funds. In addition, DA Gonzalez appeared in Russian media to explain these types of frauds and advise community members on how to protect themselves. The scammers targeted Russian speakers by launching a campaign of advertisements on Facebook which promised high returns on cryptocurrency investments. To avoid revealing their real identity to Facebook and to evade restrictions on misleading and fraudulent advertisement, the scammers paid individuals based in Vietnam for 'Black Hat' advertising services. 'Black Hat' advertising on Facebook refers to deceptive online tactics used to promote services that violate Facebook's advertising policies. The investigation revealed that the scammers used over a million dollars' worth of cryptocurrency stolen from victims to pay 'Black Hat' advertisers for the placement of the deceptive advertisements. The Office of the Attorney General joined the investigation, focusing on the payment of funds to the 'Facebook Black Hat' advertisers. Their investigation revealed that a 'Black Hat' advertiser was converting Bitcoin sent by victims into local Vietnamese currency, which was used to purchase more fraudulent ads on Facebook. The OAG successfully obtained a court order to freeze $300,000 in cryptocurrency accounts linked to the 'Black Hat' advertisers. Residents of New York who want to verify the legitimacy of a cryptocurrency exchange or file a complaint about a cryptocurrency company, product, or service can visit the DFS website, visit or call (800) 342-3736. DFS continues to set the bar for prudential regulation of virtual currency, protecting consumers; preserving markets; and rooting out financial crimes like money laundering and terrorist financing. New Yorkers who have been affected by deceptive conduct in cryptocurrency markets should also report the conduct to OAG by filing an online complaint. Brooklyn residents who believe they've been scammed are encouraged to report to the DA's Office by calling 718-250-2340. Attorney General James also encourages workers in the cryptocurrency industry who may have witnessed misconduct or fraud to file an online whistleblower complaint, which can be done anonymously.
CBS News
04-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Cook Children's sees spike in gun injuries, urges parents to lock up firearms
With school out and more children spending time at home, officials at Cook Children's in Fort Worth are urging families to secure their firearms, as the hospital reports a rise in gun-related injuries involving kids. So far, in the first six months of 2025, Cook Children's has treated 40 firearm injuries. That's compared to 62 total for all last year. "That's a lot," said Eric Gonzalez, the program coordinator at Cook Children's. "And that's probably more than we've seen in the three years prior to that as well." Gonzalez said the increase likely stems from the number of firearms in homes, especially in Texas, and the fact that many of them aren't stored safely. "I think it's just because there are more guns out there every day," he said. "Guns are very prevalent here in our community, especially in Texas, and when we don't lock our guns up, we open that door." Doctors say it's not just handguns they're concerned about. BB guns, airsoft guns and even paintball guns have sent children to the emergency room. "I think what we hear all the time is, 'It will never happen to me,' or 'My child knows better,'" Gonzalez said. "But a child is still a child. They're always curious and getting into things." The injuries can be serious. Gonzalez said an airsoft gun can cause two to three inches of penetration, and a 9mm handgun can do far with the potential to be fatal or cause lifelong injuries. To help prevent that, Cook Children's encourages parents to follow the "Three T's": Talk to your kids Teach them about gun safety Take action by locking up firearms. In the emergency room, they hand out free cable locks to families as part of a push to turn moments of crisis into teachable ones. "Since we started this last year, we've given out close to 1,000 cable locks, just in the emergency department," Gonzalez said. He emphasized that the message isn't political, it's about protection. "At the end of the day, they're kids, and they're going to do what comes to their minds. Sometimes it's impulsive," he said. "So, if we lock them up, we really minimize that risk of them unintentionally hurting themselves." Gun Violence Awareness Day is Friday, June 6. Supporters across the country will wear orange to honor those impacted by gun violence and promote education around gun safety.
BreakingNews.ie
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Actor Michael Pitt charged with sexual abuse and assault of ex-girlfriend
Actor Michael Pitt, known for his TV roles in Boardwalk Empire and Dawson's Creek, has been accused of sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend, choking her, and attacking her with a cinder block and a piece of wood at his New York City home, according to a grand jury indictment. Pitt, 44, whose lawyers denied the allegations, was arrested on Friday on nine counts including first-degree sexual abuse, criminal sexual acts, assault, attempted assault and strangulation. Advertisement The indictment cites four incidents between April 2020 and August 2021 at Pitt's home in the Bushwick area of Brooklyn. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez's office declined to comment on Wednesday beyond the allegations listed in the indictment. Pitt's lawyer, Jason Goldman, said he already had exonerating evidence and expected the case to be dismissed. 'Unfortunately, we live in a world where somebody like Mr Pitt – an accomplished professional who would never so much as contemplate these crimes – can be arrested on the uncorroborated word of an unreliable individual,' Mr Goldman said in a text message to The Associated Press. Advertisement He added: 'In reality, this baseless claim is suspiciously raised some four or five years after the alleged incident, from a time when the two parties were in a completely consensual relationship.' Pitt pleaded not guilty to the charges on Friday and posted 100,000 dollars bail, Goldman said. He is due back in court in Brooklyn on June 17. The Associated Press does not typically name people who say they have been sexually abused unless they come forward publicly, which the woman in Pitt's case has not done. The indictment alleges Pitt forcibly touched his ex-girlfriend sexually in April 2020. In August 2020, the grand jury alleges Pitt forced oral sex on the woman and assaulted her with a four-inch-by-four-inch piece of wood. Advertisement The indictment also says Pitt attacked her with a cinder block twice in June 2021 and choked her in August 2021. TMZ reported in 2022 that Pitt was arrested in Brooklyn for allegedly punching a man after taking his phone and, two months later, was brought to hospital under police escort after a public outburst in New York. Pitt, who grew up in New Jersey, played the character Jimmy Darmody for two seasons on HBO's Boardwalk Empire, with the cast led by Steve Buscemi winning Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2011 and 2012 for outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series. The show also won a Golden Globe for best drama series in 2011. His first major role came in the 2001 film Hedwig and the Angry Inch. In 2005, he starred in Last Days, director Gus Van Sant's film about a fictional rock star inspired by Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain. Advertisement He also played Henry Parker in one season of The WB's Dawson's Creek in 1999-2000.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Yahoo
Alleged gang members sentenced for killing of teen outside of school: DA
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) — Three alleged gang members were sentenced in connection with the fatal shooting of a teenager outside of a school in Midwood, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced Thursday. The shooting happened around 2:40 p.m. outside the Urban Dove Charter School on East 21st Street on April 29, 2021. More Local News Prosecutors say Malachi Simms, 19, and Quran Smith, 20, fatally shot Devonte Lewis, 17, as he was leaving the school. The third defendant, Frantzy Alexandre, 20, reportedly passed a gun to Simms before the shooting. The three defendants allegedly belonged to the Folk No Love City gang, while Lewis allegedly belonged to the Bloodhound Brims, a rival gang, prosecutors say. Lewis, who was shot in the stomach, was taken to Kings County Hospital, where he died, prosecutors said. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State 'These defendants, who were just 15 and 16 years old at the time, laid in wait and opened fire at their target outside a school, killing him and ruining their own entire futures,' said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. 'We vigorously prosecute and hold responsible gang members who engage in gun violence, which is part of the reason Brooklyn is experiencing a dramatic reduction in shootings. My thoughts today are with Devonte Lewis's heartbroken mother and loved ones.' Alexandre was sentenced to 10 years in prison for manslaughter. Simms was sentenced to 14 years to life in prison. Smith was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
New York Times
08-04-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
Councilwoman Who Bit Officer Has Charges Dropped After ‘Healing' Course
A Brooklyn judge took the crime out of a bite on Tuesday, dismissing a felony case against a New York City councilwoman who had attacked a police officer during a protest against a proposed homeless shelter. According to the office of Brooklyn's district attorney, Eric Gonzalez, the charges were dropped after the council member, Susan Zhuang, completed a course in restorative justice under a diversion program that offered alternatives to traditional prosecution. 'It was based on the wishes of the victim and the defendant's willingness to make amends,' said Oren Yaniv, a spokesman for Mr. Gonzalez. 'This is exactly what restorative justice is meant to do — address harm, foster understanding and support a path forward.' Ms. Zhuang, a conservative Democrat who in 2023 ran on a law-and-order platform as a political newcomer, left a bloody bite mark on the arm of Deputy Chief Frank DiGiacomo after a confrontation during a shelter protest last summer in Bensonhurst. Ms. Zhuang, who had pleaded not guilty, said she was trying to help a woman who had fallen to the ground next to barricades during the demonstration. 'I was protecting 81-year-old grandma,' Ms. Zhuang said at a news conference a day after the altercation. Ms. Zhuang did not immediately return a phone call. Her lawyer, Jerry Goldfeder, declined to comment. According to the district attorney's office, Ms. Zhuang met with the deputy chief once as part of the process that led to the dismissal of her charges. Mr. Yaniv said the diversion program had 'created space for dialogue, accountability and healing.' The Police Department declined to comment. Despite the disconnect between Ms. Zhuang's pro-police platform and the biting episode, she appears to be on a glide path to re-election this year in Brooklyn's first majority-Asian council district. She has no Democratic or Republican opponent, and is backed strongly by a long list of pro-Beijing 'hometown' associations that can make or break candidates for elective office in South Brooklyn.
