Security News in Brief: Justice Department Reaches Agreement with Vermont Department of Corrections to Improve Access for Inmates with Disabilities

Source: United States Department of Justice

The Civil Rights Division and U.S Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont today announced a settlement agreement with the Vermont Department of Corrections (VDOC) to ensure that inmates with disabilities have equal access to Vermont’s correctional facilities, programs, services and activities.

Security News in Brief: Russian National Extradited to United States to Face Charges for Alleged Role in Cybercriminal Organization

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

A Russian national, residing in the Yakutsk region of Russia and in Southeast Asia, had his initial appearance in federal court today after his extradition from the Republic of Korea to the Northern District of Ohio to face charges for his alleged role in a transnational, cybercriminal organization.

FBI Detroit Launches Public Corruption Reporting Email

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

The FBI Detroit Division has created an email for the public to report suspicion of public corruption directly to FBI special agents and analysts. The email is MichiganCorruption@fbi.gov.

Public corruption occurs when anyone who works for the government—local, state, or federal—conducts an official act in exchange for money, goods, or services. It also includes public employees who take something of value for their own personal gain. Public corruption could include bribery, kickbacks, or bid-rigging. It might even mean that no action is taken—like not enforcing or imposing certain local regulations.

“Most public officials are committed to serving their communities with integrity. Unfortunately, we continue to see elected and appointed officials across the state of Michigan who use their positions for personal gain,” said FBI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Timothy Waters. “The FBI has a solemn responsibility to investigate allegations of public corruption and we are asking the public’s help to identify those officials who are abusing their positions and the public’s trust.”

Public corruption erodes public confidence, undermines the strength of our democracy, and is the top criminal priority for the FBI. Many of the FBI’s investigations start with a tip from the public. This information is critical to our work and without the assistance of concerned citizens, public corruption can be difficult to detect.

Anyone with information about public corruption anywhere in Michigan should report it directly to FBI Detroit special agents and analysts at MichiganCorruption@fbi.gov. If you prefer to do so anonymously, you can call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov.