Defense News: John Nyberg: The Ocean Mapping Leader Driving Collaborative Action

Source: United States Navy

 As a key member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), John played an instrumental role in transitioning from a raster product, a paper-chart organization to one leading with the electronic navigational charts (ENC) as signature products. He also increased production rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating his ability to pilot multiple transitional periods at NOAA and internationally with calm, diplomacy, and expertise to drive collaborative action.
 
His focus on seeing challenges as opportunities to create value has contributed to ocean mapping capacity-building programs, specialized training for specialists from developing countries, and successful international agreements. He is known for his ability to listen, build consensus, and generate impactful results.
 
In reflecting on the evolution of hydrographic history, John remarks, “There have been incredible changes to the way we collect and present our information throughout hydrographic history, but there have also been massive changes to the way we manage our workforces, data, and products.” He emphasizes that NOAA’s commitment to science and exploration, which has lasted for over 200 years, is foundational to their program and work.
 
John’s credentials include a Ph.D. in Earth Systems and Geo-information Sciences from George Mason University, an MA in International Business from the University of Maryland Global Campus, and a BA in Geography from the University of Florida. He regularly represents the U.S. and NOAA in committee meetings and international negotiations and serves on multiple working groups and committees of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), International Center for Electronic Navigational Charts, and the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM).
 
His insights on the importance of hydrographic and geospatial science from a national perspective have been integral to the US hydrographic history. He notes that “the recognition of the importance of hydrographic and geospatial science, from a national perspective, to support marine navigation is the most important milestone in US hydrographic history.” He further highlights that the transition to a digital world has had a profound impact on the way the US manages its hydrographic programs, the skill sets that make up their workforces, the types of information they manage, and the tools they use for their daily work.
 
His leadership in ocean mapping has driven international collaboration initiatives, capacity-building programs, and successful agreements. He is a testament to the value of diplomacy, expertise, and the ability to “get things done” in driving impactful results.

John Nyberg is in the running for one of the Director leadership positions in the International Hydrographic Organization.

Man Sentenced for $1.1M COVID-19 Fraud Scheme

Source: United States Department of Justice News

A Louisiana man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for money laundering in connection with a fraudulent scheme to obtain more than $1.1 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program loans.

“The significant sentence handed down today demonstrates that those who steal from COVID-19 relief programs for personal gain will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “We remain committed to rooting out bad actors who took advantage of federal programs meant to help those small businesses truly in need.”

“This defendant stole over $1 million through fraudulent means and used those funds to support his own personal lifestyle, taking from those whose legitimate businesses were suffering from losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown for the Western District of Louisiana. “Federal programs such as these are set up to help those in need, not to benefit fraudsters. It is a priority for our office to prosecute those who obtain these benefits illegally. We look forward to continued collaboration with the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section in aggressively investigating similar crimes related to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

According to court documents, Michael Ansezell Tolliver, 57, of Monroe, submitted nine fraudulent PPP and EIDL Program loan applications on behalf of several purported companies that Tolliver owned, including Tolliver Oil & Gas Corporation of Louisiana Inc. and Tolliver Petroleum Corporation of Louisiana. Tolliver falsified information in the loan applications and supporting documents, including falsely claiming that some of his businesses had over 100 employees. He also submitted falsified federal tax returns.

“Mr. Tolliver chose greed over compassion by fraudulently obtaining funds from the PPP and EIDL programs established to assist employers severely impacted by the pandemic,” said Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Atlanta Field Office. “Tolliver’s sentence today should stand as a warning to those who fraudulently received or may have attempted to fraudulently receive funds intended to help businesses during the COVID epidemic.”

“This result reveals the excellence achieved through the combined efforts of the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to uncover and forcefully respond to PPP and EIDL fraud,” said Special Counsel Peggy Delinois Hamilton of the SBA. “SBA is strongly committed to identifying and aggressively pursuing instances of fraud perpetrated by those who took advantage of small business emergency relief programs. We applaud the work that our law enforcement partners have done to ensure fraudsters are held accountable.”

In total, Tolliver sought more than $7.6 million in PPP and EIDL Program loans and obtained more than $1.1 million. Tolliver then laundered and misused the loan proceeds, including by transferring the funds to personal bank accounts and purchasing luxury goods. Authorities seized approximately $128,500 from bank accounts, as well as a 2020 Cadillac CT5 sedan, a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 truck, two Tissot watches, two Tag Heuer watches, and three Honda all-terrain vehicles.

The IRS-CI and SBA investigated the case.

Assistant Chief Justin M. Woodard of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg for the Western District of Louisiana prosecuted the case.

The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the PPP. Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 200 defendants in more than 130 criminal cases and has seized over $78 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/ppp-fraud.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866‑720‑5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

New Jersey Accountant Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud Scheme

Source: United States Department of Justice News

A New Jersey certified public accountant (“CPA”) pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud the United States by promoting fraudulent tax shelters to high-income clients.

According to court documents and statements made in court, James H. Benkoil of Avon-by-the-Sea, New Jersey, promoted fraudulent syndicated conservation easements in which several investors form a partnership or company to purchase or invest in land, then donate the property for a charitable deduction. The scheme facilitated false claims of inflated charitable contribution tax deductions in connection with the “donation” of the conservation easement over land, allowing Benkoil’s high-income clients to buy deductions to illegally shelter their income from taxation.

Between 2009 and 2020, while working as a CPA, Benkoil and others, promoted such fraudulent syndicated conservation easement tax shelters by obtaining falsely inflated land appraisals to achieve the desired amount of tax deductions. As a part of his guilty plea, Benkoil admitted his conduct resulted in a tax loss to the IRS of nearly $2.5 million and has agreed to pay full restitution.

Benkoil faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, as well as a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.

IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Christopher Magnani and Richard Rolwing of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

Former Elementary School Teacher Sentenced to Life in Prison for Sexually Abusing Children

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

A former school teacher was sentenced today to life in prison for sexually abusing elementary school students on a U.S. military installation in Germany.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Stefan Zappey sexually abused four of his former elementary school students between 2006 and 2010. At the time, Zappey was a teacher for first through third grade students at an elementary school in Germany. The school is part of the Department of Defense Education Activity, which serves dependents of U.S. military service members stationed overseas.

“The successful prosecution of Stefan Zappey demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to prosecuting U.S. citizens who prey on young and vulnerable children regardless of where and when the crimes occurred,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Zappey’s offenses are especially egregious because he was entrusted with teaching the children of our brave service members overseas. The courage of the victims and the perseverance of investigators and prosecutors ensured that Zappey’s offenses were exposed and will prevent him from abusing even more children.”

“Zappey abused a position of trust as an elementary school teacher and sexually abused multiple students,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia. “His crimes were horrific, and the community is safer now that he no longer has access to children.”

In 2020, one of Zappey’s former students notified Army criminal investigators that Zappey touched her under her clothing when she was a student at the school in 2009 and 2010. Further investigation revealed that Zappey sexually abused four of his former students by placing his hand inside their underwear and directly touching them on multiple occasions. The victims were between six and eight-years-old at the time of the sexual abuse. Other students and faculty members reported that Zappey frequently hugged students, had them sit on his lap, and touched their backs and stomachs under their clothes.

On Jan. 18, a jury convicted Zappey of four counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child and four counts of abusive sexual contact.

“Cases like these demonstrate the FBI’s dedication to protecting children from those who seek to exploit their innocence,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI and our partners remain committed to pursuing justice for our most innocent victims and those who are unable to defend themselves.”

“Victimizing and preying on Department of Defense dependents is unacceptable,” said Special Agent in Charge Ryan Hall of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s (Army CID) Europe Field Office. “Army CID will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate these crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

The FBI and Army CID investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Eduardo Palomo of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leanne M. Marek for the Northern District of Georgia prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Deliver Remarks Announcing Results of the Largest International Operation Against Darknet Trafficking of Fentanyl and Opioids

Source: United States Department of Justice News

A little over two weeks ago, I announced that the Justice Department had taken significant enforcement actions against the largest, most violent, and most prolific fentanyl trafficking operation in the world: the Sinaloa Cartel.

I said then that the Justice Department is doing everything in our power, and using every authority we have, to bring those responsible for the fentanyl epidemic to justice.

That includes holding accountable the drug traffickers who use the dark web to commit their crimes.

Drug traffickers are increasingly turning to the dark web to sell illegal drugs in exchange for cryptocurrency. They may advertise their drugs on darknet marketplaces as brand name pharmaceuticals. But in reality, the pills are often counterfeit and laced with fentanyl.

The drug traffickers are confident that, by operating anonymously on the dark web, they can operate outside the bounds of the law. 

They are wrong.

I am joined today by FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate, DEA Principal Deputy Administrator Lou Milione, Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale, IRS-CI Chief Jim Lee, and FDA Investigative Services Division Chief Daniel Burke.

We are here today to announce the results of an unprecedented international enforcement operation led by the FBI – known as Operation SpecTor – against traffickers of fentanyl and other drugs who operate on the dark web.

Operation SpecTor was a coordinated international law enforcement effort, spanning three continents, to disrupt drug trafficking on the dark web.

It involved agencies across the federal government, along with our partners at Europol and Eurojust, and law enforcement agencies in eight foreign countries. It was led by the Department’s Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement – or JCODE – team.

Across the U.S. and eight other countries, Operation SpecTor resulted in a total of 288 arrests and the seizure of 117 illegal firearms, 850 kilograms of drugs, and $53.4 million dollars in cash and cryptocurrency.

This represents the most funds seized and the highest number of arrests in any coordinated international action led by the Justice Department against drug traffickers on the dark web.

Here in the United States, our Operation SpecTor investigations involved the FBI, DEA, ATF, and more than 30 U.S. Attorneys’ offices – as well as our partners at other federal agencies. 

In the United States, we arrested 153 defendants, seized 104 illegal guns, and seized over 200,000 pills, including those containing fentanyl.

To give just three examples of the cases that made up this massive operation since it began in October 2021:

In the Central District of California, a defendant was charged with drug and weapons offenses for his role in leading an organization that obtained bulk fentanyl; operated labs that used high-speed pill presses to create pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine; and sold millions of pills to thousands of customers on the darknet.

In the Southern District of Florida, we secured the conviction of an individual who distributed narcotics, including fentanyl, on various dark web marketplaces. That defendant possessed a list of over 6,000 customers across the United States.

And in the Eastern District of California, two individuals were charged with drug and money laundering offenses for their role in selling tens of thousands of counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl in exchange for cryptocurrency on the dark web.

I am extremely grateful to the agents, prosecutors, analysts, and staff across the Department who participated in this operation –including the FBI and its JCODE team, the DEA and ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and OCDETF, and multiple sections of the Criminal Division – including the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section,  the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section, the Fraud Section, and the Office of International Affairs.

I also want to thank our partners across the federal government for their assistance in this operation – including the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the FDA Office of Investigations, and the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.

I am likewise grateful to our partners at Europol and Eurojust, and to our law enforcement partners in Austria, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland – without whom this operation would not have been possible.

The Justice Department is cracking down on criminal cryptocurrency transactions and the online criminal marketplaces that enable them.

In 2021, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco announced the results of another international operation, Operation DarkHunTor, which involved the arrests of 150 Darknet drug traffickers and the seizure of $32 [million] in cash and cryptocurrencies.

Last year, together with our German law enforcement partners, we seized Hydra Market, the world’s largest and longest-running illegal marketplace on the dark web.

Earlier this year, we led a coordinated international operation against Genesis Market, a major criminal marketplace that enabled cybercriminals to victimize individuals, businesses, and governments around the world.

And today, we have announced an unprecedented international enforcement action against drug traffickers on the dark web.

This work will continue.

Our message to criminals on the dark web is this: You can try to hide in the furthest reaches of the internet, but  the Justice Department will find you and hold you accountable for your crimes.

The Justice Department, together with our American and international partners, will continue to disrupt and dismantle darknet markets.

We will continue to illuminate the dark web.  And we will bring to justice those who try to hide their crimes there. I am now pleased to turn the podium over to FBI Deputy Director Abbate.