<p>In its continuing efforts to know the whereabouts of a 28-year-old Indian woman Mayushi Bhagat, who came to the US in 2016 and was reported missing on May 1, 2019, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced a reward of USD 10,000 for information about her.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“They could receive a reward of up to USD 10,000 for information leading to her location or recovery," the statement issued last week said.</p>

<p>After three years after her going missing, the Federal Bureau of Investigation added her to its list of "Missing Persons" in 2022. Her poster can be seen in the list which is on the “Most Wanted" page of the FBI's website under “Kidnappings/Missing Persons" category.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>She was last spotted on April 29, 2019, while she was exiting her apartment located in Jersey City, New Jersey, wearing her colourful pyjamas and a black T-shirt.&nbsp;Her appearance in media reports has been described as a woman 5 feet 10 inches in height with&nbsp;black hair and brown eyes.</p>

<p>FBI while asking the public to report if they found any information about the woman said that Bhagat arrived in the US on an F1 Student Visa and was studying at the University of New Hampshire and later at the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT).</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-tightens-grip-on-rare-earths-industry-bans-key-technology-exports-for-national-security-672401">China tightens grip on rare earths industry, bans key technology exports for national security</a></p>

<p>Bhagat's disappearance has been long pending, with the FBI not able to find any successful leads so far in the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>FBI Newark Field Office working hand-in-hand with the Jersey City Police Department to solve the mysterious disappearance case is now left with the last resort of seeking the help of the public to find the woman.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Mayushi Bhagat?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Mayushi Bhagat was born in India in July 1994. She came to the US for studies on a student visa. Bhagat was pursuing her academics at the New York Institute of Technology.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>FBI, while detailing the available information they have on her, said that the woman knows English, Hindi, and Urdu.&nbsp;Reports citing detectives said that she has friends in South Plainfield, New Jersey.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In its continuing efforts to know the whereabouts of a 28-year-old Indian woman Mayushi Bhagat, who came to the US in 2016 and was reported missing on May 1, 2019, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced a reward of USD 10,000 for information about her.

In its continuing efforts to know the whereabouts of a 28-year-old Indian woman Mayushi Bhagat, who came to the US in 2016 and was reported missing on May 1, 2019, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced a reward of USD 10,000 for information about her. “They could receive a reward of up to USD 10,000 for information leading to her location or recovery," the statement issued last week said. After three years after her going missing, the Federal Bureau of Investigation added her to its list of "Missing Persons" in 2022. Her poster can be seen in the list which is on the “Most Wanted" page of the FBI's website under “Kidnappings/Missing Persons" category. Also Read | Diplomatic Thaw: South Korea and Japan renew economic talks after eight-year hiatus She was last spotted on April 29, 2019, while she was exiting her apartment located in Jersey City, New Jersey, wearing her colourful pyjamas and a black T-shirt. Her appearance in media reports has been described as a woman 5 feet 10 inches in height with black hair and brown eyes. FBI while asking the public to report if they found any information about the woman said that Bhagat arrived in the US on an F1 Student Visa and was studying at the University of New Hampshire and later at the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT). Also Read | China tightens grip on rare earths industry, bans key technology exports for national security Bhagat's disappearance has been long pending, with the FBI not able to find any successful leads so far in the case. FBI Newark Field Office working hand-in-hand with the Jersey City Police Department to solve the mysterious disappearance case is now left with the last resort of seeking the help of the public to find the woman. Who is Mayushi Bhagat? Mayushi Bhagat was born in India in July 1994. She came to the US for studies on a student visa. Bhagat was pursuing her academics at the New York Institute of Technology. Watch | Russia pours billions into domestic aircraft industry amid sanctions × FBI, while detailing the available information they have on her, said that the woman knows English, Hindi, and Urdu. Reports citing detectives said that she has friends in South Plainfield, New Jersey. (With inputs from agencies)

FBI offers reward of $10,000 for info on missing Indian woman Mayushi Bhagat

<p>A breakthrough brought closure to a nearly 25-year-old mystery as Kentucky State Police (KSP) in Mayfield successfully identified the human remains discovered on May 6, 1999, in Lake Barkley, Lyon County as that of Roger Dale Parham, a fugitive wanted by the FBI.&nbsp;Parham was arrested for rape involving a minor in 1998 but he disappeared while his trial was ongoing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The case, shrouded in uncertainty for decades, saw a resolution through the aid of advanced DNA technology.</p>

<p>Initially found by two fishermen, the remains were intricately wrapped in heavy tire chains and anchored with a hydraulic jack. Traditional investigative techniques proved futile in identifying the male at the time, prompting an exhumation in 2016.</p>

<p>Despite exhaustive efforts, including DNA technology, dental examinations, forensic pathology, and other advanced forensic testing, the victim remained unidentified.</p>

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<p>The case was registered in the National Missing and Unidentified Person System (NAMUS) as case: UP# 75.</p>

<h2><strong>Turning point in 2023&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The turning point came in early 2023 when Kentucky State Police partnered with Othram Inc., a private forensic lab specialising in forensic genealogy.</p>

<p>This collaboration, alongside NAMUS, allowed for advanced genealogy DNA testing, leading to the identification of the remains as that of fugitive Roger Dale Parham.</p>

<p>The revelation triggered investigators who started to dig out a cascade of information about Parham.</p>

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<p>"On November 21, 1998, Roger Dale Parham was arrested for rape involving a minor. He was subsequently released on bond with conditions, by the Circuit Court of Sebastian County, Arkansas, Fort Smith District. Parham's bond was revoked after he failed to appear on the charge of rape," as per FBI.</p>

<p>In March 1999, he disappeared, believed to have fled the area to escape prosecution. "On June 3, 1999, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. A federal arrest warrant was issued by the United States District Court, Western District of Arkansas, Fort Smith, Arkansas, on September 10, 1999, after Parham was charged federally with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution," an FBI statement added.</p>

<p>While the cause of Roger Parham's death remains undetermined, the circumstances surrounding the discovery of his remains have prompted investigators to treat the case as a homicide.</p>

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<p>"Anyone who has information regarding the death of Parham is urged to call Kentucky State Police Post 1- Mayfield at (270)-856-3721. Tips can also be provided by accessing the Kentucky State Police website," the police said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A breakthrough brought closure to a nearly 25-year-old mystery as Kentucky State Police (KSP) in Mayfield successfully identified the human remains discovered on May 6, 1999, in Lake Barkley, Lyon County as that of Roger Dale Parham, a fugitive wanted by the FBI.

A breakthrough brought closure to a nearly 25-year-old mystery as Kentucky State Police (KSP) in Mayfield successfully identified the human remains discovered on May 6, 1999, in Lake Barkley, Lyon County as that of Roger Dale Parham, a fugitive wanted by the FBI. Parham was arrested for rape involving a minor in 1998 but he disappeared while his trial was ongoing. The case, shrouded in uncertainty for decades, saw a resolution through the aid of advanced DNA technology. Initially found by two fishermen, the remains were intricately wrapped in heavy tire chains and anchored with a hydraulic jack. Traditional investigative techniques proved futile in identifying the male at the time, prompting an exhumation in 2016. Despite exhaustive efforts, including DNA technology, dental examinations, forensic pathology, and other advanced forensic testing, the victim remained unidentified. Also Read | US authorities start closing bridges with Mexico to contain surge in immigration The case was registered in the National Missing and Unidentified Person System (NAMUS) as case: UP# 75. Turning point in 2023 The turning point came in early 2023 when Kentucky State Police partnered with Othram Inc., a private forensic lab specialising in forensic genealogy. This collaboration, alongside NAMUS, allowed for advanced genealogy DNA testing, leading to the identification of the remains as that of fugitive Roger Dale Parham. The revelation triggered investigators who started to dig out a cascade of information about Parham. Also Read | Chinese retailers' shift to lower prices raises concerns of deepening deflation "On November 21, 1998, Roger Dale Parham was arrested for rape involving a minor. He was subsequently released on bond with conditions, by the Circuit Court of Sebastian County, Arkansas, Fort Smith District. Parham's bond was revoked after he failed to appear on the charge of rape," as per FBI. In March 1999, he disappeared, believed to have fled the area to escape prosecution. "On June 3, 1999, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. A federal arrest warrant was issued by the United States District Court, Western District of Arkansas, Fort Smith, Arkansas, on September 10, 1999, after Parham was charged federally with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution," an FBI statement added. While the cause of Roger Parham's death remains undetermined, the circumstances surrounding the discovery of his remains have prompted investigators to treat the case as a homicide. Watch | Colorado Supreme Court declares Donald Trump ‘ineligible’ for White House × "Anyone who has information regarding the death of Parham is urged to call Kentucky State Police Post 1- Mayfield at (270)-856-3721. Tips can also be provided by accessing the Kentucky State Police website," the police said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

A mystery solved: Body found in Kentucky lake 25 years back is of FBI-wanted rape accused

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidGiTRhoaZuCT8" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>The United States government's terrorist watchlist has nearly doubled in just six years. The consolidated database of individuals has not only been quietly expanding in number but also in who it targets, revealed a CBS Reports study released on Thursday (Dec 14). The terrorist watchlist, now known as the Terrorist Screening Dataset,&nbsp;had approximately 120,000 people when it was first launched in Dec 2003.</p>

<p>CBS Reports said that by 2017, the list included 1,160,000 people. And by the end of 2023, the list includes approximately 2 million people. According to government policy, agents must have reasonable suspicion to put someone on the watchlist. However, the policy does not disclose what those suspicions are based on.</p>

<h2><strong>'Those on the list are there for a reason'</strong></h2>

<p>Monte Hawkins, who helps oversee the watchlisting policy for President Joe Biden said the people on the list were there for a reason. Hawkins, who has served in the National Security Council for every administration since 9/11, noted that a majority number of people on the list were not American citizens or legal permanent residents.</p>

<p>Russ Travers, an intelligence veteran who helped create the watchlist, said that everyone on the list was not a terrorist. "It means there's something that has led a department or agency to say, 'This person needs a closer look'," Travers told the publication.</p>

<p>Travers pointed out that a lot of people in the database were dead that the government didn't know about. As per the report, national security officials have acknowledged that there are people listed in the database whose names should probably be removed, but there isn't enough staff to audit every individual's file regularly.</p>

<h2><strong>How people's lives are affected</strong></h2>

<p>CBS Reports said that the list has had significant consequences on those who have been a part of it. In numerous civil lawsuits over the last two decades, people on the watchlist described how they believed the database caused them to be stopped from flying home after a vacation, to fail background checks to get employment or to have their phones and computers searched.</p>

<p>Others (on the watchlist) said the list triggered law enforcement agencies to handcuff them at gunpoint, adding they were detained and interrogated by foreign intelligence services.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report further said that over the years, tens of thousands of innocent people have complained to Washington about being incorrectly treated like terrorist suspects.</p>


The United States government's terrorist watchlist has nearly doubled in just six years. The consolidated database of individuals has not only been quietly expanding in number but also in who it targets, revealed a CBS Reports study released on Thursday (Dec 14).

The United States government's terrorist watchlist has nearly doubled in just six years. The consolidated database of individuals has not only been quietly expanding in number but also in who it targets, revealed a CBS Reports study released on Thursday (Dec 14). The terrorist watchlist, now known as the Terrorist Screening Dataset, had approximately 120,000 people when it was first launched in Dec 2003. CBS Reports said that by 2017, the list included 1,160,000 people. And by the end of 2023, the list includes approximately 2 million people. According to government policy, agents must have reasonable suspicion to put someone on the watchlist. However, the policy does not disclose what those suspicions are based on. 'Those on the list are there for a reason' Monte Hawkins, who helps oversee the watchlisting policy for President Joe Biden said the people on the list were there for a reason. Hawkins, who has served in the National Security Council for every administration since 9/11, noted that a majority number of people on the list were not American citizens or legal permanent residents. Russ Travers, an intelligence veteran who helped create the watchlist, said that everyone on the list was not a terrorist. "It means there's something that has led a department or agency to say, 'This person needs a closer look'," Travers told the publication. Travers pointed out that a lot of people in the database were dead that the government didn't know about. As per the report, national security officials have acknowledged that there are people listed in the database whose names should probably be removed, but there isn't enough staff to audit every individual's file regularly. How people's lives are affected CBS Reports said that the list has had significant consequences on those who have been a part of it. In numerous civil lawsuits over the last two decades, people on the watchlist described how they believed the database caused them to be stopped from flying home after a vacation, to fail background checks to get employment or to have their phones and computers searched. Others (on the watchlist) said the list triggered law enforcement agencies to handcuff them at gunpoint, adding they were detained and interrogated by foreign intelligence services. The report further said that over the years, tens of thousands of innocent people have complained to Washington about being incorrectly treated like terrorist suspects.

US terrorist watchlist nearly doubled in just six years: Report

<p>FBI Director Christopher Wray on Tuesday (Dec 12) visited the NIA headquarters where he met with the counter-terrorism law enforcement agency's Director General Dinkar Gupta and issues related to acts and activities of terrorist-organised criminal networks were discussed.</p>

<p>The talks also included further developments on the ongoing investigations in the United States over the attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, and probe around cyber-terror and cyber-crimes of various kinds.</p>

<p>NIA said that during the discussion, Gupta underlined the active nexus between the terrorist organisations and terrorist elements with the members of "Organised Criminal Syndicates which was spreading to the United States as well".</p>

<p>Over this nexus, Wray said that "a blending of lines between terrorists and criminals was now visible in cyberspace as well. Terror incidents like 9/11 and the Mumbai attacks have changed the way in which nations respond to terror threats," according to a statement released by NIA.</p>

<p>The NIA DG also raised concerns about how the threats in the cyber domain were on the rise and the ways in which digital space was being extensively exploited by the extremists in order to propagate radical views across the globe.</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further highlighted that the Indian agency had also spotted the use of cryptocurrency for the purpose of terror financing.</p>

<p>"The two sides noted that with the advent of newer technologies at a fast pace, tracing, tracking and investigating crypto transactions is turning out to be a huge challenge. Both the agencies recognised the challenges posed by organised crime networks, terror-related crimes, cyber-enabled terror attacks, ransomware threats, economic crimes and transnational terror crimes," NIA said in an official press statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-director-meets-cbi-chief-amid-us-allegations-against-india-over-alleged-pannun-murder-plot-668688">FBI director meets CBI chief amid US allegations against India over alleged Pannun 'murder plot'&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>Wray also informed the NIA that the FBI was aggressively investigating the attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco.</p>

<h2><strong>FBI Director, Delhi Police Chief emphasise need to intercept criminals finding shelter across border</strong></h2>

<p>Wray, who is on his two-day visit to India, also met the Delhi Police chief where both agencies highlighted the threat posed by criminals who operate across borders while also stressing the need to thwart these individuals from finding shelter in different countries.</p>

<p>The discussions also touched upon closer cooperation from both ends to combat transnational cybercrimes, improve access to encrypted communication applications, and the imperative to share information.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The high-profile visit comes against the backdrop of allegations by Washington over India's alleged connection to a foiled plot to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


FBI Director Christopher Wray on Tuesday (Dec 12) visited the NIA headquarters where he met with the counter-terrorism law enforcement agency's Director General Dinkar Gupta and issues related to acts and activities of terrorist-organised criminal networks were discussed.

FBI Director Christopher Wray on Tuesday (Dec 12) visited the NIA headquarters where he met with the counter-terrorism law enforcement agency's Director General Dinkar Gupta and issues related to acts and activities of terrorist-organised criminal networks were discussed. The talks also included further developments on the ongoing investigations in the United States over the attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, and probe around cyber-terror and cyber-crimes of various kinds. NIA said that during the discussion, Gupta underlined the active nexus between the terrorist organisations and terrorist elements with the members of "Organised Criminal Syndicates which was spreading to the United States as well". Over this nexus, Wray said that "a blending of lines between terrorists and criminals was now visible in cyberspace as well. Terror incidents like 9/11 and the Mumbai attacks have changed the way in which nations respond to terror threats," according to a statement released by NIA. The NIA DG also raised concerns about how the threats in the cyber domain were on the rise and the ways in which digital space was being extensively exploited by the extremists in order to propagate radical views across the globe. FBI Director Wray Visits NIA HQrs, Holds Extensive Deliberations with NIA DG pic.twitter.com/BCkMxZWxDD — NIA India (@NIA_India) December 12, 2023 × He further highlighted that the Indian agency had also spotted the use of cryptocurrency for the purpose of terror financing. "The two sides noted that with the advent of newer technologies at a fast pace, tracing, tracking and investigating crypto transactions is turning out to be a huge challenge. Both the agencies recognised the challenges posed by organised crime networks, terror-related crimes, cyber-enabled terror attacks, ransomware threats, economic crimes and transnational terror crimes," NIA said in an official press statement. Also read: FBI director meets CBI chief amid US allegations against India over alleged Pannun 'murder plot' Wray also informed the NIA that the FBI was aggressively investigating the attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco. FBI Director, Delhi Police Chief emphasise need to intercept criminals finding shelter across border Wray, who is on his two-day visit to India, also met the Delhi Police chief where both agencies highlighted the threat posed by criminals who operate across borders while also stressing the need to thwart these individuals from finding shelter in different countries. The discussions also touched upon closer cooperation from both ends to combat transnational cybercrimes, improve access to encrypted communication applications, and the imperative to share information. The high-profile visit comes against the backdrop of allegations by Washington over India's alleged connection to a foiled plot to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. (With inputs from agencies)

FBI 'aggressively investigating' attack on Indian Consulate in San Francisco: Director Wray

In the context of an alleged plot to kill a pro-Khalistan leader on US soil, FBI director Christopher Wray met with CBI chief Praveen Sood on Monday to discuss important issues like the extradition of suspects wanted by India and financial crimes enabled by cyberspace.

Wray's 2-day visit: Trip comes amid 'Pannun kill plot' charge

<p>FBI Director Christopher Wray met CBI Director Praveen Sood in India's capital New Delhi on Monday (Dec 11) where ways to achieve greater cooperation in cyber-related financial crimes along with other topics were discussed, news agency PTI reported citing officials.</p>

<p>Wray and other senior officials reached the agency headquarters in the afternoon for the meeting.</p>

<p>The FBI Director, during his two-day visit to India, is set to meet top officials of Indian security and law enforcement establishments, the officials said.</p>

<p>He arrived in New Delhi on Sunday evening (Dec 10).</p>

<p>Wray and Sood, during their meeting, discussed issues related to the exchange of information on cybercrime cases, narcotics, pending judicial requests and extradition of wanted criminals, people familiar with the matter said.</p>

<p>"Both agencies recognised the challenges posed by organised crime networks, cyber-enabled financial crimes, ransomware threats, economic crimes and transnational crimes," CBI said in an official press statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-strategic-partner-but-ones-behind-assassination-plot-should-be-held-accountable-white-house-667394">India a strategic partner but those behind Pannun 'murder plot' should be held accountable: White House</a></p>

<p>The high-profile visit comes against the backdrop of allegations by Washington over India's alleged connection to a foiled plot to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil.</p>

<p>The US Ambassador, Eric Garcetti during a panel discussion at the Carnegie 'Global Technology Summit', had made a mention of the FBI director's visit to India.</p>

<p>He said that India was "the number one country she (US Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen) went to outside the United States, four times this year. The Secretary of State (Antony Blinken) just came here for the third time. Secretary of Defence (Lloyd Austin) for the second time. The FBI director is here next week."</p>

<p>Earlier, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on being asked about Wray's visit to India, said that it was a part of the overall bilateral cooperation in areas of cyber security, counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics.</p>

<p>"As you're aware, we have robust security, cyber-security, counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics cooperation with the US agencies. We are also engaged in capacity-building programmes. So as part of this ongoing bilateral cooperation, a visit By the FBI director is in the works," he had said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


FBI Director Christopher Wray met CBI Director Praveen Sood in India's capital New Delhi on Monday (Dec 11) where ways to achieve greater cooperation in cyber-related financial crimes along with other topics were discussed, news agency PTI reported citing officials.

FBI Director Christopher Wray met CBI Director Praveen Sood in India's capital New Delhi on Monday (Dec 11) where ways to achieve greater cooperation in cyber-related financial crimes along with other topics were discussed, news agency PTI reported citing officials. Wray and other senior officials reached the agency headquarters in the afternoon for the meeting. The FBI Director, during his two-day visit to India, is set to meet top officials of Indian security and law enforcement establishments, the officials said. He arrived in New Delhi on Sunday evening (Dec 10). Wray and Sood, during their meeting, discussed issues related to the exchange of information on cybercrime cases, narcotics, pending judicial requests and extradition of wanted criminals, people familiar with the matter said. "Both agencies recognised the challenges posed by organised crime networks, cyber-enabled financial crimes, ransomware threats, economic crimes and transnational crimes," CBI said in an official press statement. Also read: India a strategic partner but those behind Pannun 'murder plot' should be held accountable: White House The high-profile visit comes against the backdrop of allegations by Washington over India's alleged connection to a foiled plot to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. The US Ambassador, Eric Garcetti during a panel discussion at the Carnegie 'Global Technology Summit', had made a mention of the FBI director's visit to India. He said that India was "the number one country she (US Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen) went to outside the United States, four times this year. The Secretary of State (Antony Blinken) just came here for the third time. Secretary of Defence (Lloyd Austin) for the second time. The FBI director is here next week." Earlier, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on being asked about Wray's visit to India, said that it was a part of the overall bilateral cooperation in areas of cyber security, counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics. "As you're aware, we have robust security, cyber-security, counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics cooperation with the US agencies. We are also engaged in capacity-building programmes. So as part of this ongoing bilateral cooperation, a visit By the FBI director is in the works," he had said. (With inputs from agencies)

FBI director meets CBI chief amid US allegations against India over alleged Pannun 'murder plot'

The Director Of The United States FBI, Christopher Wray reached the Indian capital New Delhi on a two day visit. The visit comes in the backdrop of a US Federal investigation into an alleged plot to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil.

FBI director's 2-day India visit:  To meet India's top security and law enforcement agencies

Amid the controversy over an attempt to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti said on Wednesday that the Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Christopher Wray is likely to visit India next week.

FBI Chief Christopher Wray set to visit India, first India visit in 12 years | World DNA

The former US President and his two eldest sons are accused of inflating the value of their real estate assets to receive more favourable bank loans and insurance terms. During the trial, Trump has called the judge in the case, Arthur Engoron, crazy and unhinged. The frontrunner for the 2024 Republican Presidential nomination denounced new york state Attorney General Letitia James, who is black, as corrupt and racist.

US: Trump dubs Attorney General 'a lunatic'; Ex-President has called case judge 'crazy, unhinged'

The director of the United States FBI Christopher Wray will be visiting India next week. The planned visit comes amidst a US federal investigation into an alleged plot to kill the Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

FBI trip scheduled amid 'Pannun kill plot' charge

FBI chief to visit India next week amid controversy over plot to kill Pannun

<p>The suspect who fired at the officers as they were trying to execute a search warrant in Arlington, Virginia is believed to be dead, said the local police, on Tuesday (Dec 5). The statement comes a day after a house in the US county <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-house-explosion-rocks-virginia-neighbourhood-after-suspect-fires-flare-gun-666349">exploded</a> when it was surrounded by officers.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Suspect identified</strong></h2>

<p>The suspect who is believed to have fired the flare gun was identified as James Yoo, 56, by the Arlington County police chief, Andy Penn, on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 56-year-old, according to the police, is the owner of the duplex and the person who is believed to have fired a “flare-type gun” from inside the house more than 30 times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police were called around 4:45 pm (local time) on Monday after reports of a man firing a flare gun from inside the house located on the 800 block of North Burlington Street. It was after failed attempts to establish contact with Yoo, that police obtained a search warrant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Around 8:30 pm (local time), as officers were attempting to execute the search warrant and tried to enter the home, multiple gunshots were fired from within the house, said Penn. Subsequently, the house exploded, the police chief added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The officers in the vicinity escaped with minor injuries but no one was taken to the hospital. The police&nbsp;also evacuated nearby residents around 7:00 pm (local time), including people who lived in the other part of the duplex.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fire was brought under control around 10:30 pm (local time), according to media reports. Nate Hiner, a spokesperson for the Arlington Fire Department, said that the fire officials do not know the cause of the explosion.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Yet to identify human remains</strong></h2>

<p>Penn said that investigators have not yet identified human remains found inside the home but “all factors point to that it’s this individual,” referring to Yoo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Arlington County police spokesperson Ashley Savage said it was unclear what happened to the suspect who was inside the building during the blast. She also said that the police did not find any evidence that others were in the duplex but could not rule out the possibility.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-house-explosion-rocks-virginia-neighbourhood-after-suspect-fires-flare-gun-666349">Images and videos</a> of the incident show the moment the house burst into flames while police vehicles could be seen outside a brick house. The explosion was heard kilometres away and around 10 houses were damaged in the blast.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Carla Rodriguez of South Arlington, according to the Guardian, said that the blast was heard more than two miles (3.2 kilometres) away and she came to the scene. “I actually thought a plane exploded,” said Rodriguez.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said federal agents and fire investigators were at the scene and assisting local authorities. A White House spokesperson, on Tuesday, also said that they are monitoring developments.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Concerning social media posts’</strong></h2>

<p>Media reports citing officials investigating the incident said Yoo had allegedly made “concerning social media posts” which included publicly posting grievances against multiple people in his life, including his neighbours and a former co-worker on LinkedIn.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the Associated Press, the 56-year-old also filed four lawsuits between 2018 and 2022 against his ex-wife, younger sister, a moving company, and the New York Supreme Court. All the cases were dismissed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yoo also repeatedly contacted the FBI “over a number of years,” through phone calls, online tips, and letters to file complaints, said Washington Field Office Assistant Director David Sundberg, as per USA Today.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The suspect who fired at the officers as they were trying to execute a search warrant in Arlington, Virginia is believed to be dead, said the local police, on Tuesday (Dec 5).

The suspect who fired at the officers as they were trying to execute a search warrant in Arlington, Virginia is believed to be dead, said the local police, on Tuesday (Dec 5). The statement comes a day after a house in the US county exploded when it was surrounded by officers. Suspect identified The suspect who is believed to have fired the flare gun was identified as James Yoo, 56, by the Arlington County police chief, Andy Penn, on Tuesday. The 56-year-old, according to the police, is the owner of the duplex and the person who is believed to have fired a “flare-type gun” from inside the house more than 30 times. The police were called around 4:45 pm (local time) on Monday after reports of a man firing a flare gun from inside the house located on the 800 block of North Burlington Street. It was after failed attempts to establish contact with Yoo, that police obtained a search warrant. Around 8:30 pm (local time), as officers were attempting to execute the search warrant and tried to enter the home, multiple gunshots were fired from within the house, said Penn. Subsequently, the house exploded, the police chief added. The officers in the vicinity escaped with minor injuries but no one was taken to the hospital. The police also evacuated nearby residents around 7:00 pm (local time), including people who lived in the other part of the duplex. The fire was brought under control around 10:30 pm (local time), according to media reports. Nate Hiner, a spokesperson for the Arlington Fire Department, said that the fire officials do not know the cause of the explosion. Yet to identify human remains Penn said that investigators have not yet identified human remains found inside the home but “all factors point to that it’s this individual,” referring to Yoo. Arlington County police spokesperson Ashley Savage said it was unclear what happened to the suspect who was inside the building during the blast. She also said that the police did not find any evidence that others were in the duplex but could not rule out the possibility. Images and videos of the incident show the moment the house burst into flames while police vehicles could be seen outside a brick house. The explosion was heard kilometres away and around 10 houses were damaged in the blast. Carla Rodriguez of South Arlington, according to the Guardian, said that the blast was heard more than two miles (3.2 kilometres) away and she came to the scene. “I actually thought a plane exploded,” said Rodriguez. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said federal agents and fire investigators were at the scene and assisting local authorities. A White House spokesperson, on Tuesday, also said that they are monitoring developments. ‘Concerning social media posts’ Media reports citing officials investigating the incident said Yoo had allegedly made “concerning social media posts” which included publicly posting grievances against multiple people in his life, including his neighbours and a former co-worker on LinkedIn. According to the Associated Press, the 56-year-old also filed four lawsuits between 2018 and 2022 against his ex-wife, younger sister, a moving company, and the New York Supreme Court. All the cases were dismissed. Yoo also repeatedly contacted the FBI “over a number of years,” through phone calls, online tips, and letters to file complaints, said Washington Field Office Assistant Director David Sundberg, as per USA Today. (With inputs from agencies)

Suspect who fired flare gun at officers in Virginia neighbourhood presumed dead: US police

A warning has come from a top US law enforcement official FBI Director Christopher Wray has urged the United States Congress to renew the country's spy program to ensure Public Safety.

FBI Chief Christopher Wray warns of terror threats to America, calls for renewal of spy program

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<p>Former United States ambassador to Bolivia, Manuel Rocha has been arrested in a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) counterintelligence probe, accused of secretly serving as an agent of Cuba's government, the news agency Associated Press reported early Monday (Dec 4). Speaking to the Associated Press, two people familiar with the developments said that Rocha, 73, was arrested in Miami last Friday on a criminal complaint.</p>

<p>More details about the case are expected to be made public at a court appearance later on Monday. One of the people told the news agency that the Justice Department case has accused Rocha of working to promote the Cuban government’s interests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Federal law requires people doing the bidding of a foreign government or entity inside the US to register with the Justice Department.</p>

<h2><strong>A look at Rocha's diplomatic career</strong></h2>

<p>Rocha served as a diplomat for 25 years, working under both Democratic and Republican administrations. Much of his career was spent in Latin America during the Cold War. The report said that Rocha's diplomatic postings included a stint at the US Interests Section in Cuba at a time when Washington lacked full diplomatic relations with the Fidel Castro government.</p>

<p>He also served in Italy, Honduras, the Dominican Republic and Mexico, and worked as a Latin American expert for the National Security Council.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 73-year-old was a top diplomat in Argentina from 1997 to 2000. During his next stint as the US ambassador to Bolivia, Rocha intervened directly into the 2002 presidential race, warning weeks ahead of the vote that Washington would cut off assistance to the South American country if it were to elect former coca grower Evo Morales.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-cuba-reject-report-of-chinese-plan-of-spy-base-on-the-island-602349">White House, Cuba reject report of China building spy base on the island</a></strong></p>

<p>“I want to remind the Bolivian electorate that if they vote for those who want Bolivia to return to exporting cocaine, that will seriously jeopardise any future aid to Bolivia from the United States,″ Rocha said in a speech that was widely interpreted as an attempt to sustain US dominance in the region.</p>

<p>This gambit angered Bolivians and gave Morales a last-minute boost. When Morales was elected three years later, he expelled Rocha's successor as chief of the diplomatic mission for inciting a civil war.</p>

<p>After retiring from the State Department, Rocha began a business career, serving as the president of a gold mine in the Dominican Republic partly owned by Canada’s Barrick Gold.</p>

<p>The Associated Press report said that most recently, the 73-year-old held senior roles at Pennsylvania-based coal exporter XCoal, Clover Leaf Capital, law firm Foley &amp; Lardner and Spanish public relations firms Llorente &amp; Cuenca.</p>

<p>Speaking to the news agency, Llorente &amp; Cuenca's US operations CEO Dario Alvarez said, "Our firm remains committed to transparency and will closely monitor the situation, cooperating fully with the authorities if any information becomes available to us."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former United States ambassador to Bolivia, Manuel Rocha has been arrested in a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) counterintelligence probe, accused of secretly serving as an agent of Cuba's government, the news agency Associated Press reported early Monday (Dec 4).

Former United States ambassador to Bolivia, Manuel Rocha has been arrested in a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) counterintelligence probe, accused of secretly serving as an agent of Cuba's government, the news agency Associated Press reported early Monday (Dec 4). Speaking to the Associated Press, two people familiar with the developments said that Rocha, 73, was arrested in Miami last Friday on a criminal complaint. More details about the case are expected to be made public at a court appearance later on Monday. One of the people told the news agency that the Justice Department case has accused Rocha of working to promote the Cuban government’s interests. Federal law requires people doing the bidding of a foreign government or entity inside the US to register with the Justice Department. A look at Rocha's diplomatic career Rocha served as a diplomat for 25 years, working under both Democratic and Republican administrations. Much of his career was spent in Latin America during the Cold War. The report said that Rocha's diplomatic postings included a stint at the US Interests Section in Cuba at a time when Washington lacked full diplomatic relations with the Fidel Castro government. He also served in Italy, Honduras, the Dominican Republic and Mexico, and worked as a Latin American expert for the National Security Council. The 73-year-old was a top diplomat in Argentina from 1997 to 2000. During his next stint as the US ambassador to Bolivia, Rocha intervened directly into the 2002 presidential race, warning weeks ahead of the vote that Washington would cut off assistance to the South American country if it were to elect former coca grower Evo Morales. Also read: White House, Cuba reject report of China building spy base on the island “I want to remind the Bolivian electorate that if they vote for those who want Bolivia to return to exporting cocaine, that will seriously jeopardise any future aid to Bolivia from the United States,″ Rocha said in a speech that was widely interpreted as an attempt to sustain US dominance in the region. This gambit angered Bolivians and gave Morales a last-minute boost. When Morales was elected three years later, he expelled Rocha's successor as chief of the diplomatic mission for inciting a civil war. After retiring from the State Department, Rocha began a business career, serving as the president of a gold mine in the Dominican Republic partly owned by Canada’s Barrick Gold. The Associated Press report said that most recently, the 73-year-old held senior roles at Pennsylvania-based coal exporter XCoal, Clover Leaf Capital, law firm Foley & Lardner and Spanish public relations firms Llorente & Cuenca. Speaking to the news agency, Llorente & Cuenca's US operations CEO Dario Alvarez said, "Our firm remains committed to transparency and will closely monitor the situation, cooperating fully with the authorities if any information becomes available to us." (With inputs from agencies)

Ex-US ambassador to Bolivia arrested, accused of serving as an agent of Cuba: Report

<p>A vehicle exploded at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing between the United States and Canada near Niagara Falls on Wednesday (Nov 22).</p>

<p>The FBI&nbsp;released a statement saying that it is investigating the incident.</p>

<p>"The FBI Buffalo Field Office is investigating a vehicle explosion at the Rainbow Bridge, a border crossing between the US and Canada in Niagara Falls. The FBI is coordinating with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in this investigation. As this situation is very fluid, that's all we can say at this time," the statement read.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FBI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FBI</a> Buffalo statement on investigation at the Rainbow Bridge: <a href="https://t.co/jRaGLL8sU8">pic.twitter.com/jRaGLL8sU8</a></p>
— FBI Buffalo (@FBIBuffalo) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIBuffalo/status/1727390895283044365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>New York Governor Kathy Hochul took to her official X handle and said that the authorities were "closely monitoring" the incident and that the state agencies were on the site.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-taking-inputs-shared-by-us-related-to-terrorists-nexus-seriously-bagchi-661637">India reacts to western reports of US intel on Pannun's assassination&nbsp;plot</a></p>

<p>"I’ve been briefed on the incident on the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls and we are closely monitoring the situation. State agencies are on site and ready to assist," she wrote in a post.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I’ve been briefed on the incident on the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls and we are closely monitoring the situation. State agencies are on site and ready to assist.</p>
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovKathyHochul/status/1727385857152430119?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per local media reports, all four international border crossings in Western New York were closed on Wednesday (Nov 22) after the incident occurred.</p>

<h2><strong>Incident kills two</strong></h2>

<p>As per the report, two people in the vehicle were&nbsp;dead and one border patrol official was&nbsp;wounded in the incident.</p>

<p>New York's governor ruled out signs of&nbsp;terrorist activity saying that it was a horrific car crash.</p>

<p>"There is no evidence at this time that this was terrorist activity," Hochul told a briefing while confirming earlier reports that two people had died.</p>

<p>"(It was) a horrific incident, a crash, an explosion... but at this time no known terrorist connection," she added.</p>

<p>The Niagara Gazette newspaper, citing law enforcement sources, said the car dashed onto the bridge plaza, tore through a fence dividing the inbound lanes from the outbound lanes, and toward the inspection lanes, where it burst into flames.</p>

<h2><strong>Situation 'very serious', says Trudeau</strong></h2>

<p>Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the vehicle explosion at the Canada-US border crossing near Niagara Falls "a very serious situation".</p>

<p>"This is obviously a very serious situation at Niagara Falls. There was a vehicle explosion at the Rainbow Bridge crossing," he told the House of Commons.</p>

<p>"I've been briefed by the NSA and the Minister of Public Safety, CBSA, RCMP and Transport Canada are all fully engaged and providing the necessary support," Trudeau said.</p>

<p>"We are in close contact with U.S. officials and will continue to work closely with them. We will continue to be engaged. We will provide updates. Updates I can give right now is there are four border crossings that are right now closed. Rainbow Bridge, Whirlpool Bridge, Queensland Bridge and Peace Bridge. Additional measures are being contemplated and activated at all border crossings across the country. We are taking this extraordinarily seriously," he added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Ontario Premier Doug Ford in a post on X said that the law enforcement teams in Canada were "actively engaged in assessing the situation".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I’ve been made aware of the situation unfolding on the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls. Our provincial law enforcement is actively engaged in assessing the situation. They are working with local law enforcement and are providing support as required.</p>
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) <a href="https://twitter.com/fordnation/status/1727396458171895968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A vehicle exploded at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing between the United States and Canada near Niagara Falls on Wednesday (Nov 22). The FBI released a statement saying that it is investigating the incident.

A vehicle exploded at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing between the United States and Canada near Niagara Falls on Wednesday (Nov 22). The FBI released a statement saying that it is investigating the incident. "The FBI Buffalo Field Office is investigating a vehicle explosion at the Rainbow Bridge, a border crossing between the US and Canada in Niagara Falls. The FBI is coordinating with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in this investigation. As this situation is very fluid, that's all we can say at this time," the statement read. #FBI Buffalo statement on investigation at the Rainbow Bridge: pic.twitter.com/jRaGLL8sU8 — FBI Buffalo (@FBIBuffalo) November 22, 2023 × New York Governor Kathy Hochul took to her official X handle and said that the authorities were "closely monitoring" the incident and that the state agencies were on the site. Also read: India reacts to western reports of US intel on Pannun's assassination plot "I’ve been briefed on the incident on the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls and we are closely monitoring the situation. State agencies are on site and ready to assist," she wrote in a post. I’ve been briefed on the incident on the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls and we are closely monitoring the situation. State agencies are on site and ready to assist. — Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) November 22, 2023 × As per local media reports, all four international border crossings in Western New York were closed on Wednesday (Nov 22) after the incident occurred. Incident kills two As per the report, two people in the vehicle were dead and one border patrol official was wounded in the incident. New York's governor ruled out signs of terrorist activity saying that it was a horrific car crash. "There is no evidence at this time that this was terrorist activity," Hochul told a briefing while confirming earlier reports that two people had died. "(It was) a horrific incident, a crash, an explosion... but at this time no known terrorist connection," she added. The Niagara Gazette newspaper, citing law enforcement sources, said the car dashed onto the bridge plaza, tore through a fence dividing the inbound lanes from the outbound lanes, and toward the inspection lanes, where it burst into flames. Situation 'very serious', says Trudeau Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the vehicle explosion at the Canada-US border crossing near Niagara Falls "a very serious situation". "This is obviously a very serious situation at Niagara Falls. There was a vehicle explosion at the Rainbow Bridge crossing," he told the House of Commons. "I've been briefed by the NSA and the Minister of Public Safety, CBSA, RCMP and Transport Canada are all fully engaged and providing the necessary support," Trudeau said. "We are in close contact with U.S. officials and will continue to work closely with them. We will continue to be engaged. We will provide updates. Updates I can give right now is there are four border crossings that are right now closed. Rainbow Bridge, Whirlpool Bridge, Queensland Bridge and Peace Bridge. Additional measures are being contemplated and activated at all border crossings across the country. We are taking this extraordinarily seriously," he added. Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford in a post on X said that the law enforcement teams in Canada were "actively engaged in assessing the situation". I’ve been made aware of the situation unfolding on the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls. Our provincial law enforcement is actively engaged in assessing the situation. They are working with local law enforcement and are providing support as required. — Doug Ford (@fordnation) November 22, 2023 × (With inputs from agencies)

Vehicle explosion at US-Canada bridge near Niagara Falls kills 2, Trudeau says situation 'very serious'

<p>Former United States president Donald Trump has hinted at a possible plan of using the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Justice Department to target his political rivals if he comes back to power next year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His striking comments came during an interview with the Spanish-language television network Univision when the host Enrique Acevedo quizzed him about legal troubles and more. The interview aired Thursday night.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The host asked, "You say they've weaponised the justice department, they weaponised the FBI. Would you do the same if you're re-elected?"&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-confiscates-new-york-mayors-mobile-phones-says-campaign-lawyer-657467">FBI confiscates New York mayor's mobile phones, says campaign lawyer</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>In reply, Trump said: "They've already done it, but if they want to follow through on this, yeah, it could certainly happen in reverse. They've released the genie out of the box."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When you're president and you've done a good job and you're popular, you don't go after them so you can win an election. They've done indictments in order to win an election. They call it weaponisation," Trump added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further said, "But yeah they have done something that allows the next party, I mean if somebody, if I happen to be president and I see somebody who's doing well and beating me very badly, I say go down and indict them, mostly they would be out of business. They'd be out. They'd be out of the election."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-asks-pakistan-to-return-essential-military-hardware-report-657482">Russia asks Pakistan, other nations to return essential military hardware</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;JPMorgan's $290 MN deal for victims gets court approval&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Overall, the former president is facing 91 federal and state accusations in connection with suspected election involvement, mishandling of confidential data, and falsifying company records. However, he has denied all the charges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite all the legal woes, he has emerged stronger in the race for the Republican presidential nomination. Hence, the rivals have been coming at Trump more than ever.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recently, the former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that Trump was hitting at an authoritarian agenda and also compared him to Adolf Hitler. Her remarks came even before the Trump's Univision interview aired on Thursday. She said on ABC's The View: "Trump is telling us what he intends to do. Take him at his word."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Former United States president Donald Trump has hinted at a possible plan of using the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Justice Department to target his political rivals if he comes back to power next year.

Former United States president Donald Trump has hinted at a possible plan of using the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Justice Department to target his political rivals if he comes back to power next year. His striking comments came during an interview with the Spanish-language television network Univision when the host Enrique Acevedo quizzed him about legal troubles and more. The interview aired Thursday night. The host asked, "You say they've weaponised the justice department, they weaponised the FBI. Would you do the same if you're re-elected?" Also read: FBI confiscates New York mayor's mobile phones, says campaign lawyer In reply, Trump said: "They've already done it, but if they want to follow through on this, yeah, it could certainly happen in reverse. They've released the genie out of the box." "When you're president and you've done a good job and you're popular, you don't go after them so you can win an election. They've done indictments in order to win an election. They call it weaponisation," Trump added. He further said, "But yeah they have done something that allows the next party, I mean if somebody, if I happen to be president and I see somebody who's doing well and beating me very badly, I say go down and indict them, mostly they would be out of business. They'd be out. They'd be out of the election." Also read: Russia asks Pakistan, other nations to return essential military hardware Watch: JPMorgan's $290 MN deal for victims gets court approval × Overall, the former president is facing 91 federal and state accusations in connection with suspected election involvement, mishandling of confidential data, and falsifying company records. However, he has denied all the charges. Despite all the legal woes, he has emerged stronger in the race for the Republican presidential nomination. Hence, the rivals have been coming at Trump more than ever. Recently, the former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that Trump was hitting at an authoritarian agenda and also compared him to Adolf Hitler. Her remarks came even before the Trump's Univision interview aired on Thursday. She said on ABC's The View: "Trump is telling us what he intends to do. Take him at his word." (With inputs from agencies)

Will Donald Trump use FBI against his rivals if he wins 2024 election? Here's what he said

<p>Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents have seized New York Mayor Eric Adams' cell phones, said his campaign lawyer on Friday (November 10). This is being seen as an escalation of an investigation into fundraising for the campaign. The investigation pertains to suspected corruption and whether Adams' 2021 campaign colluded with Turkish government and others.</p>

<p>"On Monday night, the FBI approached the mayor after an event. The mayor immediately complied with the FBI's request and provided them with electronic devices," said Boyd Johnson, the lawyer for the campaign. He was quoted by AFP.</p>

<p>"The mayor has not been accused of any wrongdoing and continues to cooperate with the investigation."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | India-US defence ministers discuss China, Indo-Pacific</strong></p>

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<p>The federal investigation came into public gaze just last week when FBI searched home of Brianna Suggs (25), a one-time intern who was Eric Adams' former top fundraiser. The FBI agents has seized laptops, mobile phones and a manila folder with a label 'Eric Adams'.</p>

<p>At the time of this raid, Adams was in Washington but rushed to New York.</p>

<p>Adams, who himself is a former police officer, released a statement on Friday last week.</p>

<p>"I expect all members of my staff to follow the law and fully cooperate with any sort of investigation," he said.</p>

<p>"I will continue to do exactly that," the mayor said. "I have nothing to hide."</p>

<p>The New York Times has already reported that aim of FBI's raid on Sugg's home was to find evidence of any conspiracy between Adams' campaign, Turkey and a developer whose owners are Turkish.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-biden-set-to-meet-chinas-xi-on-november-15-to-stabilise-ties-657351">US President Biden set to meet China's Xi on November 15 to 'stabilise' ties</a></strong></p>

<p>It did not become immediately clear whether FBI's confiscation of Adams' phones was connected to FBI raid on Sugg's home.</p>

<p>In his statement on Friday, attorney Johnson said that "after learning of the federal investigation, it was discovered that an individual had recently acted improperly," without specifying details of the probe he was referring to.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/silicon-valley-company-launches-ai-pin-that-can-beam-content-onto-your-palm-657236">Silicon Valley company launches AI pin that can beam content onto your palm</a></strong></p>

<p>"In the spirit of transparency and cooperation, this behavior was immediately and proactively reported to investigators. The mayor has been and remains committed to cooperating in this matter."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents have seized New York Mayor Eric Adams' cell phones, said his campaign lawyer on Friday (November 10). This is being seen as an escalation of an investigation into fundraising for the campaign.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents have seized New York Mayor Eric Adams' cell phones, said his campaign lawyer on Friday (November 10). This is being seen as an escalation of an investigation into fundraising for the campaign. The investigation pertains to suspected corruption and whether Adams' 2021 campaign colluded with Turkish government and others. "On Monday night, the FBI approached the mayor after an event. The mayor immediately complied with the FBI's request and provided them with electronic devices," said Boyd Johnson, the lawyer for the campaign. He was quoted by AFP. "The mayor has not been accused of any wrongdoing and continues to cooperate with the investigation." Watch | India-US defence ministers discuss China, Indo-Pacific × The federal investigation came into public gaze just last week when FBI searched home of Brianna Suggs (25), a one-time intern who was Eric Adams' former top fundraiser. The FBI agents has seized laptops, mobile phones and a manila folder with a label 'Eric Adams'. At the time of this raid, Adams was in Washington but rushed to New York. Adams, who himself is a former police officer, released a statement on Friday last week. "I expect all members of my staff to follow the law and fully cooperate with any sort of investigation," he said. "I will continue to do exactly that," the mayor said. "I have nothing to hide." The New York Times has already reported that aim of FBI's raid on Sugg's home was to find evidence of any conspiracy between Adams' campaign, Turkey and a developer whose owners are Turkish. Also Read | US President Biden set to meet China's Xi on November 15 to 'stabilise' ties It did not become immediately clear whether FBI's confiscation of Adams' phones was connected to FBI raid on Sugg's home. In his statement on Friday, attorney Johnson said that "after learning of the federal investigation, it was discovered that an individual had recently acted improperly," without specifying details of the probe he was referring to. Also Read | Silicon Valley company launches AI pin that can beam content onto your palm "In the spirit of transparency and cooperation, this behavior was immediately and proactively reported to investigators. The mayor has been and remains committed to cooperating in this matter." (With inputs from agencies)

FBI confiscates New York mayor Eric Adams' mobile phones, says campaign lawyer

<p>US intelligence agency FBI's Director Christopher Wray warned on Tuesday (Oct 31) that amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, the US is "in a dangerous period" and the threat of targeted attacks, including hate crimes not seen in about a decade, remains high.</p>

<p>The threat perception of international terrorism in the United States was deemed remarkably low in recent years, especially after the territorial gains of the so-called Islamic State terror group were liberated in Iraq and Syria.</p>

<p>But recent reports in the US media citing&nbsp;senior American officials say Hamas' deadly Oct&nbsp;7 attack on Israel is likely to have&nbsp;implications for individuals in and beyond the United States.</p>

<p>"The reality is that the terrorism threat has been elevated throughout 2023, but the ongoing war in the Middle East has raised the threat of an attack against Americans in the United States to a whole other level," Christopher Wray said in testimony before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.</p>

<h2><strong>FBI director falls short of comparing Hamas with ISIS</strong></h2>

<p>The Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have cited the brutalities committed by the men owing allegiance to Hamas to compare the group with ISIS.</p>

<p>"Hamas is ISIS" is a rallying cry of Israeli leaders amid the ongoing state of war in West Asia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | UN report blows lid off Al-Qaeda's plot to target India</strong></p>

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<p>Hamas' attack, which killed more than 1,400 people in Israel, "will serve as an inspiration the likes of which we haven't seen since ISIS launched its so-called caliphate years ago," Wray said.</p>

<h2><strong>Al-Qaeda rears its head against US after Hamas attacks</strong></h2>

<p>Wray said that&nbsp;while the FBI has no evidence of an imminent threat from a foreign terrorist group inside the United States, al-Qaeda has issued its most specific call for violence against the US after many&nbsp;years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides, the Islamic State has urged its purported followers, often deemed as 'sleeper cells' by a number of intelligence agencies,&nbsp;to target Jewish people in the United States and Europe.</p>

<p>Christine Abizaid, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center said that the Israel-Hamas war has featured in al-Qaeda's propaganda since Oct&nbsp;7.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-taliban-is-helping-us-to-end-al-qaeda-610829">Taliban govt in Afghanistan is helping US to 'end' Al-Qaeda: President Joe Biden</a></strong></p>

<p>"We have seen it from al-Qaeda affiliates, almost every single one of them," she was quoted as saying by Newsweek.</p>

<p>"We have also seen it from ISIS, which isn't ideologically aligned with a group like Hamas but is still leveraging this current conflict to try to sow the kind of violence, bring adherence to its cause in a kind of exploitative way."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the FBI director said that the most significant concern for the FBI is extremist acts of violence, which could potentially be committed by lone individuals inspired by the terrorist groups.</p>

<p>"We have seen that already with the individual we arrested last week in Houston, who'd been studying how to build bombs and posted online about his support for killing Jews," Wray said. "And with the tragic killing of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-illinois-man-charged-with-a-hate-crime-for-stabbing-a-6-year-old-muslim-boy-to-death-647456">6-year-old Muslim boy in Illinois</a> in what we're investigating as a federal hate crime."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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US intelligence agency FBI's Director Christopher Wray warned on Tuesday (Oct 31) that amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, the US is "in a dangerous period" and the threat of targeted attacks, including hate crimes not seen in about a decade, remains high.

US intelligence agency FBI's Director Christopher Wray warned on Tuesday (Oct 31) that amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, the US is "in a dangerous period" and the threat of targeted attacks, including hate crimes not seen in about a decade, remains high. The threat perception of international terrorism in the United States was deemed remarkably low in recent years, especially after the territorial gains of the so-called Islamic State terror group were liberated in Iraq and Syria. But recent reports in the US media citing senior American officials say Hamas' deadly Oct 7 attack on Israel is likely to have implications for individuals in and beyond the United States. "The reality is that the terrorism threat has been elevated throughout 2023, but the ongoing war in the Middle East has raised the threat of an attack against Americans in the United States to a whole other level," Christopher Wray said in testimony before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. FBI director falls short of comparing Hamas with ISIS The Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have cited the brutalities committed by the men owing allegiance to Hamas to compare the group with ISIS. "Hamas is ISIS" is a rallying cry of Israeli leaders amid the ongoing state of war in West Asia. Also watch | UN report blows lid off Al-Qaeda's plot to target India × Hamas' attack, which killed more than 1,400 people in Israel, "will serve as an inspiration the likes of which we haven't seen since ISIS launched its so-called caliphate years ago," Wray said. Al-Qaeda rears its head against US after Hamas attacks Wray said that while the FBI has no evidence of an imminent threat from a foreign terrorist group inside the United States, al-Qaeda has issued its most specific call for violence against the US after many years. Besides, the Islamic State has urged its purported followers, often deemed as 'sleeper cells' by a number of intelligence agencies, to target Jewish people in the United States and Europe. Christine Abizaid, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center said that the Israel-Hamas war has featured in al-Qaeda's propaganda since Oct 7. Also read | Taliban govt in Afghanistan is helping US to 'end' Al-Qaeda: President Joe Biden "We have seen it from al-Qaeda affiliates, almost every single one of them," she was quoted as saying by Newsweek. "We have also seen it from ISIS, which isn't ideologically aligned with a group like Hamas but is still leveraging this current conflict to try to sow the kind of violence, bring adherence to its cause in a kind of exploitative way." Meanwhile, the FBI director said that the most significant concern for the FBI is extremist acts of violence, which could potentially be committed by lone individuals inspired by the terrorist groups. "We have seen that already with the individual we arrested last week in Houston, who'd been studying how to build bombs and posted online about his support for killing Jews," Wray said. "And with the tragic killing of a 6-year-old Muslim boy in Illinois in what we're investigating as a federal hate crime." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: FBI director cautions against al-Qaeda threat in the US

<p>A former security officer in the US has pleaded guilty to having tried to sell classified national security information to a Russian agent.</p>

<p>Army veteran Jareh Sebastian Dalke, 31 years old, allegedly sold the information to an undercover FBI agent, who he thought was a Russian agent.</p>

<p>Now, according to the plea deal, prosecutors have asked for 22 years in prison for the Colorado man for accepting the allegations, even as a crime of this severity attracts a possible life sentence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The judge will decide his fate in April next year when his sentence will be announced.</p>

<h2><strong>Dalke’s engagements with the ‘Russian agent’</strong></h2>

<p>Dalke told the undercover FBI agent that his heritage ties him “to your country” and that he wanted to “cause change” after the USA’s role in “damaging the world.”</p>

<p>In court documents, he also said he was $237,000 in debt.</p>

<p>According to the plea deal, he was paid $16,499 in cryptocurrency last year for excerpts of some documents that he passed on to the agent to show what he had, and then he offered to sell the rest of the information he had for $85,000.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-top-diplomat-wang-yi-to-visit-us-to-discuss-a-range-of-issues-says-washington-650485"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;China's top diplomat Wang Yi to visit US, will discuss a range of issues, says Washington</strong></a></p>

<p>The agent instructed him to visit Denver's downtown train station on September 28, 2022, and send the documents through a secure digital connection within a four-hour timeframe. Dalke, who had his laptop with him, initially used the connection to send a thank-you letter in Russian, expressing his anticipation of a mutually beneficial friendship, as outlined in the plea deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shortly after he transferred all the files from his laptop, FBI agents apprehended him.</p>

<h2><strong>What classified information did Dalke try to sell?</strong></h2>

<p>As stated in the indictment, the information Dalke intended to provide to Russia involved a threat assessment of the military capabilities of an undisclosed third country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also included details about sensitive US defence capabilities, some of which pertained to the same foreign nation.</p>

<p>The terms of the plea deal stipulate that Dalke must cooperate with authorities, sharing truthful and valuable insights into his actions and their consequences.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;S.Korea holds first joint air drill with US and Japan</strong></p>

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<p>Dalke had previously worked as an information systems security designer for the National Security Agency, the US intelligence agency responsible for gathering and analysing signals from both foreign and domestic sources for intelligence and counterintelligence purposes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following his departure and the transfer of classified information to an undercover agent, prosecutors allege that he reapplied for a position at the NSA.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A former security officer in the US has pleaded guilty to having tried to sell classified national security information to a Russian agent. Army veteran Jareh Sebastian Dalke, 31 years old, allegedly sold the information to an undercover FBI agent, who he thought was a Russian agent.

A former security officer in the US has pleaded guilty to having tried to sell classified national security information to a Russian agent. Army veteran Jareh Sebastian Dalke, 31 years old, allegedly sold the information to an undercover FBI agent, who he thought was a Russian agent. Now, according to the plea deal, prosecutors have asked for 22 years in prison for the Colorado man for accepting the allegations, even as a crime of this severity attracts a possible life sentence. The judge will decide his fate in April next year when his sentence will be announced. Dalke’s engagements with the ‘Russian agent’ Dalke told the undercover FBI agent that his heritage ties him “to your country” and that he wanted to “cause change” after the USA’s role in “damaging the world.” In court documents, he also said he was $237,000 in debt. According to the plea deal, he was paid $16,499 in cryptocurrency last year for excerpts of some documents that he passed on to the agent to show what he had, and then he offered to sell the rest of the information he had for $85,000. Also read: China's top diplomat Wang Yi to visit US, will discuss a range of issues, says Washington The agent instructed him to visit Denver's downtown train station on September 28, 2022, and send the documents through a secure digital connection within a four-hour timeframe. Dalke, who had his laptop with him, initially used the connection to send a thank-you letter in Russian, expressing his anticipation of a mutually beneficial friendship, as outlined in the plea deal. Shortly after he transferred all the files from his laptop, FBI agents apprehended him. What classified information did Dalke try to sell? As stated in the indictment, the information Dalke intended to provide to Russia involved a threat assessment of the military capabilities of an undisclosed third country. It also included details about sensitive US defence capabilities, some of which pertained to the same foreign nation. The terms of the plea deal stipulate that Dalke must cooperate with authorities, sharing truthful and valuable insights into his actions and their consequences. Watch: S.Korea holds first joint air drill with US and Japan × Dalke had previously worked as an information systems security designer for the National Security Agency, the US intelligence agency responsible for gathering and analysing signals from both foreign and domestic sources for intelligence and counterintelligence purposes. Following his departure and the transfer of classified information to an undercover agent, prosecutors allege that he reapplied for a position at the NSA. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US: Former security officer pleads guilty to having tried to sell secrets to Russian agent

<p>The heads of MI5 and the FBI have issued an unprecedented joint warning, expressing concerns that the ongoing Middle East crisis could elevate the risk of domestic terrorist attacks, media reports said.&nbsp;British spy chief Ken McCallum has explicitly raised concerns over Iran-backed attacks.&nbsp;This warning includes potential dangers posed to Jewish communities, organisations, and other groups within the United Kingdom and the United States.</p>

<p>At the public summit of intelligence chiefs in California, MI5 Director General McCallum, spoke of the risk of "self-initiated" individuals who may have been radicalised online, potentially responding in unpredictable ways in the UK due to the recent terrorist attacks in Israel and the ongoing war in West Asia.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-supports-israels-report-on-gaza-hospital-strike-condemns-hamas-648337">Gaza hospital strike 'done by other team', Biden tells Israel's Netanyahu:</a></p>

<p>“There clearly is the possibility that profound events in the Middle East will either generate more volume of UK threat, and/or change its shape in terms of what is being targeted, in terms of how people are taking inspiration,” he said.</p>

<p>The tensions are escalating in the West Asian region, even more so, after an attack on a Gaza hospital which led to the killing of hundreds of individuals. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Rising concerns amid recent incidents&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Recent incidents, such as the shooting of Swedish football fans in Brussels and a radical Islamist attack in France, have heightened counter-terror concerns, primarily driven by Hamas' barbaric attack on Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-six-airports-evacuated-after-threats-of-attack-648373">Six airports evacuated in France after 'threats of attack'</a></p>

<p>FBI Director Christopher Wray also shared similar concerns saying,&nbsp;“We cannot and do not discount the possibility that Hamas or other foreign terrorist organisations could exploit the conflict to call on their supporters to conduct attacks on our own soil”.</p>

<p>He noted that in the last week, there had been an increase in reported "threats" against Jewish and Muslim Americans.</p>

<h2>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-a-classic-case-of-whodunit-648466">Israel-Palestine war: a classic case of whodunit?</a></h2>

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<p>The intelligence chiefs from the Five Eyes intelligence agencies, including those from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, convened to discuss the implications of Hamas's attack on Israel as well as the threat of Chinese economic espionage. McCallum, in an interview, told BBC that the Chinese espionage is seen on a "pretty epic scale."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The heads of MI5 and the FBI have issued an unprecedented joint warning, expressing concerns that the ongoing Middle East crisis could elevate the risk of domestic terrorist attacks, media reports said.

The heads of MI5 and the FBI have issued an unprecedented joint warning, expressing concerns that the ongoing Middle East crisis could elevate the risk of domestic terrorist attacks, media reports said. British spy chief Ken McCallum has explicitly raised concerns over Iran-backed attacks. This warning includes potential dangers posed to Jewish communities, organisations, and other groups within the United Kingdom and the United States. At the public summit of intelligence chiefs in California, MI5 Director General McCallum, spoke of the risk of "self-initiated" individuals who may have been radicalised online, potentially responding in unpredictable ways in the UK due to the recent terrorist attacks in Israel and the ongoing war in West Asia. Also Read | Gaza hospital strike 'done by other team', Biden tells Israel's Netanyahu: “There clearly is the possibility that profound events in the Middle East will either generate more volume of UK threat, and/or change its shape in terms of what is being targeted, in terms of how people are taking inspiration,” he said. The tensions are escalating in the West Asian region, even more so, after an attack on a Gaza hospital which led to the killing of hundreds of individuals. Rising concerns amid recent incidents Recent incidents, such as the shooting of Swedish football fans in Brussels and a radical Islamist attack in France, have heightened counter-terror concerns, primarily driven by Hamas' barbaric attack on Israel. Also Read | Six airports evacuated in France after 'threats of attack' FBI Director Christopher Wray also shared similar concerns saying, “We cannot and do not discount the possibility that Hamas or other foreign terrorist organisations could exploit the conflict to call on their supporters to conduct attacks on our own soil”. He noted that in the last week, there had been an increase in reported "threats" against Jewish and Muslim Americans. Watch | Israel-Palestine war: a classic case of whodunit? × The intelligence chiefs from the Five Eyes intelligence agencies, including those from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, convened to discuss the implications of Hamas's attack on Israel as well as the threat of Chinese economic espionage. McCallum, in an interview, told BBC that the Chinese espionage is seen on a "pretty epic scale." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

MI5, FBI warn of Iran-backed domestic 'terrorist attacks' at Five Eyes meeting

<p>The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) busted a crime ring in the United States and arrested more than a dozen members for engaging in a series of armed robberies of Indian jewellery stores and showrooms in several states, the news agency PTI reported on&nbsp;Thursday (September 7). As per the report, the gang was based out of Washington DC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Between January 2022 and January 2023, the gang targeted several Indian and South Asian jewellery stores across the East Coast, including New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Florida and Pennsylvania. Sixteen members of the gang were arrested till now, with eight arrested this week, the report said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Assistant FBI Director in Charge David Sundberg said the defendants targeted small businesses along the East Coast, stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of jewellery from hardworking families.</p>

<p>According to US Attorney Matthew M. Graves, "This indictment alleges a conspiracy to engage in a violent armed robbery spree involving commercial establishments throughout the Eastern Seaboard."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Graves added that one defendant was also charged with conspiracy to commit carjacking as part of the spree, and others were charged with laundering the proceeds from the robberies.</p>

<p>"With an increasing number of robbery schemes that cross state lines, collaborative operations like this one are critical to holding accountable those who threaten the safety of our communities," the attorney added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) busted a crime ring in the United States and arrested more than a dozen members for engaging in a series of armed robberies of Indian jewellery stores and showrooms in several states, the news agency PTI reported on Thursday (September 7).

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) busted a crime ring in the United States and arrested more than a dozen members for engaging in a series of armed robberies of Indian jewellery stores and showrooms in several states, the news agency PTI reported on Thursday (September 7). As per the report, the gang was based out of Washington DC. Between January 2022 and January 2023, the gang targeted several Indian and South Asian jewellery stores across the East Coast, including New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Florida and Pennsylvania. Sixteen members of the gang were arrested till now, with eight arrested this week, the report said. Assistant FBI Director in Charge David Sundberg said the defendants targeted small businesses along the East Coast, stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of jewellery from hardworking families. According to US Attorney Matthew M. Graves, "This indictment alleges a conspiracy to engage in a violent armed robbery spree involving commercial establishments throughout the Eastern Seaboard." Graves added that one defendant was also charged with conspiracy to commit carjacking as part of the spree, and others were charged with laundering the proceeds from the robberies. "With an increasing number of robbery schemes that cross state lines, collaborative operations like this one are critical to holding accountable those who threaten the safety of our communities," the attorney added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: FBI busts gang involved in armed robberies of Indian jewellery stores

The FBI and other law enforcement agencies are investigating a group of Uzbek nationals who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border and claimed asylum in the U.S. this year after new intelligence found they were assisted by a human trafficker with connections to a U.S.-designated “foreign terrorist organization,” federal officials have confirmed to a news agency.

FBI investigating asylum seekers helped by smuggler with ISIS ties: Report

A Utah man who made threats against Joe Biden was shot and killed by FBI agents on Wednesday, just hours before a visit by the US president to the western state.

Man who threatened to assassinate US President Joe Biden killed by FBI

Man killed during FBI raid in connection with threats against Biden, other officials

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Around 100 arrested in FBI child abuse in US, Australia

<p>Shohini Sinha, an Indian-American woman, has recently been appointed as a special agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and will be in charge of&nbsp;the Salt Lake City Field Office. FBI Director Christopher Wray appointed her to this role.</p>

<p>Before being&nbsp;a civil servant, Shohini worked as a therapist and later as an administrator for Family Services in the non-profit United Way Agency in Indiana.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FBI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FBI</a> Salt Lake City is thrilled to welcome Shohini Sinha as our new special agent in charge. SAC Sinha most recently served as executive special assistant to the Director at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. <a href="https://t.co/H0xlgIvG9P">https://t.co/H0xlgIvG9P</a><br />
<br />
Welcome to Utah! <a href="https://t.co/REnO4bQMbl">pic.twitter.com/REnO4bQMbl</a></p>
— FBI Salt Lake City (@FBISaltLakeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBISaltLakeCity/status/1686128064479068160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Her appointment is a significant milestone in her career, as she becomes the 40th individual to undergo the prestigious coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-investigates-critical-compromise-of-air-force-fbi-communications-620750"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Pentagon investigates ‘critical compromise’ of Air Force, FBI communications</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>Here's everything you need to know about the FBI's new special agent, Shohini Sinha:</strong></p>

<h3><strong>Expertise in Counter-terrorism:</strong></h3>

<p>After completing her education in Psychology and Mental Health Counselling, Sinha joined the FBI as a Special Agent (SA) on 30 December 2001. With over two decades of experience, she began her journey working on counter-terrorism investigations, where she handled crucial security matters internationally. Her postings in London, Baghdad, and Guantanamo Bay exemplified her readiness to take on challenging roles.</p>

<p>In 2009, she was promoted to Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) and handled extraterritorial investigations based in Canada, where she communicated with Washington-based Canadian Liaison Officers. As an SSA, her biggest accomplishment was a joint investigation with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) that resulted in the arrest of three cell members for plotting attacks in Ottawa.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hunter-biden-case-fbi-told-agent-to-decline-to-respond-to-congress-says-report-617341"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Hunter Biden case: FBI told agent to 'decline to respond' to Congress, says report</strong></a></p>

<p>After being promoted to Assistant Legal Attache (ALAT), her joint investigation with the RCMP led to the arrest of two terrorist cell members for plotting an attack against the commercial rail line between New York City and Toronto.<br />
As a Field Supervisor (2015) in the Detroit Field Office, Shohini led the squad investigating Hizbollah and other Shia extremist groups.</p>

<p>Sinha has consistently demonstrated remarkable skills in handling both national security and cyber investigation cases, according to the FBI.</p>

<p><br />
In 2020, Shohini was elected as the Assistant Special in Charge for National Security matters at the Portland Field Office.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Shohini Sinha, an Indian-American woman, has recently been appointed as a special agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and will be in charge of the Salt Lake City Field Office.

Shohini Sinha, an Indian-American woman, has recently been appointed as a special agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and will be in charge of the Salt Lake City Field Office. FBI Director Christopher Wray appointed her to this role. Before being a civil servant, Shohini worked as a therapist and later as an administrator for Family Services in the non-profit United Way Agency in Indiana. #FBI Salt Lake City is thrilled to welcome Shohini Sinha as our new special agent in charge. SAC Sinha most recently served as executive special assistant to the Director at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. https://t.co/H0xlgIvG9P Welcome to Utah! pic.twitter.com/REnO4bQMbl — FBI Salt Lake City (@FBISaltLakeCity) July 31, 2023 × Her appointment is a significant milestone in her career, as she becomes the 40th individual to undergo the prestigious coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey. Also read | Pentagon investigates ‘critical compromise’ of Air Force, FBI communications Here's everything you need to know about the FBI's new special agent, Shohini Sinha: Expertise in Counter-terrorism: After completing her education in Psychology and Mental Health Counselling, Sinha joined the FBI as a Special Agent (SA) on 30 December 2001. With over two decades of experience, she began her journey working on counter-terrorism investigations, where she handled crucial security matters internationally. Her postings in London, Baghdad, and Guantanamo Bay exemplified her readiness to take on challenging roles. In 2009, she was promoted to Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) and handled extraterritorial investigations based in Canada, where she communicated with Washington-based Canadian Liaison Officers. As an SSA, her biggest accomplishment was a joint investigation with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) that resulted in the arrest of three cell members for plotting attacks in Ottawa. Also read | Hunter Biden case: FBI told agent to 'decline to respond' to Congress, says report After being promoted to Assistant Legal Attache (ALAT), her joint investigation with the RCMP led to the arrest of two terrorist cell members for plotting an attack against the commercial rail line between New York City and Toronto. As a Field Supervisor (2015) in the Detroit Field Office, Shohini led the squad investigating Hizbollah and other Shia extremist groups. Sinha has consistently demonstrated remarkable skills in handling both national security and cyber investigation cases, according to the FBI. In 2020, Shohini was elected as the Assistant Special in Charge for National Security matters at the Portland Field Office. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Shohini Sinha? Indian-American woman appointed as FBI special agent

<p>A Black man in the US who excels in disguising himself as a woman&nbsp;and carrying out loot at banks has turned out to be a massive headache for the FBI Violent Crime Task Force. He has so far attempted his fourth heist in less than two weeks, and a helpless FBI has now resorted to taking the matter to the public.</p>

<p>The media has dubbed Houston's notorious bank robber as the 'Sticky Note Bandit' because of his signature approach – he hands threatening notes to bank tellers, demanding cash. This unconventional method has garnered him quite a reputation among law enforcement and earned him the infamous nickname.</p>

<h2><strong>Four heist attempts in two weeks</strong></h2>

<p>The crime spree began on July 5 when the suspect targeted a Hancock Whitney bank and made off with an undisclosed sum of money. From there, he struck a Wells Fargo branch in east Houston, but his attempt was foiled when the quick-thinking teller locked himself up in the back room, leaving the bandit empty-handed.</p>

<p>However, the third robbery, which occurred at a Wells Fargo bank in southwest Houston, proved successful for the criminal, netting him an unknown amount of cash.</p>

<p>The fourth attempt came Tuesday morning at 11:45 AM at the Bank of America, located at 4301 San Felipe Street.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who is the mysterious Sticky Note Bandit?</strong></h2>

<p>The suspect managed to elude capture, maintaining an air of mystery by consistently dressing as a woman during the heists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Witnesses described him as a Black male, approximately 5'8" tall, with a thin to medium build.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: US hands over 105 stolen antiquities to India</strong></p>

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<p>He skillfully donned a black wig, black sunglasses, a blue medical mask, a green women's style sweater, and black women's ballet flats, and carried a black purse to complete his transformation.</p>

<p>Despite the cunning disguise, no injuries have been reported during the robberies.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>FBI urges the public to help</strong></h2>

<p>In an effort to bring the "Sticky Note Bandit" to justice, the FBI is urging Houston residents to be vigilant and report any information that might lead to his identification and arrest.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shocked-mother-urges-for-return-of-us-soldier-who-crossed-into-north-korea-617383"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;`Shocked` mother urges safe return of US soldier who crossed into North Korea</strong></a></p>

<p>A reward of $5,000 is being offered to anyone who can provide valuable tips. Anyone having any valuable information is advised to call 713-222-TIPS or reach out to the FBI Houston field office at 713-693-5000.</p>

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A Black man in the US who excels in disguising himself as a woman and carrying out loot at banks has turned out to be a massive headache for the FBI Violent Crime Task Force.

A Black man in the US who excels in disguising himself as a woman and carrying out loot at banks has turned out to be a massive headache for the FBI Violent Crime Task Force. He has so far attempted his fourth heist in less than two weeks, and a helpless FBI has now resorted to taking the matter to the public. The media has dubbed Houston's notorious bank robber as the 'Sticky Note Bandit' because of his signature approach – he hands threatening notes to bank tellers, demanding cash. This unconventional method has garnered him quite a reputation among law enforcement and earned him the infamous nickname. Four heist attempts in two weeks The crime spree began on July 5 when the suspect targeted a Hancock Whitney bank and made off with an undisclosed sum of money. From there, he struck a Wells Fargo branch in east Houston, but his attempt was foiled when the quick-thinking teller locked himself up in the back room, leaving the bandit empty-handed. However, the third robbery, which occurred at a Wells Fargo bank in southwest Houston, proved successful for the criminal, netting him an unknown amount of cash. The fourth attempt came Tuesday morning at 11:45 AM at the Bank of America, located at 4301 San Felipe Street. Who is the mysterious Sticky Note Bandit? The suspect managed to elude capture, maintaining an air of mystery by consistently dressing as a woman during the heists. Witnesses described him as a Black male, approximately 5'8" tall, with a thin to medium build. Watch: Gravitas: US hands over 105 stolen antiquities to India × He skillfully donned a black wig, black sunglasses, a blue medical mask, a green women's style sweater, and black women's ballet flats, and carried a black purse to complete his transformation. Despite the cunning disguise, no injuries have been reported during the robberies. FBI urges the public to help In an effort to bring the "Sticky Note Bandit" to justice, the FBI is urging Houston residents to be vigilant and report any information that might lead to his identification and arrest. Also read: `Shocked` mother urges safe return of US soldier who crossed into North Korea A reward of $5,000 is being offered to anyone who can provide valuable tips. Anyone having any valuable information is advised to call 713-222-TIPS or reach out to the FBI Houston field office at 713-693-5000. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US: 'Sticky Note Bandit' attempts fourth bank robbery in two weeks as helpless FBI seeks public help

<p>The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) told a senior agent to "decline to respond" to questions about the Hunter Biden investigation posed by the US Congress' House Oversight Committee, reported The New York Post. In his letter to the agent, FBI's general counsel Jason Jones described the Hunter Biden case as "ongoing". The letter was reportedly sent on Sunday. The New York Post reported, citing sources, that the FBI knew that a deposition was scheduled on Monday.</p>

<p>“[T]he Department expects that you will decline to respond to questions seeking non-public information likely covered by one or more components of executive privilege or other significant confidentiality interests, in particular information about deliberations or ongoing investigative activity in law enforcement matters,” Jones wrote as quoted by The New York Post.</p>

<p>“You should instead refer such questions to the FBI’s Office of Congressional Affairs,” the FBI lawyer added</p>

<p>“Consistent with longstanding practice, this will afford the Department the full opportunity to consider particular questions and possible accommodations that may fulfil the Committee’s legitimate need for information while protecting Executive Branch confidentiality interests.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Kissinger's surprise visit to China: Not on behalf of US government</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Concerns among Republicans</strong></p>

<p>There is concern amid Republican Party circles that the repeated designation of the investigation as "ongoing" would hinder their insistence for record and testimony.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-he-is-likely-to-get-arrested-in-january-6-riot-case-617156">Donald Trump says he is likely to get arrested in January 6 riot case</a></strong></p>

<p>On the part of Hunter Biden, his legal team says that they believe their client's legal exposure was over, especially after reaching a probation-only plea last month. This was on two misdemeanour tax fraud charges and a felony connected to gun possession. This would be expunged after probation.</p>

<p>“According to information provided to you by the Committee, the Committee is seeking information about an individual ongoing criminal investigation and prosecution,” wrote Jones in his letter as quoted by The New York Post.</p>

<p>"Specifically, the Committee has stated an interest in what the Committee has described to you as certain events that took place in December 2020 as part of this investigation. As the Department recently emphasized when affirming that U.S. Attorney David Weiss will appear before the House Committee on the Judiciary ‘at an appropriate time, consistent with the law and Department policy,’ the Department’s longstanding policy is to seek ‘wherever possible to provide information about closed, rather than open, matters',” he further said.</p>

<p>“Department officials, including those who have left the Department, are obligated to protect non-public information they learned in the course of their work. Such information could be subject to various privileges, including law enforcement, deliberative process, attorney work product, and attorney-client privileges, and privacy interests. Current and former Department officials also must protect classified information, sources and methods, and grand jury information protected by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 6(e),” he added.</p>

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) told a senior agent to "decline to respond" to questions about the Hunter Biden investigation posed by the US Congress' House Oversight Committee, reported The New York Post.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) told a senior agent to "decline to respond" to questions about the Hunter Biden investigation posed by the US Congress' House Oversight Committee, reported The New York Post. In his letter to the agent, FBI's general counsel Jason Jones described the Hunter Biden case as "ongoing". The letter was reportedly sent on Sunday. The New York Post reported, citing sources, that the FBI knew that a deposition was scheduled on Monday. “[T]he Department expects that you will decline to respond to questions seeking non-public information likely covered by one or more components of executive privilege or other significant confidentiality interests, in particular information about deliberations or ongoing investigative activity in law enforcement matters,” Jones wrote as quoted by The New York Post. “You should instead refer such questions to the FBI’s Office of Congressional Affairs,” the FBI lawyer added “Consistent with longstanding practice, this will afford the Department the full opportunity to consider particular questions and possible accommodations that may fulfil the Committee’s legitimate need for information while protecting Executive Branch confidentiality interests.” Watch | Kissinger's surprise visit to China: Not on behalf of US government × Concerns among Republicans There is concern amid Republican Party circles that the repeated designation of the investigation as "ongoing" would hinder their insistence for record and testimony. Also Read | Donald Trump says he is likely to get arrested in January 6 riot case On the part of Hunter Biden, his legal team says that they believe their client's legal exposure was over, especially after reaching a probation-only plea last month. This was on two misdemeanour tax fraud charges and a felony connected to gun possession. This would be expunged after probation. “According to information provided to you by the Committee, the Committee is seeking information about an individual ongoing criminal investigation and prosecution,” wrote Jones in his letter as quoted by The New York Post. "Specifically, the Committee has stated an interest in what the Committee has described to you as certain events that took place in December 2020 as part of this investigation. As the Department recently emphasized when affirming that U.S. Attorney David Weiss will appear before the House Committee on the Judiciary ‘at an appropriate time, consistent with the law and Department policy,’ the Department’s longstanding policy is to seek ‘wherever possible to provide information about closed, rather than open, matters',” he further said. “Department officials, including those who have left the Department, are obligated to protect non-public information they learned in the course of their work. Such information could be subject to various privileges, including law enforcement, deliberative process, attorney work product, and attorney-client privileges, and privacy interests. Current and former Department officials also must protect classified information, sources and methods, and grand jury information protected by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 6(e),” he added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Hunter Biden case: FBI told agent to 'decline to respond' to Congress, says report

There's a new report which is making headlines - it has been released by the House Judiciary Committee which reveals that the FBI colluded with a compromise Ukrainian Intelligence Agency and sought big techs help in censoring Americans.

US Republican committee exposes FBI, releases report on censorship operations | World News | WION

<p>In the United States, the attorneys for former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent Peter Strzok and former FBI lawyer Lisa Page deposed FBI director Christopher Wray under oath this week, media outlet ABC News reported on Friday. Strzok and Page are suing the federal government separately over their exits from the FBI, but their lawyers are reportedly working together.</p>

<p>The report further mentioned that two people familiar with the situation confirmed the closed-door deposition took place on Tuesday. It is said that it may pave the way for former president Donald Trump's sworn deposition in the coming weeks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report mentioned that many of Trump's attacks were based on private text messages between Strzok and Page, discovered by internal investigators.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Strzok was a former top FBI counterintelligence official and was fired by the FBI in 2018 after the anti-Trump texts were revealed, that he had exchanged with a top lawyer at the bureau, Lisa Page. He sued the Justice Department alleging he was terminated improperly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Page claims in her lawsuit that the Justice Department and FBI violated the Privacy Act by publicly releasing her private text messages. She says that the texts were used "to promote the false narrative that [she] and others at the FBI were biased against President Trump, had conspired to undermine him, and otherwise had engaged in allegedly criminal acts, including treason."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lawyers for Page said in court: "There is ample evidence that President Trump has long been fixated on — and in some instances personally involved in — matters relating to Ms. Page and Mr. Strzok."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The issue goes back to 2016 when Strzok helped to start a probe into alleged ties between Trump's presidential campaign and Russia. The former president claimed that the allegations are 'hoax'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In May, the Justice Department requested a judge to halt Trump's deposition in the case and argued that Wray should be deposed first.&nbsp;<br />
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In the United States, the attorneys for former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent Peter Strzok and former FBI lawyer Lisa Page deposed FBI director Christopher Wray under oath this week, media outlet ABC News reported on Friday.

In the United States, the attorneys for former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent Peter Strzok and former FBI lawyer Lisa Page deposed FBI director Christopher Wray under oath this week, media outlet ABC News reported on Friday. Strzok and Page are suing the federal government separately over their exits from the FBI, but their lawyers are reportedly working together. The report further mentioned that two people familiar with the situation confirmed the closed-door deposition took place on Tuesday. It is said that it may pave the way for former president Donald Trump's sworn deposition in the coming weeks. The report mentioned that many of Trump's attacks were based on private text messages between Strzok and Page, discovered by internal investigators. Strzok was a former top FBI counterintelligence official and was fired by the FBI in 2018 after the anti-Trump texts were revealed, that he had exchanged with a top lawyer at the bureau, Lisa Page. He sued the Justice Department alleging he was terminated improperly. Page claims in her lawsuit that the Justice Department and FBI violated the Privacy Act by publicly releasing her private text messages. She says that the texts were used "to promote the false narrative that [she] and others at the FBI were biased against President Trump, had conspired to undermine him, and otherwise had engaged in allegedly criminal acts, including treason." Lawyers for Page said in court: "There is ample evidence that President Trump has long been fixated on — and in some instances personally involved in — matters relating to Ms. Page and Mr. Strzok." The issue goes back to 2016 when Strzok helped to start a probe into alleged ties between Trump's presidential campaign and Russia. The former president claimed that the allegations are 'hoax'. In May, the Justice Department requested a judge to halt Trump's deposition in the case and argued that Wray should be deposed first. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

FBI director Christopher Wray deposed under oath in lawsuit over FBI agent's firing

<p>A joint operation by Delhi Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Interpol busted a call centre gang operating from India which scammed US citizens out of $20 million by impersonating a high-ranking officer from the US Drugs Enforcement Administration (DEA), according to Delhi Police. The team arrested six individuals. It includes four in India, one in Uganda, and one in Canada.</p>

<h2><strong>Arrested masterminds</strong></h2>

<p>The arrested individuals are Vatsal Mehta, Parth Armarkar, Deepak Arora, and Prashant Kumar. Mehta is believed to be the mastermind behind the operation, while Armarkar managed call centres&nbsp;in Uganda and India. The gang would impersonate a senior DEA officer named Uttam Dhillon and contact potential victims.&nbsp;</p>

<p>HCS Dhaliwal, Special Commissioner of Police, Delhi Police Special Cell said, "The FBI informed us of Parth Armarkar, who is originally from Gujarat but has been living in Uganda for a long time. In Uganda, he ran call centres. US's DEA has had a senior officer, Uttam Dhillon. He (Armarkar) impersonated his identity and called the potential victims," as per media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Impersonation, scam technique</strong></h2>

<p>Their common approach involved informing the targets that child pornographic material had been confiscated at the US-Mexico border, claiming that their contact information was found during the investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To avoid serious legal consequences, the victims were coerced into paying a penalty.</p>

<p>The gang carefully selected targets, primarily wealthy individuals unlikely to report the scam to law enforcement agencies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/microsoft-outages-in-early-june-due-to-cyberattacks-605731">Microsoft outages in early June due to cyberattacks</a></p>

<p>Even a cursory internet search would verify the existence of a real Uttam Dhillon working as a DEA administrator, adding credibility to their impersonation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The gang conducted thorough research and targeted victims based on factors such as wealth, lack of technical knowledge, and loneliness.</p>

<h2><strong>Operational base</strong></h2>

<p>While the gang primarily operated from Uganda, they occasionally made calls from India. In one instance, Armarkar allegedly requested a target in India to pay the penalty with gold bars instead of money.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Regardless of the victim's location within the United States, the gang ensured someone would collect the payment.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-schoolgirls-poisoning-state-sanctioned-committee-tries-to-downplay-poisoning-attacks-says-report-605671">Iran schoolgirls poisoning: State-sanctioned committee tries to downplay poisoning attacks, says report</a></p>

<p>The FBI has interviewed approximately 50 victims, and the total amount defrauded through this racket is estimated to be $20 million.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Unlike minor scams involving a few hundred dollars, this operation targeted victims with sums exceeding $100,000 per person. The gang meticulously profiled their targets, scanning their social media accounts and exploiting vulnerabilities such as lack of technical expertise or feelings of isolation.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russia's latest space agency mission: Raising a militia for the war in Ukraine?</strong></p>

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<p>Law enforcement authorities expect more victims to come forward. The gang used the dark web to identify individuals engaged in consuming child pornography, creating a sense of vulnerability among their targets, the official said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Believing that they were under investigation, victims sought to avoid trouble by making payments through cryptocurrencies or wire transfers.</p>

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A joint operation by Delhi Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Interpol busted a call centre gang operating from India which scammed US citizens out of $20 million by impersonating a high-ranking officer from the US Drugs Enforcement Administration (DEA), according to Delhi Police.

A joint operation by Delhi Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Interpol busted a call centre gang operating from India which scammed US citizens out of $20 million by impersonating a high-ranking officer from the US Drugs Enforcement Administration (DEA), according to Delhi Police. The team arrested six individuals. It includes four in India, one in Uganda, and one in Canada. Arrested masterminds The arrested individuals are Vatsal Mehta, Parth Armarkar, Deepak Arora, and Prashant Kumar. Mehta is believed to be the mastermind behind the operation, while Armarkar managed call centres in Uganda and India. The gang would impersonate a senior DEA officer named Uttam Dhillon and contact potential victims. HCS Dhaliwal, Special Commissioner of Police, Delhi Police Special Cell said, "The FBI informed us of Parth Armarkar, who is originally from Gujarat but has been living in Uganda for a long time. In Uganda, he ran call centres. US's DEA has had a senior officer, Uttam Dhillon. He (Armarkar) impersonated his identity and called the potential victims," as per media reports. Impersonation, scam technique Their common approach involved informing the targets that child pornographic material had been confiscated at the US-Mexico border, claiming that their contact information was found during the investigation. To avoid serious legal consequences, the victims were coerced into paying a penalty. The gang carefully selected targets, primarily wealthy individuals unlikely to report the scam to law enforcement agencies. Also Read | Microsoft outages in early June due to cyberattacks Even a cursory internet search would verify the existence of a real Uttam Dhillon working as a DEA administrator, adding credibility to their impersonation. The gang conducted thorough research and targeted victims based on factors such as wealth, lack of technical knowledge, and loneliness. Operational base While the gang primarily operated from Uganda, they occasionally made calls from India. In one instance, Armarkar allegedly requested a target in India to pay the penalty with gold bars instead of money. Regardless of the victim's location within the United States, the gang ensured someone would collect the payment. Also Read | Iran schoolgirls poisoning: State-sanctioned committee tries to downplay poisoning attacks, says report The FBI has interviewed approximately 50 victims, and the total amount defrauded through this racket is estimated to be $20 million. Unlike minor scams involving a few hundred dollars, this operation targeted victims with sums exceeding $100,000 per person. The gang meticulously profiled their targets, scanning their social media accounts and exploiting vulnerabilities such as lack of technical expertise or feelings of isolation. Watch | Russia's latest space agency mission: Raising a militia for the war in Ukraine? × Law enforcement authorities expect more victims to come forward. The gang used the dark web to identify individuals engaged in consuming child pornography, creating a sense of vulnerability among their targets, the official said. Believing that they were under investigation, victims sought to avoid trouble by making payments through cryptocurrencies or wire transfers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Delhi Police, FBI bust call centre scam which conned US citizens of $20 million

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