BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager is in hot water with a $20 million lawsuit filed by their former vice president, Hamdan Azhar.

He claims he got fired after speaking up about a colleague's shady dealings and being told to shut down a project that kept tabs on client discussions about sketchy investments, including in China.

Azhar, says that in March 2022, BlackRock told him to stop working on Trend Spotter, a tool he created, and hand over his projects to Rightpoint, where his former boss Tiffany Perkins-Munn's husband worked.

He says his persistent objections to a $2 million contract given to Rightpoint, which he called "shady business," got him fired two months later.

He started developing Trend Spotter in March 2021 during a company event and says it got a lot of attention and praise at BlackRock.

He argues that his firing was payback and not because of his work, as BlackRock claims. But a BlackRock spokesperson denies Azhar's claims, saying, "Trend Spotter was just for summarising client interactions for marketing. It didn't keep an eye on investments and had no compliance features."

Apart from BlackRock, the lawsuit also involves Perkins-Munn and Azhar's new boss, Riaz Hakkim.

Azhar says Hakkim refused to take his concerns about client discussions that Trend Spotter could have monitored seriously, which he thinks were important for BlackRock's public disclosures.

Despite BlackRock's stance, Azhar's lawyer, Subhan Tariq, points out that Azhar was being considered for a top role at BlackRock AI Labs, showing his value to the company.

This lawsuit comes at a time when the bipartisan House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party is looking into whether BlackRock and index provider MSCI helped funnel money into blacklisted Chinese companies.

The committee found that Wall Street directed $6.5 billion in 2023 into 63 Chinese companies flagged by the US government for supporting China's military or committing human rights abuses through index funds.

While not against the law, the committee has called for tighter controls on such investments, and BlackRock says it follows US laws.

Azhar, who joined BlackRock in February 2020 as head of data science for global marketing, is seeking $10 million in compensatory and punitive damages for breaking state labour laws.

Perkins-Munn works at JPMorgan Chase and Hakkim at Fidelity Investments. Neither company has responded to requests for comment.

(With inputs from Reuters)

BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager is in hot water with a $20 million lawsuit filed by their former vice president, Hamdan Azhar. He claims he got fired after speaking up about a colleague's shady dealings and being told to shut down a project that kept tabs on client discussions about sketchy investments, including in China.

BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager is in hot water with a $20 million lawsuit filed by their former vice president, Hamdan Azhar. He claims he got fired after speaking up about a colleague's shady dealings and being told to shut down a project that kept tabs on client discussions about sketchy investments, including in China. Azhar, says that in March 2022, BlackRock told him to stop working on Trend Spotter, a tool he created, and hand over his projects to Rightpoint, where his former boss Tiffany Perkins-Munn's husband worked. He says his persistent objections to a $2 million contract given to Rightpoint, which he called "shady business," got him fired two months later. He started developing Trend Spotter in March 2021 during a company event and says it got a lot of attention and praise at BlackRock. He argues that his firing was payback and not because of his work, as BlackRock claims. But a BlackRock spokesperson denies Azhar's claims, saying, "Trend Spotter was just for summarising client interactions for marketing. It didn't keep an eye on investments and had no compliance features." Apart from BlackRock, the lawsuit also involves Perkins-Munn and Azhar's new boss, Riaz Hakkim. Azhar says Hakkim refused to take his concerns about client discussions that Trend Spotter could have monitored seriously, which he thinks were important for BlackRock's public disclosures. Despite BlackRock's stance, Azhar's lawyer, Subhan Tariq, points out that Azhar was being considered for a top role at BlackRock AI Labs, showing his value to the company. This lawsuit comes at a time when the bipartisan House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party is looking into whether BlackRock and index provider MSCI helped funnel money into blacklisted Chinese companies. The committee found that Wall Street directed $6.5 billion in 2023 into 63 Chinese companies flagged by the US government for supporting China's military or committing human rights abuses through index funds. While not against the law, the committee has called for tighter controls on such investments, and BlackRock says it follows US laws. Azhar, who joined BlackRock in February 2020 as head of data science for global marketing, is seeking $10 million in compensatory and punitive damages for breaking state labour laws. Perkins-Munn works at JPMorgan Chase and Hakkim at Fidelity Investments. Neither company has responded to requests for comment. (With inputs from Reuters)

BlackRock faces $20 million lawsuit from whistleblowing ex-Vice President

President Joe Biden has responded to recent inquiries regarding his knowledge of and participation in his son's business affairs. The scrutiny intensified following revelations from an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) whistleblower who disclosed a WhatsApp message sent by Hunter Biden.

In the message, Biden's son mentioned being with his father as he discussed a deal with a Chinese associate. Despite the mounting questions, President Biden firmly denied any falsehoods during a press interaction while leaving a high-speed internet infrastructure event at the White House, reported the Daily Mail.

'No,' he told a reporter as he left the event.

Biden consistently asserted that he possessed no awareness of his son's business matters abroad.&nbsp;

<h2>Whistleblower's claims and White House statements fuel speculation</h2>

The ongoing discussion surrounding Hunter Biden's business affairs took a new turn last week with two significant developments.

Firstly, it was revealed that Hunter, who had been under federal investigation for tax and gun ownership matters, is expected to avoid prison after reaching a plea deal.

Republicans responded by releasing transcripts from IRS whistleblowers who accused the Department of Justice of undermining efforts to impose harsher penalties. The contradicting claims between the whistleblowers and the prosecutor who handled the case have further intensified the focus on the Biden family's activities.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Did White House influence Hunter Biden case?

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'As we have said many times before, the president was not in business with his son,' Ian Sams, a White House spokesperson told the Daily Mail.

<h2>Impeachment inquiry looms and whistleblower details emerge</h2>

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced that an impeachment inquiry into Attorney General Merrick Garland will commence by July 6 if the IRS whistleblower claims are substantiated.

The whistleblower, Gary Shapley, highlighted a WhatsApp message from Hunter Biden to a Chinese Communist Party official, where he made demands and referenced his father's presence.

McCarthy insisted that US&nbsp;Attorney David Weiss, who led the investigation into Hunter Biden, must testify before the House Judiciary Committee. The discrepancies between Weiss's statements and Garland's defence have become the central issue driving these inquiries.

<h2>Biden administration defends against allegations and attacks</h2>

Attorney General Garland publicly defended himself, asserting that Weiss had complete authority to make independent decisions regarding the investigation.

Garland criticised those who questioned the integrity of the Justice Department, calling it an attack on an institution vital to American democracy. McCarthy, however, suggested that the House might proceed with impeachment articles, seeking to reconcile the conflicting information provided by Weiss and Garland.

The ongoing revelations, including the contentious WhatsApp message, have sparked renewed interest in Joe Biden's connections to China and foreign payments.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hunter-biden-to-plead-guilty-on-two-misdemeanor-charges-on-july-26-607213">Hunter Biden to make court apperance on July 26 to plead guilty on misdemeanor charges</a>

<h2>Whistleblower testimonies highlight alleged misconduct</h2>

The House Ways and Means Committee released testimony from IRS whistleblowers, including Shapley, who claimed that the Justice Department, FBI, and IRS interfered with the investigation into Hunter Biden's tax evasion case.

Jason Smith, the committee's Republican chairman, described the allegations as evidence of misconduct and government abuse.

The whistleblowers cited unequal treatment, delays, and denials in enforcing tax law, suggesting Department of Justice interference in protecting Joe Biden's son. These revelations have further fuelled discussions on the Biden family's alleged improprieties.

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President Joe Biden has responded to recent inquiries regarding his knowledge of and participation in his son's business affairs. The scrutiny intensified following revelations from an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) whistleblower who disclosed a WhatsApp message sent by Hunter Biden.

President Joe Biden has responded to recent inquiries regarding his knowledge of and participation in his son's business affairs. The scrutiny intensified following revelations from an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) whistleblower who disclosed a WhatsApp message sent by Hunter Biden. In the message, Biden's son mentioned being with his father as he discussed a deal with a Chinese associate. Despite the mounting questions, President Biden firmly denied any falsehoods during a press interaction while leaving a high-speed internet infrastructure event at the White House, reported the Daily Mail. 'No,' he told a reporter as he left the event. Biden consistently asserted that he possessed no awareness of his son's business matters abroad. Whistleblower's claims and White House statements fuel speculation The ongoing discussion surrounding Hunter Biden's business affairs took a new turn last week with two significant developments. Firstly, it was revealed that Hunter, who had been under federal investigation for tax and gun ownership matters, is expected to avoid prison after reaching a plea deal. Republicans responded by releasing transcripts from IRS whistleblowers who accused the Department of Justice of undermining efforts to impose harsher penalties. The contradicting claims between the whistleblowers and the prosecutor who handled the case have further intensified the focus on the Biden family's activities. Also watch | Gravitas: Did White House influence Hunter Biden case? 'As we have said many times before, the president was not in business with his son,' Ian Sams, a White House spokesperson told the Daily Mail. Impeachment inquiry looms and whistleblower details emerge House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced that an impeachment inquiry into Attorney General Merrick Garland will commence by July 6 if the IRS whistleblower claims are substantiated. The whistleblower, Gary Shapley, highlighted a WhatsApp message from Hunter Biden to a Chinese Communist Party official, where he made demands and referenced his father's presence. McCarthy insisted that US Attorney David Weiss, who led the investigation into Hunter Biden, must testify before the House Judiciary Committee. The discrepancies between Weiss's statements and Garland's defence have become the central issue driving these inquiries. Biden administration defends against allegations and attacks Attorney General Garland publicly defended himself, asserting that Weiss had complete authority to make independent decisions regarding the investigation. Garland criticised those who questioned the integrity of the Justice Department, calling it an attack on an institution vital to American democracy. McCarthy, however, suggested that the House might proceed with impeachment articles, seeking to reconcile the conflicting information provided by Weiss and Garland. The ongoing revelations, including the contentious WhatsApp message, have sparked renewed interest in Joe Biden's connections to China and foreign payments. Also read | Hunter Biden to make court apperance on July 26 to plead guilty on misdemeanor charges Whistleblower testimonies highlight alleged misconduct The House Ways and Means Committee released testimony from IRS whistleblowers, including Shapley, who claimed that the Justice Department, FBI, and IRS interfered with the investigation into Hunter Biden's tax evasion case. Jason Smith, the committee's Republican chairman, described the allegations as evidence of misconduct and government abuse. The whistleblowers cited unequal treatment, delays, and denials in enforcing tax law, suggesting Department of Justice interference in protecting Joe Biden's son. These revelations have further fuelled discussions on the Biden family's alleged improprieties. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Biden addresses allegations: Denies lying about son's business affairs

Hundreds of protesters&nbsp;formed a human chain outside Britain's parliament on Saturday in support of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, demanding that the United States give up the attempt to extradite him.

According to AFP, the protesters' chain started in front of the Houses of Parliament, crossed Westminster Bridge over the River Thames, and then wound around the river in front of the iconic structure.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: UK approves the extradition of Julian Assange&nbsp;

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Supporters held life size cut-outs of Assange, and carried posters that read "Free Assange, end extradition", "journalism is not a crime" and "prosecute war crimes, not Assange".

Among them as per Reuters was the former leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn.

Julian Assange is wanted by the U.S. on 18 counts, including a spying charge. He allegedly violated the U.S. Espionage act by publishing classified military and diplomatic documents relating to Afghanistan and Iran wars in 2010.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-debt-reaches-all-time-high-of-31-trillion-by-2029-interest-payments-may-overtake-defence-expenditure-522565">US debt reaches all-time high of $31 trillion, by 2029 interest payments may overtake defence expenditure</a>

Washington charges him with endangering lives, however, his supporters claim that he is being victimised for exposing US wrongdoings in the two conflicts.

If found guilty Assange faces decades in jail. 
 
It's already gone on for three-and-a-half years," said Julian Assange's wife Stella.

Calling the extradition bid "a stain on the United Kingdom and a stain on the Biden administration," she said that the UK authorities should talk to the US to end it.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Hundreds of protesters formed a human chain outside Britain's parliament on Saturday in support of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, demanding that the United States give up the attempt to extradite him.

Hundreds of protesters formed a human chain outside Britain's parliament on Saturday in support of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, demanding that the United States give up the attempt to extradite him. According to AFP, the protesters' chain started in front of the Houses of Parliament, crossed Westminster Bridge over the River Thames, and then wound around the river in front of the iconic structure. Watch | Gravitas: UK approves the extradition of Julian Assange Supporters held life size cut-outs of Assange, and carried posters that read "Free Assange, end extradition", "journalism is not a crime" and "prosecute war crimes, not Assange". Among them as per Reuters was the former leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn. Julian Assange is wanted by the U.S. on 18 counts, including a spying charge. He allegedly violated the U.S. Espionage act by publishing classified military and diplomatic documents relating to Afghanistan and Iran wars in 2010. Also read | US debt reaches all-time high of $31 trillion, by 2029 interest payments may overtake defence expenditure Washington charges him with endangering lives, however, his supporters claim that he is being victimised for exposing US wrongdoings in the two conflicts. If found guilty Assange faces decades in jail. It's already gone on for three-and-a-half years," said Julian Assange's wife Stella. Calling the extradition bid "a stain on the United Kingdom and a stain on the Biden administration," she said that the UK authorities should talk to the US to end it. (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."

Hundreds form human chain around UK parliament protesting against Julian Assange extradition

Twitter whistleblower Peiter “Mudge” Zatko told the Senate Judiciary Committee in the United States on Tuesday that the social media company knowingly allowed India and China to add their agents to their workforce. Zatko, who was their former security chief, said that Twitter hired at least one agent from China’s intelligence service and accused the company of giving nations access to their data, according to AP.&nbsp;

Zatko has been extremely vocal about Twitter’s weak cyber defence, and said that the lack of focus on security has made the “company vulnerable to exploitation by teenagers, thieves and spies”.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/narendra-modi-to-meet-vladimir-putin-at-sco-summit-focus-on-trade-and-energy-ties-515924" hreflang="en">Modi to meet Putin at SCO summit, focus on trade and energy ties</a>

“I am here today because Twitter leadership is misleading the public, lawmakers, regulators and even its own board of directors,” Zatko said as he began his sworn testimony according to Associated Press.&nbsp;

“They don’t know what data they have, where it lives and where it came from and so, unsurprisingly, they can’t protect. It doesn’t matter who has keys if there are no locks,” he added. &nbsp;

Zatko’s testimony can be a huge boost to Tesla CEO Elon Musk who walked away from the proposed $44 billion Twitter takeover deal after accusing the platform of having a huge number of fake users. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-staff-member-injured-as-package-explodes-on-northeastern-university-campus-515935" hreflang="en">One staff member injured as package explodes on Northeastern University campus</a>

The trial involving Musk and Twitter will begin on October 17 with the latter looking for compensation due to the deal breaking down but Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick, the&nbsp;head&nbsp;judge&nbsp;of&nbsp;Delaware's&nbsp;Court of Chancery, ruled that all new evidence from Zatko’s testimony will be included.&nbsp;

In an official statement, Twitter denied all allegations brought forward by Zatko and said that their hiring process is “independent of any foreign influence” and they give special attention to data privacy.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Twitter whistleblower Peiter “Mudge” Zatko told the Senate Judiciary Committee in the United States on Tuesday that the social media company knowingly allowed India and China to add their agents to their workforce.

Twitter whistleblower Peiter “Mudge” Zatko told the Senate Judiciary Committee in the United States on Tuesday that the social media company knowingly allowed India and China to add their agents to their workforce. Zatko, who was their former security chief, said that Twitter hired at least one agent from China’s intelligence service and accused the company of giving nations access to their data, according to AP. Zatko has been extremely vocal about Twitter’s weak cyber defence, and said that the lack of focus on security has made the “company vulnerable to exploitation by teenagers, thieves and spies”. Also read | Modi to meet Putin at SCO summit, focus on trade and energy ties “I am here today because Twitter leadership is misleading the public, lawmakers, regulators and even its own board of directors,” Zatko said as he began his sworn testimony according to Associated Press. “They don’t know what data they have, where it lives and where it came from and so, unsurprisingly, they can’t protect. It doesn’t matter who has keys if there are no locks,” he added. Zatko’s testimony can be a huge boost to Tesla CEO Elon Musk who walked away from the proposed $44 billion Twitter takeover deal after accusing the platform of having a huge number of fake users. Also read | One staff member injured as package explodes on Northeastern University campus The trial involving Musk and Twitter will begin on October 17 with the latter looking for compensation due to the deal breaking down but Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick, the head judge of Delaware's Court of Chancery, ruled that all new evidence from Zatko’s testimony will be included. In an official statement, Twitter denied all allegations brought forward by Zatko and said that their hiring process is “independent of any foreign influence” and they give special attention to data privacy. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

India, China had their agents working for Twitter, says whistleblower

Amidst reports of rising employee&nbsp;departures and explosive revelations by a whistleblower, Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal has assured the staff during a companywide meeting that the tech company is taking all steps to address multiple challenges faced by it.&nbsp;He also called the allegations by the whistleblower “foundationally, technically and historically inaccurate”, reported Reuters, which heard the audio clip of the meeting.

Agrawal said a "false narrative" has been created about the company, which "is currently challenging our integrity”, adding, "I know that that can be frustrating, and I know it can be challenging."

Agarwal’s Wednesday meeting sought to push back the claims made by Peiter "Mudge" Zatko, Twitter's former head of security, in a whistleblower complaint that Twitter misled federal regulators about its protection against hackers and spam accounts.

He further claimed that some members of the company's executive team have tried to cover it up.

General counsel Sean Edgett said that Twitter reached out to “various agencies” globally before the news broke.

“We have never made a material misrepresentation to a regulator, to our board, to all of you,” he said.

During the meeting, the Twitter&nbsp;staff asked questions to company leaders about whether Twitter would hire or promote more junior staff members and how&nbsp;the tech company could be expected to hit its growth targets given the employee exodus.

“The only way for us to deliver is by narrowing our focus to fewer things and for that to be proportionate to the number of people here,” Agrawal said.

Twitter executives told staff that employee attrition has soared to 18.3 per cent, primarily due to the months-long chaos related to the Elon Musk takeover, current employees previously told Reuters.

Before Musk offered to buy the company for $44-billion, the attrition rate hovered between 14 per cent to 16 per cent.

Twitter is currently in a legal tussle with billionaire Musk after he pulled out of the deal, citing unresolved disagreements with the social media firm’s leadership over fake accounts on the platform.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Amidst reports of rising employee departures and explosive revelations by a whistleblower, Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal has assured the staff during a companywide meeting that the tech company is taking all steps to address multiple challenges faced by it.

Amidst reports of rising employee departures and explosive revelations by a whistleblower, Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal has assured the staff during a companywide meeting that the tech company is taking all steps to address multiple challenges faced by it. He also called the allegations by the whistleblower “foundationally, technically and historically inaccurate”, reported Reuters, which heard the audio clip of the meeting. Agrawal said a "false narrative" has been created about the company, which "is currently challenging our integrity”, adding, "I know that that can be frustrating, and I know it can be challenging." Agarwal’s Wednesday meeting sought to push back the claims made by Peiter "Mudge" Zatko, Twitter's former head of security, in a whistleblower complaint that Twitter misled federal regulators about its protection against hackers and spam accounts. He further claimed that some members of the company's executive team have tried to cover it up. General counsel Sean Edgett said that Twitter reached out to “various agencies” globally before the news broke. “We have never made a material misrepresentation to a regulator, to our board, to all of you,” he said. During the meeting, the Twitter staff asked questions to company leaders about whether Twitter would hire or promote more junior staff members and how the tech company could be expected to hit its growth targets given the employee exodus. “The only way for us to deliver is by narrowing our focus to fewer things and for that to be proportionate to the number of people here,” Agrawal said. Twitter executives told staff that employee attrition has soared to 18.3 per cent, primarily due to the months-long chaos related to the Elon Musk takeover, current employees previously told Reuters. Before Musk offered to buy the company for $44-billion, the attrition rate hovered between 14 per cent to 16 per cent. Twitter is currently in a legal tussle with billionaire Musk after he pulled out of the deal, citing unresolved disagreements with the social media firm’s leadership over fake accounts on the platform. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Amid staff exodus, Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal dismisses whistleblower’s claims

A whistleblower complaint has alleged that Twitter misled users and authorities about its security against hackers and spam accounts. The whistleblower is Twitter's former security chief Peiter Zatko, take a look in our next report.

Twitter misled regulators on hackers, spam, whistleblower says

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