FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Senior Member of Al-Qaeda Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Kill U.S. Soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda
Defendant Tried to Lure American Solders to a Compound in Afghanistan that Was Rigged with Explosives; Also Facilitated the Entry of an American Citizen into Al-Qaeda
Earlier today, Saddiq al-Abbadi, 40, a Yemeni national, pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder U.S. nationals abroad, providing and conspiring to provide material support to al-Qaeda and using a machine gun in furtherance of those crimes.
The guilty plea was announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, Acting U.S. Attorney Kelly T. Currie of the Eastern District of New York and Assistant Director in Charge Andrew G. McCabe of the FBI’s Washington, D.C., Field Office. Today’s guilty plea proceeding took place before U.S. District Court Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis of the Eastern District of New York. At sentencing, al-Abbadi faces a maximum of life imprisonment.
“With the guilty plea entered today, Saddiq al-Abbadi will be held accountable for conspiring to kill Americans overseas and providing material support to al-Qaeda,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. “Seeking to identify, thwart and hold accountable those who target U.S. citizens and interests around the world will remain a top priority of the National Security Division.”
“The defendant was a high-level al-Qaeda operative with ties to the terrorist group’s senior leadership in both Pakistan and Yemen,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Currie. “He fought in battles against U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, tried to kill U.S. troops in Afghanistan by luring them to a compound rigged with explosives, and helped an American citizen gain entry to al-Qaeda. We stand resolute in our commitment to bring to justice those who would try to harm members of our military or who assist al-Qaeda’s efforts to kill Americans at home or abroad.”
“With today’s guilty plea, Al-Abbadi admitted to directly supporting the mission of a designated terrorist organization through planning an operation designed to kill U.S. forces and for engaging in recruitment efforts on behalf of al-Qaeda,” said Assistant Director in Charge McCabe. “This plea is due in no small part to the many FBI Special Agents, intelligence analysts, and linguists from the Washington and New York Field Offices as well as our interagency and international partners who spent countless hours investigating terrorism actors and al-Abbadi’s actions. The FBI will not rest until we find and hold accountable those who provide support to terrorist groups and ensure that they are brought to justice.”
According to court filings, al-Abbadi traveled from his home country of Yemen to Iraq where, from approximately late 2005 through early 2007, he fought alongside al-Qaeda affiliated battalions against U.S. troops stationed in Iraq.
In early 2008, al-Abbadi traveled to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan in order to fight for al-Qaeda in Pakistan and Afghanistan. While in the FATA, al-Abbadi – who had longstanding ties to senior members of al-Qaeda’s Yemen-based affiliate known as al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) – engaged directly with senior al-Qaeda leadership in Pakistan, including Sheikh Saeed al-Masri, the then-third ranking member of al-Qaeda.
During the late spring and summer of 2008, Al-Abbadi crossed from Pakistan into Afghanistan for the purpose of fighting and killing members of the U.S. military stationed in Afghanistan. In June 2008, he planned an operation designed to lure U.S. forces to a compound in Ghazni, Afghanistan, that was rigged with explosives set to detonate upon their entry. When U.S. forces arrived at the compound, they found rocket-propelled grenades and artillery rounds littered about. One soldier observed wiring running from the exterior gate to the inside of the compound and recognized the trap. The military evacuated and subsequently leveled the compound.
In addition to fighting against the U.S. military, al-Abbadi used his connections with al-Qaeda’s leadership to help U.S. citizen Bryant Neal Vinas gain entry into al-Qaeda. Vinas had traveled to Pakistan from Long Island, New York, in the hopes of joining al-Qaeda and fighting against U.S. military forces in Afghanistan. As a result of al-Abbadi’s assistance, Vinas was allowed to join al-Qaeda. After participating in al-Qaeda’s military training program, Vinas developed a plan with senior al-Qaeda external operations leadership to conduct an attack on the Long Island Railroad in New York. Vinas was arrested before he could carry out this attack.
Assistant Attorney General Carlin extended his grateful appreciation to the FBI. The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zainab Ahmad, Michael P. Canty and Douglas M. Pravda of the Eastern District of New York, with assistance provided by Trial Attorney Josh Parecki of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and by the Office of International Affairs.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
F-35B LIGHTNING II MAKES VERTICAL TAKEOFF FRO USS WASP
FROM: U.S. NAVY
 |
| 150520-M-XX999-003 ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 20, 2015) An F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter lands on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) during short take-off, vertical landing operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Remington Hall/Released.) |
U.S. CONGRATULATES PEOPLE OF GEORGIA ON THEIR NATIONAL DAY
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
On the Occasion of Georgia's National Day
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
May 22, 2015
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Georgia as you celebrate your Independence Day on May 26.
We greatly value our strong partnership with Georgia. The United States is firmly committed to Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders. We strongly support Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations. We are committed to helping Georgia implement its European Union Association Agreement and advance on the path toward NATO membership. And we honor the dedication and sacrifices of your troops serving around the world, including in Afghanistan.
On this day of celebration, I wish the Georgian people peace, unity, and prosperity.
On the Occasion of Georgia's National Day
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
May 22, 2015
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Georgia as you celebrate your Independence Day on May 26.
We greatly value our strong partnership with Georgia. The United States is firmly committed to Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders. We strongly support Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations. We are committed to helping Georgia implement its European Union Association Agreement and advance on the path toward NATO membership. And we honor the dedication and sacrifices of your troops serving around the world, including in Afghanistan.
On this day of celebration, I wish the Georgian people peace, unity, and prosperity.
FTC SAYS COURTS HALT DEBT COLLECTION OPERATIORS WHO ALLEGEDLY SENT THREATENING, DECEPTIVE TEXT MESSAGES
FROM: U.S. FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
FTC Halts Three Debt Collection Operations That Allegedly Threatened and Deceived Consumers via Illegal Text Messages
At the Federal Trade Commission’s request, federal courts in New York and Georgia have temporarily halted three debt collection operations that allegedly violated federal law by threatening and deceiving consumers via text messages, emails, and phone calls. The FTC seeks to permanently end the unlawful practices.
“Legitimate debt collectors know the rules,” said Jessica Rich, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “They can’t harass or lie to you, whether they send a text, email, or call you.”
According to the FTC, the defendants used text messages, emails, and phone calls to falsely threaten to arrest or sue consumers. They also unlawfully contacted friends, family members, and employers, withheld information consumers needed to confirm or dispute debts, and did not identify themselves as debt collectors, as required by law.
The defendants in the law enforcement sweep called “Messaging for Money” are known as Unified Global Group, Premier Debt Acquisitions, and The Primary Group.
The FTC’s complaint against Unified Global Group names several companies through which the defendants operated. According to the FTC, the companies at times sent texts to trick consumers into calling them back. The texts included false statements such as, “YOUR PAYMENT DECLINED WITH CARD ****-****-****-5463 . . . CALL 866.256.2117 IMMEDIATELY,” even though consumers had never arranged to make payments to the defendants. The texts failed to identify the senders as debt collectors. The defendants also used deceptive emails and robocalls, and unlawfully contacted consumers’ friends, families, and co-workers about the supposed debts.
In its complaint against Premier Debt Acquisitions, the FTC alleged that the defendants impersonated state or law enforcement officials, falsely threatened consumers with a lawsuit or arrest, and even falsely threatened to charge some consumers with criminal fraud, garnish their wages, or seize their property. In texts, they claimed they would sue the consumers and threatened to seize their possessions unless they paid. In voicemails, the defendants also falsely claimed a “uniformed officer” was on the way to the consumers’ home, and asked them to “secure any large animals or firearms” before the “officer” arrived.
Premier Debt Acquisitions also sent deceptive emails claiming that making a payment would help a consumer’s credit report, but the defendants had no ability to make good on that claim. They also kept trying to collect after consumers challenged the debt or its amount, without investigating the dispute. In one instance, they persisted despite written evidence that the debt was a result of identity theft and a prior debt collector had marked it fully paid. In other instances, the defendants tried to collect a payment even after they had received it, and hounded one person for two years about someone else’s debt.
The FTC’s complaint against the Primary Group alleged that the defendants sent consumers a series of text messages, typically not disclosing that the company is a debt collector. The defendants threatened consumers with false statements such as “I’m a process server with Primary Solutions, appointed to serve you papers for case [eight-digit number]. . .” and “Please have proper ID and a witness present who can provide a signature. If there’s no reply I’ll have to bring the document to your employer.”
The Unified Global Group defendants are Unified Global Group LLC; ARM WNY LLC, also doing business as Accredited Receivables Management; Audubon Financial Bureau, also doing business as AFB; Domenico D’Angelo, also known as Dominick D’Angelo; and Anthony Coppola. The Premier Debt Acquisitions defendants are Premier Debt Acquisitions LLC, also d/b/a PDA Group LLC; Prizm Debt Solutions LLC, also d/b/a PDS LLC; Samuel Sole and Associates LLC, also d/b/a SSA Group LLC and Imperial Processing Solutions; Charles Glander; and Jacob E. Kirbis. The Primary Group defendants are The Primary Group Inc., formerly known as A Primary Systems Group Inc., also d/b/a Primary Solutions and PSA Investigations; Gail Daniels; and June Fleming.
The FTC has charged the defendants with violating the FTC Act and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
FTC Halts Three Debt Collection Operations That Allegedly Threatened and Deceived Consumers via Illegal Text Messages
At the Federal Trade Commission’s request, federal courts in New York and Georgia have temporarily halted three debt collection operations that allegedly violated federal law by threatening and deceiving consumers via text messages, emails, and phone calls. The FTC seeks to permanently end the unlawful practices.
“Legitimate debt collectors know the rules,” said Jessica Rich, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “They can’t harass or lie to you, whether they send a text, email, or call you.”
According to the FTC, the defendants used text messages, emails, and phone calls to falsely threaten to arrest or sue consumers. They also unlawfully contacted friends, family members, and employers, withheld information consumers needed to confirm or dispute debts, and did not identify themselves as debt collectors, as required by law.
The defendants in the law enforcement sweep called “Messaging for Money” are known as Unified Global Group, Premier Debt Acquisitions, and The Primary Group.
The FTC’s complaint against Unified Global Group names several companies through which the defendants operated. According to the FTC, the companies at times sent texts to trick consumers into calling them back. The texts included false statements such as, “YOUR PAYMENT DECLINED WITH CARD ****-****-****-5463 . . . CALL 866.256.2117 IMMEDIATELY,” even though consumers had never arranged to make payments to the defendants. The texts failed to identify the senders as debt collectors. The defendants also used deceptive emails and robocalls, and unlawfully contacted consumers’ friends, families, and co-workers about the supposed debts.
In its complaint against Premier Debt Acquisitions, the FTC alleged that the defendants impersonated state or law enforcement officials, falsely threatened consumers with a lawsuit or arrest, and even falsely threatened to charge some consumers with criminal fraud, garnish their wages, or seize their property. In texts, they claimed they would sue the consumers and threatened to seize their possessions unless they paid. In voicemails, the defendants also falsely claimed a “uniformed officer” was on the way to the consumers’ home, and asked them to “secure any large animals or firearms” before the “officer” arrived.
Premier Debt Acquisitions also sent deceptive emails claiming that making a payment would help a consumer’s credit report, but the defendants had no ability to make good on that claim. They also kept trying to collect after consumers challenged the debt or its amount, without investigating the dispute. In one instance, they persisted despite written evidence that the debt was a result of identity theft and a prior debt collector had marked it fully paid. In other instances, the defendants tried to collect a payment even after they had received it, and hounded one person for two years about someone else’s debt.
The FTC’s complaint against the Primary Group alleged that the defendants sent consumers a series of text messages, typically not disclosing that the company is a debt collector. The defendants threatened consumers with false statements such as “I’m a process server with Primary Solutions, appointed to serve you papers for case [eight-digit number]. . .” and “Please have proper ID and a witness present who can provide a signature. If there’s no reply I’ll have to bring the document to your employer.”
The Unified Global Group defendants are Unified Global Group LLC; ARM WNY LLC, also doing business as Accredited Receivables Management; Audubon Financial Bureau, also doing business as AFB; Domenico D’Angelo, also known as Dominick D’Angelo; and Anthony Coppola. The Premier Debt Acquisitions defendants are Premier Debt Acquisitions LLC, also d/b/a PDA Group LLC; Prizm Debt Solutions LLC, also d/b/a PDS LLC; Samuel Sole and Associates LLC, also d/b/a SSA Group LLC and Imperial Processing Solutions; Charles Glander; and Jacob E. Kirbis. The Primary Group defendants are The Primary Group Inc., formerly known as A Primary Systems Group Inc., also d/b/a Primary Solutions and PSA Investigations; Gail Daniels; and June Fleming.
The FTC has charged the defendants with violating the FTC Act and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
CDC REPORTS ON CIGARETTE SMOKING AND SMOKELESS TOBACCO USE AMONG ADULTS
FROM: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
State-specific Prevalence of Current Cigarette Smoking and Smokeless Tobacco Use Among Adults Aged ≥18 years — United States, 2011–2013
These findings underscore the importance of effective population-based interventions focused on reducing the use of all tobacco products. From 2011 to 2013, there was a decline in current cigarette smoking prevalence in 26 states. During the same period, use of smokeless tobacco significantly increased in Louisiana, Montana, South Carolina, and West Virginia. Additionally, the concurrent use of cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco significantly increased in Delaware, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and West Virginia. The use of more than one tobacco product is concerning because adults who use both cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco have higher levels of nicotine dependence and are less likely to report planning to quit than those who exclusively smoke cigarettes. Evidence-based, statewide tobacco control programs that are comprehensive, sustained, and accountable have been shown to reduce smoking rates, as well as tobacco-related diseases and deaths.
State-specific Prevalence of Current Cigarette Smoking and Smokeless Tobacco Use Among Adults Aged ≥18 years — United States, 2011–2013
These findings underscore the importance of effective population-based interventions focused on reducing the use of all tobacco products. From 2011 to 2013, there was a decline in current cigarette smoking prevalence in 26 states. During the same period, use of smokeless tobacco significantly increased in Louisiana, Montana, South Carolina, and West Virginia. Additionally, the concurrent use of cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco significantly increased in Delaware, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and West Virginia. The use of more than one tobacco product is concerning because adults who use both cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco have higher levels of nicotine dependence and are less likely to report planning to quit than those who exclusively smoke cigarettes. Evidence-based, statewide tobacco control programs that are comprehensive, sustained, and accountable have been shown to reduce smoking rates, as well as tobacco-related diseases and deaths.
STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL'S REMARKS TO AIA ANNUAL MEETING
FROM: THE STATE DEPARTMENT
Remarks to the AIA Annual Spring Board of Governors Meeting
Remarks
Puneet Talwar
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs
Williamsburg, VA
May 21, 2015
Good morning, everyone. It’s a privilege to be here and let me thank David Joyce and Marilyn Hewson for inviting me here today.
As all of you know, at the State Department – in the Political-Military Affairs Bureau and the Economic and Business Affairs Bureau – we have re-energized our outreach to industry, and as part of that push we are glad to have such a strong presence here today.
It’s also a real pleasure to be here with my colleagues, Admiral Rixey and Assistant Secretary Jadotte – we work closely together on defense trade and so many other issues as well.
In the face of multiple crises around the world, today I’d like to speak about how America is leading in the context of today’s security environment, and how government and industry can work together – particularly in the arena of defense trade advocacy.
As President Obama has said, the question we face given the array of threats and opportunities across the globe, “is not whether America leads in the world, but how.”
There are two fundamental facts in today’s geostrategic environment that, I think, drive our leadership today.
The first is that the world’s greatest challenges do not affect any one nation alone. Terrorism; climate change; public health; territorial aggression – these are issues that affect many, if not all countries.
And the second truth is that no single nation can solve these problems alone. Of course, the United States has a unique leadership position in the world, and people look to us to step up. But we also have to recognize that even if we did everything perfectly on terrorism; even if we reduced our greenhouse gas emissions to zero… it wouldn’t be enough.
That’s why President Obama has put so much emphasis on strengthening our alliances and partnerships around the globe. Because we need our partners to step up so we can solve these problems together, in a durable and lasting way.
Defense trade is an important tool for us to be able to do that… whether it’s building the capabilities of the Israeli Defense Forces or the Iraqi Security Forces; whether it’s empowering our partners in South America or Southeast Asia.
That’s why our work together – between government and industry – is so critical. The fact is, we benefit from the American brand that you help build overseas. American companies create the most innovative, most effective solutions to meet our partners’ needs. And you have all made American products the gold standard in the defense industry. As Secretary Kerry said this week at Boeing, “the world wants what America makes.” We in government would be foolish if we did not use that to our advantage as we press forward on our national security interests.
And likewise, you in industry benefit from having U.S. leadership that’s trusted and strong, clear and coherent. The truth is that we each have a stake in each other’s success.
So when we decide that security cooperation with a foreign partner will further our national security, it’s deeply in our interest to work in an organized, collaborative, and proactive way to advocate for American interests and yes, American industry.
Now, many of you know that there are serious challenges in today’s defense trade market. It’s a competitive marketplace with other technology. The defense budget is tight here at home. Other governments can be more aggressive and often have fewer restrictions on what they are willing to sell and to whom.
We also realize that our licensing and regulatory system is imperfect… that sometimes the waits are too long or the process too opaque. And that’s exactly why we are implementing Export Control Reform – to unshackle ourselves from Cold War regulations and adapt to the 21st century… to focus our efforts on a narrower set of items that really matter… and to provide greater clarity and transparency to you in industry.
But Export Control Reform is not a panacea. Which is why we’re also refining other tools at our disposal.
Today, I’d like to discuss three objectives we have outlined in this area – and three specific actions we are taking to improve our defense trade advocacy.
First, when we in government work together, we are much more effective and powerful. It’s true that there are many players in the security cooperation enterprise and we do a lot to coordinate. I could throw so many acronyms and names at you: the Arms Transfer Technology Steering Group; the Security Cooperation Enterprise Group; the Senior Warfighter Integration Group’s work to expedite procurement.
But there are instances – specific sales – that require a tailored, unified effort to advocacy. That’s why we are building a single group, the Defense Advocacy Working Group, to identify areas that require heightened communication and an extra advocacy effort. At our different agencies, we share the same goals, but we don’t always synchronize our actions as well as we should. One central list and one central advocacy working group will lock in coordination from start to finish.
I’ll give you an example. Over the past year, we’ve piloted this process for our advocacy with Poland, which as many of you know is engaged in a historic $45 billion defense modernization program. Across every agency, we supported and advocated for U.S. solutions to Poland’s missile defense needs. Deputy Assistant Secretary Greg Kausner and Admiral Rixey travelled to Warsaw. You may have seen in the press that the Defense Department put PATRIOTs on display at a strategic time. And we had senior-level engagement to help move the ball forward. And as a result, the successful sale means supporting American jobs at home, deepening interoperability, and strengthening the security of Poland, a stalwart NATO ally.
This approach is proven – and we are now working to build on the success we saw with Poland elsewhere around the world.
Second, we in government need to project power in a more coordinated way at trade shows. Running into each other for the first time at the pavilions just doesn’t cut it. We need to do a better job coordinating our meetings, delivering consistent messages, and identifying areas we want to target. Some of you have likely seen progress already, as we are getting more in sync with each other. We want to build on this progress and are establishing an interagency working group to ensure that this coordination becomes institutionalized. Admiral Rixey’s deputy, Jenn Zakriski and I will be going to the Paris Air Show next month, and we’re looking forward to arriving ready with a common strategy for targeted outreach and advocacy.
Third, we need to be more transparent and responsive to industry. As our partners in the private sector, you should be able to ask us any time about our objectives. And you shouldn’t have to go agency to agency to agency to get answers.
That’s why, starting in July, we are launching a senior-level, quarterly industry outreach forum to have a two-way conversation with you. This quarterly forum will allow us to get input from you, assess upcoming sales, and build an advocacy strategy rooted in unity.
I know these three changes may not seem earth-shattering. But as leaders of large companies, you know that sometimes different arms of your organizations don’t talk to each other as well as they should. You’ve probably spent a lot of time on breaking down stovepipes, and you know it can have a huge impact. When we have all the oars in the water, rowing at the same time, we improve the outcome for all of us.
Yes, these are targeted actions, but we think their impact can be quite significant. Coordinating earlier and more often. Projecting our power, together, at trade shows. And continuing to deepen our engagements with industry.
Again, we have to do these things because it’s in our interest. Because the demands for our leadership are growing. Because we are more engaged in more places than ever before. You can see it in the headlines – whether it’s in the GCC or talks with Iran – but you can also see it in the trendlines that we’re so focused on, in the Asia-Pacific, where 60 percent of the world’s population is… where half of all GDP growth outside the U.S. is expected to come from in the next four years… where over half the world’s maritime commerce flows. And it’s security that underpins the economic growth – and the tremendous potential – that we are seeing in that region.
I could go on, but I’ll turn it over to Admiral Rixey and am happy to take any questions in the Q&A.
Remarks to the AIA Annual Spring Board of Governors Meeting
Remarks
Puneet Talwar
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs
Williamsburg, VA
May 21, 2015
Good morning, everyone. It’s a privilege to be here and let me thank David Joyce and Marilyn Hewson for inviting me here today.
As all of you know, at the State Department – in the Political-Military Affairs Bureau and the Economic and Business Affairs Bureau – we have re-energized our outreach to industry, and as part of that push we are glad to have such a strong presence here today.
It’s also a real pleasure to be here with my colleagues, Admiral Rixey and Assistant Secretary Jadotte – we work closely together on defense trade and so many other issues as well.
In the face of multiple crises around the world, today I’d like to speak about how America is leading in the context of today’s security environment, and how government and industry can work together – particularly in the arena of defense trade advocacy.
As President Obama has said, the question we face given the array of threats and opportunities across the globe, “is not whether America leads in the world, but how.”
There are two fundamental facts in today’s geostrategic environment that, I think, drive our leadership today.
The first is that the world’s greatest challenges do not affect any one nation alone. Terrorism; climate change; public health; territorial aggression – these are issues that affect many, if not all countries.
And the second truth is that no single nation can solve these problems alone. Of course, the United States has a unique leadership position in the world, and people look to us to step up. But we also have to recognize that even if we did everything perfectly on terrorism; even if we reduced our greenhouse gas emissions to zero… it wouldn’t be enough.
That’s why President Obama has put so much emphasis on strengthening our alliances and partnerships around the globe. Because we need our partners to step up so we can solve these problems together, in a durable and lasting way.
Defense trade is an important tool for us to be able to do that… whether it’s building the capabilities of the Israeli Defense Forces or the Iraqi Security Forces; whether it’s empowering our partners in South America or Southeast Asia.
That’s why our work together – between government and industry – is so critical. The fact is, we benefit from the American brand that you help build overseas. American companies create the most innovative, most effective solutions to meet our partners’ needs. And you have all made American products the gold standard in the defense industry. As Secretary Kerry said this week at Boeing, “the world wants what America makes.” We in government would be foolish if we did not use that to our advantage as we press forward on our national security interests.
And likewise, you in industry benefit from having U.S. leadership that’s trusted and strong, clear and coherent. The truth is that we each have a stake in each other’s success.
So when we decide that security cooperation with a foreign partner will further our national security, it’s deeply in our interest to work in an organized, collaborative, and proactive way to advocate for American interests and yes, American industry.
Now, many of you know that there are serious challenges in today’s defense trade market. It’s a competitive marketplace with other technology. The defense budget is tight here at home. Other governments can be more aggressive and often have fewer restrictions on what they are willing to sell and to whom.
We also realize that our licensing and regulatory system is imperfect… that sometimes the waits are too long or the process too opaque. And that’s exactly why we are implementing Export Control Reform – to unshackle ourselves from Cold War regulations and adapt to the 21st century… to focus our efforts on a narrower set of items that really matter… and to provide greater clarity and transparency to you in industry.
But Export Control Reform is not a panacea. Which is why we’re also refining other tools at our disposal.
Today, I’d like to discuss three objectives we have outlined in this area – and three specific actions we are taking to improve our defense trade advocacy.
First, when we in government work together, we are much more effective and powerful. It’s true that there are many players in the security cooperation enterprise and we do a lot to coordinate. I could throw so many acronyms and names at you: the Arms Transfer Technology Steering Group; the Security Cooperation Enterprise Group; the Senior Warfighter Integration Group’s work to expedite procurement.
But there are instances – specific sales – that require a tailored, unified effort to advocacy. That’s why we are building a single group, the Defense Advocacy Working Group, to identify areas that require heightened communication and an extra advocacy effort. At our different agencies, we share the same goals, but we don’t always synchronize our actions as well as we should. One central list and one central advocacy working group will lock in coordination from start to finish.
I’ll give you an example. Over the past year, we’ve piloted this process for our advocacy with Poland, which as many of you know is engaged in a historic $45 billion defense modernization program. Across every agency, we supported and advocated for U.S. solutions to Poland’s missile defense needs. Deputy Assistant Secretary Greg Kausner and Admiral Rixey travelled to Warsaw. You may have seen in the press that the Defense Department put PATRIOTs on display at a strategic time. And we had senior-level engagement to help move the ball forward. And as a result, the successful sale means supporting American jobs at home, deepening interoperability, and strengthening the security of Poland, a stalwart NATO ally.
This approach is proven – and we are now working to build on the success we saw with Poland elsewhere around the world.
Second, we in government need to project power in a more coordinated way at trade shows. Running into each other for the first time at the pavilions just doesn’t cut it. We need to do a better job coordinating our meetings, delivering consistent messages, and identifying areas we want to target. Some of you have likely seen progress already, as we are getting more in sync with each other. We want to build on this progress and are establishing an interagency working group to ensure that this coordination becomes institutionalized. Admiral Rixey’s deputy, Jenn Zakriski and I will be going to the Paris Air Show next month, and we’re looking forward to arriving ready with a common strategy for targeted outreach and advocacy.
Third, we need to be more transparent and responsive to industry. As our partners in the private sector, you should be able to ask us any time about our objectives. And you shouldn’t have to go agency to agency to agency to get answers.
That’s why, starting in July, we are launching a senior-level, quarterly industry outreach forum to have a two-way conversation with you. This quarterly forum will allow us to get input from you, assess upcoming sales, and build an advocacy strategy rooted in unity.
I know these three changes may not seem earth-shattering. But as leaders of large companies, you know that sometimes different arms of your organizations don’t talk to each other as well as they should. You’ve probably spent a lot of time on breaking down stovepipes, and you know it can have a huge impact. When we have all the oars in the water, rowing at the same time, we improve the outcome for all of us.
Yes, these are targeted actions, but we think their impact can be quite significant. Coordinating earlier and more often. Projecting our power, together, at trade shows. And continuing to deepen our engagements with industry.
Again, we have to do these things because it’s in our interest. Because the demands for our leadership are growing. Because we are more engaged in more places than ever before. You can see it in the headlines – whether it’s in the GCC or talks with Iran – but you can also see it in the trendlines that we’re so focused on, in the Asia-Pacific, where 60 percent of the world’s population is… where half of all GDP growth outside the U.S. is expected to come from in the next four years… where over half the world’s maritime commerce flows. And it’s security that underpins the economic growth – and the tremendous potential – that we are seeing in that region.
I could go on, but I’ll turn it over to Admiral Rixey and am happy to take any questions in the Q&A.
Monday, May 25, 2015
DOD REPORTS MORE AIRSTRIKES AGAINST ISIL
FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Airstrikes Against ISIL Targets Continue in Syria, Iraq
From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release
SOUTHWEST ASIA, May 25, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Officials reported details of the latest strikes, which took place between 8 a.m. yesterday and 8 a.m. today, local time, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.
Airstrikes in Syria
Attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 10 airstrikes in Syria:
-- Near Hasakah, seven airstrikes struck two large and four small ISIL tactical units, destroying four ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL checkpoint, an ISIL excavator, an ISIL vehicle bomb and an ISIL vehicle. No civilian casualties from the airstrikes were observed, officials said, adding that Kurdish fighters reported an ISIL vehicle bomb detonation that resulted in an undetermined number of civilians injured in the area.
-- Near Raqqah, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL excavator and an ISIL tank.
-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL multiple rocket launcher vehicle.
Airstrikes in Iraq
Attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 25 airstrikes in Iraq, approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense:
-- Near Baghdadi, five airstrikes struck one large and two small ISIL tactical units, destroying four ISIL structures, two ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL armored excavator, an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL vehicle bomb.
-- Near Beiji, three airstrikes destroyed an ISIL dump truck, an ISIL excavator and an ISIL tanker.
-- Near Fallujah, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL anti-aircraft artillery piece and an ISIL fighting position.
-- Near Hit, an airstrike struck an ISIL vehicle-bomb facility.
-- Near Mosul, nine airstrikes struck five ISIL tactical units and an ISIL staging area, destroying four ISIL heavy machine guns, three ISIL buildings, an ISIL armored vehicle, an ISIL excavator and an ISIL vehicle bomb.
-- Near Ramadi, an airstrike struck an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, destroying two ISIL buildings, two ISIL heavy machine guns and an ISIL rocket-propelled grenade.
-- Near Tal Afar, three airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and an ISIL vehicle, destroying two ISIL buildings, two ISIL heavy machine guns and two ISIL mortar systems.
Part of Operation Inherent Resolve
The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, the region, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said.
Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Canada, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Airstrikes Against ISIL Targets Continue in Syria, Iraq
From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release
SOUTHWEST ASIA, May 25, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Officials reported details of the latest strikes, which took place between 8 a.m. yesterday and 8 a.m. today, local time, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.
Airstrikes in Syria
Attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 10 airstrikes in Syria:
-- Near Hasakah, seven airstrikes struck two large and four small ISIL tactical units, destroying four ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL checkpoint, an ISIL excavator, an ISIL vehicle bomb and an ISIL vehicle. No civilian casualties from the airstrikes were observed, officials said, adding that Kurdish fighters reported an ISIL vehicle bomb detonation that resulted in an undetermined number of civilians injured in the area.
-- Near Raqqah, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL excavator and an ISIL tank.
-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL multiple rocket launcher vehicle.
Airstrikes in Iraq
Attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 25 airstrikes in Iraq, approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense:
-- Near Baghdadi, five airstrikes struck one large and two small ISIL tactical units, destroying four ISIL structures, two ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL armored excavator, an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL vehicle bomb.
-- Near Beiji, three airstrikes destroyed an ISIL dump truck, an ISIL excavator and an ISIL tanker.
-- Near Fallujah, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL anti-aircraft artillery piece and an ISIL fighting position.
-- Near Hit, an airstrike struck an ISIL vehicle-bomb facility.
-- Near Mosul, nine airstrikes struck five ISIL tactical units and an ISIL staging area, destroying four ISIL heavy machine guns, three ISIL buildings, an ISIL armored vehicle, an ISIL excavator and an ISIL vehicle bomb.
-- Near Ramadi, an airstrike struck an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, destroying two ISIL buildings, two ISIL heavy machine guns and an ISIL rocket-propelled grenade.
-- Near Tal Afar, three airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and an ISIL vehicle, destroying two ISIL buildings, two ISIL heavy machine guns and two ISIL mortar systems.
Part of Operation Inherent Resolve
The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, the region, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said.
Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Canada, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
U.S. CONDEMNS KILLING OF OPPOSITION PARTY LEADER IN BURUNDI
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
United States Calls for Peaceful Resolution to Crisis in Burundi
Press Statement
Marie Harf
Deputy Department Spokesperson
Washington, DC
May 25, 2015
The United States strongly condemns the May 23 killing of the leader of the opposition party Union for Peace and Development (UPD), Zedi Feruzi, and his bodyguard. We also strongly condemn the May 22 grenade attack in a market that killed several people and wounded many more. These attacks only undermine ongoing efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the current crisis through dialogue.
We call on all parties to immediately renounce the use of violence. We urge the Burundian government to conduct timely and credible investigations of the recent attacks to bring to justice those responsible and to take concrete steps to ensure the safety of political actors during the electoral process.
The United States supports the consultative political dialogue facilitated by the UN Special Envoy, Said Djinnit, and envoys from the African Union, the East African Community, and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), and we strongly urge all stakeholders to continue to participate in good faith in this dialogue to achieve a peaceful resolution to the crisis. We welcomed the May 18 communique by the ICGLR announcing a heads of state visit to Burundi, which we believe could contribute to facilitating this dialogue.
We call on the Burundian government to provide the political space needed for a peaceful and credible electoral process, including through respect for the freedoms of peaceful assembly and expression. In this regard, we urge the Burundian government to permit the immediate resumption of broadcasts by independent radio stations, end the use of the term “insurgents” to refer to peaceful protesters, and withdraw the proclamation by the Burundian National Security Council prohibiting future demonstrations.
The United States continues to monitor the situation in Burundi closely and is prepared to take additional measures against those who commit, incite or promote violence or other human rights abuses and violations.
United States Calls for Peaceful Resolution to Crisis in Burundi
Press Statement
Marie Harf
Deputy Department Spokesperson
Washington, DC
May 25, 2015
The United States strongly condemns the May 23 killing of the leader of the opposition party Union for Peace and Development (UPD), Zedi Feruzi, and his bodyguard. We also strongly condemn the May 22 grenade attack in a market that killed several people and wounded many more. These attacks only undermine ongoing efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the current crisis through dialogue.
We call on all parties to immediately renounce the use of violence. We urge the Burundian government to conduct timely and credible investigations of the recent attacks to bring to justice those responsible and to take concrete steps to ensure the safety of political actors during the electoral process.
The United States supports the consultative political dialogue facilitated by the UN Special Envoy, Said Djinnit, and envoys from the African Union, the East African Community, and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), and we strongly urge all stakeholders to continue to participate in good faith in this dialogue to achieve a peaceful resolution to the crisis. We welcomed the May 18 communique by the ICGLR announcing a heads of state visit to Burundi, which we believe could contribute to facilitating this dialogue.
We call on the Burundian government to provide the political space needed for a peaceful and credible electoral process, including through respect for the freedoms of peaceful assembly and expression. In this regard, we urge the Burundian government to permit the immediate resumption of broadcasts by independent radio stations, end the use of the term “insurgents” to refer to peaceful protesters, and withdraw the proclamation by the Burundian National Security Council prohibiting future demonstrations.
The United States continues to monitor the situation in Burundi closely and is prepared to take additional measures against those who commit, incite or promote violence or other human rights abuses and violations.
RECENT DOD PHOTOS AT BAGRAM AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN
FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
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| A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft lands at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, May 13, 2015. The pilot is assigned to the 555th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron from Aviano Air Base, Italy. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Joseph Swafford. |
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| An Afghan air force C-130H Hercules aircraft takes off from Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, May 13, 2015. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Joseph Swafford. |
"FLAGS IN" AT ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
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| Carrying bundles of small Amercian flags in backpacks, soldiers march out to their assigned sections during “Flags In” at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., May 21, 2015. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Steven Hitchcock. |
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| A total of 228,000 American flags stand at every headstone during “Flags In” at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., May 21, 2015. U.S. Army photo by Rachel Larue. |
Sunday, May 24, 2015
U.S. CONDEMNS VIOLENCE IN NORTHERN MALI
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Violence and Human Rights Violations in Mali
Press Statement
Marie Harf
Deputy Department Spokesperson
Washington, DC
May 23, 2015
The United States condemns the ongoing violence in northern Mali, including reports of summary executions of civilians in Tin Hama, and other human rights abuses and violations. We call on all parties to respect human rights and international humanitarian law, recommit to applicable cease-fire agreements and begin implementation of the May 15 Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. The United States reiterates its strong support for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and calls for the investigation of these alleged human rights violations, to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
Violence and Human Rights Violations in Mali
Press Statement
Marie Harf
Deputy Department Spokesperson
Washington, DC
May 23, 2015
The United States condemns the ongoing violence in northern Mali, including reports of summary executions of civilians in Tin Hama, and other human rights abuses and violations. We call on all parties to respect human rights and international humanitarian law, recommit to applicable cease-fire agreements and begin implementation of the May 15 Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. The United States reiterates its strong support for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and calls for the investigation of these alleged human rights violations, to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
SECRETARY CARTER SAID IRAQI FORCES FAILED TO FIGHT
FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Carter: Iraqi Forces Failed to Fight for Ramadi
By Terri Moon Cronk
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, May 24, 2015 – Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant extremists took control of Ramadi last week when Iraqi forces failed to fight for the city and instead withdrew, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said in an interview broadcast on CNN’s “State of the Union” program this morning.
“What apparently happened is the Iraqi forces just showed no will to fight,” Carter told Barbara Starr, CNN’s Pentagon correspondent. Iraqi security forces must have the will to fight and defend themselves against ISIL extremists, he added.
Iraqi Forces Vastly Outnumbered ISIL Fighters
Iraq’s forces were not outnumbered in the fight for Ramadi when ISIL gained control of the city, the secretary said. “[They] vastly outnumbered the opposing force, and yet they failed to fight,” the secretary said. “They withdrew from the site, and that says to me -- and I think most of us -- that we have an issue with the will of Iraqis to fight ISIL and defend themselves.”
U.S. military forces can provide the Iraqis with equipment and training, but “we obviously can’t give them the will to fight,” Carter said. With equipment, training, coalition support and some time, the secretary added, he hopes the Iraqis will develop that will.
Only Iraqis can defeat ISIL in their own country, the secretary told Starr. “If there comes a time where we need to change the kind of support we’re giving to the Iraqi forces, we’ll make that recommendation,” he said.
Airstrikes Work, But Iraqi Forces Are Necessary
U.S. military and coalition forces have made regular airstrikes against ISIL and its facilities in Iraq since August, but those airstrikes have limitations, the secretary noted. “Airstrikes are effective, but neither they nor anything we do can substitute for the Iraqi forces’ will to fight,” Carter said.
U.S. forces can participate in ISIL’s defeat, the secretary said. “But we can’t make Iraq run as a decent place where people live,” he added. “We can’t sustain the victory.”
No Plans for U.S. Controllers
Carter denied that the Defense Department has recommended putting U.S. forward air controllers –- military personnel who direct fighter pilots to targets -- on the ground in Iraq.
“What happened in Ramadi was a failure of the Iraqi forces to fight,” Carter said. DoD’s efforts, he added, are devoted to providing Iraqi ground forces with equipment, training, “and to try to encourage their will to fight so that our campaign enabling them can be successful, both in defeating ISIL and keeping ISIL defeated in a sustained way.”
Carter: Iraqi Forces Failed to Fight for Ramadi
By Terri Moon Cronk
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, May 24, 2015 – Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant extremists took control of Ramadi last week when Iraqi forces failed to fight for the city and instead withdrew, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said in an interview broadcast on CNN’s “State of the Union” program this morning.
“What apparently happened is the Iraqi forces just showed no will to fight,” Carter told Barbara Starr, CNN’s Pentagon correspondent. Iraqi security forces must have the will to fight and defend themselves against ISIL extremists, he added.
Iraqi Forces Vastly Outnumbered ISIL Fighters
Iraq’s forces were not outnumbered in the fight for Ramadi when ISIL gained control of the city, the secretary said. “[They] vastly outnumbered the opposing force, and yet they failed to fight,” the secretary said. “They withdrew from the site, and that says to me -- and I think most of us -- that we have an issue with the will of Iraqis to fight ISIL and defend themselves.”
U.S. military forces can provide the Iraqis with equipment and training, but “we obviously can’t give them the will to fight,” Carter said. With equipment, training, coalition support and some time, the secretary added, he hopes the Iraqis will develop that will.
Only Iraqis can defeat ISIL in their own country, the secretary told Starr. “If there comes a time where we need to change the kind of support we’re giving to the Iraqi forces, we’ll make that recommendation,” he said.
Airstrikes Work, But Iraqi Forces Are Necessary
U.S. military and coalition forces have made regular airstrikes against ISIL and its facilities in Iraq since August, but those airstrikes have limitations, the secretary noted. “Airstrikes are effective, but neither they nor anything we do can substitute for the Iraqi forces’ will to fight,” Carter said.
U.S. forces can participate in ISIL’s defeat, the secretary said. “But we can’t make Iraq run as a decent place where people live,” he added. “We can’t sustain the victory.”
No Plans for U.S. Controllers
Carter denied that the Defense Department has recommended putting U.S. forward air controllers –- military personnel who direct fighter pilots to targets -- on the ground in Iraq.
“What happened in Ramadi was a failure of the Iraqi forces to fight,” Carter said. DoD’s efforts, he added, are devoted to providing Iraqi ground forces with equipment, training, “and to try to encourage their will to fight so that our campaign enabling them can be successful, both in defeating ISIL and keeping ISIL defeated in a sustained way.”
TWO CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS CHARGED WITH CONSPIRING TO PROVIDE MATERIAL SUPPORT TO ISIL
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Friday, May 22, 2015
Two California Men Arrested on Charges of Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIL
Two California men, one of whom attempted to travel to the Middle East to allegedly join ISIL, have been arrested on charges of conspiring to provide material support to the designated foreign terrorist group the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), announced Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin and Acting U.S. Attorney Stephanie Yonekura of the Central District of California.
Muhanad Badawi, 24, and Nader Elhuzayel, 24, both of Anaheim, California, were arrested late Thursday afternoon by the FBI. Badawi and Elhuzayel were charged in a criminal complaint filed today in U.S. District Court of the Central District of California, and both men are expected to make their initial court appearance this afternoon.
The affidavit in support of the criminal complaint outlines a scheme in which Badawi and Elhuzayel used social media to discuss ISIL and terrorist attacks, expressed a desire to die as martyrs and made arrangements for Elhuzayel to leave the United States to join ISIL.
According to the affidavit, on May 3, 2015, Elhuzayel saw a tweet from Elton Simpson, one of the two gunmen who were killed trying to attack a conference in Garland, Texas. In this tweet, Simpson stated that he and his “bro” had pledged allegiance to the leader of ISIL. In response, Elhuzayel tweeted his support for the attempted attack and praised Simpson as a “martyr.”
In recorded conversations last month, Badawi and Elhuzayel “discussed how it would be a blessing to fight for the cause of Allah, and to die in the battlefield,” and they referred to ISIL as “we.” When Badawi expressed concerns about ISIL struggling due to airstrikes by Coalition forces, Elhuzayel responded that they had to be patient and “can you imagine when al-Qaeda joins with Islamic State”? According to the affidavit, Badawi responded: “We will be huge.” The two men also discussed local Muslim leaders and Elhuzayel complained that these leaders were not “legitimate” because they believed in democracy and were not fighting for an Islamic State.
The men discussed where in the Middle East they would rather be, and Elhuzayel said he wanted to fight and did not want to be in the United States, according to the conversations recounted in the affidavit.
On May 7, Badawi allowed Elhuzayel to use his credit card to purchase a one-way airline ticket for travel from Los Angeles to Tel Aviv, Israel, via Istanbul, Turkey, on a Turkish Airlines flight scheduled to depart on May 21. Badawi indicated that he would be traveling to the Middle East in the future, according to the affidavit.
Elhuzayel was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport. According to the allegations in the complaint, Elhuzayel admitted after being read Miranda rights that he planned to disembark in Istanbul to join ISIL and did not intend to travel on to Israel.
If convicted of the charge in the criminal complaint, Badawi and Elhuzayel each would face a statutory maximum sentence of 15 years in prison for conspiring to provide material support to ISIL.
A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
The investigation in this case was conducted by members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Orange County, California.
Friday, May 22, 2015
Two California Men Arrested on Charges of Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIL
Two California men, one of whom attempted to travel to the Middle East to allegedly join ISIL, have been arrested on charges of conspiring to provide material support to the designated foreign terrorist group the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), announced Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin and Acting U.S. Attorney Stephanie Yonekura of the Central District of California.
Muhanad Badawi, 24, and Nader Elhuzayel, 24, both of Anaheim, California, were arrested late Thursday afternoon by the FBI. Badawi and Elhuzayel were charged in a criminal complaint filed today in U.S. District Court of the Central District of California, and both men are expected to make their initial court appearance this afternoon.
The affidavit in support of the criminal complaint outlines a scheme in which Badawi and Elhuzayel used social media to discuss ISIL and terrorist attacks, expressed a desire to die as martyrs and made arrangements for Elhuzayel to leave the United States to join ISIL.
According to the affidavit, on May 3, 2015, Elhuzayel saw a tweet from Elton Simpson, one of the two gunmen who were killed trying to attack a conference in Garland, Texas. In this tweet, Simpson stated that he and his “bro” had pledged allegiance to the leader of ISIL. In response, Elhuzayel tweeted his support for the attempted attack and praised Simpson as a “martyr.”
In recorded conversations last month, Badawi and Elhuzayel “discussed how it would be a blessing to fight for the cause of Allah, and to die in the battlefield,” and they referred to ISIL as “we.” When Badawi expressed concerns about ISIL struggling due to airstrikes by Coalition forces, Elhuzayel responded that they had to be patient and “can you imagine when al-Qaeda joins with Islamic State”? According to the affidavit, Badawi responded: “We will be huge.” The two men also discussed local Muslim leaders and Elhuzayel complained that these leaders were not “legitimate” because they believed in democracy and were not fighting for an Islamic State.
The men discussed where in the Middle East they would rather be, and Elhuzayel said he wanted to fight and did not want to be in the United States, according to the conversations recounted in the affidavit.
On May 7, Badawi allowed Elhuzayel to use his credit card to purchase a one-way airline ticket for travel from Los Angeles to Tel Aviv, Israel, via Istanbul, Turkey, on a Turkish Airlines flight scheduled to depart on May 21. Badawi indicated that he would be traveling to the Middle East in the future, according to the affidavit.
Elhuzayel was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport. According to the allegations in the complaint, Elhuzayel admitted after being read Miranda rights that he planned to disembark in Istanbul to join ISIL and did not intend to travel on to Israel.
If convicted of the charge in the criminal complaint, Badawi and Elhuzayel each would face a statutory maximum sentence of 15 years in prison for conspiring to provide material support to ISIL.
A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
The investigation in this case was conducted by members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Orange County, California.
SEC ANNOUNCES FINAL JUDGEMENT AGAINST CHINA VALVES TECHNOLOGY, INC., AND SENIOR OFFICERS
FROM: U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Litigation Release No. 23266 / May 20, 2015
Securities and Exchange Commission v. China Valves Technology, Inc., et al., Civil Action No. 1:14-cv-01630 (U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia)
SEC Obtains Final Judgments Against China Valves Technology, Inc. and Two Senior Officers in Fraud Case
The Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission") announced today that on May 13, 2015, the Honorable Reggie B. Walton of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia entered final judgments by consent against defendants China Valves Technology, Inc. ("China Valves"), its Chairman and former CEO, Siping Fang ("Fang"), and its CFO, Renrui Tang ("Tang"). The final judgments: (i) permanently enjoin the defendants from future violations of the anti-fraud, reporting, recordkeeping, and internal controls provisions of the federal securities laws; (ii) order China Valves, Fang, and Tang to pay civil penalties of $575,000, $75,000, and $40,000, respectively; (iii) bar Fang from serving as an officer and director for five years; and (iv) bar Tang from serving as an officer and director for three years. The Commission today also issued an order pursuant to Rule 102(e)(3)(i) denying Tang the privilege of appearing or practicing as an accountant before the Commission with the right to apply for reinstatement after three years.
The case is the latest from the SEC's Cross-Border Working Group that focuses on companies with substantial foreign operations that are publicly traded in the U.S. China Valves was a China-based U.S. issuer formed through a reverse merger in 2007. On March 4, 2015, the Commission issued an order revoking the registration of China Valves securities pursuant to Section 12(j) of the Exchange Act.
The Commission's complaint, filed on September 29, 2014, alleged that China Valves, Fang, Tang, and Jianbao Wang ("Wang"), China Valves's former CEO, intentionally misled investors about the nature of China Valves's 2010 acquisition of Watts Valve Changsha Co., Ltd. ("Changsha Valve") in an effort to mask the subsidiary's prior investigation of violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") and China Valves's decision to pay sales commissions to employees that potentially violated the FCPA. The complaint further alleged that, in 2011, China Valves materially overstated income and understated liabilities incurred by a wholly-owned subsidiary, Shanghai Pudong Hanwei Valve Co., Ltd ("Hanwei Valve"), when it mischaracterized certain value added tax payments in an attempt to hide the purchase of a valve that it intended to reverse engineer.
The Commission's complaint alleged that China Valves, Fang, Wang, and Tang violated the antifraud provisions of the securities laws, Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) and Rule 10b-5. The complaint further alleged that China Valves violated reporting, recordkeeping, and internal controls provisions of the federal securities laws, Sections 13(a), 13(b)(2)(A), and 13(b)(2)(B) of the Exchange Act and Rules 12b-20, 13a-1, 13a-11, and 13a-13. Finally, the complaint alleged that Fang, Wang, and Tang falsely certified that China Valves's filings contained no material misstatements in violation of Exchange Act Rule 13a-14, and aided and abetted China Valves's violations of the reporting and books and records provisions.
China Valves, Fang, and Tang settled the Commission's charges without admitting or denying the charges in the complaint. The litigation is continuing against Wang.
The SEC's continuing investigation has been conducted by Patrick Feeney, Sarah Nilson, Kelly Dragelin, and Janet Yang, and supervised by Melissa Hodgman. Alfred Day leads the litigation team.
Litigation Release No. 23266 / May 20, 2015
Securities and Exchange Commission v. China Valves Technology, Inc., et al., Civil Action No. 1:14-cv-01630 (U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia)
SEC Obtains Final Judgments Against China Valves Technology, Inc. and Two Senior Officers in Fraud Case
The Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission") announced today that on May 13, 2015, the Honorable Reggie B. Walton of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia entered final judgments by consent against defendants China Valves Technology, Inc. ("China Valves"), its Chairman and former CEO, Siping Fang ("Fang"), and its CFO, Renrui Tang ("Tang"). The final judgments: (i) permanently enjoin the defendants from future violations of the anti-fraud, reporting, recordkeeping, and internal controls provisions of the federal securities laws; (ii) order China Valves, Fang, and Tang to pay civil penalties of $575,000, $75,000, and $40,000, respectively; (iii) bar Fang from serving as an officer and director for five years; and (iv) bar Tang from serving as an officer and director for three years. The Commission today also issued an order pursuant to Rule 102(e)(3)(i) denying Tang the privilege of appearing or practicing as an accountant before the Commission with the right to apply for reinstatement after three years.
The case is the latest from the SEC's Cross-Border Working Group that focuses on companies with substantial foreign operations that are publicly traded in the U.S. China Valves was a China-based U.S. issuer formed through a reverse merger in 2007. On March 4, 2015, the Commission issued an order revoking the registration of China Valves securities pursuant to Section 12(j) of the Exchange Act.
The Commission's complaint, filed on September 29, 2014, alleged that China Valves, Fang, Tang, and Jianbao Wang ("Wang"), China Valves's former CEO, intentionally misled investors about the nature of China Valves's 2010 acquisition of Watts Valve Changsha Co., Ltd. ("Changsha Valve") in an effort to mask the subsidiary's prior investigation of violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") and China Valves's decision to pay sales commissions to employees that potentially violated the FCPA. The complaint further alleged that, in 2011, China Valves materially overstated income and understated liabilities incurred by a wholly-owned subsidiary, Shanghai Pudong Hanwei Valve Co., Ltd ("Hanwei Valve"), when it mischaracterized certain value added tax payments in an attempt to hide the purchase of a valve that it intended to reverse engineer.
The Commission's complaint alleged that China Valves, Fang, Wang, and Tang violated the antifraud provisions of the securities laws, Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) and Rule 10b-5. The complaint further alleged that China Valves violated reporting, recordkeeping, and internal controls provisions of the federal securities laws, Sections 13(a), 13(b)(2)(A), and 13(b)(2)(B) of the Exchange Act and Rules 12b-20, 13a-1, 13a-11, and 13a-13. Finally, the complaint alleged that Fang, Wang, and Tang falsely certified that China Valves's filings contained no material misstatements in violation of Exchange Act Rule 13a-14, and aided and abetted China Valves's violations of the reporting and books and records provisions.
China Valves, Fang, and Tang settled the Commission's charges without admitting or denying the charges in the complaint. The litigation is continuing against Wang.
The SEC's continuing investigation has been conducted by Patrick Feeney, Sarah Nilson, Kelly Dragelin, and Janet Yang, and supervised by Melissa Hodgman. Alfred Day leads the litigation team.
CDC SAYS SIGNIFICANT CORRELATION FOUND BETWEEN SEVERE VISION LOSS AND POVERTY
FROM: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
Geographic Disparity of Severe Vision Loss in the United States, 2009–2013
An analysis of U.S. county-level data found a significant correlation between severe vision loss and poverty. Southern states had the highest prevalence of severe vision loss and poverty. Severe vision loss (SVL) often affects activities of daily living, leads to depression and social isolation, and increases the risk of falls and injuries. Limited data and research are available at the local levels, where interventions and policy decisions to reduce the burden of vision loss and eliminate disparities are often developed and implemented. After examining county-level data from the American Community Survey, SVL prevalence was strongly correlated with poverty. The majority of counties in the top 25 percent for both SVL and poverty were primarily in the southern United States.
Geographic Disparity of Severe Vision Loss in the United States, 2009–2013
An analysis of U.S. county-level data found a significant correlation between severe vision loss and poverty. Southern states had the highest prevalence of severe vision loss and poverty. Severe vision loss (SVL) often affects activities of daily living, leads to depression and social isolation, and increases the risk of falls and injuries. Limited data and research are available at the local levels, where interventions and policy decisions to reduce the burden of vision loss and eliminate disparities are often developed and implemented. After examining county-level data from the American Community Survey, SVL prevalence was strongly correlated with poverty. The majority of counties in the top 25 percent for both SVL and poverty were primarily in the southern United States.
MANUFACTURER OF WET WIPES SETTLES FLUSHABLE ISSUE WITH FTC
FROM: U.S. FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
Wet Wipe Manufacturer Agrees To Substantiate “Flushability” Advertising Claims under Settlement with FTC
Nice-Pak Products Were also Sold under Costco, CVS, and Target’s Private Labels
Under a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, Nice-Pak Products, Inc., a manufacturer of wet wipes, has agreed to stop advertising moist toilet tissue as flushable unless it can substantiate that the product is safe to flush. Similarly, Nice-Pak agreed to not claim that its moist toilet tissue is safe for sewer and septic tanks unless it has substantiation for those claims.
In addition, Nice-Pak will stop providing trade customers, such as retailers, with information to make such unsubstantiated claims. Costco, CVS, Target, and BJ’s Wholesale Club were Nice-Pak customers that sold the formulation of the company’s moist toilet tissue that was the subject of the complaint under their own private labels.
Nice-Pak logo, 'breaks apart after flushing'“The evidence didn’t back up Nice-Pak’s claims that their wipes were safe to flush,” said Jessica Rich, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “If you claim a product is flushable, it needs to flush in the real world, without clogging household plumbing or sewer and septic systems.”
According to the FTC’s complaint, Nice-Pak violated the FTC Act by misrepresenting that a certain formulation of its wipes: 1) are safe for sewer systems; 2) are safe for septic systems; 3) break apart shortly after being flushed; and 4) are safe to flush. The FTC also alleges Nice-Pak provided the means and instrumentalities for retailers and others that marketed the product under their own label to make similar misrepresentations. The company’s tests did not reflect, real world household plumbing or septic conditions, the FTC alleged.
The proposed administrative consent order settling the FTC charges prohibits Nice-Pak from misrepresenting that any wipe is safe to flush, unless it can substantiate that the wipe will disperse in a “sufficiently short amount of time” after flushing to prevent clogging and/or damage to household plumbing, sewage lines, septic systems, and other standard wastewater treatment equipment. The test must also replicate the physical conditions of the environment where the wipes will be disposed.
In addition, the proposed order prohibits Nice-Pak from making representations about the benefits, performance, or efficacy of moist toilet tissue, unless the statements are not misleading and the company relies on competent and reliable evidence, which in some instances must be competent and reliable scientific evidence, to support the claims made. The proposed order also prohibits Nice-Pak from providing the means and instrumentalities to anyone else to make the prohibited misrepresentations.
The Commission vote issuing the complaint and approving the proposed consent order was 5-0. The FTC will publish a description of the consent agreement package in the Federal Register shortly. The agreement will be subject to public comment for 30 days, beginning today and continuing through June 19, 2015, after which the Commission will decide whether to make the proposed consent order final. Comments can be submitted electronically.
NOTE: The Commission issues an administrative complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the law has been or is being violated, and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. When the Commission issues a consent order on a final basis, it carries the force of law with respect to future actions. Each violation of such an order may result in a civil penalty of up to $16,000.
Wet Wipe Manufacturer Agrees To Substantiate “Flushability” Advertising Claims under Settlement with FTC
Nice-Pak Products Were also Sold under Costco, CVS, and Target’s Private Labels
Under a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, Nice-Pak Products, Inc., a manufacturer of wet wipes, has agreed to stop advertising moist toilet tissue as flushable unless it can substantiate that the product is safe to flush. Similarly, Nice-Pak agreed to not claim that its moist toilet tissue is safe for sewer and septic tanks unless it has substantiation for those claims.
In addition, Nice-Pak will stop providing trade customers, such as retailers, with information to make such unsubstantiated claims. Costco, CVS, Target, and BJ’s Wholesale Club were Nice-Pak customers that sold the formulation of the company’s moist toilet tissue that was the subject of the complaint under their own private labels.
Nice-Pak logo, 'breaks apart after flushing'“The evidence didn’t back up Nice-Pak’s claims that their wipes were safe to flush,” said Jessica Rich, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “If you claim a product is flushable, it needs to flush in the real world, without clogging household plumbing or sewer and septic systems.”
According to the FTC’s complaint, Nice-Pak violated the FTC Act by misrepresenting that a certain formulation of its wipes: 1) are safe for sewer systems; 2) are safe for septic systems; 3) break apart shortly after being flushed; and 4) are safe to flush. The FTC also alleges Nice-Pak provided the means and instrumentalities for retailers and others that marketed the product under their own label to make similar misrepresentations. The company’s tests did not reflect, real world household plumbing or septic conditions, the FTC alleged.
The proposed administrative consent order settling the FTC charges prohibits Nice-Pak from misrepresenting that any wipe is safe to flush, unless it can substantiate that the wipe will disperse in a “sufficiently short amount of time” after flushing to prevent clogging and/or damage to household plumbing, sewage lines, septic systems, and other standard wastewater treatment equipment. The test must also replicate the physical conditions of the environment where the wipes will be disposed.
In addition, the proposed order prohibits Nice-Pak from making representations about the benefits, performance, or efficacy of moist toilet tissue, unless the statements are not misleading and the company relies on competent and reliable evidence, which in some instances must be competent and reliable scientific evidence, to support the claims made. The proposed order also prohibits Nice-Pak from providing the means and instrumentalities to anyone else to make the prohibited misrepresentations.
The Commission vote issuing the complaint and approving the proposed consent order was 5-0. The FTC will publish a description of the consent agreement package in the Federal Register shortly. The agreement will be subject to public comment for 30 days, beginning today and continuing through June 19, 2015, after which the Commission will decide whether to make the proposed consent order final. Comments can be submitted electronically.
NOTE: The Commission issues an administrative complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the law has been or is being violated, and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. When the Commission issues a consent order on a final basis, it carries the force of law with respect to future actions. Each violation of such an order may result in a civil penalty of up to $16,000.
FEDERAL FUNDING FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FELL IN FY 2013
FROM: NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Latest figures show decline in federal funding for R&D, equipment, facilities in FY 2013
Projections show rising federal agency obligations in FY 2014 and FY 2015
Federal agency funding for research and development and R&D plant (facilities and fixed equipment used for R&D) fell by 9 percent in fiscal year 2013, according to a new InfoBrief from the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES).
NCSES found that total federal agency obligations dropped from $141 billion to $127 billion between fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2013. Funding dropped by 4 percent for research, 14 percent for development and 11 percent for R&D plant, according to the NCSES report.
The fiscal 2013 figures represent the most recent actual data available. Estimates project that combined funding for R&D and R&D plant will rise by 3 percent ($4 billion) in fiscal 2014 and 2 percent ($3 billion) in fiscal 2015.
Changes in agency obligation levels between fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2013 include the following:
14 percent drop ($10 billion) at the Department of Defense, which accounted for just over half of all federal R&D obligations in fiscal 2013
6 percent drop ($2 billion) at the Department of Health and Human Services, which accounted for 23 percent of federal R&D obligations
3 percent drop at NASA, which accounted for 8 percent of federal R&D obligations
1 percent drop at the Department of Energy, which accounted for 8 percent of federal R&D obligations
4 percent drop at the National Science Foundation (NSF), which accounted for 4 percent of federal R&D obligations
NCSES found that federal obligations for basic research declined by 4 percent. Basic research obligations are estimated to increase by 6 percent in fiscal 2014, then decrease by less than 1 percent in fiscal 2015.
Latest figures show decline in federal funding for R&D, equipment, facilities in FY 2013
Projections show rising federal agency obligations in FY 2014 and FY 2015
Federal agency funding for research and development and R&D plant (facilities and fixed equipment used for R&D) fell by 9 percent in fiscal year 2013, according to a new InfoBrief from the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES).
NCSES found that total federal agency obligations dropped from $141 billion to $127 billion between fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2013. Funding dropped by 4 percent for research, 14 percent for development and 11 percent for R&D plant, according to the NCSES report.
The fiscal 2013 figures represent the most recent actual data available. Estimates project that combined funding for R&D and R&D plant will rise by 3 percent ($4 billion) in fiscal 2014 and 2 percent ($3 billion) in fiscal 2015.
Changes in agency obligation levels between fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2013 include the following:
14 percent drop ($10 billion) at the Department of Defense, which accounted for just over half of all federal R&D obligations in fiscal 2013
6 percent drop ($2 billion) at the Department of Health and Human Services, which accounted for 23 percent of federal R&D obligations
3 percent drop at NASA, which accounted for 8 percent of federal R&D obligations
1 percent drop at the Department of Energy, which accounted for 8 percent of federal R&D obligations
4 percent drop at the National Science Foundation (NSF), which accounted for 4 percent of federal R&D obligations
NCSES found that federal obligations for basic research declined by 4 percent. Basic research obligations are estimated to increase by 6 percent in fiscal 2014, then decrease by less than 1 percent in fiscal 2015.
REAL ESTATE INVESTOR PLEADS GUILTY TO BID RIGGING, FRAUD CONSPIRACIES AT FORECLOSURE AUCTIONS
FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Georgia Real Estate Investor Pleads Guilty to Bid Rigging and Fraud Conspiracies at Public Foreclosure Auctions
A Georgia real estate investor pleaded guilty today for his role in conspiracies to rig bids and commit mail fraud at public real estate foreclosure auctions in Georgia, the Department of Justice announced.
Felony charges against Eric Hulsman were filed on March 27, 2015, in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Georgia in Atlanta. According to court documents, from at least as early March 6, 2007, and continuing at least until Dec. 6, 2011, in Fulton County, Georgia, and from at least as early as Jan. 2, 2007, and continuing at least until Jan. 1, 2008, in DeKalb County, Georgia, Hulsman conspired with others not to bid against one another, but instead designated a winning bidder to obtain selected properties at public real estate foreclosure auctions. Hulsman was also charged with a conspiracy to use the mail to carry out a scheme to fraudulently acquire title to selected Fulton and DeKalb properties sold at public auctions, to make and receive payoffs and to divert money to co-conspirators that would have gone to mortgage holders and others by holding second, private auctions open only to members of the conspiracy. The selected properties were then awarded to the conspirators who submitted the highest bids in the second, private auctions.
“Homeowners and lenders in Fulton and DeKalb counties deserved free and fair public real estate foreclosure auctions,” said Assistant Attorney General Bill Baer of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The defendant conspired with others to keep for themselves money that should have gone to those homeowners and lenders. The division remains committed to rooting out this kind of anticompetitive conduct at foreclosure auctions.”
The primary purpose of the conspiracies was to suppress and restrain competition and to conceal payoffs in order to obtain selected real estate offered at Fulton and DeKalb county public foreclosure auctions at non-competitive prices. When real estate properties are sold at these auctions, the proceeds are used to pay off the mortgage and other debt attached to the property, with remaining proceeds, if any, paid to the homeowner. According to court documents, these conspirators paid and received money that otherwise would have gone to pay off the mortgage and other holders of debt secured by the properties, and in some cases, the defaulting homeowner.
“Today’s guilty plea of another real estate investor engaged in unfair bidding practices is further evidence of the FBI’s support for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division in ensuring that public foreclosure auctions remain a level playing field for all,” said Special Agent in Charge J. Britt Johnson of the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office. “Anyone with information regarding such criminal activities as seen in this case should promptly call their nearest FBI field office.”
A violation of the Sherman Act carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine for individuals. The maximum fine for a Sherman Act charge may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum fine. A count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine in an amount equal to the greatest of $250,000, twice the gross gain the conspirators derived from the crime or twice the gross loss caused to the victims of the crime by the conspirators.
Including Hulsman, eight cases have been filed as a result of the ongoing investigation being conducted by Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal II Section and the FBI’s Atlanta Division, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Georgia. Anyone with information concerning bid rigging or fraud related to public real estate foreclosure auctions in Georgia should contact Washington Criminal II Section of the Antitrust Division at 202-598-4000, call the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 1-888-647-3258 or visit www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.htm.
The charges were brought in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices, and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud cases against more than 25,000 defendants.
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