News

DJO charges hundreds in $830m Covid fraud crackdown

Published

2 years ago

August 24, 2023

In a major nationwide operation, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has brought criminal charges against 371 individuals involved in a sweeping crackdown on Covid-19 fraud, targeting a staggering $830 million in stolen relief funds, according to an official DOJ statement.

The initiative has already proven successful, with the recovery of $231 million in illicitly obtained funds. Moreover, it has exposed the alarming connection between more than 60 defendants and violent crime as well as transnational criminal networks.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, during a roundtable meeting with law enforcement officials, revealed some shocking details. In one particularly alarming case, 30 members of a street gang in Wisconsin allegedly utilized funds obtained through an unemployment fraud scheme to solicit murder-for-hire, as well as to purchase firearms and drugs.

Another case on the international stage involved four individuals charged with pandemic relief fraud and money laundering with connections to Nigeria.

Applying for assistance

Many of the individuals targeted in this operation are accused of fraudulently applying for assistance through programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans. These programs were designed to support small businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic, as outlined in a DOJ press release.

This crackdown comes in response to concerns raised by a government watchdog, which estimated in June that fraudsters could have siphoned off more than $200 billion intended for struggling businesses. This amount accounts for 17% of the total $1.2 trillion disbursed for pandemic relief.

The nationwide operation spanned three months, from May to July, and involved three strike teams in California, Maryland, and South Florida. These teams collaborated with 50 U.S. attorneys and over a dozen law enforcement partners.

Additionally, the DOJ is further bolstering its efforts to recover stolen pandemic relief funds by establishing two new strike teams in Colorado and New Jersey. Deputy Attorney General Monaco emphasized that the DOJ is committed to seeking judicial orders that will compel convicted defendants to return every ill-gotten dollar, with a window of 20 years to achieve these recoveries.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland initiated a task force in May 2021 specifically to target those who had fraudulently obtained Covid-19 relief money. To date, the task force has successfully pressed criminal charges against over 3,000 individuals and seized more than $1.4 billion in stolen pandemic relief funds, according to the DOJ.

News

Greenland says “No” to U.S. takeover — Chooses Denmark in geopolitical showdown

Greenland’s PM chooses Denmark over U.S. amid Trump’s controversy over Arctic control, emphasizing sovereignty and local sentiment.

Published

16 hours ago

January 14, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Greenland’s PM chooses Denmark over U.S. amid Trump’s controversy over Arctic control, emphasizing sovereignty and local sentiment.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens‑Frederik Nielsen has delivered a clear message amid renewed pressure from the U.S. — if forced to choose between the United States and Denmark, Greenland will pick Denmark, NATO, and the EU.

Nielsen made the declaration in Copenhagen alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen ahead of diplomatic talks with top U.S. officials.

The announcement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has again stoked controversy by suggesting Washington could pursue ownership or control of Greenland, citing strategic interests in the Arctic. European leaders and Greenlandic officials have pushed back strongly against these ideas, emphasising sovereignty and respect for international law.

This standoff places Greenland’s future in the spotlight — as Copenhagen and Nuuk reaffirm their ties, local sentiment remains overwhelmingly opposed to U.S. annexation and supportive of Greenland’s own path forward.

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#Greenland #Trump #Denmark #ArcticPolitics #NATO #Geopolitics #InternationalRelations

News

Trump promises aid amid Iran unrest

Trump urges Americans in Iran to evacuate amidst escalating protests and vows support for protesters seeking freedom.

Published

16 hours ago

January 14, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump urges Americans in Iran to evacuate amidst escalating protests and vows support for protesters seeking freedom.

President Trump has called on Americans in Iran to evacuate as tensions escalate following the government’s violent crackdown on antigovernment protesters. He has ruled out negotiations and encouraged protesters to continue their efforts, hinting that aid could be on the way.

The unrest in Iran has reportedly resulted in over 2,000 deaths, including both protesters and security forces. U.S. officials are reportedly weighing various responses, from sanctions to potential military options, though no immediate action has been confirmed.

Trump delivered a direct message to the people of Iran, emphasising support for their push for freedom and safety amid the growing crisis.

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#IranProtests #Trump #USPolitics #MiddleEastCrisis #HumanRights #EvacuationAlert #GlobalNews #TickerNews

News

Trump escalates pressure on the Federal Reserve with Powell probe

Trump administration investigates Fed Chair Powell, raising concerns over political pressure on monetary policy and economic stability.

Published

2 days ago

January 13, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump administration investigates Fed Chair Powell, raising concerns over political pressure on monetary policy and economic stability.

The Trump administration has launched a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, dramatically escalating tensions between the White House and the central bank.

The probe centres on Powell’s testimony over a controversial renovation of the Federal Reserve’s headquarters, raising alarm over whether political pressure is being applied to monetary policy decisions.

The move has sparked fierce debate in Washington, with critics warning it could undermine investor confidence and destabilise economic expectations.

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#FederalReserve #JeromePowell #DonaldTrump #USPolitics #MonetaryPolicy #Markets #Inflation #TickerNews