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“As alleged, Nicholas Welker used threats of violence in an effort to stop a journalist from reporting on the white supremacist hate group that he led.  He sought to quell freedom of expression and to intimidate and instill fear in a journalist and the journalist’s employer—a well-known news media organization,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “We will not hesitate to prosecute those who threaten the core values on which our society was founded, including freedom of the press.” 

“The defendant has admitted to violating his duty as a federal correction officer by taking bribes in exchange for smuggling contraband into the Metropolitan Detention Center, a serious betrayal of his fellow correction officers and staff, incarcerated individuals, and the trust placed in him by the government,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “This Office is focused on rooting out corruption that threatens the safety and security of our federal and local jails.” 

BROOKLYN – Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Vladislav Kotlyar pleaded guilty to defrauding insurance plans and medical suppliers by fraudulently procuring specialty baby formula.

Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Kamal Zafar was sentenced by United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack to 41 months in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with a fraudulent scheme directed at thousands of individuals in the United States.  

Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Rogelio Vega was sentenced by United States District Judge Eric R. Komitee to 16 years in prison for enticing three minors to engage in sexual conduct. 

A criminal complaint was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Sagar Steven Singh and Nicholas Ceraolo with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit computer intrusions.  The charges stem from Singh’s and Ceraolo’s efforts to extort victims by threatening to release their personal information online. 

Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Tawanna Hilliard was sentenced by United State District Judge Pamela Chen to 33 months in prison.  The defendant was previously convicted, following a one-week trial, of witness retaliation, conspiracy to commit witness retaliation, obstruction of justice and conspiracy to obstruct justice.  

BROOKLYN, NY – Earlier today, Ng Chong Hwa, also known as “Roger Ng,” a citizen of Malaysia and a former Managing Director of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (Goldman Sachs), was sentenced by United States District Judge Margo K. Brodie to 10 years’ imprisonment for conspiring to launder billions of dollars embezzled from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

“The defendant’s sextortion of a minor is unconscionable, cruel, and deserving of the punishment he received today in order to protect our communities for the lifetime of harm he has inflicted on his victims,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “I urge parents and caregivers to have frank conversations with their children about the dangers of communicating online with strangers who can pretend to be anyone or anything while making inappropriate requests for photos and videos.”

“Today’s verdict is a resounding victory for justice and for soccer fans around the world.  The defendants cheated by bribing soccer officials to act in their own greedy interests rather than in the best interests of the sport,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “The verdict today reflects this Office’s ongoing commitment to rooting out corruption at the highest levels.  Companies and individuals alike should understand that, regardless of their wealth or power, they will be brought to justice if they use the U.S. financial system to further corrupt ends.” 

“Protection from fraud extends to all consumers, regardless of what team they root for,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “As alleged, the defendant orchestrated a years’ long and far-reaching scheme to defraud sports trading cards enthusiasts and the sports memorabilia industry. Our Office is committed to addressing counterfeiting at all levels of the market.”

“Today’s enforcement action demonstrates there is a price to pay for Russian companies and oligarchs that flagrantly evade sanctions that the United States has imposed in response to the unjustified war against the people of the Ukraine,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “This Office, together with our law enforcement partners, will relentlessly pursue the proceeds of unlawful conduct, be it on land, in the air, or at sea.”