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From: FBI News Briefing To: "FBINewsBriefing_Draft" < Subject: [EXTERNAL EMAIL] - DRAFT: FBI Daily News Briefing - November 26, 2025 Date: Wed, 26 Nov 2025 09:55:03 +0000 Importance: Normal View in Browser Federal Bureau of Investigation Seal November 26, 2025 Federal Bureau of Investigation Daily News Briefing (In coordination with the Office of Public Affairs) Email Public Affairs to subscribe to the Daily News Briefing. Mobile version and archive available here. Table of Contents IN THE NEWS • Arrests for Assaults on Federal Officers Surge Threefold in Trump's First Year Back in White House • FBI Probes Congressional Democrats Who Warned Military About Illegal Orders • White House Denies Report of Trump Considering Removing FBI Director • Director Patel Says Epstein Estate Refuses to Share Key Records With the FBI • FBI Surge Leads to Charges in 2020 Killing in Native American Community • Drug Arrests and Gun Seizures Fell as Homeland Security Pursued Immigration • Portland Protester Accused of Threatening to Kill Officers, Sexually Assault Their Wives at ICE Facility COUNTERTERRORISM • 143 Tren de Aragua Terrorists Arrested in South Texas • Continued Reporting: Director Patel and Deputy Director Bongino on ISIS Halloween Bust • How an Innocent Woman's Name Was Tied to the Jan. 6 Pipe Bombs CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS • James Comey Warns President Trump's Revenge Push Isn't Over • Continued Reporting: NBA Betting Scandal, FBI Investigation Timeline: Arrests to Arraignments • New York Man Sentenced to Fifteen Years for Sex Trafficking • Man Accused of Killing Brother Waives Detention Hearing • Oklahoma Police Identify Victim of Fatal Hit and Run, Case Turned Over to FBI • FBI Puts Fugitive Duo on Chicago Hot List in Slaying of Teen • Feds Will Seek Death Penalty Against Man Accused of Killing FBI Task Force Officer • Decades Old New Hampshire Murder Case Solved as DNA Evidence Confirms Culprit • Connecticut Gang Leader Sentenced for Trafficking Meth, Cocaine While on Release • Minnesota Man in White Supremacist Group Sentenced for Firearms, Drug Charges EFTA01655564 • Police, FBI Make Drug Bust in Idaho • FBI Investigating Michigan Trader Accused of Using Ponzi Scheme • Crypto Founder Defends FBI Involvement After Developer Accidentally Causes Blockchain Split • Continued Reporting: Stolen Cryptocurrency Forfeited and Returned to Victim in Georgia • Blueacorn Co-Founder Sentenced for $63 Million PPP Loan Fraud Scheme • Millions Stolen in Account Takeover Fraud Schemes Says FBI • US Attorney's Office in Nevada Pursues Justice Amid Shutdown • Arrests Made During Alabama Child Sex Predator Sting That Ended in Death of Suspect • Ohio Man Arrested in Utah on Child Sex Abuse Charges • New York Woman Faces Federal Child Pornography Charge • Alaska Man Sentenced to Prison for 1995 Sexual Assault of Teen • FBI Offers Reward for Information on New Mexico Bank Robber CYBER DIVISION • FBI Agent Says Cargo Theft Is Now 'Primarily Cyber-Enabled' • FBI Alerts Public to Fraudsters Posing as Bank Employees • FBI and BBB Issue Holiday Scam Warning to Shoppers Amid Rising Fraud Risk LABORATORY • FBI Seeks Industry Input on Biometric Algorithms, AI-Driven Tattoo Recognition • Remains in 1981 California Cold Case Identified INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS • Ghana Must Not Sabotage the Office of the Special Prosecutor OTHER FBI NEWS • The FBI Just Seized a Former Olympian's $13M Mercedes-Benz INTERNATIONAL NEWS • White House Defends Witkoff After Leak of Conversation With Russian Official • How Trump Broke Down Walls to Get Ukraine and Russia to a Peace Framework • US Army Secretary Takes Unlikely Role as Key Negotiator in Push to End Russia-Ukraine War • Trump Says He's Sending His Envoys to See Putin and Ukrainians After Fine-Tuning Plan to End War • The Reason Venezuela's Maduro Won't Resign Peacefully • 'Once in 300 Years' Rain Hits Thai City as Floods Ravage South East Asia • Bolsonaro Ordered to Start Serving 27-Year Prison Sentence for Brazil Coup Plot • Trump Says China's XI 'More or Less Agreed' to Accelerate Purchases of US Goods • Taiwan Plans Extra $40 Billion in Defence Spending to Counter China • A Promising US Healthcare Startup Battles for Survival Against Its Chinese Investor OTHER WASHINGTON NEWS • Paxton Opens Investigation Into CCP-Linked Technology in Texas Infrastructure • Judge Orders Trump Administration to Provide Bond Hearings to Detained Migrants • Senate Committee to Challenge Auto-Safety Mandates That Hurt 'Affordability' EFTA01655565 • US Negotiates Lower Prices for Ozempic and 14 Other Drugs • Massive Bar Raid in Arizona Ends With 249 Arrests " NYC Council Welcomes New Mayor With Bill That Would Dramatically Raise Salaries for City Officials " House Judiciary Chair Jordan Asks Bondi for Records on Biden Doj's Ties to Liberal Nonprofit Spit • Exclusive: How Gabbard's 'Hunters' Pounced on Secret CIA Warehouse for Kennedy Files • Health Care Plan Circulated by the White House Runs Into Familiar GOP Divisions " Court Official Dismisses Justice Department's Misconduct Complaint Against a Federal Judge in DC WASHINGTON SCHEDULE IN THE NEWS Arrests for Assaults on Federal Officers Surge Threefold in Trump's First Year Back in White House Breitbart (11/25, Boyle) reported that arrests for assaults on federal officers have surged threefold in 2025 compared to the previous administration, according to FBI data. The increase is attributed to the Trump administration's support for federal law enforcement officers and a crackdown on violent crime. "The FBI has tripled our number of arrests for Assault on Federal Officers this year compared to the previous administration, and that is no accident," Director Patel told Breitbart News in an exclusive statement. "President Trump and his administration have put a premium on supporting the men and women who go out in the field and do the hard work of cleaning up our streets, and the FBI is proud to be a part of that mission. We will continue our push to crush violent crime all across this country and support our partners doing the same. Anyone who comes after an officer fulfilling their duties will be met with the full weight of justice under this FBI." The article highlighted that the FBI also told Breitbart News that the top FBI offices by volume where these arrests happened are in the following cities: Chicago, Washington DC, Phoenix, San Antonio, and Portland. "This FBI is proud to work with our federal, state, and local partners all across the country to crush violent crime and deliver historic results in making America safe again — and we will continue to aggressively pursue those who attack law enforcement simply for doing their jobs," FBI spokesman Ben Williamson added in a statement. FBI Probes Congressional Democrats Who Warned Military About Illegal Orders Reuters (11/25, Winter, Ax) reported that the FBI has requested interviews with six Democratic lawmakers who warned members of the military that they can legally refuse to carry out unlawful orders. According to the article, the lawmakers, including Senator Mark Kelly and Representatives Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio, Chrissy Houlahan, and Senator Elissa Slotkin, claim the FBI move is an attempt by the Trump administration to silence them. The article explained that the probe comes after the lawmakers released a video stating that military personnel can refuse to follow illegal orders, which President Donald Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth have described as "seditious" acts. "The President directing the FBI to target us is exactly why we made this video in the first place," U.S. Senator Slotkin of Michigan, a former CIA officer, said on X. "This is not the America I know, and I'm not going to let this next step from the FBI stop me from speaking up for my country, and our Constitution." The Associated Press (11/25, Cappelletti, Householder) added that the FBI declined to comment Tuesday, but Director Patel, in an interview with journalist Catherine Herridge, described it as an "ongoing matter" in explaining why he could not discuss details. Asked for his reaction to the video, Director Patel said, "What goes through my head is the same thing that goes through my head in any case: is there a lawful predicate to open up an inquiry and investigation, or is there not? And that decision will be made by the career agents and analysts here at the FBI." Additional reporting on the story was provided by ABC News (11/25, Barr, Siegel, Murray), Al Jazeera (11/25, Rasheed), Axios (11/25, Solender), BBC (11/25, Saad), Bloomberg (11/25, Reilly, Birnbaum), CBS News (11/25, Yilek, Maguire), CNBC (11/25, Mangan), CNN (11/25, Lybrand, Holmes, Rimmer), Courthouse News (11/25, Weiss), Daily Signal (11/25, Winter, Ax), Detroit News (11/25, Pignolet, Burke), Fox News (11/25, Spunt, Gibson, Sorace), The Hill (11/25, Beitsch), NBC News (11/25, Reilly, Thorp V, et al.), Newsmax (11/25, Katz), NewsNation (11/25, Khalil, Noone), New York Post (11/25, King), New York Times (11/25, Jaffe), Newsweek (11/25, Silverman, Gooding), Politico (11/25, Wu), TMZ (11/25, Staff Writer), USA Today (11/25, Garrison), Wall Street Journal (11/25, Lukpat, Avila), Washington Post (11/25, Robertson), and Washington Times (11/25, Howell Jr.). EFTA01655566 White House Denies Report of Trump Considering Removing FBI Director USA TODAY (11/25, Anderson) reported that the White House has denied a report that President Trump is considering removing Director Patel. According to the article, the denial came after a report from MS NOW (11/25, Leonnig, Barron-Lopez, Dilanian) cited unnamed sources saying Trump and his team were concerned about Director Patel amid scrutiny of his use of Bureau resources. The article highlighted that Trump himself stated "No" when asked if he's considering replacing Director Patel, and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted a photo of Trump and Director Patel together to show support. Additional reporting on the story was provided by Bloomberg Law (11/25, Sullivan), Daily Mail (11/25, Staff Writer), The Independent (11/25, Rascius), The National Desk (11/25, Hazard), Newsweek (11/25, Gooding, Whisnant), Raw Story (11/25, Charky-Chami), and Reuters (11/25, Staff Writer). Director Patel Says Epstein Estate Refuses to Share Key Records With the FBI Newsweek (11/25, Gooding, Whisnant) reported that Director Patel said this week in an interview with journalist Catherine Herridge that Jeffrey Epstein's estate is refusing to share key records sought by investigators. He said the government and the estate hold "separate boxes" of information, limiting what the FBI can access as it reviews a new referral in the case. Director Patel noted that federal officials have repeatedly requested materials from the estate without success. He said the FBI will evaluate whatever evidence it can obtain as the inquiry moves forward. "Based on the new referral, we'll take a look at that and see what evidence comes, but there's an important distinction. The information that the government possesses versus the information that the Epstein estate possesses, those are two separate boxes of information and the Epstein estate has not been willing to share information with the U.S. government...and so even though we've requested them to do so," Director Patel stated. Bloomberg (11/25, Leopold) reported that the FBI has released dozens of emails related to the review and redaction of Jeffrey Epstein files, which were obtained through a FOIA request by Jason Leopold. The emails reveal that FBI personnel underwent special training for the "Epstein Transparency Project" and worked extensive hours, including nights and weekends, with the FBI paying $851,344 in overtime between March 17 and March 22. The article noted that the FBI reviewed and redacted a large volume of documents and videos, including "search warrant execution photos", "street surveillance video", and "aerial footage from FBI search warrant execution", with over 161 pages withheld due to ongoing law enforcement proceedings and other FOIA exemptions. Additional reporting on the story was provided by ABC News (11/25, Barr), Raw Story (11/25, Charky-Chami) (2), and Telegraph (11/25, Coen). FBI Surge Leads to Charges in 2020 Killing in Native American Community The Associated Press (11/26, Bryan) reported that federal authorities charged three people in the 2020 killing of Zachariah Shorty on the Navajo Nation following a surge of more than 60 extra FBI agents, analysts, and personnel deployed under Operation Not Forgotten. According to the article, the FBI's Indian Country program had roughly 4,300 open investigations at the start of fiscal year 2025, and the FBI's intensified operations this year resulted in 1,123 arrests, the recovery of more than 300 weapons, the identification or location of over 450 child victims. Director Patel acknowledged Monday that the challenge of covering such large jurisdictions is complicated by a lack of resources. He described Operation Not Forgotten as "a major step forward" in giving tribal communities the justice that they deserve. The article noted that this year's operation was the longest and most intense deployment of FBI resources in Indian Country to date, that an FBI initiative helped advance the Shorty case, and that the FBI's expanded efforts have raised hopes among families and advocates who want the investment made permanent. Drug Arrests and Gun Seizures Fell as Homeland Security Pursued Immigration The New York Times (11/25, Aleaziz, Nehamas, et al.) reported that narcotics arrests by Homeland Security special agents fell by 11% and weapon seizures dropped by 73% due to a shift in priorities to focus on immigration enforcement. According to the article, the shift in priorities has hindered investigations into major crimes, including child exploitation and terrorism financing, with a 28% drop in indictments for child exploitation crimes and a 17% drop in the number of child victims identified or rescued. The article highlighted that the FBI also devoted resources to the immigration crackdown. In a statement to The Independent (11/25, Woodward), Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin accused The New York Times of "peddling a false narrative" about HSI's report and touted an increase in arrests for human smuggling and the seizure of more than 2.5 million pounds of narcotics. "The facts are child exploitation, human trafficking, terrorism, financial scams, and smuggling all have a nexus to illegal immigration," she said. "Nearly every day, DHS law enforcement — including HSI — are arresting pedophiles, known or suspected terrorists, kidnappers, child smugglers, and sex traffickers, including those who EFTA01655567 entered our country illegally," she added. The article added that up to 45 percent of FBI agents working in counterterrorism, cyber, espionage and child exploitation cases were moved to immigration enforcement, according to data collected by the office of Democratic Senator Mark Warner. The article noted that critics have warned that the administration's government-wide response to immigration — combined with the mass purge of FBI agents and leadership — has left the nation in a vulnerable position and sharply reduced federal law enforcement's capacity to combat crime. Portland Protester Accused of Threatening to Kill Officers, Sexually Assault Their Wives at ICE Facility Fox News (11/23, Margolis) reported that John Paul Cupp, a 45-year-old Portland man, is accused of threatening to kill law enforcement officers and sexually assault their wives at an ICE facility. Cupp has been charged with making threats against a federal law enforcement officer and has a history of posting violent and aggressive content online. Director Patel told Fox News that the agency is committed to fighting extremism. "If you threaten to kill law enforcement officers or harm their families, you will face the full weight of the federal government," he said. "This FBI will use every investigative tool we have to identify violent extremists and remove them from our communities." The article added that Acting FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Matt Torres said in a statement that threats against law enforcement have no place in the community. "Attempts to intimidate those sworn to protect the American people and uphold our Constitution degrade efforts to keep all of us safe," Torres said. "The FBI will use all investigative means available to us to seek out and arrest anyone using violent rhetoric to express themselves." Director Patel made a statement on X on November 25: "Yesterday, the FBI arrested a violent protestor out of Portland who allegedly threatened to murder officers and assault their families. Under President Trump's order to counter domestic terrorism and organized political violence, we are working aggressively with partners all across the country to take these offenders off the streets one by one." Back to Top COUNTERTERRORISM 143 Tren de Aragua Terrorists Arrested in South Texas Newsmax (11/25, Staff Writer) reported that federal authorities announced a major Department of Homeland Security operation in South Texas that resulted in 143 arrests tied to the Tren de Aragua terrorist organization, according to an FBI update. According to the article, the action followed the launch of the Homeland Security Task Force—South Texas, a new initiative led by the FBI San Antonio Field Office and Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI said that 51 of those arrested were confirmed TdA members. The article noted that all 143 individuals were taken into ICE custody for immigration proceedings and that the operation involved a coalition of federal, state, and local agencies working to counter transnational criminal threats. Additional reporting on the story was provided by San Antonio Express-News (11/25, Zavala), KENS (CBS-5) (11/25, Carden, Lynch), KSAT (ABC-12) (11/25, Garza), KTBC (Fox-7) (11/25, Kite), and WOAI (NBC-4) (11/25, Moreno). Continued Reporting: Director Patel and Deputy Director Bongino on ISIS Halloween Bust Broadcast coverage published by Fox News (11/25, Video) reported that the FBI thwarted a massive terror attack in Michigan ahead of Halloween, preventing the killing of countless Americans and exposing a global terror network with connections to ISIS. Eight suspects were arrested, including Mohamed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, who have been charged with transferring firearms and ammunition to support terrorism and providing material support to ISIS. The video highlighted that Director Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino stated that if the FBI hadn't acted when they did, "people would have died" and the entire global network may not have been exposed, with arrests also made overseas in relation to the plot. How an Innocent Woman's Name Was Tied to the Jan. 6 Pipe Bombs CBS News (11/25, Jacobs, Milton, et al.) reported that a federal security officer was publicly and incorrectly linked to the Jan. 6 pipe bombs until she cleared her name with an alibi, and that the FBI ultimately ruled her out as a suspect in the 2021 plot. According to the article, an unfinished ODNI draft memo naming her circulated among officials and caught some at the FBI off guard. The FBI has continued to lead the pipe bomb investigation and maintained that the bombs were viable but did not detonate. The article noted that the woman cooperated with the FBI, that an FBI spokesperson did not comment on the matter, and that FBI officials have said they are still pursuing leads in the nearly five-year-old case. EFTA01655568 Back to Top CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS James Comey Warns President Trump's Revenge Push Isn't Over Axios (11/25, Walker) reported that former FBI Director James Comey says he expects President Trump to "come after him again" despite a judge dismissing the case against him. According to the article, the case was dismissed due to the prosecutor's appointment being "defective", but the Trump administration plans to appeal the ruling. Comey slammed Trump's attempts to prosecute him as "fundamentally un-American" and a threat to the rule of law, stating he is not afraid and believes in an independent federal judiciary. In related reporting, USA Today (11/25, Bagchi) reported that the Justice Department has time to seek new charges against James, who was charged with bank fraud and making false statements, but the deadline for charging Comey with lying to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding may have expired. The article noted that the Trump administration could try to appoint a new prosecutor, such as a "special attorney", to bring new charges against James and Comey, but the defendants may argue that the charges are vindictive and should be dismissed. Additional reporting was provided by Forbes (11/25, Durkee), The Hill (11/25, Lee, Beitsch), The New York Times (11/25, Barrett), The Washington Post (11/25, Roebuck, Rizzo, et al.), Associated Press (11/25, Tucker), NPR (11/25, Treisman), and The Guardian (11/25, Sarat). Continued Reporting: NBA Betting Scandal, FBI Investigation Timeline: Arrests to Arraignments The Athletic (11/25, Andrejev) reported that Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, and Damon Jones were arrested and charged in a federal investigation into a multi-state gambling scandal involving the NBA. According to the article, Billups and Jones have pleaded not guilty to the charges, while Rozier is due in court on December 8. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is navigating two scandals facing the league, including a betting scandal that has led to the arrest of several individuals, including Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups. "The fraud is mind-boggling," Director Patel says. "We're talking tens of millions of dollars in theft and fraud and robbery." New York Man Sentenced to Fifteen Years for Sex Trafficking Hoodline New York City (11/25, Carlisle) reported that Justin Dixon, a Staten Island man, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for sex trafficking and illegal firearm possession. According to the article, Dixon pled guilty to coercing and enticing a minor as young as 14 into prostitution, using violence and intimidation to control his victims. The article noted that the NYPD, along with the FBI, played critical roles in the successful prosecution; their collaborative efforts to address sex trafficking were reaffirmed by the substantial prison term handed to Dixon. "Justin Dixon forced multiple women, including a 14-year-old minor, to engage in sexual acts for his own financial gain, wielding threats of violence to maintain control," stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia in the press release. "Dixon repeatedly violated his victims' autonomy through degrading and manipulative grooming techniques designed to entrap them into his servitude. May today's sentencing emphasize the FBI's commitment to continued collaboration with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable any sexual predator who targets and uses others for personal financial enrichment." Additional reporting was provided by the New York Daily News (11/25, Annese). Man Accused of Killing Brother Waives Detention Hearing WZFG-FM (11/25, Larson) reported that D'Angelo Hunt, accused of killing his brother, Isaac Hunt, waived his detention hearing. According to the article, Hunt faces a second-degree murder charge with a maximum sentence of life in prison if found guilty. A special agent with the FBI wrote in the affidavit that carpet had been removed from the living room between early March searches and a follow-up visit on March 17, 2024. The article noted that DNA evidence links Hunt to a violent fight with his brother, and the remains of Isaac Hunt were found on the Spirit Lake Reservation. Oklahoma Police Identify Victim of Fatal Hit and Run, Case Turned Over to FBI K0KI (FOX-23) (11/25, Staff Writer) reported that Fort Gibson Police have identified 16-year-old Eden Ferrell as the victim in the fatal hit-and-run that occurred on November 6, and the case has now been turned over to the FBI, authorities confirmed in a November 25 update. According to the article, earlier, on November 14, investigators announced they were seeking a maroon 2016-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with front or front-passenger-side damage believed to be involved in the crash. The article noted that there was a reward for any information regarding this case. EFTA01655569 FBI Puts Fugitive Duo on Chicago Hot List in Slaying of Teen Hoodline Chicago (11/25, Marquez) reported that the FBI has added Aron Barcenas and Julio Bernal to its Chicago Most Wanted list for their alleged involvement in the 2022 murder of 14-year-old Erick Alfaro. According to the article, both suspects are considered armed and dangerous, with Barcenas described as 5-foot-4 and 140 pounds, and Bernal as 5-foot-9 and 130 pounds. The article noted that anyone with tips on the whereabouts of Barcenas or Bernal should contact the FBI Chicago Field Office. Feds Will Seek Death Penalty Against Man Accused of Killing FBI Task Force Officer The Lebanon Reporter (11/25, Fitton) reported that federal prosecutors will seek the death penalty against Shane Meehan, accused of killing Terre Haute police detective and FBI Task Force agent Greg Ferency in July 2021. According to the article, Meehan is charged with premeditated murder of a federal officer and using a firearm in a crime of violence, causing death. The article noted that the government argues that his actions, including shooting Ferency point-blank, make him eligible for the death penalty due to his reckless disregard for human life. Decades Old New Hampshire Murder Case Solved as DNA Evidence Confirms Culprit CBS News (11/25, Breen) reported that Judith Lord, a 22-year-old mother, was found murdered in her Concord, New Hampshire apartment on May 20, 1975. According to the article, the case was solved nearly five decades later using modern DNA testing from the FBI's Forensic Laboratory, which identified Ernest Theodore Gable, Lord's 24- year-old next-door neighbor at the time, as the killer. The state of New Hampshire had been prepared to indict and prosecute Gable, according to the attorney general's report, but the FBI report "created a significant evidentiary hurdle that prosecutors felt they could not overcome. The article noted that the microscopic hair comparison test results remained an issue until 2015, when the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice formally acknowledged that nearly all uses of the test had led to flawed testimony or reports. Additional reporting was provided by Hoodline Boston (11/25, Cortez), WMUR (ABC-9) (11/25, Ernstrom, Mitropoulos), Valley News (11/25, Wachman), Boston (11/25, Lucchesi), and WOKQ-FM (11/25, James). Connecticut Gang Leader Sentenced for Trafficking Meth, Cocaine While on Release Hartford Courant (11/25, Staff Writer) reported that Donald Ogman, also known as "Mainey-O" and "Manny O", was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine and cocaine. According to the article, Ogman, a leader of the Grape Street Crips gang, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine. The article noted that in 2012, Ogman was arrested by the FBI on charges related to his role in the Grape Street Crips, including drug trafficking. Additional reporting was provided by Patch (11/25, Santiago). Minnesota Man in White Supremacist Group Sentenced for Firearms, Drug Charges KMSP (FOX-9) (11/25, Wald) reported that a 41-year-old Redwood Falls man, tied to the white supremacist group Aryan Freedom Network, has been sentenced to 8.5 years in prison. According to the article, he was found guilty of possessing firearms and ammunition as a felon and of intending to distribute 5.5 pounds of marijuana. The FBI's year-long investigation revealed Munsinger's involvement with firearms and drug trafficking. The article noted that the investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force. Additional reporting was provided by The Minnesota Star Tribune (11/25, Nelson). Police, FBI Make Drug Bust in Idaho Moscow-Pullman Daily News (11/25, Kuipers) reported that the FBI and local police arrested four people, including Cyra Cunningham, Janet Pakootas, Kevin Lee Tannehill, and Ruben Padilla, in a drug bust in Moscow. According to the article, the arrests were made at Sunset Mart on Main Street, where police found methamphetamine and fentanyl on the individuals. The article noted that the four were booked into the Nez Perce County jail, with charges including possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl, destruction of evidence, probation violation, and an active warrant. FBI Investigating Michigan Trader Accused of Using Ponzi Scheme MLive (11/25, Miller) reported that the FBI is investigating Brian Mitchell, a Michigan trader, and his partner Kevin Mack Jr. for allegedly using a Ponzi scheme to hide clients' losses. According to the article, Mitchell and Mack's company, Young Pros Investment Group LLC, lost over $750,000 of the approximately $1 million traded on behalf of clients between 2020 and 2022. Earlier this month, the FBI published a notice that it was "investigating a possible fraud scheme involving 'Young Pros Investment Group' (YPIG), 'My Nest Egg; and other investment activity by Brian Mitchell, a Michigan resident," and was looking for information on possible victims. The article noted that the two EFTA01655570 men are accused of issuing false account statements and paying earlier investors with money from new investors to conceal their losses. Crypto Founder Defends FBI Involvement After Developer Accidentally Causes Blockchain Split Gizmodo (11/25, Torpey) reported that Cardano's blockchain experienced a chain split due to a malformed transaction, causing disruptions in DeFi protocols and exchanges, with the native cryptocurrency ADA falling in value. According to the article, the issue was resolved after development teams deployed patches, and the network achieved consensus around a single blockchain. The article noted that Cardano co-founder Charles Hoskinson involved the FBI, characterizing the incident as a "premeditated attack", which led to a backlash from the development community, including the resignation of senior developer Roman Kireev. Continued Reporting: Stolen Cryptocurrency Forfeited and Returned to Victim in Georgia Hoodline Atlanta (11/25, Cruz) reported that US Attorney Margaret E. Heap announced the forfeiture and return of approximately $84,327.50 in stolen cryptocurrency to a victim in Georgia. According to the article, the recovery was a result of collaboration between the U.S. Attorney's Office, the FBI, and the Justice Department's Money Laundering, Narcotics, and Forfeiture Section. The article noted that the case involved an investigation that traced the stolen cryptocurrency to overseas actors, including individuals in Cambodia, with the FBI using advanced techniques to recover the funds. "The FBI is committed to pursuing justice for victims of cybercrime, no matter where the trail leads," Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown highlighted the agency's dedication, noting the advanced techniques utilized in tracing the stolen cryptocurrency. "In this case, our agents used advanced investigative techniques to trace stolen cryptocurrency across international borders and recover funds that otherwise might have been lost forever. We'll continue working alongside our partners to identify cybercriminals, seize their illegal gains, and restore assets to those they've harmed". Blueacorn Co-Founder Sentenced for $63 Million PPP Loan Fraud Scheme Hoodline Dallas (11/25, Dawson) reported that Stephanie Hockridge, co-founder of Blueacorn, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for her role in a $63 million PPP loan fraud scheme. According to the article, Hockridge and her co-conspirators fabricated false documents to bolster loan applications and charged kickbacks based on a percentage of the PPP funds received. The article noted that federal agencies, including the FBI, IRS-CI, and others, formed the investigative force behind the case, revealing a robust effort to uphold the integrity of pandemic response initiatives. FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock noted the importance of protecting legitimate business owners and holding fraudsters accountable when he said, "The public can rest assured that the FBI is committed to holding accountable those who attempt to defraud the United States government and steal opportunities from honest, hardworking business owners." Millions Stolen in Account Takeover Fraud Schemes Says FBI The Record (11/25, Greig) reported that the FBI has received over 5,100 complaints about Account Takeover (ATO) fraud, resulting in losses of over $262 million since January. According to the article, cybercriminals use social engineering techniques, such as texts, calls, and emails, to gain access to financial accounts, which are then drained of funds. The article noted that the FBI warns that these fraud schemes are expected to increase during the holiday season, with cybercriminals utilizing tactics like poisoned search results and fake CAPTCHA to trick shoppers. Additional reporting was provided by West Virginia News (11/25, Staff Writer). US Attorney's Office in Nevada Pursues Justice Amid Shutdown Hoodline Las Vegas (11/25, Kim) reported that the US Attorney's Office in Nevada continued to prosecute key cases during the government shutdown, targeting crimes such as financial fraud and public endangerment. According to the article, notable cases include Matthew Wade Beasley's guilty plea for defrauding investors of $519.9 million and Francisco Ivan Velazquez's conviction for impersonating an IRS officer. He allegedly used the money to pay off gambling debts, fund luxury homes, and buy high-end cars. Beasley's sentencing is set for January 28, 2026, with the FBI having spearheaded the investigation into this operation. The article noted that the FBI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case. Arrests Made During Alabama Child Sex Predator Sting That Ended in Death of Suspect 1819 News (11/25, Thomas) reported that Kaiden Wilson, 19, and Edward Mattox, 55, were arrested in a Marshall County child sex predator sting for traveling to meet a child for an unlawful act. According to the article, Mattox also faces a charge of human trafficking, and both suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty. The article EFTA01655571 noted that the Guntersville Police Department, the FBI, DHS, and the District Attorney's Office assisted in the investigation. Ohio Man Arrested in Utah on Child Sex Abuse Charges Deseret News (11/25, Walsh) reported that Wade S. Christofferson, a 72-year-old Ohio man, faces federal charges of child sexual abuse for allegedly abusing children in Ohio and Utah after being arrested by the FBI. According to the article, Christofferson is charged with attempting to sexually exploit a minor and with coercion and enticement, and is expected to be extradited from Utah to Ohio. The article noted that the FBI Salt Lake City Division contributed to this investigation. Additional reporting was provided by KTVX (ABC-4) (11/25, Jewkes) and Hoodline Columbus (11/25, Reed). New York Woman Faces Federal Child Pornography Charge WWNY (CBS-7) (11/25, Rutherford) reported that Paige Kincheloe, a Watertown woman, faces a federal child pornography charge for allegedly receiving videos of child abuse. According to the article, FBI agents allege that Kincheloe exchanged multiple videos with a Colorado man on the messaging app Telegram in 2024. His user name was bighead789. "Bighead and Kincheloe continued to talk about having sex with children known to them, including raping the children, and both discussed how sexually arousing that would be," the complaint states. The complaint says she voluntarily spoke with FBI agents about her online activity. The article noted that the FBI was able to trace the bighead and Kincheloe. According to the complaint, bighead was arrested at his home in Castle Rock, Colorado. Alaska Man Sentenced to Prison for 1995 Sexual Assault of Teen Alaska Native News (11/25, Sullivan) reported that Ronald Fischer, 53, was sentenced to serve 25 years with 10 years suspended for the 1995 sexual assault of a 17-year-old girl in Anchorage. According to the article, Fischer was found guilty by an Anchorage jury in May 2025 after a sexual assault kit from the incident was tested in 2022 in the FBI's CODIS database and matched his DNA. The article noted that the sentence is equivalent to 15 years of imprisonment, as 10 years are suspended, for the Sexual Assault in the First-Degree conviction. FBI Offers Reward for Information on New Mexico Bank Robber KRQE (CBS-13) (11/25, Fischer) reported that the FBI and Albuquerque Police Department are seeking information on a bank robbery that occurred at the Bank of America on Coors Blvd. NW in Albuquerque on Nov. 20. According to the article, the suspect implied he had a bomb and demanded cash from a teller, receiving an undisclosed amount of money. The article noted that the FBI is offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect. Back to Top CYBER DIVISION FBI Agent Says Cargo Theft Is Now 'Primarily Cyber-Enabled' PYMNTS (11/25, Staff Writer) reported that an FBI supervisory special agent told the Wall Street Journal (11/25, Berger, Loten) that cargo theft is now "primarily cyber-enabled," with many thefts beginning on online platforms that match trucking companies with shipments. According to the article, the FBI said on its website that both strategic cargo theft and cyber cargo theft are major threats, and the agent described how cybercriminals impersonate officials, deploy malicious software, seize control of trucking companies' online systems, and reroute shipments to criminal warehouses. The article noted that the FBI advises companies using online load boards to exercise increased caution and verify identities, and that cargo-theft losses have surged amid escalating phishing, impersonation scams, and cyber-enabled logistics manipulation. FBI Alerts Public to Fraudsters Posing as Bank Employees cleveland.com (11/25, Remington) reported that the FBI has reported over 5,100 cases of account takeover fraud in 2025, resulting in losses of over $262 million. According to the article, cybercriminals are using tactics such as phishing, social-engineering, and fake websites to impersonate financial institutions and gain access to people's online accounts. The article noted that the FBI is advising consumers to protect themselves by using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and monitoring their financial accounts to prevent account takeover fraud. Security Affairs (11/25, Paganini), PYMNTS (11/25, Staff Writer), and Bleeping Computer (11/25, Gatlan) also reported on the story. EFTA01655572 FBI and BBB Issue Holiday Scam Warning to Shoppers Amid Rising Fraud Risk WCNC (NBC-36) (11/25, Riley) reported that the FBI and Better Business Bureau (BBB) are warning holiday shoppers about a surge in scams during the holiday season. According to the article, scammers are using various tactics, including fake charity appeals, phishing emails, and social media ads, to target consumers, according to Juliana O'Rork with the BBB. The article noted that consumers can protect themselves by verifying secure websites (looking for HTTPS), watching for typos, and reporting suspicious activity to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center or the BBB's Scam Tracker. The Record (11/25, Greig) highlighted that the FBI said there has also been an increase in search engine optimization (SEO) poisoning, where cybercriminals place ads on platforms like Google that look like legitimate e-commerce websites but are not. "Once the impersonators have access and control of the accounts, the cyber criminals quickly wire funds to other criminal-controlled accounts, many of which are linked to cryptocurrency wallets; therefore, funds are disbursed quickly and are difficult to trace and recover," the FBI said. "In some cases, including nearly all social engineering cases, the cyber criminals change the online account password, locking the owner out of their own financial account(s)." Back to Top LABORATORY FBI Seeks Industry Input on Biometric Algorithms, AI-Driven Tattoo Recognition Biometric Update (11/25, Kimery) reported that the FBI has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather industry input on the next generation of biometric matching algorithms, including AI-driven tattoo recognition. According to the article, the RFI focuses on five categories: fingerprints, facial recognition, iris recognition, and tattoos, with the aim of enhancing the Next Generation Identification (NGI) system. The article noted that the FBI is partnering with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to evaluate the capabilities of industry- developed algorithms, with a focus on accuracy, reliability, and scalability for law enforcement use. Remains in 1981 California Cold Case Identified KCBS (CBS-2) (11/25, Hylton) reported that the Ventura County Sheriff's Office has identified the remains of a man in a 1981 cold case as Thomas Aquinas Cooney, a Vietnam War veteran. According to the article, Cooney's remains were found in 1981 along Highway 33 in Ojai, but the cause of his death could not be determined. In June 2004, the Medical Examiner's Office submitted evidence to the U.S. Department of Justice for DNA analysis, the VCSO said. Only a partial profile was obtained through the investigation, which was insufficient for an entry into the FBI's Combined DNA Index System. The article noted that advances in DNA technology and a DNA sample from a family member led to the identification of Cooney, with detectives now seeking information about his life and circumstances before his death. Back to Top INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Ghana Must Not Sabotage the Office of the Special Prosecutor My Joy Online (11/25, Dadzie) reported that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in Ghana has faced criticism and hostility since its conception, with many viewing it as a political tool or a duplication of existing institutions. According to the article, despite its challenges, the OSP has made notable achievements under Kissi Agyebeng, including prosecutions, convictions, asset recovery, corruption prevention, and strengthening partnerships with the Audit Service, FBI, UNODC, and Interpol. The article noted that the OSP deserves support and space to grow, rather than being sabotaged, as it is a crucial institution in the fight against corruption in Ghana, and its collapse would be a loss for the country. Back to Top OTHER FBI NEWS The FBI Just Seized a Former Olympian's $13M Mercedes-Benz Men's Journal (11/25, Bierenkoven) reported that the FBI seized a $13 million Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR belonging to former Olympian Ryan Wedding as part of "Operation Gian Slalom" targeting a drug trafficking organization. EFTA01655573 According to the article, Ryan Wedding is a fugitive and alleged major cartel associate, with the FBI believing he is hiding in Mexico to evade arrest. The article noted that the seized car may be auctioned, with the proceeds going to law enforcement and other entities, if the government can prove it was involved in criminal activity. Back to Top INTERNATIONAL NEWS White House Defends Witkoff After Leak of Conversation With Russian Official Wall Street Journal How Trump Broke Down Walls to Get Ukraine and Russia to a Peace Framework Just the News US Army Secretary Takes Unlikely Role as Key Negotiator in Push to End Russia-Ukraine War Associated Press Trump Says He's Sending His Envoys to See Putin and Ukrainians After Fine-Tuning Plan to End War Associated Press The Reason Venezuela's Maduro Won't Resign Peacefully Wall Street Journal 'Once in 300 Years' Rain Hits Thai City as Floods Ravage South East Asia The BBC Bolsonaro Ordered to Start Serving 27-Year Prison Sentence for Brazil Coup Plot The BBC Trump Says China's XI 'More or Less Agreed' to Accelerate Purchases of US Goods Reuters Taiwan Plans Extra $40 Billion in Defence Spending to Counter China Reuters A Promising US Healthcare Startup Battles for Survival Against Its Chinese Investor Wall Street Journal Back to Top OTHER WASHINGTON NEWS Paxton Opens Investigation Into CCP-Linked Technology in Texas Infrastructure Washington Examiner Judge Orders Trump Administration to Provide Bond Hearings to Detained Migrants The Guardian Senate Committee to Challenge Auto-Safety Mandates That Hurt 'Affordability' Wall Street Journal US Negotiates Lower Prices for Ozempic and 14 Other Drugs Wall Street Journal Massive Bar Raid in Arizona Ends With 249 Arrests Fox News NYC Council Welcomes New Mayor With Bill That Would Dramatically Raise Salaries for City Officials Fox News House Judiciary Chair Jordan Asks Bondi for Records on Biden Doj's Ties to Liberal Nonprofit Splc Just the News EFTA01655574 Exclusive: How Gabbard's 'Hunters' Pounced on Secret CIA Warehouse for Kennedy Files Reuters Health Care Plan Circulated by the White House Runs Into Familiar GOP Divisions Associated Press Court Official Dismisses Justice Department's Misconduct Complaint Against a Federal Judge in DC Associated Press Back to Top WASHINGTON SCHEDULE White House President Trump • 7:30 AM: The President has no public events scheduled. • 6:00 PM: The President participates in a call with Service Members Vice President Vance • No official presidential schedule released or announced. US Senate • No events scheduled. US House of Representatives • No events scheduled. Cabinet Members • Secretary of War Hegseth is traveling. • Secretary of State Rubio attends meetings and briefings at the White House. Visitors • No events scheduled. General Events • RAND: How can the UK better support its young people? — Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Location: Online event, 1:30 PM. Younger generations in the UK face a stark set of challenges, from limited social mobility to rising child poverty and negative mental and emotional impacts of social and digital media. The effects manifest in various ways, including growing levels of economic inactivity among those aged 18-24, diminished school attendance, a rise in violence among young people and declining mental health. • Hudson Institute: America and Saudi Arabia at a Strategic Crossroads: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's US Visit — Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Location: Online event, 8:00 AM. Hudson Institute's Michael Doran and Bernard Haykel will discuss Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's recent visit to the United States and its implications for the future of the US-Saudi partnership. They will explore the evolving strategic alignment between Washington and Riyadh, the significance of recent US arms sales, how Iran has shaped the broader regional landscape, and the Trump administration's approach to Saudi Arabia. The discussion will also examine Saudi Arabia's domestic transformation under Vision 2030, the kingdom's shifting global posture, and the opportunities and challenges ahead. EFTA01655575 Email Public Affairs to subscribe to the Daily News Briefing. Mobile version and archive available here. EFTA01655576