Subject: [EXTERNAL EMAIL] - FBI Public Affairs News Briefing Monday, November 09, 2020

From To Subject: [EXTERNAL EMAIL] - FBI Public Affairs News Briefing Monday, November 09, 2020 Importance: Normal Priority: Normal Sensitivity: None Mobile version and searchable archives available at fbi.bulletinintelligence.com <https://fbi.bulletinintelligence.com?d=201109&auth=7oi9snhu0g> . <https://fbi.bulletinintelligence.com?d=201109&auth=7oi9snhu0g> TO: THE DIRECTOR AND SENIOR STAFF DATE: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020 6:30 AM EST TODAY'S TABLE OF CONTENTS Leading the News • US Intelligence Agencies See No Evidence Of Foreign Interference In Mail Ballots, Though Misinformation, Software Concerns Linger. Protests • Emails: Park Police Did Not Know Which Agencies Were Assisting Government Response To Lafayette Demonstrations. • Philadelphia Police Detain Two Men Following Tip They Were Armed, Heading To Ballot-Counting Site. • Philadelphia Police Respond To Bomb Threat On Shopping Mall. • California Man Charged With Ramming BLM Protesters Freed On $10M Bond. • WSJournal Argues Riots After Floyd's Killing Were Politically Motivated. • Mourners Call For Peace At Wallace's Funeral In Philadelphia. • NYTimes Analysis Discusses How Voters Were Divided In Their Perceptions Of Racial Justice Protests. • NYTimes Analysis: Several GOP Candidates In New York "Appeared To Find Success By" Branding Swing- District Dems As Anti-Police. • Fairfax County Removes Three Civil War Monuments. • Nugent Disparages Floyd In Video Posted On Facebook. • New York City Security Escorts Seeing Greater Demand Due To Concern Regarding Crime, Potential Post- Election Unrest. • Alabama Police Captain Quits After Facebook Post In Which "He Mused About Killing" Biden Backers. • Judge Rejects Challenge By DC Police Union To Disciplinary Changes. • NYPD's Anti-Discrimination Head Being Investigated Over Racism Allegation. • Portland Demonstrators Vandalize City Commissioner's Residence, Start Fire At City Hall. • Blake Reaches Plea To Settle Sexual Assault Case. • Facebook Shuts Down Groups After Calls For Violence During Election. Counter-Terrorism • LAPD Take Man Into Custody After Threat Of Mass Shooting Should Biden Win. • FBI: Tennessee Man Planned Attack On Fort Campbell. • Sixth Circuit Upholds Conviction Of Ohio Man Who Tried To Join ISIS. • US Adds Weapons Charges Against Two "Boogaloo Bois." • Administration Sanctions Pro-Hezbollah Lebanese Politician. • China Criticizes US for Removing Uighur Separatist Group From List Of Terrorist Organizations. • Intel Agencies Struggle To Prevent Terror Attacks In Age Of Online Radicalization. • Dutch Prime Minister Condemns Threats Against Teacher Forced Into Hiding Over Political Cartoon. EFTA00137043 • Austria Acknowledges Mistakes Preceding Tenor Attack, Orders Vienna Mosque Closed. • Ivory Coast's State Prosecutor Accuses Opposition Leaders Of Terrorism. Counter-Intelligence • Election Security Funding More Likely To Come From Biden Administration. • Opinion: New OPM, ODNI Report Shows USAGM Needs A "Shakeup." • NNSA Administrator Resigns After Clash With Energy Secretary Brouillette. • DOD Launches Domestic Violence Training Course For Military First Responders. • Victims Sue Former Libyan Military Leader For Alleged War Crimes. • Lebanon Asks US To Offer Evidence Supporting Sanctions Against Former Minister. • Suspected Chinese Spy's Life In Australia Under Examination. • Miami Judge Gives Venezuelan Businessmen Victory In Bid For Control Of Airline. Criminal Investigations • MS-13 Gang Member Extradited, Arraigned In Federal Court For Alleged Murder Of Long Island Teen. • US Charges Former Missouri Officer With Assaulting Handcuffed Man. • Former Baltimore Police Detective Pleads Guilty To Lying About Drug Bust. • FBI Probing Discovery Of Tracking Devices On Two Missouri Officials' Cars. • US Charges Former Minnesota Officer With Extortion, Drug Theft. • Accused Killer Was Caught After Applying For Unemployment During Pandemic. • Family Members Sentenced For Texas Kidnapping, Robbery. • Alaska Man Pleads Guilty To Child Pornography Possession. • Georgia Woman Arrested For Impersonation Of FBI Agent. • Illinois Man Arrested For Impersonating FBI. • FBI Investigating Indiana Bank Robbery. • FBI Investigating Fatal Police Shooting In Arizona. • FBI Investigating Florida Murder. • FBI Searching For Serial Bank Robbery Suspect In Utah. • Colorado Gang Member Sentenced For Illegal Firearm Possession. • White Supremacist Group Distributes Flyers In San Antonio, Texas. • New Mexico Man Charged With Bank Robberies. • Missing Utah Child Found In Colorado. • FBI Identifies Skulls Found In Michigan. • FBI Investigating Ohio Bank Robbery. • Alabama Man Sentenced To 17 Years For Armed Robbery. • New York Man Charged With Murder. • North Dakota Man Convicted Of Meth Trafficking Crimes. • Indiana Raid Operation Leads To Seizure Of Heroin, Fentanyl. • Eight Alleged Drug Traffickers Arrested In Nevada. • US Charges New York Man With Distributing Child Pornography. Financial Crime & Corporate Scandals • Growing Evidence Indicates Thousands Of Companies Received PPP Loans For Which They Were Ineligible. • Chicago Brothers Charged With Stimulus Check Fraud. • Former CEO Of California Medical Device Firm Sentenced For Fraud, Money Laundering. • Federal Prosecutors Seek Civil Forfeiture Of New York Developer's Assets. • Minnesota Couple Sentenced In Fraud Scheme Targeting Seniors. • US Charges Two Florida Men With Targeting Ohio Elderly In "Grandparent Scam." • California Couple Sentenced For Selling Donations Meant For Needy Californians. • DOJ Suit Against Visa Could Impact Payment Sector's Future. Cyber Division • FBI: Hackers Stole Source Code From Government Agencies, Private Firms. • University of Vermont Medical Center Working To Restore Systems After Cyberattack. • Campari Reports Data Encrypted, Stolen Following Hacking Attack. • Federal Agencies Warn Of Ransomware Targeting Healthcare Sector. • Cyber Criminals Targeting Linux Users For Ransomware Attacks. • NCPC Approves Plans For CISA Headquarters At St. Elizabeths Campus. EFTA00137044 • Microsoft Collaborating With UK's NCSC On Cyber Accelerator Program. • Huawei Launches Legal Challenge Against Sweden's 5G Ban. • Next US President Will Face Challenges In 5G Race With China. • GCHQ Begins Cyber-Operation Tackling Anti-Vaccine Propaganda. • Experts Expect Biden Administration To Ramp Up Sanctions For Cyberattacks. • DOJ Moving To Have Thousands Of Seized Bitcoins Forfeited To The US Government. International Relations • Canadian Teen Faces Child Pornography Charges After Joint Probe Including FBI. Other FBI News • Twitter Permanently Bans Bannon For Urging Trump To Put Fauci And Wray's "Heads On Pikes." Other Washington News • After Media Outlets Designate Biden As President-Elect, Trump Says Election "Far From Over." • US Nears 10M Coronavirus Cases. • Biden To Announce COVID Transition Task Force. • Meadows Tests Positive For Coronavirus. • Many Nursing Homes Not Utilizing COVID Rapid-Testing Devices. • Perna Touts Operation Warp Speed. • With Divided Government, Biden Could Use Executive Actions To Influence Economy. • Biden May Take Proactive Role In Stimulus Talks. • Biden Likely To Overturn Trump Order On Diversity Training. • Tropical Storm Eta Approaches South Florida. • Politico Analysis: Biden's "Immigration Plans Represent A Complete Reversal Of The Trump Administration's Policies." International News • Global Coronavirus Cases Exceed 50M. • Scientists Concerned As Denmark Culls Mink Population Over Coronavirus Spread. • World Leaders Congratulate Biden While Others Remain Silent. • Administration Suspicious Of China's Effort To Expand Its Influence In Caribbean. • Turkey's Finance Minister Resigns. • Azerbaijan's President Says Forces Have Taken Control Of Shushi. • Police Spray Water Cannons At Protesters In Thailand. • Suu Kyi's Party Expected To Keep Its Strength In Burma's Parliament. • Ethiopia's PM Reshuffles Cabinet Amid Ongoing Tigray Conflict. • Socialist Party Returns To Power In Bolivia. The Big Picture • Headlines From Today's Front Pages. Washington's Schedule • Today's Events In Washington. Leading the News US Intelligence Agencies See No Evidence Of Foreign Interference In Mail Ballots, Though Misinformation. Software Concerns Linger. Politico <https://www.politico.cotn/news/2020/11/07/intel-agencies-mail-ballots-attack-434889> (11/7, Cheney, 4.29M) reports that while Trump in June alleged foreign countries "would surely print 'millions of mail-in ballots' to upend the U.S. election," US intelligence officials on Friday "reaffirmed" they saw no such evidence of such action. ODNI spokesperson Dean Boyd said, "Our assessments have not changed." FBI spokesperson Carol Crafty commented, "We have nothing new to add to our previous statements." In addition, the New York Times <https://www.nytimes.corn/2020/11/07/us/politics/election-voting- challenges.html> (11/7, Epstein, 18.6IM) reports that despite "warnings of violence, threats of foreign EFTA00137045 interference, rampant disinformation, cuts to the Postal Service, President Trump's sowing of distrust and a pandemic that forced the relocation of thousands of polling places, the machinery of American democracy adapted and held up this past week. The result was a relatively smooth election free of the hourslong lines and vote-suppressing shenanigans that have characterized the voting experience in recent years, particularly during the primaries of the coronavirus era." In an editorial, the Washington Post <https://www.washingtonpost.corn/opinions/hats-off-to-the-americans- counting-the-ballots-above-all-the-noise/2020/11/07/5c445dec-206c-Ileb-90dd-abd0f7086a9l_story.html> (11/7, 14.2M) applauds the election officials and vote counters who continued counting "amid the chaos of anxiety, menace and misinformation surrounding the endgame of ballot counting." The Post says, "In defiance of every ploy, stratagem and invented accusation the president and his acolytes could throw at them, vote counters and election officials were undeterred, just as poll workers and voters themselves had been undeterred before them." The Post concludes this "spirit matched the staggering turnout Tuesday, in which more than 160 million Americans, or two-thirds of eligible voters, may have cast votes either by mail or at the polls — the biggest share in more than a century." However, Reuters <https://www.reuters.corn/article/us-usa-election-disinformation-spanish/spanish-language- misinformation-dogged-democrats-in-u-s-election-idUSKBN27N0ED> (l i/7, Bing, Culliford, Dave) reports Spanish-language misinformation "flourished online in the days surrounding the U.S. election, even as social media companies moved to stem falsehoods that could affect the vote or spark violence." In particular, social media posts in Spanish "from online celebrities, radio commentators and others have repeatedly questioned the reliability of mail-in voting and falsely described presidential candidate Joe Biden as a socialist, according to Spanish-language disinformation experts and posts seen by Reuters." Meanwhile, the Washington Times <https://wvvw.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/nov/7/gop-flags-software- used-michigan-skewed-thousands-/> (11/7, Swoyer, 492K) says Republicans "are concerned about software that was blamed for changing thousands of Republican ballots to votes for Democrats in one Michigan county." Michigan Republican Party Chairwoman Laura Cox "told reporters Friday at a press conference that 6,000 votes were impacted." Cox asserted, "In Antrim County, ballots were counted for Democrats that were meant for Republicans, causing a 6,000 vote swing against our candidates. The county clerk came forward and said, 'tabulating software glitched and caused a miscalculation of the votes."' The Michigan Republican Party "notes that 47 other counties in the state used the same software." Protests Emails: Park Police Did Not Know Which Agencies Were Assisting Government Response To Lafayette Demonstrations. The Hill <https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/524788-emails-show-park-police-reliance-on-pepper- balls-outside-police> (1116, Beitsch, 2.98M) reports, "U.S. Park Police email traffic during the June protests at Lafayette Square shows that agency officials were unaware which law enforcement agencies were assisting with the heavily criticized government response as demonstrators were overwhelmed by chemical irritants." The redacted emails were disclosed on Friday "as part of a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request from watchdog group Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER)." The emails indicate that "even days into the protests," Park Police lacked a full "list of every law enforcement agency that had arrived to assist." The discussions additionally indicate that Park Police rapidly used up "its supply of chemical irritants in just days, even as the agency's communications wing appeared unaware of the use of pepper balls." Philadelphia Police Detain Two Men Following Tip They Were Armed, Heading To Ballot-Counting Site. EFTA00137046 The Washington Post <https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/11/06/philadelphia-attack-plot-vote-count- election/> (11/6, Armus, 14.2M) reports, "Police in Philadelphia detained two men late on Thursday night after receiving a tip that an armed group from out of state was headed to the city's vote-counting center, where final ballots in the presidential election are being tallied." NBC News <https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/2-men-detained-after-police-learn-possible-threat- philadelphia-vote-n1246774> (1116, 6.14M) reports, "The two men were driving a silver Hummer truck from Virginia. Police said they found the car parked and unoccupied around 10:20 p.m. ET; about seven minutes later, two police officers on bicycles saw two men in possession of firearms. 'The males acknowledged that the silver Hummer was their vehicle, and an additional firearm was recovered from inside the Hummer,' the police spokesperson said. The men told police that they did not have a valid Pennsylvania firearms license, so they were taken into custody. Police said firearms charges were pending Friday morning." WHYY-TV <https://whyy.org/articles/armed-qanon-follower-arrested-in-alleged-philly-convention-center-threat-linked-to- far-right-va-senator/> Philadelphia (11/6, 24K) and the Daily Beast <https://www.thedailybeast.corn/philadelphia-police-take-man-into-custody-in-connection-with-plot-to-attack- vote-counting-center-reports> (11/6, Montgemery, 1.39M) also report. Philadelphia Police Respond To Bomb Threat On Shopping Mall. The Washington Times <https://www.washingtontimes.corn/news/2020/nov/6/bomb-threat-called-philadelphia- mall-near-vote-cou/> (11/6, Mordock, 492K) reports, "Police in Philadelphia Friday afternoon responded to a bomb threat targeting a shopping mall near the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where election ballots are still being counted." California Man Charged With Ramming BLM Protesters Freed On $10M Bond. The Los Angeles Times <https://www.latimestotn/california/story/2020-11-06/san-marino-man-accused-of- driving-truck-into-black-lives-matters-protest-to-be-free-on-10-million-bond> (11/6, Winton, 4.64M) reports that a San Marino, California man "accused of intentionally driving a truck into a crowd of Pasadena Black Lives Matter protesters and charged with conspiring to violate firearms laws will be released after his parents put up a $10-million property bond and he surrendered his stock of firearms, authorities said." US District Judge Stephen V. Wilson "signed an order that Benjamin Jong Ren Hung, who is accused of collecting weapons and building a training camp for civil disorder, will be placed on electronic monitoring and subject to drug testing after his release once federal authorities take control of the bond and an array of firearms discovered at his homes in San Marino and Lodi. Hung drove a Dodge Ram truck flying three large flags related to right-wing extremist groups...into the crowd of Black Lives Matter protesters in the Old Pasadena shopping district in May, prosecutors said." WSJoumal Argues Riots After Floyd's Killing Were Politically Motivated. In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal <https://www.wsj.com/articles/what-happened-to-the-protests- 11604875929> (11/8, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) argues the reaction to the election shows how the riots that grew out of protests over the death of George Floyd and police abuses were a politically motivated attempt to undermine President Trump's leadership. Mourners Call For Peace At Wallace's Funeral In Philadelphia. EFTA00137047 The AP <https://www.usatoday.corn/stoty/news/nation/2020/11/08/walter-wallace-jr-funeral-philadelphia-family- friends-peace/6216234002/> (11/8) reports that several hundred people "gathered over the weekend to mourn [Walter Wallace Jr.] amid renewed calls for peace during the investigation into the Black man's shooting death last month by Philadelphia police." The AP adds a lawyer for his family "has said they do not want the officers charged with murder because they believe the officers lacked the proper training and equipment." NYTimes Analysis Discusses How Voters Were Divided In Their Perceptions Of Racial Justice Protests. A New York Times <https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/07/us/black-lives-matter-protests.html> (11/7, Tavemise, Eligon, 18.61M) analysis says that "as the summer wore on and with it, sporadic looting and acts of vandalism, Americans became much more divided" with regard to their perceptions of the protests sparked by George Floyd's killing. However, as the country starts "sifting through the results" of the election, "one thing is clear: The protests this summer and what came after weighed heavily on Americans' minds." Preliminary data from the AP shows that roughly "nine of every 10 voters said the protests over police violence were a factor in their voting, with more than three-fourths calling it a major factor." The Times says that interviews with voters this week indicated that "there were strong differences that often ran along racial lines — with many Black voters viewing the protests through the lens of police violence threatening their lives, while many conservative white voters saw unrest encroaching on their communities." NYTimes Analysis: Several GOP Candidates In New York "Appeared To Find Success By" Branding Swing- District Dems As Anti-Police. A New York Times <https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/06/nyregionklection-nyc-defund-police.html> (11/6, Ferre-Sadumi, McKinley, 18.61M) analysis says, "While the suburbs in many parts of the country seemed to reject [President] Trump's brand of brash, hard-right rhetoric and policy, several Republican candidates in New York appeared to find success by characterizing moderate Democrats in swing districts as anti-law enforcement. That message was often conflated with calls from the left to `defund the police' and with occasionally violent clashes between authorities and Black Lives Matter protesters." Rep. Max Rose (D), who represents New York City's most conservative congressional district and who is on the verge of being ousted by GOP challenger Nicole Malliotakis, "was elected in a `blue wave' in 2018, beating the incumbent, Dan Donovan, by running as an anti-establishment centrist." However, Malliotakis "easily found success linking Mr. Rose, a veteran, to the Black Lives Matter movement and the progressive factions of his party." Fairfax County Removes Three Civil War Monuments. The Washington Post <https://www.washingtonpost.corn/locaUvirginia-politics/fairfax-confederate-monuments- removed/2020/11/06/1b9ac7f6-20513-11eb-ba21-f2f00110554b_story.html> (11/6, I4.2M) reports Fairfax County on Thursday "removed a trio of Civil War markers in front of the county's judicial complex, part of a broader effort in Virginia to turn a page on the state's Confederate legacy." Under a state law allotting localities discretion "over the fate of war monuments and memorials in their communities, the county's Board of Supervisors decided last month to donate a stone obelisk honoring John Quincy Marr — the first Confederate soldier to be killed in a land battle — to the Stuart Mosby Historical Society in Centreville." The Post adds, "A state historical marker commemorating the June I, 1861, battle where Mar died — the first land confrontation in the war — will be given to the state Department of Historic Resources. A pair of Dahlgren howitzers that were also in front of the complex will go to the Manassas National Battlefield Park in nearby Prince William County." In a tweet <https://twitter.corn/JeffreyCMcKay/status/1324761204041097227> announcing the removal of the EFTA00137048 monuments, Fairfax County board chair Jeff McKay said, "We started today with a Fairfax County that better reflects our values." Nugent Disparages Floyd In Video Posted On Facebook. The Washington Times <https://www.washingtontimes.corn/news/2020/nov/7/ted-nugent-rails-against-thug- george-floyd-more-th> (11/7, Blake, 492K) reports Ted Nugent "maligned George Floyd, the Black man whose death in police custody in late May sparked nationwide protests, in a ranting video he posted Friday on Facebook." Nugent, "a rock guitarist and longtime National Rifle Association board member, repeatedly called Floyd a `thug' throughout the video and said his death was a suicide and not a homicide as two autopsies determined." Nugent said, "Live it up and be positive," adding, "But call your mayor, call your senator, call your congressman, call your governor. Let them know you stand for law and order. And you might wanna mention that those cops in Minneapolis did not kill George Floyd." New York City Security Escorts Seeing Greater Demand Due To Concern Regarding Crime, Potential Post- Election Unrest. The Wall Street Journal <https://www.wsj.corn/articles/new-york-city-bodyguards-are-in-demand-as-election- stokes-safety-concern-11604754000> (11/7, Yang, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) reports on how concern about increasing crime rates and the possibility of post-election unrest are spurring demand for New York City security escorts. Alabama Police Captain Quits After Facebook Post In Which "He Mused About Killing" Biden Backers. The Washington Times <https://www.washingtontimes.corn/news/2020/nov/7/scott-walden-alabama-police- captain-resigns-after-/> (11/7, Blake, 492K) reports Flomaton, Alabama Mayor Dewey Bondurant "confirmed that a captain on the town's police force resigned Friday after criticism for a Facebook post where he mused about killing supporters of Joseph R. Biden." Scott Walden, who shared the post in question on Thursday, "quit as captain of the police force the next day." The Times adds that the Flomaton Police Department "announced Thursday it was investigating a social media comment made by a member of its force, and the following day it said that person was no longer an employee." Judge Rejects Challenge By DC Police Union To Disciplinary Changes. The Washington Post <https://www.washingtonpost.comilocaUpublic-safety/police-union-discipline- washington/2020/11/06/144e123a-203f-lleb-ba21-f2f001f0554b_story.html> (11/6, Hermann, 14.2M) reports US District Judge James Boasberg this week rejected "a challenge by the D.C. police union to a new law in the District that makes it easier for the police chief to discipline and fire officers by cutting out the role of the labor group." The Post adds that Boasberg "rejected arguments made by the union, including that the labor group was being unfairly stripped of its ability to help shape the disciplinary process through collective bargaining, as is afforded to nearly all other District workers." Police union chairman Greggory Pemberton said lawyers are going over the ruling and are going to "make a decision on how to proceed next week." NYPD's Anti-Discrimination Head Being Investigated Over Racism Allegation. EFTA00137049 Bloomberg <https://www.bloomberg.coin/news/articles/2020-11-06/nypd-anti-harassment-chief-faces-probe- over-alleged-racist-rants?srnd—premium> (11/6, Goldman, Clukey, 4.73M) reports, "The New York Police Department's [NYPD] anti-discrimination chief faces a probe and possible ouster amid accusations he is the long-time publisher of racist rants on a pro-law-enforcement social media platform." James Kobel, who leads the NYPD's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, "has been removed from that assignment while internal affairs conducts an investigation, Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said." Should it be determined that Kobel is the person "sending the posts under the name 'Clouseau,' he'll be fired, Shea said." Bloomberg adds that Kobel "has denied the allegations." Portland Demonstrators Vandalize City Commissioner's Residence, Start Fire At City Hall. The Washington Times <https://www.washingtontimes.corn/news/2020/nov/6/portland-protesters-set-fire-city- hall-vandalize-o/> (11/6, Mordock, 492K) reports, "The protests in Portland, Oregon, again turned violent overnight as demonstrators vandalized a city commissioner's home and set fire to city hall, the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office said Friday." An approximately 60-person group marched through Portland toward city commissioner Dan Ryan's residence. Upon getting there, the demonstrators "broke a window, threw burning flares and paint-filled balloons at the home, and broke potted plants, according to the sheriff's office." Police eventually dispersed the protestors. The Times also reports, "At 10 p.m., the Portland Fire and Rescue got a call that city hall was on fire, the sheriff's office said. The fire is believed to have started when a burning object was thrown or placed at the door." Police said that on-premises security put out the fire before it could grow, and the Times adds that police are searching for a suspect. Blake Reaches Plea To Settle Sexual Assault Case. The AP <https://apnews.corn/article/shootings-wisconsin-jacob-blake-sexual-assault-kenosha- 5c394c94f75ee315fbeaf382c9151bca> (11/6) reports, "A Black man paralyzed in a Wisconsin police shooting reached a plea deal Friday to settle a sexual assault case pending against him." According to online court records, prosecutors abandoned "a felony third-degree sexual assault charge and a misdemeanor criminal trespass charge against 29-year-old Jacob Blake." The AP adds that "in exchange, Blake pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct, and Judge Bruce Schroeder" gave him a two-year probation sentence. Facebook Shuts Down Groups After Calls For Violence During Election. Reuters <https://www.reuters.corn/article/us-usa-election-facebook-focus/thousands-of-facebook-groups-buzzed- with-calls-for-violence-ahead-of-u-s-election-idUSICBN27M2UN> (11/6, Paul) reports that Facebook has shut down a number of groups and chat forums, some of which featured, "calls for members to ready their weapons should President Donald Trump lose his bid to remain in the White House." After disabling the group following "coverage by Reuters and other news organizations, Facebook cited the forum's efforts to delegitimize the election process and `worrying calls for violence from some members.'" Facebook "says it has removed 14,200 groups on the basis of those changes since August." Counter-Terrorism LAPD Take Man Into Custody After Threat Of Mass Shooting Should Biden Win. EFTA00137050 The Los Angeles Times <https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-11-06/man-who-threatened-to-do-a- mass-shooter-on-democrats-if-biden-wins-in-custody> (11/6, Winton, 4.64M) reports, "A Los Angeles area man who took to social media to threaten a mass shooting if Vice President Joe Biden wins the presidential election has been taken into custody, law enforcement sources confirmed to The Times." The Hill <https://thehill.com/policyrnational-security/524876-fbi-searches-la-home-after-social-media-post- threatening-violence> (11/6, Polus, 2.98M) reports, "The man, who remains unidentified, is accused of taking to social media and threatening to commit a mass shooting in the event that Biden is victorious in this year's presidential election. In an Instagram video that has since been deleted, the man allegedly said, `If Biden gets in, I'm just going to do like a school shooter, just take out all these Democrats.' While the man was taken into custody as local police and the FBI look into the case and search his home, he has not been charged or formally arrested, according to NBC. 'The FBI is aware of the reported threats, and we're working with our partners. The subject is being evaluated by state officials. The federal government has not made any arrest nor filed charges at this time,' FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said." The Daily Caller <https://dailycallencorn/2020/11/08/1a-man- video-threaten-violence-biden-election/> (1116, 716K) also reports. FBI: Tennessee Man Planned Attack On Fort Campbell. The Clarksville (TN) Leaf Chronicle <https://www.theleafchronicle.corn/story/news/crime/2020/11/06/clarksville-man-allegedly-admits-planning-to- attack-fort-campbell-clarksville-landmarks-fbi-say/6177890002/> (1116, Clark, 20K) reports, "A Clarksville man allegedly plotted online to attack Fort Campbell and local landmarks in support of the Islamic State group known as ISIS, according to court documents released this week detailing his arrest." Jason Solomon Stokes was arrested by the FBI on August 20 "after conversations with undercover agents led investigators to believe he was planning an attack in October, according to an affidavit from FBI Special Agent Angelo DeFeao. While Stokes was arrested in August, the federal court documents remained sealed until Monday. Stokes remains in federal custody on charges related to sending threatening communications between states, court documents show." the Leaf Chronicle adds, "In March 2018, a tipster alerted the FBI that Stokes pledged allegiance to ISIS via Facebook, according to court documents. In 2019, two FBI field officers reported Stokes appeared to be supportive of terrorism via his Facebook page and wished to join ISIS, court documents stated." Clarksville (TN) Now <https://clarksvillenow.com/local/fbi-arrests-clarksville-man-over-isis-connected- terrorism-threat-against-police-fort-campbellk (1116, Smith) reports, "Stokes never obtained weapons for such an attack, but documents indicate he coordinated over social media with operatives he believed to be ISIS members, trying to obtain weapons and planning an attack on CPD headquarters and the store at Fort Campbell." The FBI "first became involved with Stokes in March 2018, when they were tipped off that he had called himself an Islamic State warrior and said the United States was under the influence of Satan and the Ku Klux Klan, according to the FBI complaint. 'This the KKK country I'm with Allah warrior of Allah Islamic State brother,' was part of his statement." Sixth Circuit Upholds Conviction Of Ohio Man Who Tried To Join ISIS. WKEF-TV <https://dayton247now.corn/news/local/conviction-of-dayton-man-accused-of-trying-to-join-isis- upheld> Dayton, OH (11/6, Richardson) reports from Dayton, Ohio, "The conviction of a man living in Dayton accused of trying to join the terrorist organization ISIS was upheld on Thursday." US Attorney David M. DeVillers said on Friday "that Laith Waleed Alebbini, a 29-year-old Jordan citizen, was arrested in 2017 by FBI agents at the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport, as he was trying to travel to Syria. He was convicted in 2018 of conspiring and attempting to join ISIS. Devillers said that about an hour before Alebbini arrived at the airport, several relatives pleaded with Alebbini not to join ISIS. Alebbini reportedly responded in EFTA00137051 text messages: `Do you think I am a criminal,' I am a terrorist' and `I am mujahid.' Alebbini is a U.S. legal permanent resident who was living in Dayton." WDTN-TV <https://www.wdtn.corn/newillocal-news/court-of-appeals-upholds-conviction-of-dayton-man-who- tried-to-join-isis/> Dayton, OH (11/6, Williamson, 15K) reports, "The 29-year-old Jordan citizen was convicted of conspiring and attempting to join ISIS following a bench trial in Dayton in November and December 2018 before U.S. District Judge Walter H. Rice." Alebbini "was sentenced in June 2019 to 180 months in prison and 25 years of supervised release for attempting to and conspiring to join the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). He will likely face deportation following service of his prison term. In his appeal, Alebbini challenged the sufficiency of the evidence for both of his convictions," but the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals "ruled against Alebbini's arguments, stating in a precedent-setting published opinion that the government proved the elements of the crimes beyond a reasonable doubt." US Adds Weapons Charges Against Two "Boogaloo Bois." The Minneapolis Star Tribune <https://wvvw.startribune.com/boogaloo-bois-face-new-charges-for-possessing- machine-guns-silencers/572996292/> (11/7, Mannix, 1.04M) reports, "After trying to capitalize on the civil unrest in Minneapolis this summer, two members of anti-government Boogaloo Bois attempted to sell untraceable machine guns and unregistered silencers to Hamas, an international terrorist group, to be used in attacks against United States and Israeli soldiers overseas, according to a new indictment announced by federal prosecutors in Minnesota Friday." Michael Robert Solomon, 30, and Benjamin Ryan Teeter, 22, "met with an undercover FBI agent, who they believed to be a senior member of Hamas, on July 30, according to federal court documents. The two men delivered silencers and a `drop in auto sear' — a device that converts semi-automatic weapons into illegal machine guns — to the undercover agent. They said they could make untraceable weapons and gun parts, and negotiated to sell five more silencers for $1,800 apiece, according to court documents." KSTP-TV <https://kstp.com/news/2-boogaloo-bois-michael-robert-solomon-new-brighton-benjamin-ryan-teeter- north-carolina-newly-charged/5917290/> Minneapolis-St.Paul, MN (11/6, 249K) reports, "The two were charged back in September with one count of conspiring and attempting to provide material support to Hamas. A criminal complaint states the FBI began investigating the two men, two members of the `Boogaloo Bois' and a sub-group called the `Boojahideen,' in May. The group is known to have violent anti-government sentiments, with the term 'Boogaloo' referencing an impending second civil war in the U.S. The complaint states, during the civil unrest in the Twin Cities following George Floyd's death, Solomon was seen openly carrying a firearm in a residential neighborhood. The two men interacted with a witness over several days and the witness told FBI agents they had firearms and substantial quantities of ammunition. The witness also said the two men and other members of their groups discussed committing acts of violence against police officers and other targets to help further their mission of overthrowing the government and replacing its police forces." Administration Sanctions Pro-Hezbollah Lebanese Politician. The Wall Street Journal <https://www.wsj.corn/articles/u-s-sanctions-top-pro-hezbollah-politician-gebran-bassil- on-corruption-allegations-11604677245> (11/6, Nissenbaum, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) reports the Administration on Friday imposed sanctions on pro-Hezbollah Lebanese Christian politician Gebran Bassil for alleged corruption while he was head of energy, foreign affairs and telecommunications ministries. China Criticizes US for Removing Uighur Separatist Group From List Of Terrorist Organizations. The Wall Street Journal <https://www.wsj.corn/articles/china-irate-after-u-s-removes-terrorist-label-from- EFTA00137052 separatist-group-11604661868> (11/6, Hua, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) reports China criticized the State Department for removing a Uighur separatist group that is now largely defunct from the department's list of terrorist organizations. China has blamed the group for ethnic tensions in Xinjiang. Intel Agencies Struggle To Prevent Terror Attacks In Age Of Online Radicalization. CNN <https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/08/europeJeurope-terror-wave-intUindex.html> (11/8, 83.16M) reports on the challenges posed by radical Islamist terrorism in Europe. Security officials in Austria "warned their Austrian counterparts that the attacker had tried to buy ammunition in the neighboring country the July before, but, the Austrian interior minister said, a communication failure meant Austria clearly failed to act." MI5 chief Ken McCallum "warned last month that the adherents to ISIS ideology number in the tens of thousands, and they must find the few `who at any given moment might be mobilizing towards attacks.'" Though the "anti-French rhetoric fueled by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and former Malaysia PM Mahathir Mohamad can only further addle the febrile emotions of an imbalanced youth," the "intemet, a wired interpretation of religion, boredom and mental health are a far more potent mix in a man who months earlier was legally a child." The New York Times <https://vvwvv.nytimes.com/2020/11/06/world/europe/france-attacks-beheading- terrorism.html> (11/6, Onishi, Meheut, Foroudi, 18.61M) reports, "The three young men behind recent terrorist attacks that have shaken France present a difficult challenge to the French authorities." They were "isolated, self- radicalized individuals, rather than Islamist extremist networks." The attacks are "raising tough questions about whether the broad measures the government has taken in response are the right ones." Center for the Analysis of Terrorism Chairman Jean-Charles Brisard said extremist networks are "natural and logical intermediaries in the process that leads to violence," and France must widen its "intelligence-gathering capacity by involving the local police and officials, he added." Dutch Prime Minister Condemns Threats Against Teacher Forced Into Hiding Over Political Cartoon. The AP <https://apnews.corn/article/mark-rutte-netherlands-media-social-media-crime- edd01bc06543346662d8a794b208cb4c> (11/6, Corder) reports Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte "said Friday that threats that forced a teacher in the port city of Rotterdam to go hiding after some students objected to a political cartoon displayed in his classroom must not be tolerated." Rutte said, "The fact that at this moment teachers are being threatened because they paid attention in their lessons to the discussion around cartoons is absurd and we must not tolerate it." Austria Acknowledges Mistakes Preceding Terror Attack, Orders Vienna Mosque Closed. Reuters <https://www.reuters.corrilarticle/us-austria-attack-mosques/austria-admits-intolerable-mistakes-in- checks-on-vienna-attacker-idUSIG3N27M1J8> (11/6, Murphy, Knolle, Grulovic) reports that on Friday, Austrian officials "admitted `intolerable mistakes' in the handling of intelligence on the jihadist who killed four people in Vienna on Monday, saying it could have considered him a greater threat and monitored him more closely." According to Reuters, "Austria had already admitted fumbling intelligence from Slovakia that the 20-year-old gunman, who was shot dead by police during his rampage in the centre of the capital, had attempted to buy ammunition there." Reuters says Austria has "ordered the closure of a mosque and a prayer room in Vienna that the attacker visited frequently and which had contributed to his radicalisation." In addition, The Washington Post <https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/austrias-interior-minister-acknowledges-intolerable-mistakes- in-tracking-vienna-attacker/2020/11/06/7619f270-203d-Ileb-ad53-4c1fda49907d_story.html> (11/6, Morris, 14.2M) reports Austrian Interior Minister Karl Nehammer "said Friday that there were `immediate personnel consequences,' as Austrian News Agency APA reported that Erich Zwettler, head of Vienna's local intelligence EFTA00137053 office, had resigned." Ivory Coast's State Prosecutor Accuses Opposition Leaders Of Terrorism. Bloomberg <https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-11-06/ivoty-coast-accuses-opposition-leaders-of- terrorism-after-vote?smd=politics-vp> (11/6, Bassompierre, 4.73M) reports that Ivory Coast's state prosecutor Richard Adou "accused opposition leaders of terrorism and murder over their calls for a civil disobedience campaign and a transitional government." Counter-Intelligence Election Security Funding More Likely To Come From Biden Administration. The Washington Post <https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/11/06/cybersecurity-202-security-future- elections-could-ride-this-ones-outcome/> (11/6, Marks, I4.2M) reports, "Election security advocates are pushing for up to $3 billion from Congress they say is vital to help protect election systems against hacking." As President-elect Biden "has described election security as a major challenge," that funding "will be far more likely to come through in a Biden administration." President Trump, on the other hand, "has paid little attention to the topic" and "repeatedly questioned intelligence agencies' conclusion that Russia interfered in the 2016 election and spread disinformation about the 2020 contest." Republicans have "consistently rebuffed Democratic efforts to deliver far more money and to couple it with cybersecurity mandates for states." Democrats have long sought mandating "that states make specific improvements such as using paper ballots and meeting minimum cybersecurity standards," measures which "Republicans have opposed." Opinion: New OPM, ODNI Report Shows USAGM Needs A "Shakeup." James S. Robbins, senior fellow for national security affairs at the American Foreign Policy Council, writes in an op-ed in The Hill <https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/524924-more-rot-at-americas-public-diplomacy- mouthpiece> (11/7, 2.98M) that OPM and the ODNI found "previous senior leaders knew about" the "severe shortcomings" at USAGM and "did little to nothing to fix them," according to a 2020 follow-up report. The agencies "identified glaring deficiencies in the agency's handling of personnel security and the safeguarding of classified documents" between 2010 and 2014. For instance, people "were given clearances who lied on forms, left required sections blank, and even used fake names." Robbins says the problems "long predated both the Trump administration and the confirmation of Michael Pack as the agency's CEO." USAGM is "a disorganized, moribund bureaucracy — one that has in fact long been in need of a shakeup." NNSA Administrator Resigns After Clash With Energy Secretary Brouillette. Bloomberg <https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-11-07/nuclear-bomb-agency-head-quits-after- clash-with-energy-secretary> (11/7, Natter, Jacobs, 4.73M) reports that NNSA administrator and undersecretary of Energy for nuclear security Lisa E. Gordon-Hagerty "resigned Friday after clashing with Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette." Gordon-Hagerty "resigned after being told by Brouillette's office that President Donald Trump had lost faith in her ability to do her job," according to unnamed sources. NNSA said in a statement, "As administrator, Ms. Gordon-Hagerty oversaw the modernization of NNSA's infrastructure and the strengthening of its world-class workforce.... She also made significant strides in improving NNSA governance." EFTA00137054 Reuters <https://wwvv.reuters.com/article/usa-nuclearweapons-bookless/head-of-us-agency-overseeing-nuclear- weapons-fleet-resigns-energy-department-idUSL1N2HS2IL> (11/6) reports, "William Bookless is now serving as acting administrator of NNSA, the department said in a release." The Hill <https://thehill.corn/policy/defense/524865-lisa-e-gordon-hagerty-resigns-as-nnsa-administrator> (11/6, Castronuovo, 2.98M) reports that Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK) said, "That the Secretary of Energy effectively demanded her resignation during this time of uncertainty demonstrates he doesn't know what he's doing in national security matters and shows a complete lack of respect for the semi- autonomous nature of NNSA." DOD Launches Domestic Violence Training Course For Military First Responders. MeriTalk <https://www.meritalk.com/articles/dod-training-program-aims-to-flag-digital-domestic-violencek (11/6) reports that DOD "has launched a new training course for military first responders that aims to ensure that domestic violence is effectively recognized as a crime in cases that involve abuse, harassment, and stalking perpetrated through the use of technology." Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Matthew P. Donovan said in a press release, "Our priority is to respect, support and defend domestic abuse victims." Donovan added the "'Technology Evidence in Domestic Abuse'...is a vital piece of our effort to ensure our military's law enforcement organizations understand that domestic violence perpetrated through technology is still a crime." DOD's Family Advocacy Program is being aided by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security's Law Enforcement Branch in "spearheading the program that will train military first responders to understand the role technology plays in abuse, and `how a greater awareness of digital evidence can help with the prosecution of domestic violence cases.' Victims Sue Former Libyan Military Leader For Alleged War Crimes. The Wall Street Journal <https://www.wsj.corn/articles/alleged-torture-victims-target-u-s-property-assets-of- libyan-commander-11604840401> (11/8, Malsin, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) reports that Libyan military leader Khalifa Haflar faces lawsuits from the US accusing him of war crimes following that country's civil war. Haflar broke with Moammar Gadhafi in the 1980s, after which he led a CIA-supported operation against the Libyan regime. Haftar owns properties in the United States. Lawsuits filed in Virginia and Washington, DC accuse the military leader of war crimes, such as bombing civilian homes and torturing prisoners. The suits were filed in federal-district courts by three groups of citizens from the North African country seeking justice for the alleged war crimes. Lebanon Asks US To Offer Evidence Supporting Sanctions Against Former Minister. The AP <https://wwvv.sfgate.corn/news/article/Lebanon-s-leader-challenges-US-sanctions-against- 15709336.php> (11/7, El Deeb) reports that Lebanese President Michel Aoun "on Saturday asked the United States to offer evidence to back up new sanctions against the former Lebanese foreign minister." Gebran Bassil "is an important political ally of the Iran-backed Hezbollah group." He also "leads the largest bloc in parliament and is also the president's son-in-law." Aoun "asked the Lebanese foreign ministry to make the necessary contacts to secure any evidence and documents that prompted the U.S. Treasury sanctions." US Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs David Schenker "said it is possible to challenge the designation through the Treasury or the Office of Foreign Asset Control, but called the case solid." Schenker said, "As you know these things are very difficult to do because the case is so solid. These designations take months to prepare, are reviewed by the interagency, by lawyers and are based on facts." EFTA00137055 Suspected Chinese Spy's Life In Australia Under Examination. The Guardian (UK) <https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/nov/08/in-plain-sight-how-an-alleged- chinese-spy-tried-to-build-an-australian-business-empire> (11/8, Bucci, 4.I9M) reports on Chunsheng Chen's "attempted business dealings with GDT and Imunexus, a biotechnology company which shared an office building with the CSIRO, Australia's national science research agency." Chen, a suspected Chinese spy, also claimed to have been funding global projects "as part of the Belt and Road Initiative, his personal relationships, and his connections to a local network of Chinese Australian businesses which experts say could have unwittingly provided the interference for him to perform espionage work." Chen's life in Australia is under examination, "including his ability to buy property, operate companies and legally remain in the country." Chen is "alleged to have operated in plain sight in Australia since the mid-2000s, seemingly working in telecommunications, as a military technology salesman, a journalist and an expert in manufacturing within the painting industry." Miami Judge Gives Venezuelan Businessmen Victory In Bid For Control Of Airline. The AP <https://www.washingtontimes.corn/news/2020/nov/6/miami-judge-blasts-venezuelas-top-airline-for- frauk (1116, Goodman) reports, "Two Venezuelan businessmen once convicted in the U.S. as unregistered agents of the late Hugo Chavez have scored a major victory in a Miami courtroom in a bitter fight for control of the Avior Airlines. The private airline "has largely been grounded by U.S. sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic, the investors hope to recover at least some of its assets, including a regional airline in neighboring Colombia." A Miami circuit judge "found that Afiez had no authority to represent Avior, saying there was overwhelming evidence he cooked the company's books and formed an `illegitimate board of friendlies' to seize the struggling airline." Criminal Investigations MS-13 Gang Member Extradited, Arraigned In Federal Court For Alleged Murder Of Long Island Teen. The New York Post <https://nypost.corn/2020/11/06/ms-13-gang-member-charged-with-murder-of-long-island- teen> (11/6, Rosenberg, 4.57M) reports, "An MS-13 gang member was extradited from El Salvador and arraigned Friday in Central Islip federal court on murder charges for the machete slaying of a 15-year-old boy on Long Island in 2016, authorities said." The New York Daily News <https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-ms-13-murder-15-javier- castillo-eduardo-portillo-long-island-20201106-iffububiz5gvncaifx16vkohbm-story.html> (11/6, Goldberg, 2.52M) reports, "A participant in the brutal 2016 machete murder of a 15-year-old boy was extradited from El Salvador to the United States Friday, according to federal prosecutors." Eduardo Portillo, 23, "an alleged member of the violent MS-13 gang, took part in the Oct. 10, 2016 killing of youngster Javier Castillo, whose hacked up remains weren't didscovered for more than a year after his murder. Castillo was a member of the 18th Street Gang, one of the rival gangs of MS-13, according to federal prosecutors." The Daily News adds, "Portillo and five other members of MS-13 convinced Castillo to join them to smoke weed, luring him to an isolated area in Cow Meadow Park in Freeport, L.I., prosecutors said. There, by the water, the crew attacked Castillo, each taking a turn cutting the kid up with a machete, the feds alleged in an indictment." EFTA00137056 US Charges Former Missouri Officer With Assaulting Handcuffed Man. The AP <https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/missouri/articles/2020-11-06/indictment-former-police- officer-assaulted-cuffed-man> (11/6) reports from St. Louis, "A former St. Louis area police officer has been indicted on charges alleging that he assaulted a handcuffed man and then filed a false report claiming that the man was resisting arrest, the U.S. attorney's office announced Friday." According to the AP, "The indictment charging Jackie Matthews with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law and one count of making a false record was returned Thursday and unsealed Friday. The indictment alleges that Matthews, who is 63, deprived the handcuffed man of his right to be free from unreasonable force in March while working for the Ferguson police force. No details were released about what led up to the incident or the races of the officer and the alleged victim." The AP adds, "Richard Quinn, special agent in charge of the FBI St. Louis Division, praised Ferguson police for bringing the matter to the attention of the appropriate authorities." Former Baltimore Police Detective Pleads Guilty To Lying About Drug Bust. The AP <https://apnews.com/d8deb597e24410717eccl0d5ffd4c5ab> (11/7) reported that Ivo Louvado, a former Baltimore Police Department detective, "pleaded guilty Friday to lying to" FBI agents. The plea comes after federal authorities accused Louvado "of denying during a voluntary interview with FBI agents...that he and two police officers split the proceeds from" selling cocaine that was seized during a 2009 drug bust. Authorities "said Louvado's actions came to light as they investigated police misconduct following the arrests in 2017 of seven officers in a rogue police unit." Similar online coverage was run by WJZ-TV <https://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2020/11/06/ivo-louvado-former-baltimore-police-detective-pleads-guilty-to- making-false-statements-to-federal-agents/> Baltimore (11/6, 74K), WMAR-TV <https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/forrner-bpd-detective-pleads-guilty-to-making-false-statements- to-federal-agents> Baltimore (11/6, Broderick), WBFF-TV <https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/former-bpd- detective-admits-he-lied-to-fbi-about-stealing-selling-cocaine> Baltimore (11/6, Zumer, 114K), WBAL-TV <https://www.wbaltv.com/article/ivo-louvado-former-baltimore-police-detective-pleads-guilty-false- statements/3460407I> Baltimore (11/6, 164K), and WBAL-AM <https://www.wbal.corn/article/486830/3/former-baltimore-police-officer-admits-to-lying-to-fbi-agents> Baltimore (11/6, Waldman, 25K). Former Detective's Admission Prompts New Trial Request For Reputed Gang Members. The Baltimore Sun <https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/bs-md-ci-cr-bloods-case-louvado-corruption-20201106- 5bc3oh3aknhrffn6dowazfyk44- story.html#:--:text=Advertisement-,A%20tainted%20Baltimore%20cop%20helped%20bring%20down%20a%20 violent%20drug,members%20want%20a%20new%20trial.&text=lvo%20Louvado%20is%20scheduled%20to,Tr ace%20Task%20Force%20corruption%20scandal.> (11/7, Fenton, 1.33M) reported that defense attorneys have formally requested a new trial for five reputed members of the "Murdaland Mafia Piru Bloods gang." The request comes after Dante Bailey, Corloyd Anderson, Randy Banks, Shakeen Davis and Jamal Lockley were "convicted of racketeering in April 2019," based in part on testimony given by Ivo Louvado, who has admitted that "he lied to FBI agents pursuing leads in the fallout of the Baltimore Police Gun Trace Task Force corruption scandal." The Sun article said the defense attorneys argued in their new trial request that their clients should have been made aware of Louvado's admission. FBI Probing Discovery Of Tracking Devices On Two Missouri Officials' Cars. The AP <https://wwvv.usnews.corn/news/best-states/missourilarticles/2020-11-06/report-tracking-devices-found- on-2-missouri-officials-cars> (11/6) reports, "Missouri Gov. Mike Parson's office said law enforcement authorities are investigating after tracking devices were placed on the vehicles of two administration officials." EFTA00137057 According to the AP, "The devices were found on the vehicles of Drew Erdmann, Missouri's chief operating officer, and Sarah Steelman, commissioner of the Office of the Administration. The Office of Administration procures goods and services for the state, while the chief operating officer oversees the management and distribution of state resources. `Unfortunately, a governor staff member and cabinet member were victims of potential criminal activity that was tied to their roles as public servants,' Parson spokeswoman Kelli Jones said in a statement." The Kansas City (MO) Star <https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article247022277.html> (11/6, 549K) reports, "A private investigator says he helped install tracking devices on the vehicles of two high- ranking officials in Missouri Gov. Mike Parson's administration at the behest of a man working for a private security firm, spurring an FBI investigation." The Star adds, "For several days in August, two GPS devices monitored the movements of vehicles used by" Steelman and Erdmann, "according to Mike Bland, a licensed private investigator in Missouri. Bland said he was hired by John Wall of Asymmetric Solutions, a security firm based in Farmington, Mo., to track Steelman and Erdmann. He said Wall wanted the surveillance because his other company, the software firm Redlyst, hadn't been selected to provide facial recognition services to the state." US Charges Former Minnesota Officer With Extortion, Drug Theft. The AP <https://www.usnews.corn/news/best-states/minnesotaJarticles/2020-11-06/ex-minneapolis-officer- charged-with-civil-rights-violations> (11/6) reports from Minneapolis, "A former Minneapolis police officer has been charged with federal civil rights violations and multiple counts of extortion and acquiring drugs, prosecutors announced Friday." Federal prosecutors "said Ty Jindra abused his position as a Minneapolis police officer to obtain controlled substances, including meth, heroine and cocaine from September 2017 through October 2019. He got the drugs through deception, extortion and unconstitutional searches and seizures, prosecutors said. Jindra made his initial court appearance Friday and was released with conditions." US Attorney Erica MacDonald "said Jindra, 28, of Elk River, was charged with 11 counts, including acquiring controlled substances by deception, extortion under color of official right, and deprivation of rights under color of law." The Minneapolis Star Tribune <https://www.startribune.com/ex-minneapolis-officer-indicted-in-drug-theft- extortion-case/572993722/> (11/7, Mannix, 1.04M) reports that Jindra "ran a scheme from September 2017 to October 2019 to steal drugs by means of `deception, extortion, and conducting unconstitutional searches and seizures,' according to a grand jury indictment unsealed in Minnesota U.S. District Court Friday. This included confiscating drugs during a search without his partner looking, then failing to log them as evidence or filing a report, according to the indictment. Jindra pocketed drugs turned in to police by a concerned citizen and skimmed from bags before logging them into evidence, according to the indictment. In one case, the charges say, Jindra stole heroin and meth from the scene of an overdose call." WCCO-AM <https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2020/11/06ffmr-mpd-officer-ty-raymond-jindra-faces-federal-charges-of- illegally-acquiring-drugs-extortion/> Minneapolis (11/6, 14K) and KSTP-TV <https://kstp.com/news/former- minneapolis-police-officer-charged-with-illegally-acquiring-controlled-substances-extortion-violating-civil- rights/5917557/> Minneapolis-St.Paul, MN (11/6, 249K) also report. Accused Killer Was Caught After Applying For Unemployment During Pandemic. The Detroit News <https://www.detroitnews.corn/story/news/local/detroit-city/2020/11/06/accused-killer-gary- lightfoot-caught-after-applying-unemployment/6186607002/> (11/6, Snell, 825K) reports, "Alabama officials were poised Friday to release an accused killer and fugitive who was caught because he applied for unemployment after fleeing Detroit police earlier this year." The News adds, "Federal prosecutors in Detroit blocked the release of Gary Michael Lightfoot III, 21, Friday by filing a criminal case charging him with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. The criminal charge starts a process that is expected to end with Lightfoot EFTA00137058 being brought back to Detroit amid a continuing homicide investigation. Officials said suspect shot and killed victim, 58, after they got into an argument May 5, 2020, in the area of Fenkell and Fairfield. The charge was filed six months after a deadly encounter at a CITGO gas station near Fairfield Street and Fenkell Avenue in Detroit." Family Members Sentenced For Texas Kidnapping, Robbery. The Dallas Morning News <https://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2020/11/06/kidnapping-and-robbery-of- elderly-victim-ends-in-lengthy-prison-termsk (11/6, Gillman, 946K) reports that prosecutors said Lori Majors and her three sons "stole about $500,000 in cash from an elderly woman after entering her home while she was sleeping and forcing her to tell them where the money was." The Morning News adds, "The family members were arrested last year, and a North Texas federal judge recently gave them lengthy prison sentences in the case after all pleaded guilty. Bryan Majors, 24, was the first to cooperate and give investigators information about the crime, court records show. U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant gave him the lightest sentence — 15 years in prison. Lori Majors, 45, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for kidnapping and money laundering, according to court records." Max Majors, 21, "received 20 years," and "Justin Majors, 27, the oldest son and the last of the family members to be sentenced, got 45 years in prison last month in federal court in Sherman, court records show." Alaska Man Pleads Guilty To Child Pornography Possession. The Alaska Public Radio Network <https://www.alaskapublic.org/2020/11/08/former-bethel-elementary- principal-chris-carmichael-pleads-guilty-to-federal-charges/> (11/8) reports former Gladys Jung Elementary School principal Christopher Carmichael "is pleading guilty to federal charges of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor" after he "was charged with possession of child pornography, attempted coercion of a child and sexual abuse of a minor." The investigation began in June 2019, when Bethel Police "received information that a 14-year-old girl claimed that Carmichael had sexually molested her." Georgia Woman Arrested For Impersonation Of FBI Agent. Fox News <https://www.foxnews.corn/food-drink/chick-fil-a-fbi-agent-impersonator-free-food-arrested> (11/8, Hollan, 27.59M) reports Kimberly George Ragsdale was arrested Sunday after she "attempted to get free food from a Chick-fil-A by pretending to be an FBI agent." The police were called, and she "continued to claim that she was a federal agent." Illinois Man Arrested For Impersonating FBI. The Mattoon (IL) Journal Gazette & Times Courier <https://jg-tc.corn/news/locaUcrime-and-courts/mattoon- man-arrested-for-impersonating-fbi-agent-police-say/article_4e06183a-61b7-5100-a7ec-elfeb400e634.html> (11/8, 35K) reports that an unidentified man "was arrested Wednesday after police say he attempted to pass himself off an FBI agent." The Mattoon Police Department "said in a news release that the 45-year-old man banged on the door of a home in the 100 block of Woodlawn Avenue while shining a flashlight into the windows of the residence and yelling for those inside to open the door and saying he was the FBI." FBI Investigating Indiana Bank Robbery. EFTA00137059 WTHR-TV <http://www.wthr.com/article/news/crime/impd-asking-for-help-identifying-bank-robber/531- bfecd4d9-55f5-4018-892f-95f871c0757c> Indianapolis (11/6, 465K) reports that the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI are "asking for help identifying a robber that hit the PNC Bank on South East Street last month." FBI Investigating Fatal Police Shooting In Arizona. The AP <https://www.usnews.corn/news/best-states/oklahoma/articles/2020-11-06/auto-theft-suspect-in-tulsa-is- fatally-shot-by-police> (11/6) reports that an unidentified auto theft suspect "was fatally shot by officers in Tulsa when the man tried to run them over with a pickup truck." The involved officers "are on paid leave and the FBI will investigate the shooting." FBI Investigating Florida Murder. WPEC-TV <https://cbs12.corn/news/locaUfbi-offering-reward-for-info-about-home-invasion-murder-in-south- florida> West Palm Beach, FL (11/7, Lolo, 97K) reports that the FBI "is offering up to $15,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people who carried out a home invasion and murder last year" in Florida. Daniel J. Macko "was home with his wife and an acquaintance when a Dodge Ram van was seen parked near their driveway." FBI Searching For Serial Bank Robbery Suspect In Utah. KSTU-TV <https://www. foxl3now.corn/news/local-news/upd-fbi-ask-for-publics-help-in-identifying-armed- and-dangerous-bank-robbery-suspect> Salt Lake City (1118, 207K) reports that the FBI and the Unified Police Department "are asking for the public's help in identifying a serial bank robbery suspect who is considered armed and dangerous." The statement "described the man as Caucasian, about 5 feet 7 inches tall, with an average build and short gray hair." Colorado Gang Member Sentenced For Illegal Firearm Possession. The Denver Patch <https://patch.com/colorado/denver/pueblo-gang-member-sentenced-serve-12-years- possession-firearm-during-drug> (11/7, 1.03M) reports United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn "announced that Joseph Jordan Carrillo, age 28, of Pueblo, was sentenced to serve a total of 12 years (144 months) in federal prison followed by 3 years on supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime." KRDO-TV <https://lcrdo.corn/news/2020/11/06/pueblo-gang-member-sentenced-to-12-years-in-federal-prison/> Colorado Springs, CO (11/6, 16K) reports Carrillo "was a member of the South Side Surenos street gang," he "was a known fugitive on the FBI's Safe Streets Most Wanted List," and he "had active warrants for his arrest due to a parole violation." White Supremacist Group Distributes Flyers In San Antonio, Texas. EFTA00137060 The San Antonio Express-News <https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/White-supremacist-group- distributes-flyers-on-San-15711765.php> (11/8, Picon, 762K) reports, "A white supremacist organization dropped more than 1,000 flyers denouncing abortion, the Black Lives Matter movement and other issues in Hollywood Park and San Antonio's North Side early Sunday, according to the group." San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg "denounced the flyer distribution in a statement Sunday evening, saying `racism and hatred are not welcome here.'" Hollywood Park Police Chief Shad Prichard "said the flyers included information on how to join the group's cause but did not suggest that there were plans for violent action or gatherings in the area. Prichard said police were collecting the flyers and `reaching out to our federal partners to share our findings and will monitor the situation to ensure the safety of our residents."' The Express-News adds, "FBI Special Agent and Public Affairs Officer Michelle Lee said the FBI is aware of the flyer distribution and is `coordinating closely' with Prichard." New Mexico Man Charged With Bank Robberies. The Los Alamos (NM) Daily Post <https://ladailypost.corn/fbi-albuquerque-man-charged-in-two-bank- robberies> (11/7) reports Calvin Whiteside "appeared in federal court Oct. 29 charged with two counts of bank robber," and he will "remain in custody pending trial." The criminal complaint said Whiteside "entered and robbed Bank of the West on Menaul Boulevard in Albuquerque." Missing Utah Child Found In Colorado. The St. George (UT) News <https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2020/11/07/rma-amber-alert-issued- for-infant-in-cedar-city/> (11/7, 22K) reports Peyton Everett Caraballo-Winston "has been located and in Denver" after the Cedar City Police Department issued Friday an Amber Alert. The FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children cooperated in the investigation. FBI Identifies Skulls Found In Michigan. WJRT-TV <https://www.abc12.com/2020/11/06/justice-department-gang-sex-trafficked-woman-found-dead-in- broome-park-three-years-agot> Flint, MI (11/6, 67K) reports that the FBI has identified two human skulls found in Flint's Broome Park in 2017. ABC12 News "was the first to report the FBI finally identified who those skulls belonged to — two Flint women whose families had reported them missing, Claudia Wilson and Misty-Dawn Kerrison-Steiber." FBI Investigating Ohio Bank Robbery. WNWO-TV <https://nbc24.corn/newillocal/authorities-looking-for-man-accused-of-robbing-perrysburg-bank> Toledo, OH (11/7, Leedy) reports that the FBI and local police are "investigating a bank robbery in Perrysburg," and it "happened at the Huntington National Bank on Oregon Road around 3:10 p.m. Nov. 5." The suspect is "described as a black male between 30 to 45 years of age, approximate height of 6'00' to 6'2' with a thin build." Alabama Man Sentenced To 17 Years For Armed Robbery. EFTA00137061 The AP <https://www.usnews.corn/news/best-states/alabama/articles/2020-11-08/alabama-man-gets-17-years-on- federal-armed-robbery-charges> (11/8) reports, "An Alabama man was sentenced to nearly two decades in federal prison in a string of armed robberies that took place during the span of one week, according to prosecutors." DeGregory Deon Lee, 24, "was found guilty this month of committing 10 robberies across Montgomery in October 2016, Al.com reported, citing an announcement from Middle District of Alabama U.S. Attorney Louis V. Franklin and FBI Special Agent in Charge James Jewell. The robberies happened at a number of businesses, including multiple restaurants, a convenience store, a hotel and a health services store, according to prosecutors. Lee was accused of using a gun and pointing it at victims during the robberies, officials said." Lee "pleaded guilty in November 2019 and was sentenced this month to 17 years in prison, three years of supervised release and was also ordered to pay nearly $7,000 in restitution to the victims, the announcement said." New York Man Charged With Murder. The Hudson Valley (NY) Post <https://hudsonvalleypost.corn/newburgh-man-charged-with-killing-missing- hudson-valley-teached> (11/6) reports Matthew Mercado "was arraigned in Orange County Court on charges including murder, in connection with the death of 36-year-old Jessica Lopez, a City of Newburgh woman who was last seen on November 3, 2019, at the Windsor Motel in the Town of New Windsor." He "has been incarcerated since his arrest on November 6, 2019, in connection with those charges." North Dakota Man Convicted Of Meth Trafficking Crimes. The Great Falls (MT) Tribune <https://www.greatfallstribune.corn/story/news/2020/11/06/montana-jury- convicts-north-dakota-meth-smuggler-pinata-peanut-butter/6191731002/> (11/6, Rosenbaum, 114K) reported that North Dakota resident Christopher Michael Stebbins has been convicted of "methamphetamine trafficking crimes." The case against Stebbins, who was accused of receiving meth in packages that were mailed to North Dakota from Merced, California, "was investigated by the FBI," the US Postal Service and the Merced Police Department. The KRTV-TV <https://www.krtv.corn/news/crime-and-courts/man-convicted-in-great-falls-for- meth-trafficking> Great Falls, MT (11/6, 7K) and ICXLF-TV <https://www.k.xlIcorn/news/crime-and- courts/man-convicted-in-great-falls-for-meth-trafficking> Butte, MT (11/6) websites both published a similar MTN News story. Indiana Raid Operation Leads To Seizure Of Heroin, Fentanyl. The Richmond (IN) Palladium-Item <https://www.pal-item.corn/stoty/news/crime/2020/11/06/authorities-seize- 1-5-kilos-heroin-fentanyl-richmond-drug-bust/6191209002/> (11/6, Truitt) reported that a raid operation led to the seizure of approximately "1.5 kilograms of heroin and fentanyl" from a home in Richmond, Indiana. The FBI and the Wayne County Drug Task Force were involved with Thursday's operation, which followed an investigation conducted by both those law enforcement organizations. Eight Alleged Drug Traffickers Arrested In Nevada. An online KSNV-TV <https://news31v.com/news/local/eight-alleged-associates-of-drug-trafficking-organization- indicted-and-arrested> Las Vegas (11/6, Mills, 62K) Las Vegas article said eight alleged drug traffickers have been arrested in connection with an investigation that was conducted "by the FBI's Safe Street Gang Task Force and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department." The article quoted "US Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich of EFTA00137062 the District of Nevada," who stated, "This case exemplifies the targeted, impactful prosecutions that our office has been prioritizing to drive down crime rates and dismantle drug trafficking organizations." Trutanich added, "We look forward to continuing to work closely with our law enforcement partners, including the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI, to increase public safety and get illegal drugs out of our communities." In a similar website article, KLAS-TV <https://www.8newsnow.corn/news/local-news/eight-indicted-on-federal- charges-for-drug-trafficking-in-las-vegas/> Las Vegas (11/6, Bleakley, 61K) reported that Luis Arellano, Jacqueline Martinez, Ivan Salazar, Domingo Montes, Jr., Amelio Che Medina, Anna Barrios, Victor Manuel Rodriguez and Sergio Rios "are facing federal drug trafficking charges" for allegedly participating in an operation that brought "large quantities of methamphetamine" to Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Review-Journal <https://www.reviewjoumal.com/crime/courts/8-accused-of-trafficking-large-amounts-of-meth-in-las-vegas- 2177787/> (11/6, Ferrara, 345K) also covered this story. US Charges New York Man With Distributing Child Pornography. The Amsterdam (NY) Recorder <https://www.recordemews.com/news/local-news/181823> (11/8, Subik) reports that an Amsterdam, New York man "has been arrested and charged with distributing child pornography, authorities said." On Friday, US Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel "conducted a detention hearing and ordered Thomas Love Jr., 31, of Amsterdam detained pending trial. Love was first charged by criminal complaint with distributing child pornography on Oct. 27. `The complaint alleges that, on or about July, 11, 2020, Love distributed images depicting the sexual exploitation of children via an online social media platform,' reads a news release from Acting U.S. Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. According to the release, Love has admitted to distributing child pornography on other social media platforms and over email." Financial Crime & Corporate Scandals Growing Evidence Indicates Thousands Of Companies Received PPP Loans For Which They Were Ineligible. The Wall Street Journal <https://www.wsj.corn/articles/ppp-was-a-fraudster-free-for-all-investigators-say- 11604832072> (11/8, Tracy, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) reports while 5.2 million companies received some $525 billion in PPP loans between April 3 and Aug. 8, there is growing evidence that many other companies received loans for which they were ineligible because banks and the government allowed applicants to self-certify that they needed the funds. The SBA's inspector general found tens of thousands of companies received loans received loans for which they were not eligible and tens of thousands appear to have received more money than they should have. The New York Post <https://nypost.corn/2020/11/08/reports-of-potential-fraud-in-covid-19-ppp-continue-to- mound> (11/8, Moore, 4.57M) reports, "The federal government continues to be flooded with reports of potential fraud in the Paycheck Protection Program — intended to give small businesses struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic a helping hand — according to a report Sunday." The Post adds, "Congress passed the program to give small businesses access to taxpayer funds, but the Small Business Administration's inspector general said tens of thousands of companies that received the PPP loans appear to have been ineligible, the Wall Street Journal reported. Some corporations that were created after the pandemic began received a slice of the approximately $525 billion in loans, as did companies that exceeded the 500-employees-or-fewer workplace limits and those included on the federal 'Do Not Pay' database because they owed tax money. Many firms received more money than they were eligible for based on their number of employees and rates of compensation, the report said." EFTA00137063 Chicago Brothers Charged With Stimulus Check Fraud. The Chicago Tribune <https://news.yahoo.corn/got-them-trump-licks-chicago-205600052.html> (11/6, Meisner, Meisner, 2.65M) reports, "Akeem Kosoko and his postal carrier brother had allegedly been stealing people's personal funds from the U.S. mail for months when the federal government rolled out what undoubtedly seemed like the ultimate bonanza: `Trump checks,'" that "were mailed to financially struggling taxpayers during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, according to criminal charges recently unsealed in Chicago's federal court." According to the Tribune, "In early May, the FBI was listening as Kosoko allegedly arranged a meeting on Chicago's West Side to sell several stimulus checks to an associate for $5,000. `You get them Trump licks?' the associate, who was cooperating with the investigation, asked Kosoko in the May 7 call, according to the charges. `You know it, boy!' Kosoko replied. The exchange was one of several detailed in a 43-page criminal complaint charging Kosoko, 26, and his brother, Ahmed Kosoko, 35, with conspiring to steal U.S. mail and theft of government funds." Former CEO Of California Medical Device Firm Sentenced For Fraud, Money Laundering. SFGate (CA) <https://www.sfgate.corn/news/bayarea/article/Ex-Ceo-Of-Medical-Device-Company-Sentenced- To-11-15710565.php> (11/8, 2.I3M) reports, "The former chief executive officer of a San Rafael-based medical device company was sentenced this week to 135 months in prison for wire fraud, money laundering and related charges, according to the U.S. Department of Justice." According to SFGate, "The sentence for Lawrence J. Gerrans, former CEO of Sanovas, was handed down by U.S> District Court Judge Edward M. Chen in San Francisco. According to U.S. Attorney David L. Anderson, Gerrans utilized a number of fraudulent methods to siphon funds out of Sanovas between Jan. 12, 2015, and March 16, 2015." Federal Prosecutors Seek Civil Forfeiture Of New York Developer's Assets. The Buffalo (NY) News <https://buffalonews.corn/news/local/u-s-prosecutors-seek-civil-forfeiture-of-rochester- developer-robert-morgans-assets/article_b04c5c84-1d31-11eb-b95c-03d6732de87a.html> (11/6, Epstein, 391K) reports, "Federal prosecutors have taken a new tack in their case against Rochester developer Robert C. Morgan, after a judge threw out the criminal fraud case against him on procedural grounds. They're trying to go after Morgan's assets through a civil lawsuit." According to the News, "Just days after the federal judge dismissed a 114-count indictment in early October, the U.S. government filed a new civil forfeiture case, seeking to seize Morgan's interests in four apartment properties and any cash he has received from them since Oct. 24, 2019. The criminal case — which involved properties in the Buffalo area, as well as in Rochester and other states — began with a raid on Morgan's offices in suburban Rochester in May 2018 by the FBI and other authorities, followed by an initial indictment against four people — two of whom pleaded guilty." Minnesota Couple Sentenced In Fraud Scheme Targeting Seniors. The Richmond (VA) Times-Dispatch <https://richmond.corn/news/locaUcrime-and-courts/couple-sentenced-in- intemational-fraud-that-victimized-seniors-including-chesterfield-resident/article_bffa3e49-9bf2-57ee-a099- aa9263bfa03Ehtml> (11/6, Green, 277K) reports, "Two members of an international fraud ring that victimized elderly people across the U.S., including a retired Chesterfield County resident who lost $400,000, were sentenced in federal court Friday." Chirag Janakbhai Choksi and his wife, Shachi Naishadh Majmudar, both of Minnesota, "were sentenced to 61/2 years and 14 months, respectively. They pleaded guilty in July in federal court EFTA00137064 in Richmond to charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and Choksi also pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft. The scheme, in which authorities said they were relatively minor players, involved law enforcement impersonators who victimized older people." The Times-Dispatch adds, "Papers filed this week by the U.S. attorney's office said that 10 people have thus far been charged in the case. Prosecutors asked U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson to sentence each within the federal guideline ranges calculated by the probation office." US Charges Two Florida Men With Targeting Ohio Elderly In "Grandparent Scam." The Willoughby (OH) News-Herald <https://www.news-herald.com/news/florida-men-accused-of-targeting- ohio-elderly-including-mentor-man-in-grandparent-scam/article_aaf05632-2137-11eb-ab8d-67bc754c35fb.html> (11/7, 91K) reports, "Two Florida men are facing federal charges for running a 'grandparent scam' targeting several elderly Ohio residents, including a 77-year-old Mentor man." John Tyler Pla, 25, and Johnny Lee Palmer, 25, both of Tampa, "were indicted on conspiracy to commit wire fraud along with eight charges of wire fraud. They are facing charges in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio." The News-Herald adds, "According to the indictment, the men are accused of conspiring together to orchestrate the 'grandparent scam' from July 20 to Aug. 28. In the alleged scheme, the men are accused of calling the elderly victims, claiming to be a relative, such as a grandson, granddaughter, or an attorney for the relative, and telling the victim that he or she had been arrested and needed money for bail." WEWS-TV <https://www.news5cleveland.corn/news/local-news/cleveland-metro/2-florida-men-charged-for- grandparent-scam-that-cost-elderly-northeast-ohio-residents-thousands> Cleveland (11/6) reports, "The two allegedly called elderly residents and claimed they were a relative who needed bail money after being arrested, authorities said. They also pretended to be attorneys calling on behalf of a family member in jail. The two would then arrange for a 'courier' to meet the victim to pick up money. Authorities said the two rented a U-Haul to travel to their victim's homes. In total, elderly residents caught up in the scheme lost more than $383,000 between July 20 and Aug. 28. 'These scammers demonstrate the ever-increasing need to watch over and protect our elderly population,' said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith." California Couple Sentenced For Selling Donations Meant For Needy Californians. KGTV-TV <https://www.l0news.corn/newillocal-news/couple-sentenced-to-prison-for-selling-donations-meant- for-san-diegans-in-need> San Diego (11/7, Saunders, 177K) reports from San Diego, "A California couple who operated a charity that claimed to provide goods to San Diegans in need has been sentenced to prison." Geraldine Hill and Clayton Hill "pleaded guilty to the charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and tax evasion in June, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California. Geraldine has been sentenced to 15 months in prison while Clayton was sentenced to 9 months in prison." KGTV-TV adds, "From 2011 to 2016, the pair obtained more than $1.35 million in donated clothing and other items and claimed the items would be given to the needy, according to prosecutors. The items were supposed to benefit low-income families in San Diego. 'While fraud is always wrong, the theft of charitable donations that were to be used to help San Diego's low income families is particularly disheartening,' said Acting FBI Special Agent in Charge Omer Meisel." DOJ Suit Against Visa Could Impact Payment Sector's Future. The Wall Street Journal <https://www.wsj.corn/articles/federal-lawsuit-points-to-payments-future-11604847600> (11/8, Demos, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) reports the Justice Department's lawsuit challenging Visa's acquisition of Plaid could impact the entire payments sector. EFTA00137065 Cyber Division FBI: Hackers Stole Source Code From Government Agencies, Private Firms. ZDNet <https://www.zdnet.corn/article/fbi-hackers-stole-source-code-from-us-government-agencies-and- private-companies/> (11/7, Cimpanu, 299K) reports that the FBI "has sent out a security alert warning that threat actors are abusing misconfigured SonarQube applications to access and steal source code repositories from US government agencies and private businesses. Intrusions have taken place since at least April 2020, the FBI said in an alert sent out last month and made public this week on its website." ZDNet adds, "The alert specifically warns owners of SonarQube, a web-based application that companies integrate into their software build chains to test source code and discover security flaws before rolling out code and applications into production environments. SonarQube apps are installed on web servers and connected to source code hosting systems like BitBucket, GitHub, or GitLab accounts, or Azure DevOps systems," but "the FBI says that some companies have left these systems unprotected, running on their default configuration (on port 9000) with default admin credentials (admin/admin)." University of Vermont Medical Center Working To Restore Systems After Cyberattack. The AP <https://apnews.com/article/6ad7ef8d2672a5bc4labbdb528c547fl> (11/7) reported, "Computer experts at the University of Vermont Medical Center are working to restore systems disabled in a cyberattack that have hurt the hospital's ability to provide some cancer treatments." The network of hospitals "is working with the FBI, the Vermont Department of Public Safety and others to investigate the attack." The Burlington (VT) Free Press <https://www.burlingtonfreepress.corn/story/news/locaU2020/11/06/vermont-hospital-network-cyberattack- recovery/6185496002/> (11/6, 125K) also reports. Campari Reports Data Encrypted, Stolen Following Hacking Attack. Reuters <https://wwvv.reuters.com/article/us-campari-cyber/italys-campari-says-hackers-encrypted-and-stole- data-idUSKBN27M2SH> (11/6) reports that Campari "said on Friday checks conducted after a hacking attack showed data on some of the company's servers had been encrypted and some information had been lost." Last week, the Italian drinks group "said it had been targeted by hackers around Nov. 1." The company said, "Together with cyber-security experts we have contained the issue and immediately put in place all possible extra security measures." The company also "said it had notified all the relevant data protection authorities, as well as the Italian cyber police and the FBI." Also reporting is SiliconANGLE <https://siliconangle.corn/2020/11/08/italian-drinks-maker-campari-hit-ragnar-locker-ransomware-attack/> (11/8). Federal Agencies Warn Of Ransomware Targeting Healthcare Sector. The Los Alamos (NM) Daily Post <https://ladailypost.corn/catch-of-the-week-fbi-warns-of-ransomware- targeting-healthcare/> (11/7) reports, "With the healthcare system already strained by the pandemic, cyber- criminals are targeting the healthcare sector." Last week, CISA, HHS, and the FBI "issued a joint advisory warning of `credible information of an increased and imminent cybercrime threat to U.S. hospitals and healthcare providers.'" Ransomware attacks are an increasingly common form of cyberattack, and the "most common strains of ransomware being used in these attacks seem to be Ryuk and Conti." According to CISA, "it EFTA00137066 is likely the Trickbot gang is behind the attacks," and the "most common vector of attack for ransomware is the end-user, via phishing emails." Cyber Criminals Targeting Linux Users For Ransomware Attacks. Forbes <https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveyvvinder/2020/11/08/new-ransomware-threat-jumps-from-windows- to-linux-what-you-need-to-know/> (11/8, Winder, 9.71M) reports, "the cybercriminal crosshairs are aiming at Linux users" for ransomware attacks. Kapersky has "detailed a new file-encrypting Trojan called RansomEXX that attacks Linux machines." This "highly targeted Trojan" is a "very real-world threat as large organizations have already fallen victim to RansomEXX." Red Canary product manager Gavin Matthews said, "Although not unique, it is rare to see ransomware appear on Linux." Matthews added that "while cloud assets can often be reimaged or redeployed to remove threats like ransomware, the increase in Linux threats stresses the need for better detection and protections against threats that bring down applications, put customer data at risk, and hurt business operations." NCPC Approves Plans For CISA Headquarters At St. Elizabeths Campus. Federal News Network <https://federalnewsnetwork.com/facilities-construction/2020/11/cisa-headquarters- brings-dhs-consolidated-campus-into-focus/> (11/6, 220) reports that NCPC "approved plans to build a 600,000 square foot headquarters" for LISA. The plans come "after members determined that the plans were consistent with the rest of the master plan, appropriate for the space it'll occupy and addressed some of the unique challenges associated with the campus, which is a national historic landmark." The government aims to consolidate DHS "onto the St. Elizabeths campus in southeast Washington, D.C." The new campus "is the most ambitious federal building project since the Pentagon, but has run into considerable budget and schedule challenges." Microsoft Collaborating With UK's NCSC On Cyber Accelerator Program. The Government Computing (UK) <https://www.governmentcomputing.com/security/news/microsoft-cyber- accelerator> (1116) reports that "Microsoft has collaborated with" the UK's NCSC "to improve cybersecurity in the country." The Accelerator series is designed "to run between January and March 2021." This seventh program in the series "will allow NCSC to work with new companies to develop products, skills, jobs and growth." The agency aims to "find and develop start-ups that work to improve cybersecurity in the country." The tech giant "will offer access to its own Accelerator alumni network and subject matter experts across cybersecurity and cloud." Huawei Launches Legal Challenge Against Sweden's 5G Ban. Bloomberg <https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-11-06/huawei-launches-legal-appeal-against- sweden-s-draconic-5g-ban> (11/6, Rolander, 4.73M) reports that Huawei "is launching a legal challenge against Sweden's decision to exclude it from 5G buildouts and says the move will create a monopoly for Ericsson AB." Huawei "filed an appeal with an administrative court in Stockholm, arguing that the 'draconic measure"' violates EU and national laws "by effectively barring it from the Swedish market." Swedish police and military agencies "concluded that Chinese state influence over the private sector 'brings with it strong incentives for privately owned companies to act in accordance with state goals and the communist party's national strategies.' The Chinese company "says Chinese intelligence agencies have no authority to order the company to spy for them." EFTA00137067 Next US President Will Face Challenges In 5G Race With China. In a report headlined "The 5G Challenges The Next White House Will Inherit," Politico <https://www.politico.com/news/2020/11/06/5g-wireless-challenges-white-house-434533> (11/6, Hendel, 4.29M) tech reporter John Hendel said US wireless providers "don't have the right airwaves or network architecture to really allow for widespread, robust 5G use just yet, which will be a pressing challenge for whoever occupies the White House — especially as China bursts into the lead in the so-called race to 5G." Should presumed President-elect Joe Biden succeed Donald Trump in 2021, "5G could prove a source of rare bipartisan unity." Connectivity during the COVID-19 pandemic "has never seemed more vital," and though "Trump economic adviser Larry Kudlow dismisses `pessimistic' assessments" of the United States' 5G position, "reassuring wireless officials last month that the U.S. is doing just fine," his opinion "comes in stark contrast to warnings from others like former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, who recently claimed a `national emergency' over China's 5G dominance." GCHQ Begins Cyber-Operation Tackling Anti-Vaccine Propaganda. Reuters <https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-security-gchq-cyber/britains-gchq-to-wage-cyber-war-on- anti-vaccine-propaganda-the-times-idUSKBN27O0X9> (1118) reports, "Britain's GCHQ has begun an offensive cyber-operation to tackle anti-vaccine propaganda being spread online by hostile states." The move "is an attempt to counter disinformation activities linked to Russia." The UK "considers tackling false information about immunization as a high priority as the prospect of a reliable vaccine against the coronavirus draws closer." GCHQ has "a close relationship" with the NSA, "as well as the eavesdropping agencies of Australia, Canada and New Zealand in an intelligence alliance known as the `Five Eyes.'" Experts Expect Biden Administration To Ramp Up Sanctions For Cyberattacks. Law360 <https://www.law360.corn/publicpolicy/articles/1313507> (11/8, Kochman, Grande, Subscription Publication, 8K) reports, "Joe Biden's presidency could lead to tougher sanctions for state-backed actors who target the U.S. with cyberattacks and carve out an easier path for a key transatlantic data transfer deal," according to experts. The next presidential term is "likely to feature stronger privacy enforcement" by the FTC and "consistent messaging from the White House about cybersecurity threats, as well as enhanced cooperation with other countries on those issues." Biden is "expected to continue the trend of calling out adversaries for destructive cyberattacks." DLA Piper partner Ed McAndrew said the incoming Administration "would be more aggressive in imposing financial costs to malicious cyber activity, and specifically with sanctions." DOJ Moving To Have Thousands Of Seized Bitcoins Forfeited To The US Government. In online coverage, CNN <https://www.cnn.corn/2020/11/06/business/bitcoin-seized-silk-road- ulbricht/index.html> (11/6, Isidore, 83.16M) reported that court documents show the Department of Justice (DOJ) "said it is moving to have...69,370" seized bitcoins forfeited to the US government. The bitcoins are suspected of being linked to transactions made on the "Silk Road website, a criminal marketplace" that the FBI shut down in 2013. Bitcoins "were the only currency allowed on Silk Road, which authorities say was used for criminal transactions including the sale of drugs and guns as well as money laundering." EFTA00137068 International Relations Canadian Teen Faces Child Pornography Charges After Joint Probe Including FBI. The Globe and Mail (CAN) <https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-ontario-teen-faces-child- pornography-charges-after-joint-investigation> (11/6, 1.04M) reports, "Peel police say a teen from Mississauga, Ont., is facing child pornography charges after a joint investigation by local police, the RCMP and the FBI." According to the Globe and Mail, "Police say the investigation began after an anonymous person hacked into an on online group meeting application and streamed `offensive material' in May. The FBI in the United States tracked the suspect to Mississauga, at which point the RCMP's National Child Exploitation Crime Centre became involved. The Peel Regional Police Internet Child Exploitation Unit worked with the two other law enforcement agencies to identify the suspect." Other FBI News Twitter Permanently Bans Bannon For Urging Trump To Put Fauci And Wray's "Heads On Pikes." The Washington Post <https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/11/06/twitter-bannon-beheaded-fauci- wray/> (11/6, Peiser, 14.2M) reports that after Steve Bannon on Thrusday urged President Trump to demote MAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci and fire FBI Director Wray, and added: "I'd actually like to go back to the old times of Tudor England. I'd put the heads on pikes," Twitter "permanently suspended Bannon's @WarRoomPandemic account...after he posted the clip," which "makes Bannon one of the most high-profile political figures to be banned." The Post adds Facebook, YouTube, and Spotify "removed video clips and audio from the episode." Meanwhile, the New York Times <https://www.nytimes.corn/2020/11/06/nyregion/bannon-lawyer- beheading.html> (11/6, Weiser, Schmidt, Rashbaum, 18.61M) reports William A. Burck, "a prominent lawyer who was defending Mr. Bannon against fraud charges in federal court in Manhattan," on Friday "abruptly moved to drop him as a client, one person familiar with matter said." The Times describes the loss of the "white-shoe representation" as "the latest setback for Mr. Bannon, 66, who has struggled for political relevance since losing his job at the White House eight months after Mr. Trump's inauguration." Steve Bannon's Lawyer Quits Fraud Case After Former Trump Strategist's Controversial Remarks. The AP <https://apnews.corn/article/donald-trump-new-york-new-york-city-anthony-fauci-immigration- 9fa837497e7727bfada49b6ea4B1cd5> (11/6) reported that a lawyer for President Trump's "former chief strategist, Steve Bannon, quit defending him in a federal fraud case a day after Bannon made inflammatory comments about Dr. Anthony Fauci and FBI Director Christopher Wray." In a letter "dated Friday, defense attorney William Burck told a federal court judge in New York City that he was withdrawing from the case." The lawyer "quit after Bannon suggested on an online broadcast that Fauci and Wray should be beheaded for being disloyal to the president." Also reporting were the Washington Post <https://www.washingtonpost.corn/national-security/steve-bannon- new-legal-tearn/2020/11/06/4f321366c-2062-11eb-b532-05c75 I cd5dc2_story.html> (11/6, Jacobs, 14.2M), the New York Times <https://vvww.nytimes.corn/2020/11/06/nyregion/bannon-lawyer-beheading.html> (11/6, Weiser, Schmidt, Rashbaum, 18.61M), The Hill <https://thehill.corn/regulation/court-battles/524866-bannons- lawyers-move-to-withdraw-from-criminal-case-following> (11/6, Neidig, Deese, 2.98M), the New York Daily News <https://www.nydailynews.com/new-yorkJny-bannon-seeks-new-lawyer-after-beheading-fauci-remark- 20201106-1r1m34ckcjgfnaymufcuepn57i-story.html> (11/6, Brown, 2.52M), and the Washington Examiner <https://www.washingtonexaminer.corn/news/lawyers-bail-on-steve-bannon-after-comments-about-beheading- EFTA00137069 fauci-and-wray> (11/6, Dyke, 448K). Other Washington News After Media Outlets Designate Biden As President-Elect, Trump Says Election "Far From Over." Within 20 minutes of CNN calling the 2020 election for Joe Biden at 11:24 a.m. EDT on Saturday after projecting he will win Pennsylvania's 20 electoral votes, it was followed by NBC, CBS, MSNBC, ABC, the AP, the Washington Post, and Fox News. In a statement, President Trump responded, "We all know why Joe Biden is rushing to falsely pose as the winner, and why his med