Latest news with #DepartmentoftheTreasury


Scoop
2 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Targeting A Major Backer Of Virtual Currency Investment Scams
Tammy Bruce, Department Spokesperson May 29, 2025 The United States is imposing sanctions on Funnull Technology Inc., a Philippines-based company that provides the critical computer infrastructure for virtual currency investment scams, and its administrator Liu Lizhi, a Chinese national. Fraudulent virtual currency investment scams cause serious financial harm to the American people. Today's targets are directly connected to over $200 million in losses reported by U.S. victims, with an average cost of over $150,000 per individual. The United States will go after those who misuse virtual currencies and internet services to perpetrate fraud and other crimes. We will continue to pursue cybercriminals who abuse the U.S. financial sector. The Department of the Treasury's sanctions actions were taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13694, as amended by E.O. 14114.

Epoch Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Epoch Times
US Treasury Sanctions Cyber Group That Scammed Americans Out of $200 Million
The Department of the Treasury on May 29 'Today's action underscores our focus on disrupting the criminal enterprises, like Funnull, that enable these cyber scams and deprive Americans of their hard-earned savings,' Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Michael Faulkender said in a statement.


Scoop
28-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Providing Sanctions Relief For The Syrian People
Marco Rubio, Secretary of State May 23, 2025 In accordance with the President's promise to deliver sanctions relief to Syria, I have issued a 180-day waiver of mandatory Caesar Act sanctions to ensure sanctions do not impede the ability of our partners to make stability-driving investments, and advance Syria's recovery and reconstruction efforts. These waivers will facilitate the provision of electricity, energy, water, and sanitation, and enable a more effective humanitarian response across Syria. In addition, the Department of the Treasury issued Syria General License (GL) 25 to authorize transactions by U.S. persons previously prohibited by the Syrian Sanctions Regulations, effectively lifting sanctions on Syria. The GL will allow for new investment and private sector activity consistent with the President's America First strategy. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is providing exceptive relief to permit U.S. financial institutions to maintain correspondent accounts for the Commercial Bank of Syria. Today's actions represent the first step in delivering on the President's vision of a new relationship between Syria and the United States. President Trump is providing the Syrian government with the chance to promote peace and stability, both within Syria and in Syria's relations with its neighbors. The President has made clear his expectation that relief will be followed by prompt action by the Syrian government on important policy priorities. The sanctions waiver is issued pursuant to section 7432(b)(1) of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019 (22 U.S.C. 8791 note).

Epoch Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
NPR Sues Trump Over Order Cutting Federal Funding
President Donald Trump's order cutting funding for media outlets violates the U.S. Constitution, National Public Radio (NPR) said in a lawsuit filed on May 27. The order violates the First Amendment's protection of expression, the suit states. 'The Order also violates due process, the Separation of Powers and the Spending Clause of the Constitution,' it The suit was filed in federal court in Washington. The White House, the Department of the Treasury, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Trump's May 1 order Related Stories 5/2/2025 3/26/2025 The order says that no outlets have a constitutional right to public money and that neither outlet 'presents a fair, accurate, or unbiased portrayal of current events to taxpaying citizens.' That's despite the law establishing the corporation saying the entity cannot 'contribute to or otherwise support any political party,' Trump wrote. The White House has NPR and several local member stations, including Colorado Public Radio, said in the suit that the order improperly targets them because of the president's view on their news. 'The Order's objectives could not be clearer: the Order aims to punish NPR for the content of news and other programming the President dislikes and chill the free exercise of First Amendment rights by NPR and individual public radio stations across the country,' they said. 'The Order is textbook retaliation and viewpoint-based discrimination in violation of the First Amendment, and it interferes with NPR's and the Local Member Stations' freedom of expressive association and editorial discretion.' Maher The plaintiffs are asking the court to declare the order and all actions taken to implement it illegal and unconstitutional, along with an order that permanently bars defendants from implementing the order. Maher and PBC CEO Paula Kerger defended their outlets during a March congressional hearing, 'Our stations pool resources to invest in programming that will benefit all Americans, ranging from history and science to art and music,' Kerger said at the time.


Time of India
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Julión Álvarez fails to enter US, concert at AT&T Stadium postponed, Texas fans stunned
Julión Álvarez's sold-out concert at AT&T Stadium was postponed after the singer was unable to enter the United States in time. Nearly 50,000 fans are now awaiting news on the rescheduled date. The regional Mexican music star's return was highly anticipated following past issues with US authorities Julión Álvarez's sold-out AT&T Stadium concert in Texas has been postponed due to his delayed US entry, leaving nearly 50,000 fans awaiting a new date Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Julión Álvarez and his beloved Norteño band were set to perform on Saturday, May 24 at Arlington's AT&T Stadium. With nearly 50,000 tickets sold, the regional Mexican music icon was gearing up for what would have been one of the biggest live music events in Texas this a sudden and forced change in plans disrupted the show. According to a joint statement from promoters CMN and Copar Music , the decision to postpone was out of their read: Piano man pauses the music: Billy Joel cancels all upcoming concerts amid concerning brain disorder diagnosis 'Due to unforeseen circumstances, Julión was unable to enter the United States in time for the event,' the statement the disappointment, the promoters and Julión's team were quick to reassure fans that the concert would be rescheduled. 'All previously purchased tickets will be valid for the new date,' the announcement said. Customers can expect to receive updates by email and will also be given instructions on how to request a refund if they are unable to attend the new concert Álvarez extended heartfelt thanks to his loyal fanbase, expressing gratitude for their patience and continued support. He also confirmed he is eager to return to the stage in Texas as soon as Álvarez, known to fans as 'The King of the Box Office,' has faced challenges with US entry before. In 2017, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) blacklisted the singer amid allegations of money laundering, allegations that were never proven in read: Coldplay's 'Music of the Spheres' becomes most-attended tour ever, dethrones Taylor Swift's 'Eras' tour The case was resolved in Álvarez's favor in 2022, allowing him to resume touring in the United States without issue until now. While no new legal troubles have been reported, this unexpected travel setback has reignited public curiosity about the singer's relationship with US authorities.