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Business Wire
a day ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Fintiv Files RICO and Trade Secret Misappropriation Suit Against Apple Stemming from Alleged Theft of Mobile Wallet Technology Used to Create Apple Pay
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fintiv, Inc., a global leader in patented, digital wallet ecosystems, announced today the filing of a civil lawsuit against Apple, Inc. in the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division, alleging violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, Georgia's RICO Act, The Defend Trade Secrets Act, and Georgia's Trade Secret Act. The lawsuit, filed by Kasowitz LLP, alleges that Apple engaged in a pattern of racketeering activity, including wire fraud and trade secret misappropriation, in furtherance of a scheme to steal Fintiv's proprietary mobile wallet technology and trade secrets that Apple used to create Apple Pay, a service that generates billions in annual revenue and has been a major force in growing Apple's market valuation to more than $3 trillion. As alleged in the complaint, Apple approached CorFire (Fintiv's predecessor) more than a decade ago under the pretense of forming a mobile payment business partnership. Between 2011 and 2012, it is alleged, Apple attended multiple meetings with CorFire representatives and received confidential technical information under non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). The purpose of those meetings was to enter into an agreement in which Apple would license CorFire's mobile wallet technology, for which CorFire would receive licensing fees, according to the complaint. Instead, it is alleged, Apple stole Fintiv's confidential information and later hired away key CorFire employees, before launching Apple Pay in 2014. Fintiv asserts in the court filing that Apple Pay's core features including secure element technology, NFC technology, and trusted service management platform were based on CorFire's innovations. The complaint further alleges that Apple, in order to convert Fintiv's stolen mobile wallet technology and trade secrets into cash, set up a fence by forming an association-in-fact enterprise with leading credit card issuing banks, like JP Morgan Chase and Citibank, and payment processing networks, like Visa and Mastercard, for the purpose of enabling and processing the billions of transactions and trillions in payments that Apple Pay users engage in annually. By utilizing Fintiv's stolen mobile wallet technology and trade secrets in Apple Pay, it is alleged Apple and the other RICO enterprise members earn tens of billions each year servicing the Apple Pay transactions. "The scale of Apple's unlawful conduct has been staggering," the complaint alleges. "By modifying Apple Pay for use on four separate categories of its devices, Apple has repeated and compounded its theft by knowingly utilizing Fintiv's stolen technology in the hundreds of millions of iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches and MacBooks it has sold worldwide," the complaint alleges. As further alleged in the complaint, "Apple Pay is the engine" that drives the RICO Enterprise. "Without the on-going benefit of Fintiv's stolen mobile wallet technology and trade secrets," the ability of Apple "to generate billions utilizing Apple Pay would be severely compromised." The complaint further alleges, "Apple's theft of Fintiv's technology is part of a pattern and practice that Apple has engaged in for years – falsely pretending to partner with companies in order to steal confidential and proprietary information under the guise of a working relationship, and thereafter hiring away key employees, all in order to steal the company's valuable intellectual property and use it to commercialize the business on its own." As examples, the complaint cites "a similar pernicious scheme" to steal trade secrets from Masimo Corp. "which had developed non-invasive technology related to blood oxygen monitoring which Apple believed was key to overcoming performance issues with its Apple watch." Apple, it is alleged, perpetrated a similar scheme against a biotech company named Valencell Inc., where it entered into discussions and negotiations under the guise of seeking to license Valencell's active heart- monitoring technology. Apple's alleged scheme was – as with Fintiv and Masimo – not to partner or license with Valencell, but to steal Valencell's technology and incorporate it into Apple's own products, which Apple then marketed and sold on its own without paying a nickel to Valencell," according to the complaint. Likewise, according to the allegations in the complaint, Apple never licensed Fintiv's trade secret and proprietary mobile wallet technology but has realized tens and tens of billions of dollars in value and revenues from Apple Pay. Marc Kasowitz, Fintiv's lead lawyer, calls Apple's alleged theft of trade secrets from Fintiv and its on-going racketeering, as the complaint alleges, "a colossal case of wrongdoing that is one the most egregious examples of corporate malfeasance I've seen in 45 years of law practice. By this action, Fintiv intends to hold Apple responsible for the full extent of its alleged illegal activities." About Fintiv Fintiv, a global leader of patented, white labeled Web2 to Web3 digital solutions for merchant payments, cross border and digital asset tokenization having deployed over 100 ecosystems in more than 35 countries. Fintiv has built one of the most significant and relevant patent portfolios globally and is now managing over 150 patents. Learn more at
Black America Web
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
15 Celebs Who Fell From Grace Over Sexual Allegations & Convictions
It's no secret that celebrities rely heavily on their public image and the trust of their fans and brands. Even the biggest names can see their empires crumble following the attention that comes with criminal actions or accusations. RELATED: 20 Celebs You FORGOT Were in Prison When a celebrity falls from grace, it's typically due to significant scandal, misconduct, or controversy that destroys their public image and reputation. The consequences can be far-reaching, affecting various aspects of their lives and careers. For some, it just means they'll take smaller roles, or no longer have the ability to find work in the industry, for others, criminal charges that result in a conviction could mean a loss of freedom. Here are 15 celebs who either fell out of public favor or landed behind bars following claims of sexual misconduct. 15 Celebs Who Fell From Grace Over Sexual Allegations & Convictions was originally published on 1. Darren Sharper Source:Getty Former NFL star Darren Sharper is currently in prison for drugging and raping numerous women in multiple states. His crimes spanned across California, Nevada, Louisiana, and Arizona, where he pleaded guilty or no contest to various charges related to sexual assault and drug distribution. Sharper was sentenced in 2016 to 18 years in federal prison after admitting to drugging and raping women in four states. 2. Actor Danny Masterson Portrait Source:Getty Danny Masterson is currently serving a 30-year to life prison sentence after being convicted of raping two women in 2003. He was found guilty of two counts of forcible rape during a retrial in May 2023, after a previous trial ended in a mistrial when the jury couldn't reach a verdict on all counts. The attacks occurred at his Hollywood Hills home during the time he was starring in the sitcom 'That '70s Show.' 3. Jeffrey Jones Source:Getty Known for his roles in movies like 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' and 'Beetlejuice,' Jeffrey Jones was charged with soliciting a minor for nude photographs and possession of child pornography. He eventually entered a plea of no contest to the charge of soliciting a minor, and the possession of child pornography charge was dropped. Jones was sentenced to: Five years of probation. One year of psychological counseling. Two years of drug and alcohol abuse counseling 4. Cash Out Source:Getty Cash Out was convicted on multiple charges including rape, sex trafficking, and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act violations. He was sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 70 years. Prosecutors alleged that Cash Out, along with his mother and cousin, operated a trafficking enterprise that forced women into sex work over a period for nearly a decade. They were accused of using his record label as a front for this operation. 5. Kaalan Walker Source:Getty Kaalan Walker, who starred in the 'Superfly' remake, convicted and sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for multiple counts of rape and sexual assault. Walker was found guilty of: Three counts of forcible rape One count of assault to commit oral copulation Two counts of statutory rape Two counts of rape by intoxication He was sentenced in October 2022, following his April 2022 conviction. 6. Stephen Collins Source:Getty In 2014, recordings were leaked to the media in which '7th Heaven' actor Stephen Collins admitted to sexual misconduct with minors. He confessed to sexually abusing three underage girls in incidents that occurred in 1973, 1982, and 1994. Collins was never charged or prosecuted due to the statute of limitations in the cases. He eventually was fired from multiple projects, including the film 'Ted 2' and the TV show 'Scandal.' 7. Sean 'Diddy' Combs Source:Sean 'Diddy' Combs - Picture provided by Canva Following his federal trial, Sean 'Diddy' Combs was found guilty on two counts related to transportation to engage in prostitution. T he jury found Combs guilty of transporting Cassie, and another woman to engage in prostitution. Combs was acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. Had he been convicted on those charges, the music mogul could have faced life in. 8. Kevin Spacey Source:Getty Kevin Spacey has faced numerous accusations of sexual misconduct, resulting in investigations, lawsuits, and criminal proceedings. He was found not liable in the civil case brought by Anthony Rapp and acquitted of all criminal charges. Many accusations remain, some of which did not result in criminal charges. Spacey has denied the accusations against him 9. Mystikal Source:Getty Mystikal, whose real name is Michael Tyler, is currently in prison in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, awaiting trial on several charges stemming from an alleged incident in July 2022. This isn't his first time having trouble with the law, but this go round he's got quite the laundry list of charges: First-degree rape Domestic abuse battery by strangulation False imprisonment Simple robbery Simple criminal damage to property Possession of heroin Illegal possession of Xanax Possession of methamphetamine Possession of marijuana Possession of drug paraphernalia If convicted of first-degree rape in the current case, he faces a mandatory life sentence under Louisiana law. 10. The Jury Deliberates In The Harvey Weinstein Sexual Assault Retrial Source:Getty Weinstein was initially sentenced to 16 years in prison for rape, forced oral copulation, and third-degree sexual misconduct. His conviction was overturned in 2024, and he is currently undergoing a retrial. Weinstein was found guilty of one count of criminal sexual act on June 11, 2025, and a mistrial was declared on another rape charge. 11. Micheal Ward Source:Getty Micheal Ward, known for his roles in the Netflix series 'Top Boy' and the film 'Eddington', has been charged with two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault. Ward has publicly denied the charges and has stated that he has cooperated fully with the police investigation and has 'full faith that the truth will come out and my name will be cleared.' 12. Matt Lauer Source:Getty Matt Lauer's downfall was a direct result of the credible and serious allegations of sexual misconduct brought against him, which violated NBC's company standards and led to his termination. 13. Bill Cosby Source:Getty Bill Cosby has been accused by dozens of women of sexual assault, harassment, and sexual abuse. His criminal conviction related to one of these accusations was overturned, but civil lawsuits have continued to be filed and Cosby has been found liable in some cases. He maintains his innocence. 14. R Kelly Source:Live Nation In 2021, a federal jury in Brooklyn, New York, convicted R. Kelly of nine counts related to racketeering and violating the Mann Act. Racketeering: This involved leading a criminal enterprise that engaged in acts of bribery, kidnapping, and forced labor. Mann Act violations: These charges related to the coercion and transportation of women and girls across state lines for illegal sexual activity. He was later sentenced to 30 years in prison for these crimes.
Express Tribune
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Atlanta rapper Ca$h Out sentenced to life for trafficking, rape, and rico conviction
Atlanta rapper Ca$h Out, whose real name is John-Michael Gibson, has been sentenced to life in prison, plus 70 additional years, after being convicted on multiple charges, including rape and racketeering. According to the Fulton County District Attorney's Office, Gibson was found guilty on July 18, 2025, of leading a prostitution ring and violating Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. The charges against Gibson also included aggravated sodomy, two counts of trafficking persons for sexual servitude, pimping, pandering, battery, possession of a firearm during a felony, and maintaining a place of prostitution. He was acquitted on a single count of felony aggravated assault, his defense attorney Careton R. Matthews confirmed. The rapper, known for his early 2010s hits 'Cashin' Out' and 'She Twerkin,' had been on trial since June 2 in Fulton County Superior Court before Judge Melynee Leftridge. During the proceedings, Matthews argued that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence and claimed the testimony of several accusers was inconsistent and unreliable. Gibson's co-defendants included his mother, Linda Smith, and associate Tyrone Taylor, both of whom were also convicted. Smith received a 30-year sentence, while Taylor was sentenced to life plus 70 years. Prosecutors told the jury that the group operated a criminal enterprise using deception and coercion to recruit and exploit women. Judge Leftridge, before handing down the sentences, stated that the evidence showed 'the very worst of human behavior toward other human beings,' according to WXIA-TV. Matthews said his client continues to maintain his innocence and may pursue an appeal or request a new trial. Gibson rose to fame in 2011 after signing with Epic Records and reaching No. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 with 'Cashin' Out.'
The Journal
02-07-2025
- The Journal
Diddy trial: The five charges Sean Combs faced - and why he was only found guilty of two of them
THE JURY IN the Sean 'Diddy' Combs sex trafficking trial convicted him of two counts, but cleared him of some of the more serious allegations. Combs has been behind bars since his arrest in September. His lawyers argued that the acquittal on the most serious counts changed the legal landscape enough that he should get bail. Combs, 55, was still convicted on two lesser counts related to prostitution, and could serve time. But he and his lawyers hailed the day as a win. Prosecutors said they would seek a prison term. Here's what we know about the charges, and the potential sentence. What were the charges against Sean 'Diddy' Combs? Combs faced five federal charges related to sex trafficking, prostitution, and alleged organised criminal activity. Count 1: Racketeering Conspiracy – Not Guilty Maximum sentence: Life in prison. Prosecutors accused Combs of running a criminal enterprise with the help of staff and associates to carry out crimes including sex trafficking, kidnapping, forced labour, bribery, and obstruction of justice since at least 2008. This enterprise allegedly facilitated so-called 'freak-offs' – drug-fuelled sex parties involving escorts and coerced participation. Police found baby oil and drugs during a raid on Combs' LA home, said to be connected to these events. The charge fell under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, originally designed to prosecute mafia networks. To convict, prosecutors needed to prove Combs conspired with others to commit at least two related crimes over a decade. Defence lawyers cast doubt on whether his employees were knowingly involved, and the jury ultimately found Combs not guilty. A court sketch of Sean 'Diddy' Combs. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Count 2: Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud or Coercion – Not Guilty Maximum sentence: Life Combs was accused of coercing ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, a former artist on his label, into sex acts during 'freak-offs,' which were allegedly filmed and used for blackmail. Ventura testified she feared Combs and felt pressured to participate in these encounters. However, the jury acquitted him on this charge. Count 3: Transport for Purposes of Prostitution – Guilty Maximum sentence: 10 years Combs was convicted of transporting Ventura and male escorts across state and international lines between 2009 and 2018 to participate in 'freak-offs.' Escorts were recruited through the service Cowboys 4 Angels and paid thousands, contingent on Combs' satisfaction with their performance. Count 4: Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud or Coercion – Not Guilty Maximum sentence: Life Advertisement A second trafficking charge involved another ex-girlfriend, known as 'Jane.' Prosecutors said Combs lured her with promises of luxury and then coerced her into sex acts by controlling her financially. Jane said she felt obligated to comply, but the jury again found Combs not guilty. Count 5: Transport for Purposes of Prostitution – Guilty Maximum sentence: 10 years Combs was convicted of transporting 'Jane' and male escorts across state lines between 2021 and 2024 for participation in filmed sex parties. Why was he acquitted of racketeering, the most serious offence? Combs was acquitted of racketeering conspiracy due to the prosecution's inability to prove that he ran a coordinated criminal enterprise as defined under the RICO Act. Although prosecutors alleged that Combs led a network of employees and associates who helped facilitate crimes such as sex trafficking, bribery, forced labour, and obstruction of justice, the jury ultimately found that the evidence didn't meet the legal threshold. To convict under RICO, the government needed to show that Combs committed at least two related crimes as part of a structured, long-term conspiracy involving at least one other person. The prosecution argued that 'freak-offs' – sex parties involving escorts and allegedly coerced participants – were organised by Combs' inner circle. They also pointed to items found in his home, such as drugs and large quantities of baby oil, as supporting evidence. However, key testimony undermined the conspiracy claim. Cassie Ventura, the prosecution's star witness, said she didn't believe Combs' employees were present at the events in question. Without direct evidence that others knowingly took part in the alleged enterprise, the jury was left with doubt. Cassie Ventura and Sean 'Diddy' Combs. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Combs' defence capitalised on this, arguing that no witnesses testified to participating in or even being aware of any organised criminal activity. His lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, dismissed the charge as built on assumption rather than hard proof. Legal experts noted that racketeering charges are notoriously difficult to prove, often requiring clearer evidence of shared intent and coordination than what was presented in this case. As a result, the jury found Combs not guilty on Count 1. So how much prison time is Diddy facing? Both guilty charges have maximum sentences of 10 years – meaning Combs faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. It is up to the judge whether sentences will run concurrently or consecutively. Prosecuter Maurene Comey said that the US government would seek the maximum sentence of 20 years. A court sketch of US Attorney Maurene Comey. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo After the convictions were announced today, defence lawyers requested that Diddy be released on bail, suggesting a $1 million bond. Before Combs is sentenced, prosecutors and defense lawyers will file written arguments advocating for the sentence they believe Combs deserves. What happens next? A US District judge will determine Combs' full sentence at a later date, which has not yet been confirmed. After sentencing, Combs is expected to appeal. His legal team will have to convince the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals, which can take years. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Hindustan Times
02-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
‘Monster in my eyes': Huge uproar as Diddy verdict fumes netizens, but will he spend 20 years behind bars?
Sean "Diddy" Combs's bombshell federal trial in sex trafficking case resulted in a conviction for transportation to engage in prostitution but not for sex trafficking or racketeering, igniting uproar on social media. Diddy was found guilty of two prostitution-related offenses and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. He faces a maximum term of 10 years for each count of conviction, which may potentially sum up to 20 years.(File/AFP) A Manhattan jury, including eight men and four women, sent a letter to the judge stating that they had unanimously decided all of the charges. A memo sent to the court stated, 'We have not reached a verdict on count 1 because we have unpersuadable jurors on both sides.' The charge is under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, which is usually used to convict drug cartels and gangs. Diddy was found guilty of two prostitution-related offenses and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. He faces a maximum term of 10 years for each count of conviction, which may potentially sum up to 20 years. A combination of guilty and not guilty verdicts here Racketeering conspiracy: not guilty Sex trafficking of Cassie Ventura: not guilty Transportation for prostitution of Ventura and others: guilty Sex trafficking of woman known as "Jane": not guilty Transportation for prostitution of "Jane" and others: guilty The founder of Bad Boy Records was first charged with conspiring to commit racketeering, sex trafficking by force, deception or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution, all of which carried a possible penalty of life in prison. Also Read: Kate Middleton, Prince William get massive Royal power from King Charles in fresh snub to Prince Harry; What is it? Diddy may be sentenced to months not years: expert According to an expert, Diddy is probably going to get a term of months rather than years. The rapper is expected to receive a far lesser sentence under the law on federal sentencing than the maximum of 20 years he faces for the two prostitution crimes he was found guilty of Wednesday morning, stated former federal prosecutor Mitchell Epner, NY POST reported. However, Combs has already been imprisoned for approximately ten months since his detention on September 16 and may have already completed the most of his term when he is sentenced, which is probably going to happen in a few months. Epner also stated that he thinks Combs' motion for bail may be granted by Judge Arun Subramanian. 'I think that the court may grant it, given that Sean Combs has been held in MDC – one of the worst prisons in America and likely would serve any additional sentence at a low security prison or possibly even a barracks-style camp,' the attorney claimed. Netizens react to Diddy verdict Meanwhile, several netizens expressed rage over the Diddy trial verdict, with one writing: 'The verdict for Diddy is a message to all women that they are not believed. Sorry to the women out there. The victims especially, they deserved better.' 'Diddy found not guilty on the biggest charges, Donald Trump doing the devil's work in office, and Andrew Tate still alive…….God help us,' another wrote. 'Diddy a monster in my eyes, no matter what the outcome of this trial is,' a third user commented.
