Latest news with #Rafiei
Los Angeles Times
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Feds seek probation for ex-Democratic Party leader involved in corruption scandal
A federal judge is expected to sentence Melahat Rafiei, a former Orange County Democratic Party leader and key witness in the FBI's sprawling O.C. political corruption probe, after she pleaded guilty to attempted wire fraud and admitted to attempted bribery. U.S. District Court Judge Fernando Aenlle-Rocha will preside over Rafiei's scheduled sentencing hearing on Aug. 22. Attempted wire fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. But, citing Rafiei's cooperation with the investigation and lack of a prior criminal record, federal prosecutors have argued in recently filed court documents that one-year probation and a $10,000 fine is an appropriate punishment. The corruption probe, which first publicly surfaced in 2022, exposed the inner workings of a self-described 'cabal' in Anaheim, halted the approved $320-million Angel Stadium deal and led to the conviction of disgraced former Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu for lying to FBI agents. Former Anaheim Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive Todd Ament also pleaded guilty to multiple felonies, including a retail cannabis-related wire fraud scheme. He awaits sentencing next year and may have his charges reduced for his own cooperation. 'Without defendant Rafiei's actions, the government likely could not have charged Ament or Sidhu,' court documents read. 'Rafiei devoted a significant amount of time to her cooperation, provided information that was truthful and timely and risked her own political, business and personal connections and reputation to do so.' Though the corruption probe ended the Angel Stadium deal and led to Sidhu's resignation as mayor, it traces its origins back to Irvine and Rafiei. In 2018, Rafiei attempted a bribery scheme involving $225,000, retail cannabis and two members of the Irvine City Council. Unbeknownst to Rafiei, she represented cannabis clients who also served as government informants. The scheme aimed to have the council members back a retail cannabis law favorable to her clients in exchange for the bribe. Former Irvine City Councilmember Melissa Fox released a statement in 2023 saying she cooperated with the FBI and provided Rafiei with a legal services quote but was never privy to any bribery scheme. No former members of the Irvine City Council have been named or charged in connection with the scheme. As part of Rafiei's plea deal in 2023, she admitted to but was not charged with bribery. Rafiei also represented one of the cannabis clients in Anaheim. When Jordan Brandman returned to the Anaheim City Council in 2018, he introduced Rafiei to Ament and political consultant Jeff Flint at the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce's office to discuss retail cannabis. He believed there would be a majority of votes on the council to legalize and regulate pot shops in the city. 'I wanted this policy and I wanted the tax revenue,' Brandman told TimesOC in a February 2024 interview months before his death from acute methamphetamine intoxication. Brandman said during the interview he had no knowledge of what happened between Rafiei, Ament and Flint in the months that followed his introduction in early 2019, which has since been outlined in FBI affidavits. 'I put them together and that was it,' he said. 'I'm the council member. They were supposed to develop the policy, bring it to the council and I'll get the votes.' According to the FBI, Rafiei told her client that a payment of at least $300,000 would enable her to have a tailored retail cannabis law passed through Ament and Flint's influence over the Anaheim City Council. She claimed that she would keep $10,000 for her services but actually intended to pocket $100,000. Rafiei was already working on retail cannabis efforts in Anaheim for other clients before the attempted wire fraud. Neither Irvine nor Anaheim have passed any related laws. Rafiei 'engaged in serious and deceptive behavior, demonstrating complete disregard for the democratic process and the public interest and prioritizing only her own financial gain,' federal prosecutors argued. 'Conduct like [hers] threatens to undermine public trust in government and the political process, at a time when public trust is already low.' Rafiei served as the executive director of the Democratic Party of Orange County from 2007 to 2009. After growing the party's base, she turned her attention to political fundraising and consulting. Rafiei founded Progressive Solutions Consulting in 2009. The firm worked on local campaigns before setting its sights higher. In 2018, Rafiei worked as a fundraising consultant on Kevin de León's bid to challenge the late Sen. Diane Feinstein when she was running to retain her seat. According to Federal Election Commission records, De León's campaign paid Progressive Solutions Consulting $168,500 that year. She later became secretary of the California Democratic Party in 2021 and served as a member of the Democratic National Committee. She resigned from both positions when the federal corruption probe surfaced the following year.
United News of India
02-08-2025
- Health
- United News of India
Non-invasive saliva insulin test may identify prediabetes before symptoms: Researchers
New Delhi, Aug 2 (UNI) A promising breakthrough by researchers at UBC Okanagan may soon enable easier identification of prediabetes ie individuals at risk of Type 2 diabetes, even before symptoms manifest. The study published recently in 'Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism' highlights the potential of measuring insulin levels in saliva as a simple, non-invasive alternative to traditional blood tests, eliminating the need for needles or lab-based blood work. Dr. Jonathan Little, Professor at UBC Okanagan's School of Health and Exercise Sciences, noted that this 'spit test' could also detect early metabolic changes associated with obesity and other health risks. The research involved 94 healthy participants with varying body sizes. After fasting, each participant consumed a standardized meal-replacement shake, followed by saliva collection and a finger-prick blood glucose test. 'Individuals with obesity exhibited significantly higher saliva insulin levels compared to those who were overweight or had lower body weight, despite similar blood sugar levels,' said Dr. Little. He emphasised that saliva testing could serve as a convenient and non-invasive tool to identify people at risk of Type 2 diabetes well before symptoms appear. Type 2 diabetes currently affects around 400 million people worldwide and is conventionally diagnosed through elevated blood glucose levels. However, Dr. Little pointed out that prediabetic conditions like insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia can develop 10 to 20 years prior to diagnosis. Early detection of hyperinsulinemia could allow timely lifestyle interventions and treatments, potentially delaying or preventing the onset of diabetes. The study's co-author, Dr. Hossein Rafiei, explained that the team aimed to develop a practical test for hyperinsulinemia using saliva. Interestingly, saliva insulin levels closely mirrored plasma insulin responses following mixed meals of varying carbohydrate content, as shown in Dr. Rafiei's earlier research at UBC Okanagan. Participants' saliva samples were collected at 30, 60, and 90 minutes after ingesting the meal-replacement shake. Notably, some individuals with lower body weight experienced significant spikes in saliva insulin post-consumption, suggesting that they might be at increased risk for Type 2 diabetes despite normal glucose levels and lean physiques. Dr. Rafiei remarked, 'The discovery that some lean individuals have high insulin levels is intriguing. This suggests saliva insulin measurement could be more informative than conventional metrics like weight or waist size.' The study also examined correlations between waist circumference, BMI, age, and sex, finding waist size to be the strongest predictor of saliva insulin levels. The researchers concluded that waist circumference may be a more reliable indicator of hyperinsulinemia than age or overall body weight when using saliva insulin tests. 'Our findings imply that saliva insulin testing might surpass blood glucose measurements in distinguishing metabolically healthy individuals from those prone to hyperinsulinemia,' said Dr. Rafiei. The study findings are significant in the context of India where prediabetes is a significant health concern, with an estimated 15.3% of the population affected. This condition, characterized by elevated blood sugar levels that are not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes, serves as a warning sign for increased diabetes cases. UNI AJ GNK
Rudaw Net
15-03-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
How was ISIS' second-in-command killed in Iraq?
Also in Iraq Kirkuk land restoration on hold pending guidelines for new law Man arrested in Baghdad for inciting violence outside Syrian embassy Iraq electricity ministry to visit Turkmenistan to initiate gas imports Kurdish security council slams Sudani for omitting credit in anti-ISIS op A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Islamic State's (ISIS) second-in-command globally and the group's top man in Iraq and Syria was killed on Friday in an operation that was the culmination of two years of investigations and raids by Iraqi, Kurdish, and international forces. Abdullah Makki Muslih al-Rafiei, also known as Abu Khadija, was killed by a United States airstrike in Anbar province. He was chief of global operations and emir of a top ISIS committee. 'As the Emir of ISIS' most senior decision-making body, Abu Khadijah maintained responsibility for operations, logistics, and planning conducted by ISIS globally, and directs a significant portion of finance for the group's global organization,' the US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement. Rafiei was a target for more than two years 'and in the past six months, the noose has tightened around this terrorist,' the Iraqi military's Joint Operations Command said in a statement. Intelligence about him was gathered during operations in the Anbar desert, raids of ISIS hideouts across the country, and from a person close to Rafiei who was captured by the Kurdistan Region Security Council and handed over to Iraqi forces. His location was determined and he was killed at 6:30 Friday evening in a 'successful airstrike in the Anbar desert,' the Joint Operations Command said. Video released by CENTCOM shows the moment of the airstrike on a moving vehicle. Iraqi and American forces moved into the site of the airstrike and found the bodies of Rafiei and a second ISIS member, both wearing unexploded suicide vests and in possession of weapons, according to CENTCOM. Iraqi forces said they also arrested seven ISIS suspects, including two women, accused of providing Rafiei with supplies. Based on intelligence gathered at the scene, five other wanted individuals were arrested in Erbil. Rafiei was identified by matching his DNA with a sample collected from an earlier raid when he had escaped, CENTCOM said. The United States in 2023 named Rafiei a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. Iraq's Joint Operations Command described him as 'one of the most important and dangerous terrorist elements in Iraq and the entire region.' US President Donald Trump commented on the operation, saying on his Truth Social platform that Rafiei was 'relentlessly hunted down by our intrepid warfighters.' 'His miserable life was terminated, along with another member of ISIS, in coordination with the Iraqi Government and the Kurdish Regional Government,' Trump said. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, when he first announced the operation on Friday, did not mention the Kurdish involvement, which drew the ire of the Kurdistan Region Security Council, who slammed Sudani and said their exclusion 'is not a good indication for the future of cooperation between the regional and federal institutions.' Deputy commander of Iraq's Joint Operations Command Qais al-Muhammadawi did thank 'the heroes of the Kurdistan Region (Asayish)' for their contribution by handing over another ISIS member close to Rafiei. Iraq's National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji also commended the operation, thanking the Kurdistan Region Security Council and the US-led coalition for their cooperation. Erbil and Baghdad have coordinated many anti-ISIS operations in recent years. ISIS seized control of swathes of territory in northern and central Iraq in 2014. Their so-called caliphate was brought to an end in 2017, but the group continues to pose a security threat particularly in the disputed territories that stretch across several provinces including Diyala, Salahaddin, Kirkuk, and Nineveh, as well as across the border in Syria. On Sunday, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein issued a stark warning about the growing threat posed by ISIS, saying it poses an increasing danger to Iraq, Jordan, and Syria.
Shafaq News
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Top ISIS figure killed: Kurdistan, Iraq clash over credit
Shafaq News/ The Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC) slammed Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Friday for failing to credit their pivotal role in the killing of senior ISIS leader Abdullah Makki Muslih al-Rafiei, also known as Abu Khadijah. The KRSC pointed out that Rafiei's death came after "several years of investigation and relying on information from the Kurdistan Region Security Council, in coordination with the coalition and later with Iraqi federal forces." The council made it clear, saying, 'Our forces were integral to this operation. Without our efforts, this significant achievement would not have been possible.' Earlier today, al-Sudani announced that Iraqi intelligence, with coalition support, had carried out the operation targeting Rafiei. In a post on X, al-Sudani labeled Rafiei 'one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world,' but gave no specifics on when or where the operation took place. He added, 'This operation is a key victory in the fight against terrorism.' The KRSC was quick to respond, expressing frustration over the lack of recognition. "This oversight could jeopardize future cooperation between regional and federal security forces," they said. "We have been essential in the fight against ISIS, and we expect our contributions to be acknowledged." Meanwhile, the Joint Operations Command provided new details about the remaining ISIS leadership in Iraq, highlighting the close coordination with the Asayish and the KRSC in hunting down the remnants of the terrorist group. During a joint press conference with intelligence and counterterrorism agencies, Lieutenant General Qais al-Mohamadi, commander of the Joint Operations Command, underscored the success of recent operations. "This year has seen extraordinary cooperation with our Kurdish counterparts. Their intelligence-sharing has been critical in dismantling ISIS in the region," he said. Al-Mohamadi also confirmed that the previous day's operation led to the elimination of Abdullah Maki, also known as Abu Khadijah, a senior figure in ISIS. "Abu Khadijah is one of the most wanted and dangerous terrorist leaders," he stated, adding that his death is a major blow to the group's operations in both Iraq and Syria. The commander explained that while previous operations last year had taken out several key terrorist figures, Abu Khadijah had evaded capture until now. "He slipped through our grasp before, but our intelligence team finally tracked down his associates in Kirkuk, leading to this successful strike," al-Mohamadi said. This operation highlights the ongoing collaboration between Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in the battle against ISIS, with both sides playing a crucial role in dismantling the terrorist group's remaining networks. As al-Mohamadi concluded, "We will continue our joint efforts to ensure ISIS is fully eradicated from Iraq."
Rudaw Net
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Kurdish security council slams Sudani for omitting credit in anti-ISIS op
Also in Iraq Syrian FM visits Baghdad Iraqi PM announces killing of senior ISIS leader 'Turning into a desert': A Dhi Qar river is drying up UNAMI expresses concern over attacks on Syrian nationals in Iraq A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC) said on Friday that it played a key role in killing senior Islamic State (ISIS) leader Abdullah Makki Muslih al-Rafiei, and slammed Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani for failing to credit them. Rafiei was killed "after several years of investigation and relying on information from the Kurdistan Region Security Council, in coordination with the coalition and later with Iraqi federal forces," the KRSC said. Sudani had announced earlier in the day that Iraqi intelligence, with the support of the United States-led global coalition against ISIS, carried out an operation targeting Rafiei, aka Abu Khadija. He did not reveal where and when the operation took place. The KRSC criticized Sudani for failing to credit the Kurdish forces. "This oversight is not a good indication for the future of cooperation between the regional and federal institutions," the KRSC warned. "The institutions affiliated with the Kurdistan Region Security Council have played an influential role in confronting the threat of terrorists in this region and will continue to effectively perform this duty. It would be better for the federal government to create a more favorable environment for cooperation and coordination for the sake of maintaining peace and stability throughout Iraq," it added. Erbil and Baghdad have coordinated in many anti-ISIS operations in the past. Sudani said that Rafiei was "one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world." The United States in 2023 named Rafiei a Specially Designated Global Terrorist as an ISIS leader. ISIS seized control of swathes of territory in northern and central Iraq in 2014. Their so-called caliphate was brought to an end in 2017, but the group continues to pose a security threat particularly in the disputed territories that stretch across several provinces including Diyala, Salahaddin, Kirkuk, and Nineveh, as well as across the border in Syria.
