Chinese National Sentenced For Economic Espionage Conspiracy

The U.S. Justice Department released the below information:

A Chinese national formerly residing in Chesterfield, Missouri, was today sentenced to 29 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and a $150,000 fine for conspiring to commit economic espionage.

Xiang Haitao, 44, pleaded guilty to the charge in January 2022.  According to court documents, Xiang conspired to steal a trade secret from The Climate Corporation, a subsidiary of Monsanto, an internationally based company doing business in St. Louis, Missouri, for the purpose of benefitting a foreign government, namely the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

“Xiang conspired to steal an important trade secret to gain an unfair advantage for himself and the PRC,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The victim companies invested significant time and resources to develop this intellectual property.  Economic espionage is a serious offense that can threaten U.S. companies’ competitive advantage, and the National Security Division is committed to holding accountable anyone who steals trade secrets to benefit a foreign government.”

“The defendant took advantage of living and working in the United States to steal a valuable trade secret for the benefit of PRC entities,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This type of theft threatens employers large and small in every state, and it imperils our economic competitiveness as a nation. Individuals entrusted with valuable trade secrets should be on notice that if they abuse that trust – especially for the benefit of foreign nations – we will hold them accountable.”

“Those who conspire to steal technology from U.S. businesses and transfer it to China cause tremendous economic damage to our country," said Assistant Director Alan E. Kohler Jr. of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division. "The government of China does not hesitate to go after the ingenuity that drives our economy. Stealing our highly prized technology can lead to the loss of good-paying jobs here in the United States, affecting families, and sometimes entire communities. Our economic security is essential to our national security.  That’s why at the FBI protecting our nation’s innovation is both a law enforcement and a top national security priority.”

“This is the first economic espionage conviction ever in the history of the Eastern District of Missouri,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Akil Davis of FBI’s St. Louis Field Office. There are less than two dozen such convictions nationwide. Economic espionage convictions are rare because the elements required to prove state-sponsored theft is extremely difficult,” “Today’s sentencing is a culmination of more than five years of tenacity and dedication by our agents and federal prosecutors. I commend their success in protecting the victim company and ultimately our U.S. economy.”

According to court documents, Xiang was employed by Monsanto and its subsidiary, The Climate Corporation, from 2008 to 2017, where he worked as an imaging scientist. Monsanto and The Climate Corporation developed a digital, online farming software platform that was used by farmers to collect, store and visualize critical agricultural field data and increase and improve agricultural productivity for farmers. A critical component to the platform was a proprietary predictive algorithm referred to as the Nutrient Optimizer. Monsanto and The Climate Corporation considered the Nutrient Optimizer a valuable trade secret and their intellectual property.

In June 2017, the day after leaving employment with Monsanto and The Climate Corporation, Xiang attempted to travel to China on a one-way airplane ticket. While he was waiting to board his flight, federal officials conducted a search of Xiang’s person and baggage. Investigators later determined that one of Xiang’s electronic devices contained copies of the Nutrient Optimizer. Xiang continued on to China where he worked for the Chinese Academy of Science’s Institute of Soil Science. Xiang was arrested when he returned to the United States in November 2019.

The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Drake and Gwendolyn Carroll for the Eastern District of Missouri, Senior Trial Attorney Heather Schmidt and Trial Attorney Adam Small of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Senior Counsel Jeff Pearlman and Assistant Deputy Chief Matthew Walczewski of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section prosecuted the case.

70% Of Philadelphians Believe Public Safety Is The Most Important Issue Facing The City, Poll Finds

Anna Orso at the Philadelphia Inquirer reports on a recent poll that states that crime, drugs and public safety is the number one issue for 70 percent of Philadelphians.

More than half of Philadelphia residents do not feel safe in their neighborhoods at night, two-thirds have heard gunshots in the last year, and an overwhelming majority see public safety as the biggest issue facing the city.

That’s according to a new report by the Pew Charitable Trusts, which surveyed 1,541 Philadelphians in January on issues related to crime, policing, and the twin impacts gun violence and COVID-19 have had on residents’ outlook. It was conducted after 2021 saw record numbers of people killed or injured by gunfire.

Among Pew’s starkest findings was that the number of residents who said crime, drugs, and public safety was the No. 1 issue — about 70% — has increased by 30 percentage points compared with August 2020, the last time Pew conducted such a survey. It’s the highest percentage any topic has received since Pew started polling more than a decade ago, said Katie Martin, senior manager of the Pew Charitable Trusts’ Philadelphia research and policy initiative.

You can read the rest of the piece via the below link: 

70% of Philadelphians believe public safety is the most important issue facing the city, poll finds (inquirer.com) 

Feds Charge Eight Suspected Carjackers Tied To Multiple Offenses In Violent Crimes Across Philadelphia Region

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Philadelphia released the below information:

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams, together with federal, state and local law enforcement officials, announced that six defendants were arrested and charged with federal carjacking and other violent crimes in connection with incidents that occurred in Philadelphia and its surrounding counties:

• Christopher Robinson, 20, of Philadelphia, PA, was charged by Criminal Complaint with (1) carjacking, (2) carrying and using a firearm during a crime of violence; in connection with three armed carjackings on December 9, 2021, January 5, 2022, and January 11, 2022, all in West Philadelphia.

The carjacking victims in these three separate incidents were caught off guard while on the phone sitting in their parked vehicles or filling their gas tank.

• Tarik Chambers, 19, and Nikeem LeachHilton, 21, both of Philadelphia, PA, were charged by Criminal Complaint with (1) carjacking, (2) carrying and using a firearm during a crime of violence; in connection a carjacking on December 19, 2021, in Delaware County.

The defendants allegedly used a privately-made “ghost” gun to carjack the victim in the rear parking lot of a retail store along Baltimore Pike in Springfield. The defendants fled from the police, leading officers on a high-speed car chase through Delaware County before crashing into another motorist’s car, who suffered severe, life-threatening injuries including broken bones and significant head trauma.

• Dayon Hackett, 19, of Philadelphia, PA, was charged by Indictment with (1) carjacking, (2) carrying and using a firearm during a crime of violence; in connection with an armed carjacking that occurred in the Bridesburg section of Northeast Philadelphia and a second armed carjacking and shooting in South Philadelphia, both of which occurred on December 22, 2021.

The second carjacking incident occurred while the victim was sitting in his parked car waiting for a parking space to open. The victim and two offenders exchanged gun fire and the victim sustained serious injuries including severed arteries, shattered bones, and bullets lodged near internal organs.

• Sean Allen, 23, of Camden, NJ, was charged by Indictment with (1) carjacking, (2) carrying and using a firearm during a crime of violence; in connection with two armed carjackings on January 4, 2022, and January 6, 2022, in Northeast Philadelphia.

The carjacking incidents occurred after victims posted their vehicles for sale on Facebook Marketplace and were contacted by an account claiming to have an interest in purchasing the vehicles.

• Cameron Styles, 20, of Philadelphia, PA, was charged by Indictment with (1) carjacking, (2) carrying and using a firearm during a crime of violence; in connection with two carjackings on February 10 and February 11, 2022, in Northeast Philadelphia.

The carjacking incidents occurred while the first victim was waiting for a train, and while the second victim was parked at a gas station.

Additionally, and as previously announced, in February 2022, Alex Fernandez-Pena and Juan Jose Rodriguez were charged by Indictment with carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence stemming from their alleged involvement in a carjacking incident of a rideshare vehicle earlier this year in the Parkside section of Philadelphia, during which the victim shot both defendants while they tried to flee. These arrests bring the total number of carjacking suspects taken into federal custody in the last several weeks in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania up to eight.

The swift action to investigate and federally charge these defendants is the result of the newly formed Philadelphia Carjacking Task Force, which is comprised of members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Violent Crime Unit; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Philadelphia Police Department. The goal of the Taskforce is to stem the wave of armed carjackings and violent crimes through investigative and enforcement techniques meant to identify and refer for federal prosecution all who terrorize innocent victims through commission of these offenses within Philadelphia and surrounding areas.

“It has been nearly a year since we launched our ‘All Hands On Deck’ initiative, and in that year our Office and our federal partners have doggedly pursued every opportunity to support the Philadelphia Police Department, which now includes the recently-created joint carjacking task force,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “I have said repeatedly that if you commit a violent offense like a carjacking at gunpoint, federal authorities are coming for you. In just weeks we have arrested and charged eight people, and there’s much more to come.”

“The rash of carjackings we’ve seen in and around Philadelphia is unacceptable,” said Jacqueline Maguire, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “That’s why this task force is united in our efforts to find those responsible and get them off the street. The potential penalties for federal carjacking charges are severe, so if people want to keep committing these crimes, they should know that the carjacking task force will make it a priority to put them in cuffs and behind bars for a good long time. We simply won’t stand for criminals terrorizing innocent people like this.”

“These indictments exemplify the strength of our newly established carjacking task force,” said Matthew Varisco, Special Agent in charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division.“Over the past year we have witnessed a spike in carjackings throughout the Commonwealth, and the announcement of these indictments should send a clear message to those who are thinking about committing violent acts.  The public should know we are working closely together with our local, state, and federal partners to seek justice for those responsible for these types of crimes.”

“There are far too many in this city who think that they can commit violent crimes with impunity, and that law enforcement will sit idly by while our communities are traumatized,” said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw. “These latest arrests prove yet again that criminal behavior will not be tolerated, and sends the message that if you’re doing wrong, if you’re engaging in illegal activities, the PPD along with our local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies will find you, arrest you, and you will be charged to the fullest extent of the law.”

“Carjackings are dangerous, violent acts that strike fear into our communities and threaten public safety,” said Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro. “We will continue to share available intel to collaborate with our law enforcement partners so we can use every resource available to hold individuals who commit these crimes accountable. I’m thankful for the hard work of the agents in our office, as well as our local, state, and federal partners in this important task force.”

If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of life in prison, as well as a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison.

These cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the Philadelphia Police Department; with assistance from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; and are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly Fallenstein, Justin Oshana, Robert Eckert, Jeanette Kang, Michael Miller and Special Assistant United States Attorney Sandy Urban.

An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

From Ian Fleming, With Love: Uncovering Some Of James Bond’s Most Enigmatic Characters: Christie's Notes That Inscribed First Editions Offer Rare Glimpse Into Fleming’s Influences As He Built World Of James Bond007

Christie’s is auctioning several of Ian Fleming’s inscribed first editions of his James Bond novels. The world-famous auctioneer offers a post on Fleming, his novels, and his iconic fictional character James Bond:   

When Ian Fleming sat down to write his first spy serial, he wanted to give his protagonist what he described as ‘the simplest, dullest, plainest-sounding name’ he could find. He was at his Goldeneye estate in Jamaica, a secluded and sprawling compound where, when not writing, his preferred leisure was birdwatching — a term that in British intelligence slang also means ‘spying’.

One afternoon, with the breeze gently blowing through the jalousie windows, Fleming’s eyes wandered about the room in search of inspiration. Landing on a reference book, Birds of the West Indies, he happened to notice that the author was none other than the ornithologist James Bond.

‘It struck me that this brief, unromantic, Anglo-Saxon and yet very masculine name was just what I needed,’ he said. James Bond kept the thoughts of his character concealed, allowing this cool and calculating persona to be built through action. In one fortuitous moment, the birdwatcher was revealed as the first-rate spy.

Experts debate whether Bond’s character was wholly fictional, since Fleming’s inspiration often came from the people with whom he worked, or events that occurred during his military service. They are usually named with a subtle nod to their real-life counterparts, and on rare occasions he would present an inscribed edition of one of his books to them. On 11 April at Christie’s, Fine Printed Books and Manuscripts including Americana online sale will feature three of these highly prized volumes, as well as other rare selections from Fleming’s opus. 

You can read the rest of the post via the below link:

Ian Fleming’s first editions from the world of James Bond | Christie's (christies.com) 

You can also read my Crime Beat column on Ian Fleming via the below link:

Paul Davis On Crime: My Crime Beat Column: The Ian Fleming and James Bond Phenomenon 

A Little Humor: Wife Joke

 

One Year On, FBI And Philadelphia Police Department Continue To Seek Fugitive Justin Smith; $25,000 Reward For Information Leading To Arrest

The FBI released the below information:

The FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force continues to assist the Philadelphia Police Department with the search for Justin Smith, and we’re asking for the public’s help finding him. Smith is wanted for the murder of his girlfriend Dianna Brice.

Brice, 21, was pregnant at the time. She disappeared one year ago today, on March 30, 2021; her body was found on April 5, 2021. Smith is alleged to have shot Brice in the head multiple times, causing her death and the death of her unborn child.

On April 9, 2021, Smith was charged with murder and related offenses in the 1st Judicial District in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, and a state warrant was issued for his arrest.

Justin Smith is known to have connections to Greensboro, North Carolina, and New Castle, Delaware. He has also been seen in the Little Haiti neighborhood of Miami, Florida, and in Atlanta, Georgia.

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to Smith’s location and arrest.

Anyone with information on Smith’s whereabouts is asked to contact the FBI at 215-418-4000 or tips.fbi.gov. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

Philadelphia Cosa Nostra Organized Crime Associate Sentenced To 10 Years in Prison For Racketeering and Drug Dealing

 PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Victor DeLuca, a.k.a. “Big Vic,” 57, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was sentenced to ten years in prison and ten years of supervised release by Senior United States District Judge R. Barclay Surrick for racketeering conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.

In November 2021, the defendant pleaded guilty to charges in a superseding indictment stemming from his involvement in criminal activity with and for the Philadelphia La Cosa Nostra, also known as the LCN, the mafia, and the mob. The Philadelphia LCN is one of a number of LCN organized crime families based in various cities throughout the United States. The goal of the LCN in Philadelphia and elsewhere is to make money through the commission of various crimes, including illegal gambling, loansharking, drug trafficking, and extortion.

According to court documents, and the defendant’s guilty plea on November 29, 2021, DeLuca was an associate of the LCN who worked with LCN members and associates to commit crimes such as drug trafficking, extortion, and loansharking, among other crimes. The defendant pled guilty to his involvement with the LCN for that conduct as well as for an effort in April 2017 to obtain two pounds of methamphetamine, intended for later resale, on behalf of other LCN members and associates.

“Even though the Philadelphia mob is not what it was in the last century, the organization and its criminal activities are still very much a problem and are damaging the communities in which it operates,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting anyone who is committing serious federal crimes like these, and we will not rest until the mob is nothing but a bad memory.”

“As a longtime associate of the Philadelphia LCN, Victor DeLuca earned his keep through drug-dealing, loansharking, and extortion - pretty much the antithesis of an honest day’s work,” said Jacqueline Maguire, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “His actions caused harm to individual victims and the community alike and it’s gratifying he’s now been brought to justice. The FBI will continue to keep organized crime squarely in our sights as we work to make the city of Philadelphia a safer place.”

The case was investigated the FBI, including its Philadelphia Field Division and Atlantic City Resident Agency, as part of a long-running investigation, with the assistance of the Philadelphia Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan Ortiz and Justin Ashenfelter of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorneys Alexander Gottfried and Kristen Taylor of the Department of Justice Criminal Division, Organized Crime and Gang Section. 

Note: Although the federal government used the term LCN for La Cosa Nostra, the proper name for the organized crime group is Cosa Nostra, Italian for "Our Thing." La Cosa Nostra would be "The Our Thing."