Two biotech CEOs convicted in fraud scheme involving COVID-19 drug

BALTIMORE, MD—Two CEOs were convicted by a federal jury in Maryland for a scheme to defraud investors about a drug being developed to treat HIV and COVID-19, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Nader Pourhassan, 61, of Lake Oswego, Oregon, and Kazem Kazempour, 71, of Potomac, Maryland, were found guilty of the scheme involving CytoDyn Inc., a publicly traded […]

U.S. Army research biologist from Maryland sentenced To 51 months in prison for engaging in APG bribery scheme

BALTIMORE, MD—A U.S. Army biologist from Maryland will be spending time behind bars for participating in a bribery scheme. Jason Edmonds, 45 of North East, was sentenced this week to 51 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release for conspiring to commit bribery at the Aberdeen Proving Ground. In addition, the Court ordered Edmonds to forfeit $111,794.83, […]

Chinese money laundering ring busted in Baltimore area, 17 Charged

BALTIMORE, MD—Federal agents have charged 17 people in Maryland and other states for their alleged roles in a complex money laundering scheme and illegal marijuana distribution network that led to the seizure of more than $6 million and 2,000 pounds of marijuana. The Department of Justice announced this week that a Drug Enforcement Administration and Department of Homeland Security investigation […]

Maryland man charged in $1 million unemployment benefits fraud scheme

BALTIMORE, MD—A federal grand jury charged a Maryland man with conspiracy, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft for his role in a scheme to fraudulently obtain over $1 million in unemployment benefits, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland. Mervyn Fombe Abiko, 35, also known as “Magic,” was indicted on May 22, 2024. The indictment was unsealed upon […]

Reward of up to $10 million offered for man wanted by FBI in Maryland

UPDATE: Additional details regarding Stigal’s indictment have been released. Original story below… BALTIMORE, MD—A reward of up to $10 million is being offered for a man who is wanted by the FBI in Maryland. Amin Timovich Stigal is wanted for his alleged involvement in criminal cyber activities targeting Ukrainian critical infrastructure between August 2021 and February 2022. During that time, […]

President of Baltimore County business convicted on wire fraud, bribery charges

BALTIMORE, MD—A Harford County man has been convicted for his role in a massive telecommunications project that could result in a potential years-long federal prison sentence. Wayne I. Kacher, Jr., 51, was found guilty this week by a federal jury after a seven-day trial for honest services wire fraud and bribery. He faces a maximum possible sentence of five years […]

Maryland man, two others charged in federal court for alleged bomb threat swatting scheme

BALTIMORE, MD—A federal grand jury has indicted three people, accusing them of placing a series of bomb threats against schools, hospitals, airports, and other institutions. Owen Jarboe, 18, of Hagerstown, Maryland; Evan Strauss, 26, of Moneta, Virginia; and Brayden Grace, 18, of Columbus, Ohio; were charged in a six-count indictment with conspiracy, cyberstalking, interstate threatening communications and threats to damage […]