Miles Guo Seeking Stay of Bankruptcy Cases Is Joined by Yvette Wang Lawyer Facing DQ

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon 

SDNY COURTHOUSE, Sept 1 – After a circus-like civil case involving Guo Wengui in SDNY, which Inner City Press closely covered, here, March 15, 2023 saw the unsealing of a criminal indictment.

Not mentioned was another, related arrest on March 15, of Guo's chief of staff Yanping Wang, aka Yvette Wang. Inner City Press live tweeted her presentment when the prosecutors offered release on $5 million bond, but only with two co-signers they approve.

  On March 22, Inner City Press was again the only media in the SDNY Magistrates Court when Yvette Wang and her two lawyers showed up, complaining that a proposed suretor with a $2.5 million property was rejected. Afterward Inner City Press asked Wang's lawyer Alex Lipman to confirm it is or was Steve Bannon. He said, "We're not going to answer."  Inner City Press' vlog, and live tweeted thread here.

More on Substack here

On March 24 after 11 pm Wang's lawyer, trying to get out of representing Jen Shah, proposed eight names - letter on Patreon here.

 On Sunday April 2 the prosecutors provided an update, full letter on Patreon here.

On April 21, the date after District Judge Analisa Torres denied bail for Miles Guo Wengui, Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger followed suit and denied bail for Yvette Wang.

On July 14, District Judge Analisa Torres affirm the denial of bail. Full order on Patreon here.

On August 30, Miles Guo's new lawyers filed with Judge Torres asking her to stay bankruptcy proceeding which, they say, threaten to violation Guo's Fifth Amendment rights. Motion, naming all bankruptcy proceeding, on Patreon here

On September 1 Yvette Wang via counsel DOJ is seeking to disqualify joined in Guo's request, adding for example that "vthe bankruptcy court has suggested that Ms. Wang’s status as a criminal defendant subject to pretrial detention is not sufficient to obviate the need to seek to collect documents from her. (See Dkt. No. 2036 at 5, In re Ho Wan Kwok, et al., No. 22-50073 (JAM) (Bankr. D. Conn. July 28, 2023) (“[W]hile Ms. Wang is presently detained pending trial, Hudson Diamond Holding LLC did not establish that it cannot contact her – through counsel if necessary.”)). As a result—and, once again, notwithstanding the Fifth Amendment implications— counsel for third parties in adversarial proceedings such as HCHK Technologies, Inc., et al. have contacted the undersigned in an effort to obtain documents from Ms. Wang. To the extent Ms. Wang possesses responsive materials, the requests implicate, at minimum, her act-of-production privilege." Full Wang letter on Patreon here

Watch this site.

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Amid Gabon Coup New UNGA Speakers List Still Lists Their Head of State on Sept 21

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, Sept 1 – The Bongo family, which has ruled French colony Gabon for more than 50 years, was deposed by a coup d'etat by the military on August 30, 2023.

 The day before, Inner City Press asked the UN and the US Mission to the UN about the opposition's complaints about Bongo's staged re-election, with the Internet cut. No answer.  

On August 30 after the coup, the UN Security Council presided over by the US canceled its morning meeting - on North Korea and Mali no less - without saying why. 

  Gabon is one of the 15 members of the UN Security Council.

And on September 1, the new UNGA speakers list still had Gabon's "head of state" on September 21, list here.

 Inside the UN, the spokesman for SG Antonio Guterres, who has often glad-handed with Bongo as with Paul Biya of Cameroon and others, was more than half an hour late to the briefing (he bans Inner City Press from). FrancAfrique got his tongue?  

Inner City Press on June 19 applied to UN MALU's Melissa Fleming to enter the UN and cover September's UNGA. Even as of August 30, no answer. A totally corrupt organization. Watch this site.

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Albania Takes Over UNSC For Sept Hoxha Virtue Signals While Refusing Press Questions

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, Sept 1 – Albania took over the UN Security Council presidency on September 1, 2023 - while Inner City Press is still banned from the UN, despite its June 19 application.

 On September 1 Albanian Ambassador Ferit Hoxha took questions largely from state media, hardly any mentions of the coups in Niger and Gabon, and the killing of anti-UN protesters in the DRC. Video here.

Hoxha said the UN "needs Master Card and Google." Cha-ching.

  Inner City Press had and has put questions to Hoxha's Albanian Mission about each of these, about the failure of UN Peacekeeping in Mali and Antonio Guterres banning Inner City Press.

 Inner City Press back on June 19 applied to enter to cover the UNGA "High Level" week that Hoxha gushed about. We will not rest - and even while banned, will cover this month.

 And beyond acquiescence in censorship, Hoxha and the Albanian Mission are silent on UN corruption (Guterres omitting SDNY convicted CEFC China Energy's link to his finance, through Gulbenkian), and UN rapes by peacekeepers.

 Inner City Press on June 19 applied to the UN for access, as it gives 100s, to cover the UNGA week. Inner City Press has a NYC Press Pass and writes about the UN. From Albania and Hoxha, nothing.

Watch this site. 

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On OneCoin Greenwood Inner City Press Filed to Unseal Sentencing Letter Now Sealed Video

 

By Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Podcast Filing

SDNY COURTHOUSE, Aug 31 -- For money laundering for scam crypto currency OneCoin, lawyer Mark Scott was convicted by a jury after testimony by Konstantin Ignatov and others but was allowed to remain free on bail pending sentencing.

On December 5, 2022, the related indictment against Frank Schneider was unsealed and Inner City Press immediately uploaded it here.  Now  after being released by the French courts to house arrest, Schneider is on the lam.

On April 11, 2023, Judge Ramos heard argument on, then denied, Sebastian Greenwood's argument that non-US losses should be excluded from his sentencing. Inner City Press was there and exclusively live tweeted, here (vlog here)

On May 2, the US asked for additional delay, letter on Patreon here.

On May 10, 2023, Greenwood's counsel wrote in, asking for sentencing after Labor Day - letter on Patreon here.

On May 15, Greenwood got the extension, to September 12.

On August 29, Greenwood's new lawyers from Patterson Belknap (and two already on the case counsel) filed a 55-page sentencing submission, redacting even the name of a case they cited and withholding an undisclosed number of exhibits. (They left in Greenwood's "MDC Transcript," now on Patreon here). They ask for time served. They quote "Karl's former driver in Thailand" - but redact the quote, and withhold the entire affidavit. This is unacceptable --

so Inner City Press filed to unseal. Judge Ramos to his credit docketed it on August 30, and said responses are due September 6.

On August 31, Greenwood's lawyer filed a letter seeking to seal in full videos by Greenwoods parents and uncle so as not to "reveal their identity." Anonymous and sealed judicial documents seeking a time served sentence for a global fraud? Watch this site.

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In Epstein Case JPMChase Says Congress Did Not Envision USVI Suit as Oct 23 Trial Nears

By Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Maxwell book

SDNY COURTHOUSE, Aug 31 – J.P. Morgan Chase and Deutsche Bank were sued for their enabling of Jeffrey Epstein, in lawsuits filed on Thanksgiving 2022 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, where Inner City Press found them in the docket. Then the US Virgin Islands joined in against Chase
 
  With the Epstein victims' lawyers moving to settle, USVI continues. On June 29, Judge Jed S. Rakoff granted JPMorgan Chase's request to depose USVI Attorneys General by July 14.

On the evening of July 24, the USVI filed a heavily redacted memo of law in support of its motion for partial summary judgment, redacting names even in the table of contents. Photo here; and now 40 page memo on Patreon here.

On August 31, Judge Rakoff heard oral argument from USVI and JPMorgan Chase, Inner City Press was there, thread:

Judge Rakoff asks how Virgin Islands can get compensatory damages

USVI's lawyer: We seek to enjoin JPMorgan --

Judge Rakoff: From banking Jeffrey Epstein? He's...

USVI: From violating the law. Absent Jeffrey Epstein's death, Chase would still be violating the TVPA.

 USVI: JPMorgan is a repeat offender. Judge: Lets hear from them. JPMC lawyer: Their damages are not linked to their alleged harms. Judge: What about punitive damages?

JPMC: The statute thry're using came after the harm they're alleging. No damages are available to them in this case. Judge Rakoff: They say Chase neglected to file SARs in order to enable Epstein... [Q: Why did the US give First Republic to the JPM Chase?]

 Judge Rakoff: It may be USVI can get injunctive but not compensatory relief... If I approve the Doe settlement, the class is well compensated.  USVI: The NYSDFS fined Deutsche Bank for its business with Epstein. [Cites Frito-Lay case. Again.]

 Judge Rakoff: Maybe this would not be a jury trial... Only in my nightmares do I see this as a bench trial. [Counsel laugh politely. Judicial humor.]

USVI lawyer: Congress in the TVPA intended to enlist the help of the states. And here we are. Private settlements cannot block governmental action. Epstein was able to hide out on islands far offshore near St Thomas.

 JPM Chase lawyer: This was not the intent of Congress. All have are some snippets of floor statements

Judge Rakoff: If the trial goes forward, it'll start Oct 23. I'll rle on these motions by the end of September, if not before. Adjourned

On July 26, Jes Staley filed with Judge Rakoff to make JPM Chase give him more discovery: "Dear Judge Rakoff: As this Court has already ruled, because JPMorgan seeks to hold Jes Staley liable for its $290 million settlement with the Jane Doe class, the bank must provide discovery regarding that settlement, including “documents relating to causation of the settlement (specifically, going to [JPMorgan’s] motive for settling).” July 7, 2023, minute entry. To date, however, the only materials JPMorgan has produced in response to the Court’s order are a limited number of communications concerning media coverage that say little, if anything, about the bank’s motives. It has produced nothing else." Full letter on Patreon here.

On August 9, Judge Rakoff docketed: "ORDER: Oral argument on the competing and voluminous motions for partial summary judgment filed by the Government of the United States Virgin Islands (Dkt. 217) and the JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Dkt. 222), which is currently scheduled for August 18, 2023, at 4:00 P.M., is hereby re-scheduled to August 31, 2023, at 4:00 P.M. (Signed by Judge Jed S. Rakoff on 8/8/2023)."

On August 14, the SDNY Part 1 judge for the week, docketed that "a telephonic conference without transcription or recording was held on August 10, 2023, in the above-captioned matter during which counsel for all parties were present. The Court has agreed to stay the deadline to file motions for summary judgment in JPMorgans third-party action against Mr. Staley until one week after the Court issues its reasoned opinion concerning Mr. Staleys motion to dismiss. All other deadlines in connection with motions for summary judgment in the third-party case will set once that opinion issues. The Court has agreed to set the following briefing schedules for Daubert motions in the first-party action between USVI and JPMorgan: opening briefs shall be filed no later than August 18, 2023; answer briefs shall be filed no later than August 25, 2023; reply briefs shall be filed no later than August 31, 2023; and oral argument on any such motions will be held on September 6, 2023 at 9 AM. Daubert Hearing set for 9/6/2023 at 09:00 AM before Judge Jed S. Rakoff. "

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Stock Fraudster Craig Auringer Was Freed on Signature in SDNY 6 Days Later Not Docketed

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY EXCLUSIVE, Aug 31 – Craig Auringer who was indicted for a $100 million pump-and-dump stock fraud was extradited in from Milan and immediately released on his own signature, an ICE detainer that was mentioned suddenly disappearing.

Inner City Press was the only media there and live tweeted:

Craig Auringer was set to be presented here in SDNY Magistrates Court and argue for bail- but there's an ICE detainer. Now his lawyers are trying to make it go away.  There's still a lot of rushing around about the ICE detainer - which Team Auringer seemed to be disbelieving or denying the existence of

DOJ previously said (no word on today's ICE detainer) that CRAIG AURINGER, a citizen of Canada who resided in the UK, participated in multiple “pump-and-dump” schemes including by coordinating stock promotion campaigns... 

 From whispered talk here in Mag court it appears they are agreeing to bail conditions with Auringer. But will he, like others are, be immediately picked up by ICE? His lawyers are looking at the courtroom clock. 4:15 pm... 

Auringer has been brought out by US Marshals, in white dress shirt with collar. Lot of whispering about this defendant and his detainer. If he was arrested in Milan and extradited, why would he unlike others have release on bail agreed to? 

Now AUSA and defense lawyer are being taken back into robing room. 

They're back. All rise! Judge: Time of arrest?

AUSA: August 24. Judge: You are charges with 9 counts... AUSA: He shall be freed on $1 million bond, secured by $100,000 cash  Defense: Those are the conditions we approved.

AUSA: He will be released today on his own signature.  No mention of the ICE detainer which was waived around 

Adjourned

By August 31 - six days later - the presentment and release of Craig Auringer was still not in the public docket of the case.

 The case is US v. Auringer, 22-cr-155 (Engelmayer)

More on Substack here

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Gun Trial Ends in Guilty Verdict and Remand on which Judge Considers Having Been Called Evil

By Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Maxwell book

SDNY COURTHOUSE, Aug 31 – A defendant on home confinement awaiting trial on drug charges sought to modify his conditions to a curfew, and have his ankle monitor removed.  

    On February 15, 2023 U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Jed S. Rakoff held a bond hearing. Inner City Press went and covered it.

  The defendant had written a three and a half page letter to "Mister Rakoff," saying that he was ignoring his oath and not upholding the Second Amendment right to bear arms. 

 Judge Rakoff read from the letter, and mused if it might be bear on the factors on bond.

 The Federal Defender said it was covered by the First Amendment, and that the ankle monitor was an irritant. 

 Judge Rakoff, remarking that life can be an irritant sometimes, nevertheless directed the parties to draft a new bond order, with a curfew, albeit in the early evening.

He said, It is my job to apply the law, it does not matter to me if a defendant hates or loves me. Then, deftly, Valentine's Day was mentioned.

On May 30, a suppression hearing was held. Inner City Press was there. Threadette here:

Now Federal Defender cross examines Officer Smalls about his  testimony in People v Adams. Judges doubts relevance. Defense tries again... In Adams, gun was suppressed - before Smalls told grand jury in this case that he saw a bulge

Judge:  Would a heavy-looking bag be enough? AUSA: Yes. The caller identifed the defendant as her friend.

Judge: Former friend. I can't believe the Supreme Court decided the Bruen case the way it did. But I am bound by it

  Judge Rakoff said he - and not ChatGPT - would read the cases, review and video and give at least a bottom line ruling in 10 days, given the August trial date.

On June 8, this: "ORDER as to Steven Perez: Following full briefing and argument on defendant Lucha El Libertad1's motion to dismiss the indictment and full briefing, argument, and an evidentiary hearing on defendant's motion to suppress the results of a 6/23/21 search, the Court hereby denies both motions."

  On August 25 there was a final pre-trial conference, and Inner City Press went. Judge Rakoff read into the record a pro se letter the defendant had sent him, calling him evil and a representative of British colonial law. Judge Rakoff cited a recent Second Circuit decision against hybrid representation.

 Judge Rakoff said he will refer to the defendant as Lucha El during the trial, but will hold off under the Monday beginning of the trial before authorizing the removal of his ankle monitor, noting that he's had two defendants flee and not be found.

The trial started on August 28. In the afternoon, a police officer testified about finding a gun in Lucha El's bag. During re-direct, Lucha El passed a note to his Federal Defender. But there was no re-cross.

On August 29, a government witnesses reviewed cell site data, The Bronx to South Carolina. At day's end, Massachusetts trooper Gregory Jones was on the stand, showing the jurors a gun retrieved from one of the pick up trucks pulled over in Wakefield and taken to the Danvers barracks. A video had been show, but the screen facing the public gallery is not on. Between the witness and the charging conference, the press and public were told to leave for another criminal proceeding.

On August 30, Lucha's closing argument by the Federal Defender had the jurors paying much attention. As well as citing - on the monitor now visible from the more-full gallery - Bronx cell towers at 815 Gerard Ave and 643 Tinton Ave, Lucha's beliefs, Constitutional issues and his "struggle for freedom" were cited. The AUSA objected, Judge Rakoff said it was belated, and that the Federal Defender had been careful.

On August 31, the jury found Perez or Lucha El guilty - and the US asked that he be immediately remanded to jail. Judge Rakoff ordered remand, saying that while he put out of his mind throughout the trial the letter calling him evil, he believed he could consider it now. The US Marshals moved in.

The Federal Defender asked for a stay in order to appeal. Go ahead and appeal, Judge Rakoff said - but motion for a stay denied.

Lucha El put his belongs in his camo backpack; two relatives cried. Lucha El was stoic. And then he was gone.

Inner City Press will continue to cover the case.

More, including the "evil" letter,  on Substack here

  The case is US v. Perez, 22-cr-644 (Rakoff)

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Amid Gabon Coup UNSG Guterres Brags of Trip to Cuba while Banning Press from UNGA

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, Aug 31 – The Bongo family, which has ruled French colony Gabon for more than 50 years, was deposed by a coup d'etat by the military on August 30, 2023.

 The day before, Inner City Press asked the UN and the US Mission to the UN about the opposition's complaints about Bongo's staged re-election, with the Internet cut. No answer.  

On August 30 after the coup, the UN Security Council presided over by the US canceled its morning meeting - on North Korea and Mali no less - without saying why. 

  Gabon is one of the 15 members of the UN Security Council.

 Inside the UN, the spokesman for SG Antonio Guterres, who has often glad-handed with Bongo as with Paul Biya of Cameroon and others, hand picked three softball questions for Guterres' "press stake out" bragging about his travels to ASEAN and Cuba, without impact except on the climate. Video here.

Inner City Press on June 19 applied to UN MALU's Melissa Fleming to enter the UN and cover September's UNGA. Even as of August 30, no answer. A totally corrupt organization. Watch this site.

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