November 2024 - cypherpunks - lists.cpunks.org

Re: [Records Center] FOIL Records Request :: R001395-103124
by Gunnar Larson 15 Nov '24

15 Nov '24

Dear Executive Chamber: xNY.io - Bank.org elects to appeal this determination. Here is a film that seems to depict the records we are seeking: Wednesday 8 May 2024 Debating Chamber - Peter Thiel - Cambridge Union Society (Video w/ Protests): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-UzMRXxN5cy1rpUEa9Zn1tC1kSo-sI4a/view?usp=… Thank you, Gunnar ✌️ -- Gunnar Larson xNY.io - Bank.org 917-580-8053 On Thu, Nov 14, 2024, 11:44 AM NYS Executive Chamber Records Access Office < governorny(a)govqa.us> wrote: > > > --- Please respond above this line --- > > ------------------------------ > > RE: FOIL Records Request of October 31, 2024., Reference # R001395-103124. > > Dear Gunnar Larson, > > This letter responds to your request dated October 31, 2024, which > pursuant to FOIL, requested: > > *xNY.io - Bank.org seeks access to records if the Executive Chamber is > aware of any international travel of Mayor Adams during this time period.* > > It has long been established that FOIL does not require responses to > specific questions but instead governs release of government records. See > Public Officers Law § 89(3)(a) (indicating that an agency is not required > to create a record in response to a request). “There is nothing in the > Freedom of Information Law or the Open Meetings Law that requires that > government officers or employees respond to questions, supply information > in response to questions or offer explanations for their governmental > activities. New York State Committee On Open Government Advisory Opinion > 16632a (June 18, 2007). > > Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 89(4)(a), you have thirty (30) days to > take a written appeal of this determination. You may appeal by writing: > FOIL Appeals Officer, Executive Chamber, State Capitol, Albany, New York, > 12224; or by email at Records.Access(a)exec.ny.gov. > > Sincerely, > > New York State Executive Chamber Records Access Office > ------------------------------ > To monitor the progress or update this request please log into the Records > Access Center > <https://u8387778.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.VEsWrlMiJDg0mXafq1mEXWS-…> > > [image: GovQA logo] >

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UK Unveils Plan To Roll Back Post-Financial Crisis Safeguards
by Gunnar Larson 15 Nov '24

15 Nov '24

UK Unveils Plan To Roll Back Post-Financial Crisis Safeguards <https://www.law360.co.uk/financial-services-uk/articles/2260701?nl_pk=a94fc…> By Alex Davidson The U.K. government said on Thursday that it is launching reforms to drive economic growth and competitiveness in financial services by rebalancing a regulatory regime that is focused more on minimizing risk. Read full article » <https://www.law360.co.uk/financial-services-uk/articles/2260701?nl_pk=a94fc…> | Save to favorites » <https://www.law360.co.uk/financial-services-uk/articles/2260701?nl_pk=a94fc…>

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BREAKING: Trump Names Solicitor General and SDNY Picks
by Gunnar Larson 15 Nov '24

15 Nov '24

BREAKING: Trump Names Solicitor General and SDNY Picks <https://www.law360.com/banking/articles/2261151?nl_pk=feb6bbba-7878-4d39-be…> By Courtney Bublé President-elect Donald Trump announced on Thursday he is tapping for solicitor general the lawyer who represented him before the U.S. Supreme Court and will name his former chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to be U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York. Read full article » <https://www.law360.com/banking/articles/2261151?nl_pk=feb6bbba-7878-4d39-be…> | Save to favorites » <https://www.law360.com/banking/articles/2261151?nl_pk=feb6bbba-7878-4d39-be…>

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Trump Taps His Criminal Defense Lawyer For Deputy AG
by Gunnar Larson 15 Nov '24

15 Nov '24

Trump Taps His Criminal Defense Lawyer For Deputy AG <https://www.law360.com/banking/articles/2261179?nl_pk=feb6bbba-7878-4d39-be…> By Phillip Bantz President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday picked his defense attorney Todd Blanche to serve as second-in-command at the Justice Department as deputy attorney general. Read full article » <https://www.law360.com/banking/articles/2261179?nl_pk=feb6bbba-7878-4d39-be…> | Save to favorites » <https://www.law360.com/banking/articles/2261179?nl_pk=feb6bbba-7878-4d39-be…>

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BREAKING: Trump Picks RFK Jr. To Lead HHS
by Gunnar Larson 15 Nov '24

15 Nov '24

BREAKING: Trump Picks RFK Jr. To Lead HHS <https://www.law360.com/health/articles/2261103?nl_pk=6422bbc2-a823-4be5-9a9…> President-elect Donald Trump announced Thursday that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent anti-vaccine activist and former presidential candidate, is his nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Read full article » <https://www.law360.com/health/articles/2261103?nl_pk=6422bbc2-a823-4be5-9a9…> | Save to favorites » <https://www.law360.com/health/articles/2261103?nl_pk=6422bbc2-a823-4be5-9a9…>

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Fwd: Memo #4 - Goldman Sachs Deferred Prosecution Agreement
by Gunnar Larson 15 Nov '24

15 Nov '24

March 10, 2022 ---------- Forwarded message --------- https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ajVVx6NGB9wd2GDXfLRftf0RVFpqjl8WWITvdNV… March 10, 2022 BY ELECTRONIC MAIL Mr. John Marzulli United States Department of Justice Eastern District of New York 271 Cadman Plaza East Brooklyn New York, 11201 John.Marzulli(a)usdoj.gov Re: Memo #4 - Goldman Sachs Deferred Prosecution Agreement Dear Mr. Marzulli: The Department of Justice has yet to respond to Memo #1, Memo #2 and Memo #3 with our recent inquiry to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad Deferred Agreement. Goldman Sachs' Deferred Prosecution Agreement <https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/goldman-sachs-resolves-foreign-bribery…> with the United States of America is in potential breach, with ethical enforcement being concerned. Memo #4 aims to associate the malfeasance in Malaysia with war crimes of aggression (in the planning, initiation, or execution of a large-scale and serious act of aggression), leveraging the world’s only military divided capital city Nicosia, Cyprus. 1. Additionally, Memo #4 aims to earn the DOJ’s assessment of New York State’s regulatory marketplace manipulation deriving the war crime against peace, related to the planning, preparation, initiation, waging or participation in a common plan or conspiracy related to a war of aggression, which can only apply in relation to international armed conflict. 2. In this case, the first challenge is to observe and consider the simple idea that the DOJ’s Deferred Prosecution Agreement with Goldman Sachs alone, through means of regulatory arbitrage naively fails to recognize the ‘cause and effect’ relationship at play at the inception of Memo #4’s assertion of war crimes. 3. Even with the best of intentions, perhaps unknowingly the DOJ may be amplifying the effect of potential war crimes by indirectly supplementing the root cause of the problem and financial model of the Deferred Agreement being self-policing. Mr. Marzulli, there has been an active United Nations peacekeeping mission in Cyprus since the 1964 Turkish military invasion and occupation of the northern third of Cyprus. Only Turkey recognises the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, while there is broad recognition that the ongoing military presence constitutes occupation of territories that are under Turkish military control. - The graduate education behind Memo #4 is a product of the University of Nicosia’s (UNIC) main campus, located adjacent to the United Nations Buffer Zone that separates the invaded Turkish Republic of North Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus, which joined the European Union in 2004. - Memo #4 is also a product of United Nations consultancy, based at its Manhattan headquarters, where (today, what is now xNY.io - Bank.org) was credited with increasing the breadth and accessibility of reference content from the world’s most important multinational organization. - Memo #4’s subject of war crimes has preeminent association with such projects as the Audio Visual Library of International Law. Over the following sections, Memo #4 will provide a detailed timeline that would constitute real concern of the war crime of aggression yielding the war crime against peace in active war conflict in the world’s only military divided capital, funded from Manhattan Island. The Bank of Cyprus and Illegal Short Selling Irregularities of Turkey’s Markets Mr. Marzulli, turn this matter as we will, and look at it from any side whatsoever, and it presents the appearance of a cross-border act of aggression. Goldman Sachs’ potential disrespect to the Deferred Agreement’s core values has cultivated new crimes that aim to manipulate cross-border war crime regulatory frameworks. - On April 02, 2021 the Financial Times reported that Turkey fined Goldman Sachs over alleged irregularities in short selling, just a week after foreign investors pulled $1.9B from the country’s stock and bond markets. Turkey’s Capital Markets Board said that Goldman Sachs was among 10 securities firms that had placed orders for short selling without proper notification, violating rules enacted previously that temporarily prohibited such transactions. - On April 20, 2021 the CyprusMail (Cyprus’ only English Language daily newspaper) reported Goldman Sachs International acted as Global Coordinators and Dealer Managers in a $330M bond issuance for the Bank of Cyprus. Given the active military conflict in Cyprus, Memo #4 notes that there is one place on the planet you are not supposed to do this sort of thing. Furthermore, the DOJ’s Deferred Agreement with Goldman Sachs may have been tainted with the potential war crime of aggression, risking international peace and the lives of United Nations peacekeepers, while jeopardizing the United States of America’s financial security. Concern of New York Prime Bank Instrument Fraud and Marketplace Manipulation The United States Department of the Treasury warns that Prime Bank Instrument Fraud schemes have attracted significant international attention, since individuals and organizations have lost billions of dollars worldwide. "Prime Bank Instrument Fraud" is the general term given to prime bank fraud schemes that go by many different names. During April 2021, Goldman Sachs could not in good faith (and, plausible deniability) make any reasonable claim of holding a pristine relationship with Turkey’s Central Bank or with Cyprus’ largest financial institutions, given the 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal and then pending Deferred Prosecution Agreement with the United States of America. - Memo #4 suggests that Goldman Sachs developed a Prime Bank Instrument Fraud program to level out yo-yo market dynamics caused by failed marketplace manipulation exercises in Turkey and Cyprus. - Systematic bank fraud and/or marketplace manipulation of any kind between Turkey and Cyprus could constitute the war crime of aggression. - Furthermore, Memo #4 argues that Goldman Sachs may have tried to bambooze governments in New York, Cyprus and Turkey through regulatory arbitrage loopholes, while Goldman seemingly may have not considered the totality of such actions as war crimes. Turkey has the highest inflation in Europe. It has the second-highest rate of inflation among emerging markets, just behind Argentina. It has the 13th highest inflation rate in the world, ranking it between South Sudan and Nigeria. After Goldman Sachs was fined for illegal stock and bond market short selling by the Turkish government, logic would argue further malfeasance potentially could have been avoided by the DOJ’s 1Malaysia Development Berhad investigation. - On April 15, 2021 CNBC reported that Goldman Sachs (note, the previous section’s milestones of April 02, 2021 and April 20, 2021) crucially removed its bias toward Turkey tightening interest rates. Goldman issued guidance highlighting the fact that the bank thought that, “…the removal of the tightening bias against rising inflation expectations suggests that the TCMB (Turkish Central Bank) now has a more dovish reaction function.” - On August 14, 2021 the CyprusMail reported serious concern among economists about data reporting from the Turkish Statistical Institute. Ahmet Takan, a former official with the office of the Turkish prime minister, acted as a whistle blower, warning that Turkey potentially was manipulating inflation data. - On September 1, 2021 Reuters reported that Goldman Sachs hiked Turkish growth forecasts. Goldman economists issued guidance stating, "Overall, the Turkish economy has been able to grow faster than we thought without a deterioration in its external balances, as the pickup in foreign demand has been very supportive." - On November 30, 2021 Reuters reported that Goldman Sachs trimed Turkey’s 2022 growth forecast. Goldman Sachs' Murat Unur stated, "We think that the GDP figures released today tell us little about the pace of economic activity going forward as the recent sell-off in the Lira is likely to impact economic activity significantly" Mr. Marzulli, the DOJ’s Deferred Prosecution Agreement with Goldman Sachs was signed on October 21, 2021. The timeline of events above do not coincide with terms and conditions of the Deferred Agreement mandated by the United States of America. Furthermore, as an international graduate scholars of the world’s only military divided capital on the planet, xNY.io - Bank.org should be protected from any association of crimes against peace, related to the planning, preparation, initiation, waging or participation in a common plan or conspiracy related to a war of aggression, which can only apply in relation to international armed conflict. War Crimes Against Humanity Mr. Marzulli, xNY.io - Bank.org is concerned that potential breaches to the Deferred Agreement are impacting our global enterprise. Crimes against humanity can be committed in peacetime as well as during an armed conflict. Even a single act could fall under this exclusion ground provided it forms part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population and the act is committed by any person (including a civilian) who had knowledge of the attack and the link of the act to the attack. 1. We are looking to learn more about the DOJ’s approach to assessing any potential breaches to the Deferred Agreement’s mandates as we determine New York State’s role in cross-border bank regulation and corresponding innovation beyond war crimes against humanity. 2. In order to establish whether a war crime or a crime against humanity has been committed, the case officer should consult the relevant international instruments and case law. 3. Crimes against humanity are fundamentally inhumane acts, committed as part of a systematic or widespread attack. Inhumane acts, which could reach this threshold when committed pursuant to or in furtherance of a State or organizational policy (potentially, New York State bank regulation). 4. Persecution against any identifiable group or collectivity on political, racial, national, ethnic, cultural, religious, gender, or other grounds that are universally recognised as impermissible under international law. 5. Furthermore, we have made 28 highlights to the Deferred Agreement providing supporting reference to Memo #4’s overarching premise. xNY.io - Bank.org submits Memo #4 for DOJ consideration of other inhumane acts of a similar character intentionally causing great suffering, or serious injury to body or to mental or physical health. Some crimes against humanity would require an additional specific intent, such as Goldman Sachs willfully disrespecting New York State and/or overall peace and security of the United States of America. Memo #1, Memo #2, Memo #3 and Memo #4 outline instances that correspond with the associated definitions of the potential war crimes abroad and jeopardize the future of bank innovation from New York, at great sacrifice to the Homeland. We hope to learn the DOJ’s approach to comment on Memo #4’s subject matter or, without delay refer these concerns to the International Criminal Court and/or International Court of Justice for comment. Respectfully yours with anticipation, Gunnar Larson - xNY.io <http://www.xny.io> | Bank.org <http://bank.org>MSc <https://www.unic.ac.cy/blockchain/msc-digital-currency/?utm_source=Google&u…> - Digital Currency MBA <https://www.unic.ac.cy/business-administration-entrepreneurship-and-innovat…> - Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ip) G(a)xNY.io +1-646-454-9107

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Fwd: [Records Center] FOIL Records Request :: R001395-103124
by Gunnar Larson 15 Nov '24

15 Nov '24

---------- Forwarded message --------- From: NYS Executive Chamber Records Access Office <governorny(a)govqa.us> Date: Thu, Nov 14, 2024, 11:44 AM Subject: [Records Center] FOIL Records Request :: R001395-103124 To: g(a)xny.io <g(a)xny.io> --- Please respond above this line --- ------------------------------ RE: FOIL Records Request of October 31, 2024., Reference # R001395-103124. Dear Gunnar Larson, This letter responds to your request dated October 31, 2024, which pursuant to FOIL, requested: *xNY.io - Bank.org seeks access to records if the Executive Chamber is aware of any international travel of Mayor Adams during this time period.* It has long been established that FOIL does not require responses to specific questions but instead governs release of government records. See Public Officers Law § 89(3)(a) (indicating that an agency is not required to create a record in response to a request). “There is nothing in the Freedom of Information Law or the Open Meetings Law that requires that government officers or employees respond to questions, supply information in response to questions or offer explanations for their governmental activities. New York State Committee On Open Government Advisory Opinion 16632a (June 18, 2007). Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 89(4)(a), you have thirty (30) days to take a written appeal of this determination. You may appeal by writing: FOIL Appeals Officer, Executive Chamber, State Capitol, Albany, New York, 12224; or by email at Records.Access(a)exec.ny.gov. Sincerely, New York State Executive Chamber Records Access Office ------------------------------ To monitor the progress or update this request please log into the Records Access Center <https://u8387778.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.VEsWrlMiJDg0mXafq1mEXWS-…> [image: GovQA logo]

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Fwd: Stay ahead of the curve in crypto as the market evolves
by Gunnar Larson 15 Nov '24

15 Nov '24

---------- Forwarded message --------- From: The Information <hello(a)theinformation.com> Date: Thu, Nov 14, 2024, 10:32 AM Subject: Stay ahead of the curve in crypto as the market evolves To: <g(a)xny.io> Hi there, The cryptocurrency landscape is shifting rapidly—and with Donald Trump set to return to the White House in 2025, the market is already responding. If you’re looking to truly understand what’s going on and stay ahead of these fast-moving changes, The Information is the place to be. ... [image: The Information] <https://e.customeriomail.com/e/c/eyJlbWFpbF9pZCI6ImRnU2kwUVlEQU8yWGxBSHNsNV…> Hi there, The cryptocurrency landscape is shifting rapidly—and with Donald Trump set to return to the White House in 2025, the market is already responding. If you’re looking to truly understand what’s going on and stay ahead of these fast-moving changes, *The Information* is the place to be. Our team has been covering crypto’s key moments every step of the way, and we’re committed to giving our readers the insights they need to navigate this volatile space. With access to our stories, you’re getting more than just headlines—you’re getting in-depth analysis that helps you keep your finger on the pulse of the market. Here’s a taste of what we’ve been covering: - Bitcoin hit an all-time high, surpassing $90,000, *following the market's reaction to Trump’s victory* <https://e.customeriomail.com/e/c/eyJlbWFpbF9pZCI6ImRnU2kwUVlEQU8yWGxBSHNsNV…>, with Coinbase and Robinhood shares soaring alongside. - Major Wall Street firms are setting their sights on crypto companies looking to go public, signaling a * shift in institutional attitudes towards digital assets* <https://e.customeriomail.com/e/c/eyJlbWFpbF9pZCI6ImRnU2kwUVlEQU8yWGxBSHNsNV…>. - UBS is entering the crypto space with a *money market fund on the Ethereum blockchain* <https://e.customeriomail.com/e/c/eyJlbWFpbF9pZCI6ImRnU2kwUVlEQU8yWGxBSHNsNV…>. - Stripe’s acquisition of Bridge marks a *major move toward crypto-driven global payments* <https://e.customeriomail.com/e/c/eyJlbWFpbF9pZCI6ImRnU2kwUVlEQU8yWGxBSHNsNV…>. - As the regulatory landscape becomes more complex, * crypto firms are doubling down on compliance efforts* <https://e.customeriomail.com/e/c/eyJlbWFpbF9pZCI6ImRnU2kwUVlEQU8yWGxBSHNsNV…>. These are just a few of the key moments we’re covering in real-time, helping our subscribers stay informed and make strategic decisions in this rapidly changing market. When it comes to crypto, understanding what’s really happening requires more than just surface-level news. With *The Information*, you get the insights, data, and context you need to navigate these changes effectively. Get in-depth reporting with a 25% discount on an annual subscription—*just $299 for the year* <https://e.customeriomail.com/e/c/eyJlbWFpbF9pZCI6ImRnU2kwUVlEQU8yWGxBSHNsNV…>. Don’t miss out on what’s next. *Subscribe today* <https://e.customeriomail.com/e/c/eyJlbWFpbF9pZCI6ImRnU2kwUVlEQU8yWGxBSHNsNV…> ------------------------------ Download our app on the *App Store* <https://e.customeriomail.com/e/c/eyJlbWFpbF9pZCI6ImRnU2kwUVlEQU8yWGxBSHNsNV…> or *Google Play* <https://e.customeriomail.com/e/c/eyJlbWFpbF9pZCI6ImRnU2kwUVlEQU8yWGxBSHNsNV…> to easily stay up to date with the latest headlines. [image: Download on the App Store] <https://e.customeriomail.com/e/c/eyJlbWFpbF9pZCI6ImRnU2kwUVlEQU8yWGxBSHNsNV…> [image: Download on Google Play] <https://e.customeriomail.com/e/c/eyJlbWFpbF9pZCI6ImRnU2kwUVlEQU8yWGxBSHNsNV…> Follow us [image: X] <https://e.customeriomail.com/e/c/eyJlbWFpbF9pZCI6ImRnU2kwUVlEQU8yWGxBSHNsNV…> [image: LinkedIn] <https://e.customeriomail.com/e/c/eyJlbWFpbF9pZCI6ImRnU2kwUVlEQU8yWGxBSHNsNV…> [image: Facebook] <https://e.customeriomail.com/e/c/eyJlbWFpbF9pZCI6ImRnU2kwUVlEQU8yWGxBSHNsNV…> [image: Facebook] <https://e.customeriomail.com/e/c/eyJlbWFpbF9pZCI6ImRnU2kwUVlEQU8yWGxBSHNsNV…> [image: Instagram] <https://e.customeriomail.com/e/c/eyJlbWFpbF9pZCI6ImRnU2kwUVlEQU8yWGxBSHNsNV…> Sent to g(a)xny.io <g@xny.io?utm_campaign=Leads%3A+Crypto+-+Trum&utm_content=6015&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cio&utm_term=4110> | Help <https://e.customeriomail.com/e/c/eyJlbWFpbF9pZCI6ImRnU2kwUVlEQU8yWGxBSHNsNV…> | Unsubscribe <https://e.customeriomail.com/e/c/eyJlbWFpbF9pZCI6ImRnU2kwUVlEQU8yWGxBSHNsNV…> View this email online <https://e.customeriomail.com/deliveries/dgSi0QYDAO2XlAHsl5QBAZMrS-ZPiyjG1lt…> The Information · One Post Street, Suite 1050, <https://www.google.com/maps/search/Post+Street,+Suite+1050,++San+Francisco+…>San Francisco <https://www.google.com/maps/search/Post+Street,+Suite+1050,++San+Francisco+…>, CA 94104 <https://www.google.com/maps/search/Post+Street,+Suite+1050,++San+Francisco+…>

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BREAKING: Satire News Outlet Buys Alex Jones' Infowars At Ch. 7 Auction
by Gunnar Larson 15 Nov '24

15 Nov '24

BREAKING: Satire News Outlet Buys Alex Jones' Infowars At Ch. 7 Auction <https://www.law360.com/mergersacquisitions/articles/2260739?nl_pk=a34c25b5-…> By Ryan Harroff Satirical news website The Onion has purchased Alex Jones' Infowars at a Chapter 7 bankruptcy auction, according to a Thursday announcement by the firm representing Sandy Hook shooting survivors who won a $1.4 billion defamation award over his claims the massacre was a hoax. Read full article » <https://www.law360.com/mergersacquisitions/articles/2260739?nl_pk=a34c25b5-…> | Save to favorites » <https://www.law360.com/mergersacquisitions/articles/2260739?nl_pk=a34c25b5-…>

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Trump Is President-Elect for Just 7 Days and a Sex, Drugs and Bribe Scandal Breaks Out
by Gunnar Larson 15 Nov '24

15 Nov '24

https://wallstreetonparade.com/2024/11/trump-is-president-elect-for-just-7-… By Pam Martens and Russ Martens: November 14, 2024 ~ Rep Matt Gaetz (Photo by Gage Skidmore via Flickr) Live streaming to you from various production sites in the nation’s capitol is Donald Trump’s new reality TV show, “Remaking U.S. Government in My Image.” What the cast of the show lacks in serious credentials to run a government for the largest industrialized nation with 5,000 nuclear warheads is being offset by attractive faces and savvy scriptwriters determined to bring daily gasps from the viewing audience. A collective gasp came yesterday afternoon as president-elect Donald Trump announced his nomination of House Rep Matt Gaetz of Florida to serve in the highest law enforcement position in the nation: Attorney General of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). Being under an ongoing probe for sex with an underage girl and illicit drug use is apparently not a barrier to sitting at the helm of the U.S. Department of Justice in Donald Trump’s plans for “reforming” the U.S. government. In June, the U.S. House Committee on Ethics released a statement as follows regarding its ongoing investigation of Gaetz: “On April 9, 2021, the Committee announced it had initiated a review into allegations that Representative Matt Gaetz may have engaged in sexual misconduct and/or illicit drug use, shared inappropriate images or videos on the House floor, misused state identification records, converted campaign funds to personal use, and/or accepted a bribe, improper gratuity, or impermissible gift, in violation of House Rules, laws, or other standards of conduct. The Committee deferred its consideration of the matter in response to a request from the Department of Justice (DOJ). In May 2023, the Committee reauthorized its investigation after DOJ withdrew its deferral request.” Reporting by NBC News indicated that DOJ prosecutors were investigating if Gaetz had sex-trafficked a minor; if he had violated the law prohibiting transporting “any woman or girl for the purpose of prostitution or debauchery, or for any other immoral purpose” across states lines; and if he obstructed justice. Inexplicably, the DOJ dropped its investigation into Gaetz in February of 2023 without bringing charges against Gaetz. Three months later, the House Committee on Ethics resumed its investigation of Gaetz. According to multiple media reports yesterday, the House Committee on Ethics was planning to vote to release a damning report on Gaetz as soon as this Friday. Instead, Gaetz resigned from his House seat yesterday after Trump nominated him for Attorney General. This brought about much media speculation as to whether the House Committee on Ethics has lost jurisdiction to release its report. There is, however, an active federal lawsuit that may shine critical disinfecting sunshine on the matter. In May of this year, the watchdog group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), filed a lawsuit in federal district court in Washington, D.C. to obtain records the DOJ had denied CREW under Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. CREW explained the reasons for the lawsuit as follows: “CREW is suing the Department of Justice for records related to the now-closed criminal investigation into Rep. Matt Gaetz, including the DOJ’s decision not to charge Gaetz despite reports suggesting an abundance of evidence that he likely violated sex-trafficking laws, and the conviction of his associate on similar charges. CREW also challenges the legality of the Department of Justice’s policy of categorically denying FOIA requests for records relating to investigations of public officials. “The lawsuit follows the DOJ’s refusal to release records relating to their investigation of Rep. Gaetz in response to CREW requests for information, as well as a long history of the agency issuing blanket denials of requests for records relating to investigations of public officials, despite a federal appeals court ruling that clearly prohibits such denials. The public deserves to know whether the decision not to prosecute Gaetz was motivated by political considerations or anything other than the sufficiency of evidence against him, and should not be forced to sue for records every time they seek transparency on investigations of public officials. “The DOJ began its investigation into Gaetz in 2020, focusing on allegations of obstruction of justice and violations of federal sex trafficking laws. Gaetz’s associate Joel Greenberg pled guilty to underage sex trafficking and reportedly provided potentially incriminating information about Gaetz’s involvement to investigators. Gaetz also reportedly asked then-White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows for a preemptive pardon from Trump. In February 2023, the DOJ informed Gaetz that the department would not bring charges against him. “It is of public interest to understand why a member of Congress was not charged with any crime despite public reporting that suggested that potential crimes had been committed. Transparency around high-profile investigations, including any failures to properly investigate Gaetz, is both required by law and urgently needed.” Read the initial complaint filed by CREW at this link. According to the court docket in the case, the Department of Justice has filed a motion to dismiss the action, a typical ploy to drag out a politically sensitive court case, and CREW has filed an opposition motion to the dismissal request. If CREW should prevail in its court battle, it could open a hornet’s nest of scandals involving other political figures. CNN reported in April 2021 that political bribes were under investigation: “As part of the ongoing probe, investigators are scrutinizing Gaetz’s connections to several associates in Florida who may have benefited politically in return for providing the congressman favors including escorts, travel, and campaign donations, according to the sources familiar with the investigation. “One event in focus is a trip that Gaetz took to the Bahamas with friends and young women, CNN has reported. Investigators are seeking to determine whether Gaetz was provided travel and women in exchange for political favors as part of their broader probe, the sources said.”

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