All articles tagged with #misuse of funds
Sri Lanka's former president Ranil Wickremesinghe has been arrested on charges related to the misuse of funds for foreign trips taken while in office, including a disputed stopover in the UK in 2023; he denies the allegations. This marks the first arrest of a former Sri Lankan president, highlighting ongoing political and legal challenges in the country.
Former Sri Lankan president Ranil Wickremesinghe was arrested on charges of misusing government funds related to a 2023 London visit for a university ceremony, with police alleging he used state resources for personal purposes during his trip, which he denies. The arrest follows his questioning at the Financial Crimes Investigation Division.
The mayor of New Orleans has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly misusing public funds to finance trips abroad and out-of-state, involving her police bodyguard with whom she had a personal relationship.
A regulator has filed a lawsuit against an anti-police activist, accusing him of misusing charity funds for personal expenses. The legal action highlights concerns over financial accountability within activist organizations.
Democratic Mayor Tiffany Henyard of Dolton, Illinois is under investigation by the Dolton Trustees and the FBI for alleged misuse of funds, weaponizing police in retaliatory business raids, and lavish spending of taxpayer money on personal expenses. She faces accusations of wild antics, including fiery tirades and using police as personal security, as well as questionable spending on first-class flights, beauty vendors, and personal grooming. The FBI is reportedly investigating her conduct, and her charity has been told to stop soliciting or accepting contributions by the Illinois attorney general's office. Henyard's behavior has sparked controversy and legal action, with trustees accusing her of fraud and abusive rhetoric towards fellow officials.
Several whistleblowers from the Fulton County DA's office have expressed a desire to speak to investigators regarding allegations of misuse of federal and state funds by District Attorney Fani Willis. The Special Committee on Investigations is looking into accusations that Willis had a personal relationship with a special prosecutor and misused state money for trips. Georgia state Sen. Bill Cowsert emphasized that the investigation is not politically motivated and stated that the panel consists of six Republicans and three Democrats.
The Justice Department is investigating Democratic Rep. Cori Bush for potential misuse of funds related to security services, with a subpoena issued to the House Sergeant at Arms for documents. Bush confirmed the investigation and stated that she has not used federal tax dollars for personal security services, maintaining that she complied with House rules. The investigation is ongoing, and the Justice Department declined to comment on the matter.
NRA chief Wayne LaPierre defended himself in a New York civil trial against allegations of misusing funds and enriching himself and associates, claiming that luxury vacations he accepted were not considered "gifts." The trial, brought by the New York Attorney General, centers on accusations that LaPierre violated the trust of the NRA's members by spending millions on personal expenses. LaPierre acknowledged taking trips with a business associate who had contracts with the NRA, but denied considering them gifts. The state is seeking to limit the defendants' work for the NRA and New York-based nonprofits and to make them repay funds and forfeit salaries earned while misallocating funds.
Wayne LaPierre, the head of the NRA, confirmed in court that he used the organization's funds for private jets, family trips, and luxury gifts. He also admitted to authorizing expensive flights for family members and enjoying vacations on a luxury yacht owned by a contractor with the NRA. The lawsuit, brought by the New York Attorney General, alleges that LaPierre and other NRA leaders violated nonprofit laws and misused millions of dollars of NRA funds for personal use.
Fulton County Commissioner Bob Ellis is demanding information from District Attorney Fani Willis regarding the appointment of Nathan Wade as special prosecutor in the 2020 election interference case against former President Donald Trump. This comes amid allegations of an affair between Willis and Wade, and potential misuse of taxpayer funds for trips and gifts. The Fulton County Board of Commissioners is probing the situation, and questions have been raised about the special prosecutor's qualifications and his allegedly higher pay due to his relationship with the DA. Willis has been asked to provide various documents and information to the audit committee by Feb. 2.
The National Rifle Association (NRA) is facing a civil trial brought by the New York Attorney General alleging violations of nonprofit laws and misuse of funds, with longtime leader Wayne LaPierre and other executives accused of enriching themselves. The NRA's defense team seeks to distance the organization from LaPierre, emphasizing that it was a victim of betrayal and that past violations were concealed from the board. The trial, expected to last six weeks, involves multiple defendants and could result in recommendations for repayment and potential leadership changes within the NRA.
New York Attorney General Letitia James is suing Wayne LaPierre and other current and former NRA leaders for allegedly violating nonprofit laws and misusing millions of dollars of NRA funds for personal use, including private jets, expensive meals, and trips to the Bahamas. The lawsuit claims LaPierre diverted millions of dollars from the group’s charitable mission for personal use and that other defendants enriched themselves, contributing to the NRA’s loss of over $64 million in three years. The trial, which began after failed attempts to dismiss the lawsuit, will see a 12-member jury hearing testimony from roughly 120 witnesses over the next six weeks.
Gabrielle Lipsky, the communications director for Rep. George Santos, has resigned following the release of a scathing report by the House Ethics Committee, which found "substantial evidence" that Santos violated federal criminal laws. Santos is facing increased political pressure, with a third expulsion attempt on the horizon. The report revealed that Santos misused campaign funds for personal expenses, including trips to Atlantic City and Las Vegas, cosmetic procedures, and purchases on OnlyFans. While the panel was unable to substantiate a claim of sexual harassment, Santos is also facing 23 federal criminal counts on allegations of fraud and misconduct. He has announced that he will not seek reelection but will continue to serve until his term ends.
FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried continued his testimony in his criminal fraud trial, blaming his former colleagues and friends for the downfall of his crypto empire. Bankman-Fried accused his ex-girlfriend and former CEO of Alameda Research, Caroline Ellison, of not properly hedging the company's assets during the crash in crypto prices. He also pointed fingers at other key individuals, including FTX's engineering director and general counsel. Bankman-Fried defended his actions and tweets during the collapse, stating that he believed the exchange was financially stable. The cross-examination by the prosecution is expected to be challenging, given Bankman-Fried's prior statements about the case.
Nishad Singh, a former employee of FTX and a close associate of Sam Bankman-Fried, testified in court about his distressing experience working with Bankman-Fried, which left him feeling humiliated and suicidal. Singh claimed that he only learned about the company's massive financial hole and the misuse of customer funds shortly before FTX filed for bankruptcy. He accused Bankman-Fried of excessive spending, including lavish endorsements and investments, which further exacerbated the company's deficit. Singh also revealed instances where he was asked to write code and manipulate financial records to deceive regulators. Bankman-Fried faces charges of funneling customer money into affiliated hedge fund Alameda Research for risky trades, political donations, and personal expenses.