First freight trains from China to Türkiye depart via the Middle Corridor
On 9 July, two freight trains departed from the Chinese cities of Chongqing and Chengdu bound for Europe via Türkiye. According to the Turkish Minist...
Federal authorities have arrested 14 suspects in Los Angeles linked to an Armenian organized crime ring accused of stealing $30 million in COVID relief and Small Business loans intended to support American taxpayers.
The bust, part of a multi-agency operation led by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), marks the second week in a row of early-morning raids targeting transnational criminal groups in the area.
Thirteen of those arrested are Armenian-born, with at least one facing possible deportation. The operation involved agencies including the IRS and the Small Business Administration. Following their arrest, the suspects were taken to a secured processing center, where law enforcement seized $20,000 in cash, money-counting machines, cell phones, laptops, two loaded 9mm handguns, and ammunition.
One of the key figures in the case is William McGrayan, an Armenian-born suspect believed to be the mastermind behind the scheme. Court documents reveal McGrayan allegedly used fake tax and bank documents to establish multiple shell companies, applying for $47 million in federal funds and successfully securing about $30 million.
An informant described McGrayan as “unhinged,” claiming he discussed gang connections in Armenia and once threatened an individual with a gun and a baseball bat. Authorities say McGrayan played a central role in moving stolen money through luxury purchases and overseas transfers, complicating efforts to recover the funds.
McGrayan surrendered during the operation, walking out with his hands raised.
U.S. Attorney for California’s Central District Bill Essayli emphasized the commitment to hold fraudsters accountable: “If you are taking money from the government that doesn’t belong to you, your door could be the next one we’re hitting.”
John Pasciucco, Acting Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in Los Angeles, added, “That’s $47 million in taxpayer funds meant for good use, and these transnational criminal organizations are exploiting the American people’s goodwill for their personal gain.”
The suspects face multiple charges, including conspiracy, wire and bank fraud, and money laundering. Authorities say some of the stolen funds were used to buy houses and luxury goods, while other amounts were sent overseas, making recovery more challenging.
This latest bust follows a dramatic early-morning raid where a special unit inside an armored vehicle cut through a gated driveway and ordered suspects out of their homes.
The ongoing investigation underscores the nationwide effort to combat transnational criminal organizations exploiting government relief programs and harming public safety.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 10th July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will send an upgraded ‘version 3.0’ free-trade agreement to their heads of government for approval in October, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday after regional talks in Kuala Lumpur.
Israeli researchers have unveiled an artificial intelligence tool that can determine a person’s true biological age from tiny DNA samples with remarkable precision.
Chinese automaker Chery has denied an industry-ministry audit that disqualified more than $53 million in state incentives for thousands of its electric and hybrid vehicles, insisting it followed official guidance and committed no fraud.
Hollywood star Sydney Sweeney is reportedly the top contender to become the next Bond girl, as director Denis Villeneuve and Amazon look to modernise the James Bond franchise.
During the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Tianjin on Wednesday, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to discuss the ongoing developments of the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Rumours about Fed Chair sparked market turmoil but Wall Street ends higher . Wall Street closed modestly higher on Wednesday, 16 July, with the Nasdaq Composite hitting a fresh record, despite a brief period of volatility earlier in the day.
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday fiercely criticised some Republican colleagues who have questioned his administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case.
The UK government has apologised for mistakenly leaking the personal data of nearly 18,000 Afghans who applied under the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP) in 2022. It also revealed a secret relocation scheme, the Afghan Response Route (ARR), set up to protect many of those affected.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment