The U.S. Department of Justice seized four internet domains linked to Iranian government-backed hacking groups involved in cyberattacks, data theft, and intimidation of dissidents, including threats against individuals in the U.S. These groups, such as Handala and Homeland Justice, have targeted entities like a U.S. medical technology company and foreign governments, using custom malware and psychological warfare tactics. The seizures come amid heightened regional tensions following recent U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, with U.S. officials vowing to continue countering Iranian cyber threats to national security.
Posts published in “Crime”
Corey Lewandowski, a close adviser to former President Trump and former top aide to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, has been accused of seeking financial compensation tied to government contracts awarded to the private prison company GEO Group during the post-2024 election transition. Despite Lewandowski’s denials, congressional investigations and internal complaints have scrutinized his role in DHS contracting decisions, leading to Noem’s dismissal and ongoing probes into potential financial benefits linked to these contracts. The controversy highlights concerns over ethical conduct and the influence of political figures in government contracting related to immigration enforcement.
Labor leader Dolores Huerta revealed in a recent interview that Cesar Chavez, co-founder of the United Farm Workers, sexually abused her in the 1960s, joining allegations from other women detailed in a New York Times investigation. Huerta kept the assaults secret for decades to protect the farmworker movement but now urges that Chavez’s misconduct not overshadow its achievements. In response, public officials and communities across the U.S. are reconsidering Chavez’s legacy, with several cities and organizations initiating efforts to rename landmarks and events honoring him to better reflect survivors and the broader movement.
ABC has canceled the upcoming season of "The Bachelorette," starring Taylor Frankie Paul, following the release of a 2023 video showing Paul attacking her ex-partner in front of their daughter. The controversy stems from Paul's prior arrest and ongoing domestic violence investigations, which have also led Hulu to pause filming of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," where Paul previously appeared. Additionally, sponsors like Cinnabon have cut ties with both shows, leaving their futures uncertain amid the fallout.
Federal prosecutors in Miami have subpoenaed former FBI Director James Comey as part of a broad Justice Department investigation into alleged misconduct by Obama-era intelligence officials during the 2016 presidential election and subsequent Trump-related probes. The investigation, led by U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones, has issued over 130 subpoenas to former intelligence and law enforcement officials, expanding its scope from 2016 to the present amid claims of a coordinated effort to undermine Trump. While Trump allies describe the probe as uncovering a "grand conspiracy," legal experts highlight challenges due to the statute of limitations, and Comey has previously faced legal scrutiny related to his 2016 actions.
Barcelona police are searching for James Paul Gracey, a 20-year-old University of Alabama student who went missing after visiting a nightclub near Barceloneta Beach. Authorities have deployed boats, divers, and drones in the investigation, and a body was found nearby, though its identity remains unconfirmed. Gracey’s family is receiving support from the U.S. State Department, and local authorities continue to review evidence, urging anyone with information to come forward.
House Democrats walked out of a closed-door briefing with Attorney General Pam Bondi, criticizing the session as a “fake hearing” due to Bondi’s refusal to commit to complying with a subpoena and the lack of transparency. Republicans defended the briefing and accused Democrats of staging a political protest, while tensions flared between members during the session. The dispute highlights ongoing bipartisan concerns over the Justice Department’s handling and release of sensitive Jeffrey Epstein-related documents, with Bondi defending the department’s efforts amid controversy.
The FBI is investigating Joe Kent, former director of the National Counterterrorism Center, for alleged leaks of classified information, with the probe beginning before his recent resignation over opposition to the Trump administration’s decision to go to war with Iran. Kent criticized the administration’s rationale, claiming there was no imminent Iranian threat and that the war decision was influenced by Israeli pressure, while the Trump administration and intelligence officials have disputed his claims. His resignation has sparked debate among political and intelligence circles, with former President Trump calling Kent “weak on security” and reaffirming the threat posed by Iran.