Biggest Insider Trading Arrest In History

The FBI perp walking Raj Rajaratnam (notice, they sent an Asian FBI dude. Just like when they are arresting a woman they send a female agent)

The FBI arrested billionaire, Raj Rajaratnam, in New York, along with some of his key employees, on massive insider trading charges, in a case labeled the biggest ever of its kind.

Rajaratnam bribed employees of various conglomerates for inside company information, enabling him to make substantial sums of money on the stock market.

His name also came up in a terrorism probe, as having contributed to a charity that funneled money to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Yea, so he's pretty much up a creek.

Still humiliated from national and international condemnation for their poor handling of financial regulation in the corporate sector, the SEC and FBI, have been arresting people, left, right and center all over the country.

Over the past few months, there have been several notable arrests made, on ponzi scheme charges, totaling several hundred million dollars in damages, much of which investors will never see again.

Side Bar: among the companies, Raj Rajaratnam, is accused of bribing employees for insider information is McKinsey & Company. The name rang a bell. Upon doing a search of the Judiciary Report's article archives, their name came up as the consultancy firm hired by Hillary Clinton during her failed presidential bid. We all know how much Hillary loves inside information.

Hedge Fund Chief Is Charged With Fraud

Published: October 16, 2009 - By all appearances, Raj Rajaratnam was a self-made billionaire, having built Galleon Group into a giant hedge fund with a specialty in technology companies.

But prosecutors said on Friday that he had profited not from his trading genius but from his Rolodex, and they arrested him on charges of conspiracy and securities fraud in what they called the biggest insider trading scheme ever involving a hedge fund.

In all, six people were arrested, accused by prosecutors and the Securities and Exchange Commission of earning more than $20 million from illegal trading in companies like Google, Akamai and Hilton Hotels over nearly three years...

Mr. Rajaratnam is accused of tapping a vast network of informants across a swath of corporate America: a senior official at I.B.M. considered a contender for the top job at that firm; executives of Intel and the consulting firm McKinsey & Company; two former Bear Stearns employees who had moved to a hedge fund, New Castle Partners; and an analyst at Moody’s Investors Service.

While trading secrets, though, one crucial piece of information was not shared — several of the phones were tapped.

The wiretaps were made with the help of an unnamed cooperating witness, a former Galleon employee who was said to ply Mr. Rajaratnam with information originally to land a job. The witness, who began cooperating in November 2007, has agreed to plead guilty in the hopes of receiving a lesser sentence.

“This case should serve as a wake-up call for Wall Street,” Preet Bharara, the United States attorney for the Southern District of New York, said at a news conference on Friday. He added that the investigation was continuing...

http://www.nytimes.com

Rajaratnam Surfaced in U.S. Terrorism Probe

OCTOBER 18, 2009, 4:37 P.M. ET - WASHINGTON -- The hedge-fund billionaire charged as part of a vast insider-trading case surfaced in an earlier, separate probe into U.S. fundraising by a Sri Lankan terrorist group, people familiar with the probe said.

As part of that investigation, federal agents said they uncovered documents showing that Raj Rajaratnam, founder of the Galleon Group, was among several wealthy Sri Lankans in the U.S. whose donations to a Maryland-based charity made their way to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, according to people familiar with the probe.

The LTTE, commonly known as the Tamil Tigers, fought a brutal separatist war carrying out suicide bombings and political assassinations against the government of Sri Lanka from 1976 until it was defeated in May...

http://online.wsj.com

Terror Suspect Scoped Beauty Supply Stores

Video: US Terror Suspect Charged CBS

The latest terrorist bust concerning a wannabe terrorist named Zazi, stirred deep, selfless questions in my mind.

For example, seeing the product shot of the peroxide (hair bleach) he was buying to build bombs, had me selflessly thinking, you mean to tell me the stuff I use to highlight my hair is strong enough to take out buildings in explosions!

What about my hair! Um, I mean the safety of citizens everywhere. *Mumbling* Forget Zazi, I wanna know why my hair highlighting pack is that strong!

Najibullah Zaz

Zazi was not only scoping out fashion sites with the intent to bomb them, taking out scores of innocent designer clothes, he was also lingering around beauty supply stores, probably wanting to blow them up too. It's clear this man wanted everyone to be ugly!

Think about it girls - no make-up, hair dye, hair highlighting, tweezers, waxing kits, facial scrubs. How evil and sadistic! I say give him the death penalty (just kidding - give him life in prison).

Side Bar: A couple years ago, while going on a trip outside the country, U.S. Customs in Florida told me I could not carry my make-up foundation on the plane, unless it was in a Ziploc bag, otherwise I'd have to leave it with them.

I was like "ha" you expect me to "go without foundation for the next five days." I looked at him like he was the anti-Christ. I was ready to have the man institutionalized. However, a nice lady in the line next to me, faced with the same dilemma, had brought a few Ziploc bags and gave one to me.

The government is busy putting out Amber alerts for terrorists, skirting the real issues in not putting out Amber alerts telling women make-up foundation must be placed in Ziploc bags.

Feds: Suspect hit beauty stores for bomb supplies

NEW YORK — An Afghan immigrant who received explosives training from al-Qaida went from one beauty supply store to another, buying up large quantities of hydrogen peroxide and nail-polish remover, in a chilling plot to build bombs for attacks on U.S. soil, authorities charged Thursday.

Najibullah Zazi, a 24-year-old shuttle driver at the Denver airport, was indicted in New York on charges of conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction. Investigators found bomb-making instructions on his computer's hard drive and said Zazi used a hotel room in Colorado to try to cook up explosives a few weeks ago before a trip to New York.

The extent of Zazi's ties to al-Qaida was unclear, but if the allegations prove true, this could be the first operating al-Qaida cell to be uncovered inside the U.S. since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Over the past few days, talk of the possible plot set off the most intense flurry of national terrorism warnings since the aftermath of 9/11...

http://www.google.com

Colonel Gadhafi's Tent Dismantled

Video: Tent Erected for Gadhafi Visit Dismantled - The Associated Press

The tony city of Bedford, New York, is not happy with the visit of Libyan leader, Colonel Gadhafi, who is in America for talks at the United Nations.

Mr. Gadhafi pitched his tent at a luxury property in Bedford, but via a permit technicality, locals showed their displeasure at his presence, forcing it to be dismantled.

The cold reception is due to his government's handling of the Lockerbie bombing that occurred in the 1980's, on an airliner over Scotland in the United Kingdom.

Many Americans died on that flight, correctly labeled an act of terrorism against innocent civilians. Recently, President Barack Obama slammed the release of the Lockerbie bomber.

Michael Steele: Obama Is Racist

The head of the Republican Party, Michael Steele, has labeled U.S. President Barack Obama, a “racist” for allegedly asking legally blind, New York Governor, David Paterson, not to seek reelection.

Mr. Steele, with all due respect, have you been listening to the Rush Limbaugh show (grin). I do not believe Obama to be a racist for allegedly asking Patterson not to seek a second term. I do believe it has to do with the concern he will lose and cost the Democrats the definitive voice in New York.

President Obama to First Lady Michelle: this is for making me sleep on the couch last night.

However, even if he loses, I do not agree with the White House asking him not to seek another term, as he is the first black man in the post and should be allowed to prove himself, even if his poll numbers are dismal. This goes for any minority as the first representative of their race.

Additionally, a lawful incumbent should be given a chance to prove and or redeem himself or herself.

GOP chief hints racism involved in Obama, Paterson controversy

09.21.09 - It provided for some interesting TV watching yesterday...Appearing on Face the Nation on Sunday, Steele was asked for his thoughts on the report that the president has encouraged embattled New York Governor David Paterson to step aside from next year’s primary.

“I found it to be stunning that the White House would send word to one of only two black governors in the country not to run for re-election,” Steele replied.

“I think Governor Paterson’s numbers are about the same as [New Jersey] Governor Jon Corzine’s numbers yet … I don’t know if there’s been a request made of Governor Corzine to step down in New Jersey.”

Baffled, Schiefer blurted, “You don’t think he’s asked him not to run because he’s black?”

“I don’t think that, but look, you have so few [black governors],” Steele said. “Look, if you’re saying it’s the numbers then why isn’t there a call for those other Democrat governors who have low numbers as well.”

“It’s just a curiosity for me,” Steele said.

Many find it curious that Obama got involved in this at all. Paterson’ is struggling politically as it is. More than 70 percent of New Yorkers don’t want him to run again. Even non-white voters don’t support him...

http://features.csmonitor.com

FBI: There Is No Danger In NY

FBI Director Robert Mueller and Senator Patrick Leahy

The FBI raided an apartment block in Queens, New York last week, sounding the proverbial alarm and citing a terrorist probe, but now claim there is no imminent danger from the city that never sleeps.

That seems rather odd, given the type of language used during the raids. Did FBI Director Mueller call the raid in an attempt to divert attention away from other pressing problems and failures regarding the agency, by employing a George W. Bush tactic, of raising the terror alert status in the country, to gain public sympathy for government gain.

To call a raid and have alleged suspects running loose is not only nonsensical it is governmentally foolish. It lends the appearance of incompetence.

FBI Director says no imminent danger from NYC case

WASHINGTON — FBI Director Robert Mueller says there's no imminent danger stemming from the case that led authorities to search New York City apartments for explosives and possible links to al-Qaida.

Mueller made the statement during testimony Wednesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Democratic Sen. Charles Schumer of New York had asked the FBI chief to reassure New Yorkers and Americans that the case did not pose a ready danger.

The investigation centers on a Denver man who traveled to New York last week. No explosives were found in the New York searches...

http://www.google.com

Argentina Celebrates Juan Martin del Potro

Video: Argentina celebrates Juan Martin del Potro's US Open win - ITN

Argentina celebrated tennis player Juan Martín del Potro's scorching five set victory over reigning champ, Roger Federer, claiming the U.S. Open title in New York.

Juan Martín del Potro

He was very humble in his victory and shed a few tears of joy as well. Congrats to him and equally humble Kim Clijsters on their titles.

FBI Raids New York Block

FBI Director Robert S. Mueller

The FBI raided a block in Queens, New York today, in search of domestic terrorists, with alleged ties to Al Qaeda.

They have also issued a terrorist alert, warning authorities to keep an eye out for suspects seeking bomb-making materials and those with burns on their hands.

The raids were described as "preventative" but they have left residents shaken and seeking answers. The purpose of the raids still remain unclear.

Some are wondering if they were conducted as a show, in response to Osama Bin Laden's threatening speech, released two days after the 8th Anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks.

It was also reported today, the FBI continues to feud with sister agency the ATF, who specializes in bomb detonation, in an ongoing turf war that is counterproductive.

At a time when terrorist threats are flooding in, it has been discovered, the two agencies are not sharing information, which is detrimental to the nation. Why are they fighting, as they are supposed to be on Team America. Obama needs to speak to them, as what they are doing is dangerous.

US police alerted about bomb makers after NY raids

Tue Sep 15, 2009 5:48pm EDT - NEW YORK, Sept 15 (Reuters) - Federal anti-terrorism officials alerted local police departments around the United States about how to track evidence of bomb-making after authorities raided New York homes on Monday in an apparent search for homemade explosives.

The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security advised the police to look for burn marks typically found on suspects of a particular kind of bomb-making. The note was issued following searches of at least three apartments where a man suspected of sympathizing with al Qaeda had visited...

The raids rattled people in Queens, the ethnically diverse borough across the East River from Manhattan, and reminded New Yorkers their city remains a target eight years after the Sept. 11 attacks.

"We believe it is prudent to share information with our state and local partners about the variety of domestically available materials that could be used to create homemade explosives," the federal agencies said in a statement...

http://www.reuters.com

FBI, ATF Feud over Bomb Investigations

Justice Department Report: Agencies Fail to Share Information, Refuse to Train Together

(AP) Agents of the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives are feuding over bomb investigations - racing each other to crime scenes, failing to share information and refusing to train together, according to a draft report obtained by The Associated Press.

The report says Justice Department bosses have repeatedly failed to fix the problem. The Justice Department's Inspector General, Glenn Fine, has drafted a preliminary report on the two agencies' repeated squabbles to claim jurisdiction in investigations of explosives incidents across the country - from Times Square in New York City to Arizona and the West Coast.

The most recent documented spat came last December when the FBI protested a local prosecutor's request to use the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to investigate a blast that killed a local bomb technician in Woodburn, Ore.

FBI and ATF supervisors "tend to deploy their employees to the larger, more sensational explosives incidents, sometimes racing each other to be the first federal agency on the scene and disputing upon arrival which agency should lead the investigation," according to a draft version of the report.

"Such conflicts can delay investigations, undermine federal and local relationships, and may project to local agency responders a disjointed federal response to explosives incidents in their area," the draft report found.

Officials in both agencies claim such problems have been resolved, yet the report stated that "disputes between the FBI and ATF continue to occur."...

http://www.cbsnews.com

Rihanna Gets Tattoo Parlor Fined

Rihanna

Rihanna’s attempts at becoming an unlicensed tattoo artist, got a New York tattoo parlor in a lot of trouble with the local government.

She unlawfully tattooed three of their patrons. This unlawful conduct drew a $200-$2,000 fine from the city, against the establishment and bred bad publicity, for allowing an unlicensed tech to tattoo people.

Diseases such as herpes, HIV and hepatitis can spread in that environment in this manner and is not advisable.

Robert Pattinson Says He's Single

Robert Pattinson

Actor Robert Pattinson spoke about the crazy women he has met in Hollywood, since his rise to fame. I keep telling you guys Hollywood is crazy.

Nothing against the city of Los Angeles, as it is beautiful, but Hollywood the industry is full of lunatics. They are the craziest people on earth (for further proof click here and here). If Pattinson wants some normalcy in the entertainment industry, New York is the place.

In other Pattinson news, the actor is denying having a girlfriend. That’s not what that kiss with Kristen Stewart looks like, but he probably doesn’t want to break a lot of hearts, so he’s denying it.

Robert Pattinson single and baffled

Last updated 05:00 20/08/2009 - Robert Pattinson can't understand why he isn't dating a model. The 23-year-old 'Twilight' actor expected to attract more interest from the opposite sex when he shot to stardom playing vampire Edward Cullen in the first film of the hit vampire franchise.

He said: "I don't have a girlfriend. I don't know why. You always think you're going to get more girls after you've made a movie and it never happens.

"You sit there and you're like, 'I'm a big movie star and I want to go out with some models'. But I don't know why that doesn't happen." ...

"It's especially different in Los Angeles. Most of the women there are actresses and by default that makes them a little bit nuts - not that that's a bad thing."...

http://www.stuff.co.nz

The FBI And National Security

Sibel Edmonds

Why does the FBI keep trying to block the testimony of whistleblower, Sibel Edmonds. What happened to Freedom of Speech. Why is she not allowed to speak? Because she knows some of your dirty secrets.

During the 3 years I have covered the FBI in my widely read columns, I have witnessed astonishing lapses in national security, financial impropriety and absolute moral failure on the part of the Bureau.

My columns hinted at problems in the financial sector, where individuals were running ponzi schemes not, "Providing a true service not based in fraud, theft or speculation" and “trading what amounts to nothing.” Shortly after, Madoff and Stanford were indicted for ponzi schemes the FBI knew of for 10 years, but let fester to the detriment of taxpaying Americans and global citizens that invest in good faith.

The FBI’s chronic acts of criminal negligence, are a threat to national security and the prosperity of the United States and its allies in the world. If the FBI fails to correct its conduct, America will be left open to new terror attacks, centered on cities such as New York and Los Angeles, to name a few, famed for their wealth and architecture that symbolize Americana, which terrorists hate.

Furthermore, if the FBI cannot control a crazy pop star, stopping her from breaking the law, as they are constitutionally obligated to do, how are they going to control Al Qaeda and the Taliban.

The agency under Robert S. Mueller is ineffective, incompetent and weak. The FBI needs to be closed, with the U.S. Congress starting over with a new federal law enforcement agency. Time shall show it.

The FBI has been nothing but a taxpayer draining, unmitigated failure and embarrassment from day one. They left Martin Luther King Jr. to die and they left 9/11 victims to die (stonewalling their agents from an investigation that would have prevented the attack). They haven’t changed since the Civil Rights era. There is something very wrong there.

I don’t believe the FBI has foiled any real terrorists, who keep hinting through released tapes and videos that something terrible is coming. I think this is the quiet before the storm and sadly America’s first line of defense is Barney Fife:

FBI Director, Robert Mueller

DoJ Pressures Ohio Election Commission to Block Edmonds Testimony

8/7/2009 8:06PM - Long-gagged FBI whistleblower re-iterates request for citizen media in D.C. to show up at Saturday morning deposition...

The DoJ is now jumping into action, at least on behalf of covering the FBI's rear, if not yet to issue any "states secrets" claims to stop the scheduled testimony of FBI whistleblower Sibel Edmonds in D.C. tomorrow morning in the Ohio Election Commission (OEC) case of Schmidt v. Krikorian...

http://www.bradblog.com

Fatal Plane Accident On The Hudson River

A U.S. Airways flight attempting to ditch in the Hudson River in January 2009

A few months ago, a U.S. Airways plane crashlanded in the Hudson River in New York with no fatalities. Today, the situation was different, when a small plane and a helicopter collided, carrying Italian tourists.

It is believed eight people died in the accident. Search crews are still attempting to find survivors, while authorities are working to figure out what transpired that caused the collision.

New York mayor: Aircraft collision over Hudson not 'survivable'

NEW YORK (CNN) -- The search for nine people aboard a small plane and a helicopter that collided Saturday over the Hudson River has become a recovery mission, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said.
First responders gather on a pier after a plane and helicopter collided Saturday over the Hudson River.

Two passengers, including a child, and a pilot were believed to have been aboard the single-engine Piper PA-32 when it collided with the copter around noon between New York and Hoboken, New Jersey, Bloomberg said.

Five Italian tourists and a pilot were believed to be aboard the helicopter, an American Eurocopter AS350 operated by Liberty Helicopter Sightseeing Tours, Bloomberg said.

http://www.cnn.com