Bank of America Smacked with Foreclosure Fraud Lawsuits

Although Bank of America (BoA), along with other big banks like Wells Fargo, Citibank, Ally/GMAC and JPMorgan Chase, recently reached a very favorable settlement of potential criminal fraud charges related to their mortgage lending practices, two recently unsealed civil fraud lawsuits against BoA reveal they may not be out of the woods just yet. Such whistleblower suits allow individuals, usually former employees, with knowledge of fraud committed against the federal government to bring suit on its behalf and collect a portion of any damages awarded.

The federal government has until March 16 to decide whether to intervene in these suits on the side of the plaintiffs.

Two such fraud suits filed against Bank of America shine a bright light on abuses in the mortgage industry that led to the 2007 housing crash and continued as late as 2011. In a case filed in July 2011 and unsealed March 7, former BoA subcontractor employee Gregory Mackler alleges that BoA misled borrowers to keep them from participating in the taxpayer subsidized Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), because mortgage modifications cost BoA money.

Among the tactics allegedly used were stalling the review of applications by assigning them to employees who were on vacation or who had actually already been fired. Concerned borrowers were also told that their complaints were still being reviewed when in fact they had secretly been labeled as “incomplete. Read More

Tony Downes Arrested in Amsterdam after 8 Months on the Run following his Escape

A man who was sprung from a prison van eight months ago as he stood trial for firearms offences has been arrested in Amsterdam.

Merseyside Police confirmed that Anthony Downes, who was wanted for absconding from custody, has been seized.

Downes, 26, of no fixed address, had been wanted since last July after escaping from a prison van on his way to Liverpool Crown Court.

He was facing trial for conspiracy to possess firearms with intent to endanger life and conspiracy to cause damage with intent to endanger life.

His co-defendant Kirk Bradley, 26, from Formby, also escaped from the prison van and remains wanted by Merseyside Police.

Both men were convicted in their absence last week at Woolwich Crown Court in London.

Downes is due to be sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday.

He was said to be at the top of gang which carried out attacks for others in the Liverpool underworld.

Last month, the court heard that the home of a wealthy businessman living in the same street as Liverpool football manager Kenny Dalglish was the target of two shootings. Read More

Watchdog says banks impeded foreclosure inquiry...But will anyone face Charges?

(Reuters) - Top banks impeded a federal inquiry into their foreclosure processes, according to a report released Tuesday, dragging their feet on turning over documents and blocking investigators' attempts to interview bank employees.

The inquiry led to the wide-ranging $25 billion mortgage settlement with the five largest mortgage servicers that was announced last month and filed in federal court on Monday.

But the banks hampered an early investigation into whether they were pursuing unlawful foreclosures through shoddy paperwork and lax controls, the inspector general's office at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said in its report.

Bank of America (BAC.N), for example, provided only excerpts of files, incomplete documents, and conflicting information to government investigators, and refused to provide some of its foreclosure policies. Read More

Clashes in Ankara over court ruling

Mar. 13 - Turkish police fire tear-gas on hundreds protesting against a court ruling to drop the case against the people accused of killing 37 in a 1993 hotel fire.

Kony 2012 filmmakers under fire for funding from anti-gay Christians

Since their video advocating against Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony became an internet sensation just one week ago, the charity Invisible Children has come under severe scrutiny.

The charity’s ties to far right Christian groups and philanthropists bring the group’s intentions into question by sceptical critics.

Specifically, the financial dealings between Invisible Children and the National Christian Foundation, as well as two California activists who campaigned actively against the proposition to allow same-sex marriage.

In the charity’s 2006 report, they give ‘special thanks’ to the Caster Family Foundation, and in 2007 they do the same to Terry and Barbara Caster.

The Casters were very prominent in their fight to ban same sex marriage in their home state, and their association with the charity has raised questions on the values of both the charity and their donors.

The same questions are raised by the hundreds of thousands of dollars that the National Christian Foundation gave to Invisible Children on a yearly basis.

The name of National Christian Foundation clearly shows a religious affiliation, but not the true extent to which doctrine dominates their donations. Read More

George Zimmerman a Neighborhood watch captain who shot DEAD unarmed TEEN on his way to store 'had history of aggressive tactics'- WON'T face charges

A volunteer captain of a Florida neighbourhood watch, who shot dead a black teen and then claimed he acted in self defence, had a 'history of aggressive tactics,' it has today emerged.

Neighbours in George Zimmerman's gated community, at Twin Lakes, near Orlando, had issued complaints about the 26-year-old to local police and the homeowners association before the February 26 shooting, a homeowner said.

Zimmerman has not been charged in the shooting of Trayvon Martin, 17, who was gunned down as he returned to his father’s house with candy for his younger brother.

Martin had been visiting his father from Miami.

According to a police report, Zimmerman, who was patrolling the neighbourhood in his car, had initially called police to report a 'suspicious person in the area'.

Zimmerman was told to keep his distance, but before officers could reach the scene, there was some kind of confrontation between him and Martin.

The teen was shot once in the chest just yards from his father's home. Zimmerman claimed he had fired his 9mm handgun in self-defence and the police say they have no reason to suspect he is lying.

A resident, who attended an emergency homeowner's association meeting after the shooting on March 1, told the Huffington Post how 'one man was escorted out because he openly expressed his frustration because he had previously contacted the Sanford Police Department about Zimmerman approaching him and even coming to his home.

'It was also made known that there had been several complaints about George Zimmerman and his tactics' in his neighborhood watch role, they added. Read More

Yahoo sues Facebook over patents as the social network says it is disappointed by its 'long term partner'

Yahoo is suing Facebook over patents, just weeks before the social-networking heavyweight is due to cash in with its initial public offering of stock.

Yahoo Inc. said in a court filing on Monday that Facebook has infringed 10 of its patents covering advertising, privacy controls and social networking.

Yahoo had threatened to sue Facebook last month, insisting that the social network license its patents.

Facebook vowed to defend itself vigorously against what it called 'puzzling actions' by Yahoo.

'We're disappointed that Yahoo, a longtime business partner of Facebook and a company that has substantially benefited from its association with Facebook, has decided to resort to litigation,' Facebook said in a statement. Read More

Banker Left Speechless by Irish Journalist's Question

Banks Repaid Bailout With Other Government Cash

Sure, Washington used taxpayer money to prop up the banks that played a crucial role in wrecking the economy. But at least the government turned a profit on the bailout, right? Not exactly.

According to a Government Accountability Office report, banks have been paying for the bailout loans with cash meant for lending to small businesses. —ARK

The Huffington Post:

All told, including dividend, interest and other payments, U.S. banks have repaid the government $211.5 billion under the Capital Purchase Program (CPP), the first phase of the government’s Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), according to a report Thursday by the Government Accountability Office, a congressional watchdog. That’s more than the $204.9 billion the banks initially got under TARP.

$211.5 billion minus $204.9 billion equals profit, right?

But 48 percent of the banks that have repaid the CPP used money they’d gotten from other federal programs, according to the GAO report. Those programs include the Community Development Capital Initiative—another TARP program—and the Small Business Lending Fund, a program designed to encourage lending to small businesses. Both of those programs have more favorable borrowing terms for the banks than the original CPP. Read More

Obama impeachment bill now in Congress

Declares president's use of military without approval 'high crime, misdemeanor'

Let the president be duly warned.

Rep. Walter B. Jones Jr., R-N.C., has introduced a resolution declaring that should the president use offensive military force without authorization of an act of Congress, “it is the sense of Congress” that such an act would be “an impeachable high crime and misdemeanor.”

Specifically, Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution reserves for Congress alone the power to declare war, a restriction that has been sorely tested in recent years, including Obama’s authorization of military force in Libya. Read More

Rebekah Brooks and Husband Among the 6 Arrested in connection with Phone Hacking Case

Former News Of The World editor Rebekah Brooks and her racehorse trainer husband Charlie are among six people arrested by police investigating phone hacking, according to Sky sources.

Police said five men and one woman were detained on suspicion of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

The co-ordinated arrests were made by officers from Operation Weeting, the Metropolitan Police investigation into illegal hacking of voicemail messages.

In a statement, Scotland Yard gave the following details:

:: A 49-year-old man was arrested at his home address in Oxfordshire and is being interviewed at a Buckinghamshire Police Station.

:: A 43-year-old woman was arrested at her home address in Oxfordshire and is being interviewed at an Oxfordshire police station.

:: A 39-year-old man was arrested at his home address in Hampshire and is being interviewed at a southwest London police station.

:: A 46-year-old man was arrested at his home address in west London and is being interviewed at a central London police station.

:: A 38-year-old man was arrested at his home address in Hertfordshire and is being interviewed at a central London police station.

:: A 48-year-old man was arrested at a business address in east London and is being interviewed at an east London police station.

More follows ....

Chris Bowman a Decathalon coach accused of sexually abusing 11-year-old boy has trial delayed so he can train athlete for Olympics

A sports coach accused of sexual activity with an 11-year-old boy has had his trial delayed - so he can train an athlete for the Olympics.

Decathlon trainer Chris Bowman, 48, who has been charged with abusing the youngster while in a position of trust.

The coach - who is mentoring Commonwealth Games medallist decathlete Martin Brockman - was told he would face trial after denying the charge.

But Judge Michael Carroll, sitting at Maidstone Crown Court in Kent, put his trial back until the end of August after hearing that he was preparing Brockman for the Olympics.

Friday's decision was today branded a ‘disgrace’ by outraged child protection groups.

Peter Saunders, founder of the National Association for the People Abused in Childhood, said: ‘It really is quite a bewildering decision.

‘This man is still innocent until proven guilty, but given the nature of the alleged offence it would be wholly inappropriate for him to stay in his position as a sports coach. Read More

Colonel Gaddafi 'gave French President Nicolas Sarkozy £42MILLION to fund his 2007 election campaign'

Nicolas Sarkozy received up to £42million from Colonel Gaddafi to fund his election as French president, it was sensationally claimed today.

Extraordinary evidence made public in Paris is said to prove that the two former close allies had an illegal financial arrangement which propelled Mr Sarkozy to power in 2007.

A governmental briefing note published by Mediapart, the hugely respected investigative website, points to numerous visits to Libya by Mr Sarkozy and his colleagues which were aimed at securing funding.

One, which is referred to in the note as having taken place on October 6, 2005, led to 'campaign finance to NS (Nicolas Sarkozy)' being 'totally solved'.

At the time Mr Sarkozy was an ambitious Interior Minister who was raising money for his presidential election campaign, even though taking cash from a notorious tyrant would have broken political financing laws.

Mediapart claims that €50million referred to in the note was laundered through bank accounts in Panama and Switzerland. Read More

Hundreds of rapists and murderers on the run WILL be named for the first time as police told to ignore their 'human rights' claims

Image: Dano Sonnex murdered French students Laurent Bonomo and Gabriel Ferez in New Cross after failed police checks

Hundreds of dangerous criminals who are on the run – including murderers and rapists – will be named publicly for the first time.

Previously, police and government officials had refused to identify these offenders for fear of breaching data protection or human rights rules.

But in a major victory for the Daily Mail, ministers are to overturn the ban and publish a list every three months.

It is hoped the shift will see more offenders identified with the help of members of the public and put back behind bars.

Justice minister Nick Herbert, who campaigned in Opposition for more openness in the criminal justice system, will write to chief constables in coming days to set out how the system will work.

Senior police officers will have to disclose the names unless there are good reasons not to, he will say.

The list will include details of those criminals designated as ‘unlawfully at large’. That includes anyone who has escaped from prison, or failed to return to jail from day release.

It also includes those who have breached the terms of their parole and who cannot be found by police. Read More

Note: If they are so dangerous, should we not be asking....Why are they not behind bars? Why does our system allow them to walk during day release? Why the hell do they get day release in the first place if they are highly dangerous?

Forgotten Baby Syndrome: Another Excuse for Parents to avoid responsibility ...At least 600 Children have DIED since 1990 due to this Excuse

Image: On trial: Dr Karen Murphy, who forgot her son was in the car

During these hectic times, many things can slip your mind - but could you ever forget your own child?

Emma Taylor, 36, from Buckinghamshire, thought it was impossible, until it happened to her. Emma, who works in recruitment, is married to Tom, 41, a TV producer, and the couple have a three-year-old son, Josh.

‘Two years ago, Tom and I married in a beautiful church near our home,’ says Emma. ‘There was the usual flurry to get ready, and I dressed Josh up in a smart white frilly shirt and beige shorts ready to come with me to the church.

‘Chattering excitedly with my bridesmaids, I got into the car. As we arrived at the church, about ten miles from my house, I suddenly had the most awful sinking feeling. I’d forgotten Josh. I was utterly panic stricken. Read More

• Mums-to-be often blame forgetfulness on ‘baby brain’, but studies show the brain’s capacity is unaltered by pregnancy

STATISTICS (Just US)

• Total number of U.S. hyperthermia deaths of children left in cars, 2011: 33
• Total number of U.S. hyperthermia deaths of children left in cars, 2010: 49
• Total number of U.S. hyperthermia deaths of children left in cars, 1998-present: 527
• Average number of U.S. child hyperthermia fatalities per year since 1998: 38

U.S. adds Vatican to money-laundering 'concern' list

(Reuters) - The Vatican has for the first time appeared on the State Department's list of money-laundering centers but the tiny city-state is not rated as a high-risk country.

The 2012 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report was made public on Wednesday and Washington's list of 190 countries classifies them in three categories: of primary concern, of concern and monitored.

The Vatican is in the second category, grouped with 67 other nations including Poland, Egypt, Ireland, Hungary and Chile.

It was added to the list because it was considered vulnerable to money-laundering and had recently established programs to prevent it, a State Department official said.

"To be considered a jurisdiction of concern merely indicates that there is a vulnerability to a financial system by money launderers. With the large volumes of international currency that goes through the Holy See, it is a system that makes it vulnerable as a potential money-laundering center," Susan Pittman of the State Department's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, told Reuters. Read More

Amanda Clayton: Michigan cuts off food aid for $1-million lottery winner (Victory!)

Beware of too much good luck, warns a classic Greek myth – a lesson that a Michigan woman who won a $1-million state lottery jackpot has learned the hard way.

Michigan’s Department of Human Services has cut off $200 a month in food aid to Amanda Clayton in the wake of media reports that she had won $1 million in the state lottery in September. To make matters worse for Clayton, who lives in Lincoln Park near Detroit, her case has been turned over to state anti-fraud officials.

"DHS relies on clients being forthcoming about their actual financial status,” Department of Human Services Director Maura D. Corrigan said in a prepared statement. “If they are not, and continue to accept benefits, they may face criminal investigation and be required to pay back those benefits.” Read More

Banks hit by new mis-selling scandal

Britain's leading banks are facing new allegations of mis-selling complex financial products to hundreds of small businesses despite them having little knowledge of what they were buying, a Sunday Telegraph investigation has revealed.

All of the UK's major banks, including Barclays and HSBC, as well as taxpayer-backed lenders Lloyds Banking Group and Royal Bank of Scotland, are facing legal action which could lead to billions of pounds of damages for small and medium-sized businesses.

The businesses claim the banks profited at their expense from pushing them to take out highly complex interest rate derivatives.

Many of the claimants spoken to by The Sunday Telegraph said they were not aware of the significant costs attached to the products that were supposed to protect loans from upward movements in interest rates.

When interest rates plunged after the 2008 financial crisis, businesses were left facing significant bills, with some of the derivatives costing business owners hundreds of thousands to millions of pounds.

The Sunday Telegraph can reveal that RBS was so concerned about the issue it launched an internal audit in January into its sale of interest rate derivatives to SME customers. It said this weekend that it was "satisfied" that sales "had been conducted in accordance" with its own its rules. Read More

Sarkozy threatens to pull France from Europe visa-free zone...UK has borders and it doesn't make a bit of Difference

PARIS — President Nicolas Sarkozy threatened in a key election rally Sunday to pull France out of Europe's 25-nation visa free zone unless the EU does more to keep out illegal immigrants.

Sarkozy, who this week said France had too many foreigners, made the threat at a mass meeting which he hopes will turn the tide against front-running Socialist Francois Hollande with just 42 days to go before election day.

The so-called Schengen passport-free zone must urgently be overhauled to fight the flow of illegal immigration, said the right-wing leader, returning to a constant theme in his bid for five more years at the Elysee palace.

To chants of "Nicolas, president!" from the tens of thousands in the flag-waving audience, Sarkozy said unchecked immigration would put extra strain on social safety nets for Europe's poorest.

"In the coming 12 months, (if) there is no serious progress towards this (reforming Schengen), France would then suspend its participation in the Schengen accords until negotiations conclude," he declared.

The Schengen area is home to 400 million Europeans who can cross borders without a passport.

Once inside the area, illegal immigrants can theoretically move freely between the participating states. Sarkozy accuses some EU states of having lax border controls that let in illegals who may later turn up in France. Read More

Five 'Illegal workers' caught in raid on Theresa May's local curry house that she proudly opened

A curry house that Home Secretary Theresa May officially opened has been raided by her very own immigration officers.

Five suspected illegal workers from Bangladesh were detained at her local restaurant by the UK Borders Agency, which is under Mrs May's control.

The curry-loving minister is pictured on the website for the restaurant, Innovation in Maidenhead, enjoying a meal and cutting the ribbon at an official opening ceremony last year.

Mrs May may be regretting her love of spicy food - this is the second time a curry house she supports has been targeted for employing suspected illegal immigrants. Read More