North America - Houston Stringer

Global network used cryptocurrency to funnel funds to ISIS, U.S. and Canadian defendants convicted

27Oct

By Houston StringerNo Comments

Canada, Europe, Middle East, U.S.

Global network used cryptocurrency to funnel funds to ISIS, U.S. and Canadian defendants convicted

BROOKLYN, NY – A multinational conspiracy involving U.S. and Canadian nationals has resulted in multiple convictions for funding the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) using cryptocurrency and online fundraising platforms. Photo Courtesy of DOJ On October 25, 2025, a federal jury in Brooklyn convicted Abdullah At Taqi, 26, of Queens, New York, of all charges including conspiracy and attempt to provide material support to ISIS, and conspiracy to launder money. Co-defendant Mohamad David Hashimi pleaded guilty to the same charges earlier this month. Two other individuals, Seema Rahman and Khalilullah Yousuf, also participated in the funding operation, with Yousuf prosecuted in Canada. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the defendants used Bitcoin, PayPal, and GoFundM...

Guatemalan national extradited to U.S. in deadly 2021 tractor-trailer smuggling case that killed more than 50 migrants

24Oct

By Houston StringerNo Comments

Central America, Mexico, U.S.

Guatemalan national extradited to U.S. in deadly 2021 tractor-trailer smuggling case that killed more than 50 migrants

LAREDO, TX – A 41-year-old Guatemalan national has been extradited to the United States to face charges connected to a 2021 tractor-trailer crash that killed more than 50 people and injured over 100 others, many of them Guatemalan nationals and unaccompanied children. According to the Department of Justice, Daniel Zavala Ramos, also known as Dany ZR, was arrested in Boquerón, Guatemala, on Aug. 7, 2025, following a U.S. extradition request. He was surrendered to U.S. authorities on Oct. 21 and is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga in Laredo. Zavala Ramos is among six individuals charged in connection with the Dec. 9, 2021, crash, including Tomas Quino Canil, 37; Oswaldo Manuel Zavala Quino, 25; Josefa Quino Canil De Zavala, 43; Alberto Marcario Ch...

American Airlines gives AAdvantage members early access to FIFA World Cup 26™ tickets

8Oct

By Houston StringerNo Comments

North America

American Airlines gives AAdvantage members early access to FIFA World Cup 26™ tickets

American Airlines announced that AAdvantage® members will be able to redeem miles for FIFA World Cup 26™ match tickets starting October 13. The program provides exclusive early access to all tournament matches, depending on the member’s AAdvantage® status. Photo Courtesy of American Airlines As the Official North American Airline Supplier of FIFA World Cup 26™, American is offering tiered redemption access: Oct. 13 – Executive Platinum® and ConciergeKey® members Oct. 14 – Gold®, Platinum®, and Platinum Pro® members Oct. 15 – All AAdvantage® members In addition, American is hosting a sweepstakes where U.S. residents age 18 and over can enter daily for a chance to win final match tickets at aa.com/fwc26perks. AAdvantage® members can also earn miles and Loyalty Points ...

Aeroplan launches Points Matching Week to support air travel for children needing hospital care

6Oct

By Houston StringerNo Comments

Canada

Aeroplan launches Points Matching Week to support air travel for children needing hospital care

MONTRÉAL, QC – According to the Air Canada Foundation, Aeroplan’s annual Points Matching Week in support of its Hospital Transportation Program has officially launched and will run through October 12. Photo Courtesy of Air Canada Aeroplan and its partners TD, CIBC, and American Express will each match donated Aeroplan Points up to 10 million points. With Aeroplan also matching, members’ donations will be tripled, significantly increasing air travel support for families whose children require specialized medical treatment outside their home communities. The Hospital Transportation Program has been providing flights for pediatric patients and their guardians since 2003. In 2024, 379 flights were arranged for 129 families across Canada. The program works with Canada’s Children’s Hos...