Two Connecticut men, including a Bangladeshi national, have pleaded guilty to bribery charges, admitting that have tried to bribe a former FBI agent in the US for access to confidential documents concerning a prominent Bangladeshi politician.
Johannes Thaler, 51, of Fairfield County, Connecticut, and Rizve Ahmed, aka “Caesar,” 35, of Danbury, Connecticut, pleaded guilty to bribery and conspiracy to commit honest services and wire fraud before US District Judge Vincent L Briccetti of the Southern District of New York.
They also admitted that they participated in a scheme to obtain confidential, internal law enforcement documents and information from a former FBI Special Agent in White Plains, New York.
Both Thaler and Rizve admitted to participating in a bribery scheme with Robert Lustyik, a former FBI special agent in White Plains who worked on the counterintelligence squad.
In pleading guilty, Thaler and Rizve admitted that between September 2011 and March 2012, Thaler and Lustyik solicited bribes from Rizve, in exchange for Lustyik’s agreement to provide internal, confidential documents and other confidential information to which Lustyik had access by virtue of his position as an FBI special agent.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R Caldwell of US Justice Department’s Criminal Division, US Attorney Preet Bharara of the Southern District of New York, and Justice Department Inspector General Michael D Horowitz made the announcement, stated US Justice Department press release.
According to the press release, Thaler was Lustyik’s friend, and Rizve was an acquaintance of Thaler.
Rizve sought confidential law enforcement information, including a “Suspicious Activity Report,” pertaining to a Bangladeshi political figure who was affiliated with a political party opposing Rizve’s views.
Thaler and Rizve admitted that “Rizve requested the confidential information to help his locate and harm his intended victim and others associated with the victim.”
He also sought assistance in having criminal charges against a different Bangladeshi political figure dismissed, the press note stated.
They also admitted that they exchanged various text messages in furtherance of the scheme, including text messages about a “contract” that would require Rizve to pay a $40,000 “retainer” and $30,000 “monthly.”
In return, Lustyik and Thaler agreed to “give [Rizve] everything [they] ha[d] plus set up [the victim] and get the inside from the party.”
Thaler and Lustyik also exchanged text messages about how to pressure Rizve to pay them additional money in exchange for confidential information.
“For example, in text messages, Lustyik told Thaler, “we need to push [Rizve] for this meeting and get that 40 gs quick . . . . I will talk us into getting the cash . . . . I will work my magic . . . . We r sooooooo close.” Thaler responded, “I know. It’s all right there in front of us. Pretty soon we’ll be having lunch in our oceanfront restaurant . . . .”
Additionally, in late January 2012, Lustyik learned that Rizve was considering using a different source to obtain confidential information.
As a result, Lustyik sent a text message to Thaler stating, “I want to kill [Rizve] . . . . I hung my ass out the window n we got nothing? . . . . Tell [him], I’ve got [the victim’s] number and I’m pissed. . . . I will put a wire on n get [him and his associates] to admit they want [a Bangladeshi political figure] offed n we sell it to the victim].” Lustyik further stated, “So bottom line. I need ten gs asap. We gotta squeeze C,” the statement added.
Sentencing hearings for Thaler and Rizve are scheduled for January 23, 2015 while Lustyik is scheduled for trial on November 17.
“The charges contained in an indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”
This case was investigated by the US Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Emily Rae Woods of the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant US Attorney Benjamin Allee of the White Plains Division of the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.