Public encouraged to shop fed auctions; proceeds returned to
crime victims
Washington – On “Cyber Monday,” Nov. 30, U.S. Marshals
continue to work for victims of crime by asking the public to consider placing
a bid on unique items for sale in online auctions of forfeited assets that were
seized during the course of two significant criminal investigations. Net
proceeds will be returned to victims of the fraud-related crimes.
The first auction that closes on Dec. 1, includes assets
seized from Rita Crundwell, the former comptroller of Dixon, Illinois, who in
2012 was convicted of stealing more than $53.7 million over two decades from
the city where she was employed. She is serving a nearly 20-year federal prison
sentence. More than 390 lots are being auctioned, to include 150 belt buckles.
The second online auction includes a wine collection of
approximately 2,800 bottles seized from prominent wine dealer Rudy Kurniawan,
who is serving a 10-year federal prison sentence following his conviction on
fraud-related charges. The online auction of 537 lots closes on Dec. 8. Another
online auction of approximately 1,900 bottles of wine will run from Dec. 1 -
15.
“Cyber Monday is generally thought to be the start of the
online holiday shopping season,” said Jason Wojdylo, Chief Inspector of the
U.S. Marshals Service Asset Forfeiture Division. “We would like to encourage
shoppers who are already online in search of bargains to consider stopping by
our auction website to bid on forfeited assets.”
“Make no mistake,” said Wojdylo.“these online auctions are
designed to generate proceeds from ill-gotten gains to give back to victims.”
To access USMS online auctions, go to http://www.usmarshals.gov/assets/sales.htm.
For more information on the cases:
www.justice.gov/usao-ndil/pr/former-dixon-comptroller-rita-crundwell-sentenced-nearly-20-years-federal-prison-537
www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2014/september/rare-wine-dealer-sentenced-in-counterfeiting-scheme
www.fbi.gov/newyork/press-releases/2014/prominent-wine-dealer-rudy-kurniawan-sentenced-in-manhattan-federal-court-to-10-years-in-prison-for-selling-millions-of-dollars-of-counterfeit-wine
The Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Program is a key
component of the federal government’s law enforcement efforts to combat major
criminal activity by disrupting and dismantling illegal enterprises, depriving
criminals of the proceeds of illegal activity, deterring crime and restoring
property to victims. The U.S. Marshals Service plays a critical role by
efficiently managing and selling assets seized and forfeited by DOJ. Proceeds
generated from asset sales are used to operate the Asset Forfeiture Program,
compensate victims and support various law enforcement and community
initiatives.
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