Proclamation on Revision to United States Marine Scientific Research Policy

Washington, DC - The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 (Convention) generally reflects customary international law.  Section 3 of Part XIII of the Convention provides that coastal states, in the exercise of their jurisdiction, have the right to regulate, authorize, and conduct marine scientific research in their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and on their continental shelf.  Marine scientific research in the EEZ or on the continental shelf shall be conducted with the consent of the coastal state.

Abraham Accords: Declaration of Peace, Cooperation, and Constructive Diplomatic and Friendly Relations

Washington, DC - His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman al-Khalifa and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have agreed to open an era of friendship and cooperation in pursuit of a Middle East region that is stable, secure and prosperous for the benefit of all States and peoples in the region.

Court Finds Individual and Company Liable for Violating the Clean Water Act when Filling Sensitive Tidal Channels and Marsh

San Francisco, California - In an order issued Tuesday, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California agreed with the Justice Department that John Sweeney and his company, Point Buckler Club LLC, committed “very serious” violations of the Clean Water Act associated with the construction of a nearly mile-long levee in sensitive tidal channels and marsh without a permit.

Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Moderating Disputes on Darknet Marketplace AlphaBay

Sacramento, California - A Colorado man was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Court Judge Dale A. Drozd to 11 years in prison.

United States Reaches Settlement to Recover more than $60 Million Involving Malaysian Sovereign Wealth Fund

Washington, DC - The Department of Justice has reached a settlement of its civil forfeiture cases against assets acquired by Riza Aziz utilizing funds allegedly embezzled from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), Malaysia’s investment development fund, and laundered through financial institutions in several jurisdictions, including the United States, Switzerland, Singapore and Luxembourg.

Owner of Japanese Fishing Vessel Charged with Unlawful Trafficking of Shark Fins

Honolulu, Hawaii - Hamada Suisan Co. Ltd., the owner of a Japanese-flagged fishing vessel, was charged in federal court with aiding and abetting the attempted export of shark fins out of Hawaii in violation of the Lacey Act, the Department of Justice announced Monday.