Thread

1. john_strinlai · 1790712502 · focus · HN ↗

   >Akram is charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to make and sell counterfeit postage stamps, five counts of making and selling counterfeit postage stamp labels, and four counts of wire fraud.

   i would love more insight into how they come up with the number of charges. why five counts of making/selling counterfeit postage stamp labels instead of 1 charge that covers all 5 million, or 5 million charges, etc.

   1. giancarlostoro · 1790712620 · focus · HN ↗

      Isn't it one count per distinct criminal act? I think they do it to keep things simple and sane. In some cases they'll drop some, or add more depending on how evidence grows and the case proceeds.

      1. john_strinlai · 1790712987 · focus · HN ↗

         that was my understanding. i guess maybe they have evidence pointing to 5 distinct counterfeiting runs (of ~1MM stamps each) or something.

         i know they like to throw more at the start for a better plea negotiation position, but 5 just seemed rather random here.

         1. giancarlostoro · 1790713254 · focus · HN ↗

            I just looked it up, it has something to do with the ones they're most likely to prove, so maybe they deeply documented at least one or more purchases through the website to document as much as possible about the case? It's possible they could uncover more as they continue investigating. You do raise a good point though, it also depends on how many stamps customers bought.

            1. kube-system · 1790715282 · focus · HN ↗

               As I understand, the feds don't bring charges until their evidence is really really solid. Federal prosecutors have more than a 95% conviction rate.

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