NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Wheels come off yard burglary

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Two men face a slew of charges after their alleged burglary plans uncoupled on Auckland Anniversary Day.

    On Monday, frontline Police responded to a burglary in progress at an industrial area in Takanini, at around 8.54am.

    “Two men had allegedly broken into the business’ yard and were in the process of stealing a trailer and an all-terrain vehicle,” Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Matt Hoyes says.

    “The victims had arrived on scene and had approached the two offenders.”

    After being asked about their actions, one of the men allegedly assaulted one of the victims. Fortunately, he did not sustain serious injuries.

    “Police had received a 111 call, and our staff were soon in the area,” Inspector Hoyes says.

    “A Police unit signalled for the stolen vehicle and trailer to stop; however, the offender accelerated at speed and wasn’t pursued.”

    The second offender left the area on foot.

    Meanwhile, the Police Eagle helicopter had deployed and was overhead of the vehicle as it travelled north on the motorway.

    Inspector Hoyes says the vehicle exited at Highbrook and travelled to Kilkenny Drive in East Tamaki.

    “The vehicle came to a stop and units quickly moved in and blocked in the vehicle before the driver was arrested.”

    A 56-year-old man has been charged with aggravated assault, two counts of burglary, reckless driving and failing to stop.

    He will appear in the Papakura District Court on 30 January.

    The second man, a 45-year-old, was arrested in the Takanini area. He is also facing two charges of burglary and one count of aggravated assault.

    He has since appeared in the Papakura District Court and will reappear on 20 February 2025.

    “We acknowledge the victims’ quick reporting of offending taking place at their premises so our staff could respond and it’s a great outcome that we have returned both pieces of equipment to them,” Inspector Hoyes says.

    ENDS. 

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – Proper funding of primary care nurses key to Kiwis getting into GPs – NZNO

    Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

    Primary care nurses must be paid the same as hospital nurses to fix the chronic staff shortages causing New Zealanders to be turned away from GP clinics, the New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) says.
    A Victoria University of Wellington study has found 36% of New Zealand’s general practices didn’t take new enrolments in 2024, with workforce shortages cited as the major reason people were being turned away.
    NZNO’s New Zealand College of Primary Health Care Nurses chair Tracey Morgan says the Coalition Government’s focus on the health sector is misdirected.
    “While the Government is focused on the five health targets, they are ignoring the most pressing issue – chronic staff shortages in primary care.
    “When people can’t get into their GP, they can end up at hospital even sicker. This puts more pressure on our already stretched hospitals and the Government’s own targets will be harder to meet,” Tracey Morgan says.
    Primary care nurses are leaving GP clinics to work in hospitals because they get paid 18% more despite having the same skills and qualifications, she says.
    “It is time for the Government to pay primary care nurses the same as their hospital counterparts and introduce a sustainable funding model for the primary care sector.
    “Until this is done, it is everyday New Zealanders who are trying to see a doctor when they are sick who will pay the price.
    “New Health Minister Simeon Brown has said he is ‘an advocate for everyday Kiwis who simply want timely, quality healthcare when they need it’. Here is his solution,” Tracey Morgan says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Animal Welfare – Warmer weather brings increased risks to dogs – NZVA

    Source: NZ Veterinary Association

    Dog owners are being warned to keep their pets away from highly toxic karaka berries and algal blooms this summer, and to contact their veterinarian immediately if they think their dog has swallowed them.
    The New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) encourages owners to walk dogs on a leash if toxic algae or karaka berries could be in the vicinity as both can make dogs incredibly ill.
    NZVA Head of Veterinary Services Companion Animal Sally Cory says at this time of year pets are spending more time outdoors and have more access to things that can harm them. “Unfortunately, dogs are attracted to karaka berries and toxic algae because of the strong smell,” she says. “Even small amounts can be dangerous, so if you think your dog has eaten karaka berries or toxic algae, call your veterinarian immediately and they will advise you what to do next.”
    The karaka tree fruits annually between January and April, dropping orange berries containing the alkaloid, karakin, which may be poisonous to dogs. Consumption of the berries by canines – who love their sweet taste – can lead to impaired neurological function, respiratory failure, and even death. Clinical signs can be delayed from between 24 hours and a week or more following ingestion.
    Toxic algae, also known as cyanobacteria, appears in rivers and lakes as black, green, or brown slime on rocks, and as brown or black ‘mats’. Symptoms can develop within 30 minutes and include panting, lethargy, muscle tremors, twitching, and convulsions.
    “When walking your dog near fresh water at this time of year, be mindful if it’s been dry and the water is potentially stagnant, or if it has rained heavily after a dry period as this can cause algae mats to dislodge,” Sally says. “Toxic algae has a strong, musty odour which dogs are attracted to and the toxic reaction can be fast. Remember if humans are advised not to swim somewhere, dogs shouldn’t swim there either.”
    Sally advises dog owners to keep an eye on information provided by local councils as signage may not always be installed at parks, rivers, and lakes. You can look up the potential risks of a destination by visiting Land Air Water Aotearoa.
    Sally also urges puppy and dog owners to make sure their pets are fully vaccinated against parvovirus as cases tend to rise when dogs spend more time in public spaces when the weather is warmer. Dogs can become infected by ingesting the virus through direct contact with contaminated faeces, surfaces, or objects, such as food bowls. The virus can even be transmitted on footwear. Signs of illness usually occur within three to seven days of exposure and may include severe, often bloody diarrhoea; vomiting; lethargy; decreased appetite; fever or low body temperature; rapid dehydration; and in severe cases, death.
    “We have started to see an increase in parvovirus cases already this season,” Sally says. “It is a highly contagious, viral disease, but it is preventable with appropriate vaccination.” Those most at risk are young (six weeks to six months), unvaccinated, or incompletely vaccinated puppies.
    Similarly, vaccinations need to be kept up-to-date for canine cough (kennel cough), an infectious respiratory disease that spreads when dogs are in close contact, such as at the beach, in parks, on walks, and in boarding kennels or daycare facilities. Talk to your veterinarian to ensure your dog is protected against parvovirus and canine cough.
    The summer months also bring the risk of bee sting reactions, incidents of dogs swallowing too much salt water, and grass seeds becoming lodged in ears and between toes, so keep an eye out for these too while out and about enjoying the warmer weather.
    Signs of karaka poisoning include:
    – Vomiting or diarrhoea
    – Abdominal pain
    – Reduced appetite
    – Paralysis of back legs
    – Loss of balance
    – Convulsions
    – Breathing slower than usual (which can lead to paralysis of breathing muscles).
    – If you think your dog has eaten any karaka berries, contact your vet immediately.
    Signs of toxic algae poisoning include:
    – Panting
    – Lethargy
    – Muscle tremors
    – Twitching
    – Convulsions
    – If your dog is showing any of these symptoms after being in contact with a waterway, contact your veterinarian immediately.
    More information on these topics can be found on the NZVA website:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Historic Booth Street bridge set to close to vehicle traffic

    Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

    The City of Greater Bendigo will permanently close the historic Booth Street Bridge over Bendigo Creek to vehicle traffic from February 2025.

    The Booth Street bridge is one of six remaining Monier reinforced concrete arch bridges built in Bendigo over 120 years ago between 1900 and 1902 by Monash & Anderson. The Monier bridges are significant because they demonstrate an important stage in the development of reinforced concrete technology and early twentieth century engineering.

    In 2008 the City reduced the load limit of the Booth Street Bridge to five tonne to slow and reduce the deterioration of the structure. In 2020 a further engineering investigation and load testing was undertaken which found that the capacity of the bridge had continued to reduce since the 2008 inspection.

    City of Greater Bendigo Presentation and Assets Director Brian Westley said the decision to close the bridge to vehicle traffic has been undertaken due to the continuing deterioration of the bridge and the significant and costly repairs that would need to be undertaken for it to continue to remain open.

    “The City is responsible for maintaining over 300 bridges and only has limited funds to undertake renewal projects which need to be prioritised,” Mr Westley said.

    “Repairing the bridge was considered under the City’s bridge renewal program. However, it was not deemed to be a high priority when compared to the other bridge renewal projects that are needed in Greater Bendigo.

    “Traffic counts have shown that the Booth Street Bridge carries a volume of approximately 430 vehicles per day and the surrounding road network is considered adequate to absorb this traffic. Using Laurel/Wade Street as an alternative would only require vehicle to travel an additional 250 metres.

    “Therefore, closing the bridge to vehicles but leaving it open to pedestrians and cyclists is considered the most beneficial and cost-effective option and the City has made the decision to permanently close the bridge to vehicle traffic given the low usage and easily accessible alternate routes.”

    As part of the bridge closure some minor works will take place including the installation of a court bowl turn around area and installation of vehicle barriers on the High Street side of the bridge, and some kerbing/vehicle barriers on the Old High Street side.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Minister Rishworth interview on ABC News Breakfast

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    E&OE TRANSCRIPT

    Topics: Updated Australia’s Disability Strategy; Inflation; AI chatbot DeepSeek; Election.

    JAMES GLENDAY, HOST:    Now, Australians with disability are the focus of the Federal Government today as it commits to additional changes, months after a scathing Royal Commission was handed down. An updated Disability Strategy will be launched by the Social Services Minister, Amanda Rishworth, who I am happy to say, joins us now from Geelong. Minister, good morning.

    AMANDA RISHWORTH, MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES:    Great to be with you.

    JAMES GLENDAY:    So, there’s a specific focus on homelessness in this updated Strategy. How many people are going to be covered by this document?

    AMANDA RISHWORTH:    This Strategy is actually a Strategy for all people with disability. The 5.5 million Australians living with disability. We know that if they are going to be able to fully participate in community life, then we need to make sure that our communities, our housing, is more accessible. And so that is what the Strategy is all about. How do we make our communities, our homes, more accessible. There has been a lot of consultation done with people with disability and it was highlighted that while housing has been a focus of Australia’s Disability Strategy, that homelessness and the prevention of homelessness for people with disability needed to be a focus as well. And so, what the Strategy will do is actually get all levels of government, state government and Commonwealth government, making sure that when it comes to homelessness services, there will be a particular focus on meeting the needs of people with disability. And when it comes to building homes, that there will be a focus in making sure that those homes are more accessible as well, so that people with disability have more choice over where they live.

    JAMES GLENDAY:    We’re going to have more on this story on the ABC throughout the day. And thank you for persisting through that alarm behind you there, Minister. Just on another topic, of course, cost of living is a very, very big issue for a lot of Australians at the moment. And some key inflation figures are out today. Are you expecting that data will be enough to convince the Reserve Bank to deliver that much anticipated first rate cut?

    AMANDA RISHWORTH:    First, I’d say obviously the Reserve Bank is independent, it makes its own decisions. But I would say what our Government has been doing is really focused on fighting inflation. Of course, we inherited a situation where inflation had a six in front of it and was going up. The most recent figures, it had a two in front of it and is coming down. We’ve also seen wages up and of course unemployment low. So, we’ve been working really hard to make sure that we are fighting inflation, at the same time supporting people with cost of living measures and making sure that we’re seeing wages go up and of course, making sure there’s jobs for people. So, this has been the really important work our Government’s been doing and doing what we can to fight inflation and give the best possible conditions for the Reserve Bank to make its decision.

    JAMES GLENDAY:    You would have seen yesterday, no doubt, that a lot of people have been downloading a new Chinese AI chatbot, DeepSeek, which has triggered a share market sell off. Some analysts this morning arguing this is good for competition in the global AI arms race. Others that this is a potential risk to national security. What is your view?

    AMANDA RISHWORTH:    Well, firstly, I would say broadly AI has so much potential to help us in our daily lives and have an impact. In fact, when we think about people with disability, I’ve seen circumstances where AI has helped them do their job. So, it has a lot of potential if it’s used safely, responsibly and ethically. And so, I think the question’s got to be how we are preparing our country for these new AI tools that will be coming out. And we’re doing that in a number of ways. Whether it’s the ethics code, whether it’s the safety standards or indeed the mandatory guardrails. These are all important pieces of legislative and regulatory architecture that we need to have in place to make sure that people can trust AI. So, these are the challenges we’ve got. So, AI presents a huge opportunity but we do need to make sure that the guardrails are in place to make sure it’s done ethically and safely, importantly as well.

    JAMES GLENDAY:    Just on a guardrail, TikTok, another Chinese-owned app is banned from Government devices in Australia which probably tells us all we really need to know about what security agencies think of the app. Do you expect that this new chatbot, this new DeepSeek, will be subjected to similar rules pretty quickly?

    AMANDA RISHWORTH:    We get very good advice through our security agencies. I won’t predict what those agencies will do. But we have got incredibly good cyber capabilities that apply to Government but also support businesses in the community as well. So, we’ve taken cyber and the threat that cyber can have on our community very seriously which is why we’ve put together a cyber strategy. We have a whole range of things of security in place. So, look, I will wait. I have to be honest, I haven’t quite caught up with the revolution. I mean I haven’t downloaded any of these things yet. I’m still old school. I write my speeches myself.

    JAMES GLENDAY:    It’s not on your phone. I’m sure we’re going to hear more on this later. It is outside your portfolio, so that’s fair enough. Just finally Minister, this caught my eye and the election is not too far away. I read that in your South Australian electorate, your main opponent for the Liberal Party is going to be another Rishworth. Your cousin, in fact. How do you feel about that?

    AMANDA RISHWORTH:    Oh, look, I haven’t been in contact with my opponent. It’s a democracy. Anyone can run. So, you know. I’ll be putting what I stand for and my record forward at this election and I’m really proud to stand by the fact that I’ve fought very hard for my electorate every single day I’ve been the local member. I’ll be standing on that record and my commitment to my community.

    JAMES GLENDAY:    Are you sure? Are you worried at all, though? There’s going to be two Rishworths. Is there a risk of confusion? Could you bleed a few per cent of the vote? I know you’ve got a very safe seat.

    AMANDA RISHWORTH:    Oh, well, look, I’ll have to be honest. My community knows me. They know what I stand for. I’ve been out and about, and so I’ll be making sure that people know what I stand for. And I think, when they go into the ballot box, they’ll be making a considered choice and I hope they will vote for me.

    JAMES GLENDAY:    All right, Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth, thank you for your time this morning and thank you for taking so many questions outside your portfolio area.

    AMANDA RISHWORTH:    Thank you.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 360,000 households across NSW notified of seat change ahead of 2025 federal election [29 January 2025]

    Source: Australian Electoral Commission

    Updated: 29 January 2025

    The AEC is notifying more than 360,000 households in NSW that they are enrolled in a different electoral division after federal boundaries were redrawn in the state last year.

    AEC State Manager for New South Wales Rebecca Main said that a federal election must be held sometime in the next four months.

    “With a federal election coming it is important that voters are familiar with the seat they’ll be voting in for the House of Representatives,” Ms Main said.

    “Redrawn boundaries mean a lot of people will be voting in different seats to last time, so we’re letting them know in a few ways including by sending letters and running ads on social media.”

    “It is an automatic change made on their enrolment record but the action required by voters is simply to know what their seat is ahead of time so they can be prepared when they’re thinking about who they might vote for.”

    Editor’s notes:

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 200,000 Victorian households notified of seat change ahead of 2025 federal election [29 January 2025]

    Source: Australian Electoral Commission

    Updated: 29 January 2025

    The AEC is notifying more than 200,000 households in Victoria that they are enrolled in a different electoral division after federal boundaries were redrawn in the state last year.

    AEC State Manager for Victoria Nye Coffey said that a federal election must be held sometime in the next four months.

    “With a federal election coming it is important that voters are familiar with the seat they’ll be voting in for the House of Representatives,” Mr Coffey said.

    “Redrawn boundaries mean a lot of people will be voting in different seats to last time, so we’re letting them know in a few ways including by sending letters and running ads on social media.”

    “It is an automatic change made on their enrolment record but the action required by voters is simply to know what their seat is ahead of time so they can be prepared when they’re thinking about who they might vote for.”

    Editor’s notes:

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 130,000 West Australian households notified of seat change ahead of 2025 federal election [29 January 2025]

    Source: Australian Electoral Commission

    Updated: 29 January 2025

    NOTE: This media release relates to the 2025 federal election, not the WA state election in March.

    The AEC is notifying more than 130,000 households in Western Australia that they are enrolled in a different electoral division after federal boundaries were redrawn in the state last year.

    AEC State Manager for Western Australia Anita Ratcliffe said that a federal election must be held sometime in the next four months.

    “With a federal election due by May it is important that voters are familiar with the seat they’ll be voting in for the House of Representatives,” Ms Ratcliffe said.

    “It is particularly important here in Western Australia given there is also a state election occurring in March. It’s important that people know there are different seats for different elections.”

    “Redrawn federal boundaries mean a lot of people will be voting in different seats than the last federal election in 2022, so we’re letting them know in a few ways including by sending letters and running ads on social media.”

    “There will be an automatic change made on their enrolment record but the action required by voters is simply to know what their seat is ahead of time so they can be prepared when they’re thinking about who they might vote for.”

    Editor’s notes:

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Crash survivors’ emotional reunion with rescuers

    Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

    Hastings Fire Station was the setting for an emotional reunion last week as Mark Stockwell came face-to-face with the emergency crews who freed him after a tree crushed his car.

    Mark was driving home during a storm on Coolart Road in Tuerong last August when the freak incident occurred, trapping him in his vehicle with serious injuries.

    Emergency services arrived swiftly, but it took a challenging 90 minutes of coordinated effort from Hastings, Langwarrin and Dromana CFA members, VICSES, Ambulance Victoria, and Victoria Police to safely extricate him.

    Accompanied by his wife and son, Mark used the reunion as an opportunity to personally thank the first responders for their dedication and teamwork.

    “Words can’t express how grateful I am. Every time I’m at home, I think about all these guys, and I tear up,” Mark said.

    “I get to be a dad, and I get to be a husband because of them.

    “I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for what they’ve done and what they continue to do.

    “They have families and could be at home, but instead, they’re out there rescuing people like me. It’s incredible.”

    Recalling the events of that day, Mark said: “I don’t really remember much about it. I just recall thinking, ‘I think I’ve been in an accident,’ and I was coming in and out of consciousness.

    “The guys were trying to keep me awake, but I kept drifting. I remember one moment of pain, like waking from a dream, and thinking, ‘I can’t feel my leg, my back is sore, my neck hurts.’

    “I saw the airbag and thought, ‘Why’s my airbag out? I must have been in an accident. That’s pretty much all I remember.”

    Several key personnel on scene that day also shared their perspectives on the incident and what it meant to see Mark’s recovery firsthand.

    Quotes attributable to CFA Incident Controller Georgia Densley:

    “Rescues like this one really highlight the strength of teamwork between CFA and our emergency service partners.

    “Everyone on scene played their part, including Mark, who stayed calm under immense pressure, which made our job that much easier.

    “It’s incredibly rewarding to see him here today and to witness his recovery firsthand.”

    Quotes attributable to Dutchy Holland, VICSES Hastings Unit Controller:

    “As first responders, having the chance to meet and talk with community members who we support in their time of need is an extremely rewarding experience.

    “I’m very proud of our volunteers who were able to provide timely and much-needed aid alongside other emergency service providers to effect a positive outcome in this instance.”

    Quotes attributable to MICA Paramedic Angus Bowden:

    “Being able to reconnect with a patient and see him thrive after such a serious incident is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Mark was not only trapped, but appeared to have sustained multiple traumatic injuries.

    “In this case, the combination of advanced clinical care and collaboration played a crucial role in the patient’s survival and recovery. From start to finish, it was a remarkable team effort, with paramedics, firefighters and SES working together to achieve the best possible outcome.”

    Submitted by CFA media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Death following Summerleas Road Crash on 10 December

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Death following Summerleas Road Crash on 10 December

    Wednesday, 29 January 2025 – 10:31 am.

    Sadly, police can confirm a 75-year-old man died yesterday in Southern Tasmania.
    The man was involved in a crash on Summerleas Road, Fern Tree on 10 December 2024.
    Following the crash the man was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition and has since passed away.
    Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of all involved.
    A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: PHOTO RELEASE: Secretary Kristi Noem Hits the Streets with ICE Agents

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    New York City – Today, Secretary Kristi Noem went on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) removal operation in New York City. The target of this operation was violent criminals, including a ringleader of Tren De Aragua, in the United States. 

    Secretary Noem addressed the law enforcement agents and officers apart of the operation

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    Secretary Noem addressed the law enforcement agents and officers apart of the operation | View Original
    On January 28, Secretary Noem rode with DHS law enforcement to arrest criminal aliens in New York City.  

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    On January 28, Secretary Noem rode with DHS law enforcement to arrest criminal aliens in New York City.   | View Original
    Secretary Noem with law enforcement outside one of the targets of the removal operation.

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    Secretary Noem with law enforcement outside one of the targets of the removal operation. | View Original
    ICE, DEA, Secret Service, NYPD, ATF New York, and the U.S. Marshalls participated in the immigration raids.  

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    ICE, DEA, Secret Service, NYPD, ATF New York, and the U.S. Marshalls participated in the immigration raids.   | View Original

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Endorsing Resolution, General Assembly Calls Upon All Stakeholders to Implement 2024–2034 Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Text on UN Cooperation with Community-Portuguese-Speaking Countries Also Adopted

    The General Assembly today adopted a resolution containing the “Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2024–2034” — which focuses on diversifying economies, promoting trade, supporting jobs and enhancing climate resilience over the next 10 years in that group of nations — calling upon all stakeholders to commit to implementing it.

    In that action programme — listed in the annex of document A/79/L.21 — the Assembly recommitted to expediting action on the Sustainable Development Goals, calling for increased investment, including through international cooperation, and taking necessary measures to harmonize skills development and training programmes at the national and regional levels.

    The Programme of Action, which was originally adopted 24 December 2024 (see Press Release GA/12671), also lays out Member States’ commitments to substantially increasing investment from all sources in research and development, and in building accessible, reliable and affordable digital infrastructure.  The Assembly committed to doubling the contribution of manufacturing value added to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the landlocked developing countries by 2034.  Further, 193-member body urged development partners to support landlocked developing countries in strengthening strategic coherence between trade and investment policies, and industrial policy objectives.

    “The 570 million people living in the landlocked developing countries deserve nothing less,” said Assembly President Philémon Yang (Cameroon).  “For too long, they have faced unique challenges to trade, connectivity and development,” he added.  Recent shocks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, rising prices worldwide, geopolitical tensions and the deepening impact of climate change, have only intensified their vulnerabilities.

    “The combined gross domestic product of landlocked developing countries in 2023 came in at 8 per cent below pre-pandemic projections,” he went on to say, commending these countries for their “resilience and ability to quickly reverse negative trends”.  The Assembly, “the great drum that gives voice to all peoples and nation”, will monitor implementation of the programme of action, he pledged.

    Rabab Fatima, Secretary-General of the third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, said the group of countries face profound challenges.  To address their issues, the new Programme of Action proposes regional agricultural hubs, which can help transform the sector and spearhead efforts toward sustainable development.

    “Internet usage is far below the global average,” she added, emphasizing the need to bridge the gender gap in the area.  On trade, she said that landlocked developing countries face 40 per cent higher trade costs than coastal States.  Climate finance remains grossly insufficient for landlocked developing countries, she added, noting that the Programme of Action underscores the need to urge development partners to honour their official development assistance (ODA) commitments.

    “This instrument must be a catalyst to eliminate structural barriers,” said Diego Pary Rodríguez (Bolivia), Chair of the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries.  Many of these countries have taken many measures to diversify their economies, but the Programme of Action has the potential to build new alliances that can provide them with the economic, political and technological tools to overcome barriers.

    He pointed out that the lack of development of regional transport corridors continues to undermine their participation in global trade. “Trade remains a critical means for the landlocked developing countries to achieve economic growth,” he said.  “We also ask for your support in capacity-building initiatives that will allow landlocked developing countries to comply with global trade standards,” he added, stressing the importance of fostering international cooperation in the transfer of clean technology to strengthen responses to climate change. 

    Cooperation between United Nations and Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries

    By adopting a text titled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries” (document A/79/L.43), the Assembly also stressed the importance of strengthening the cooperation between the Community and United Nations specialized agencies and other entities and programmes.

    By other terms of that resolution, the Assembly stressed the importance of partnership and cooperation between the UN and other relevant organizations, including the Community, to improve coordination and cooperation in peacebuilding and sustaining peace.

    Appointment of Member of Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions 

    On other matters, the Assembly appointed Alexandra Arias (Dominican Republic) as a member of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) for a term of office beginning on 31 January and expiring on 31 December.  She replaces Olivio Fermín, also of the Dominican Republic, who resigned effective 31 January.

    Application of Article 19 of UN Charter 

    The Assembly also noted that Antigua and Barbuda has made the payments necessary to reduce its arrears in assessed contributions to the United Nations below the amount specified in Article 19 of the Charter.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation

    Source: The White House

    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

    Section 1.  Policy and Purpose.  Across the country today, medical professionals are maiming and sterilizing a growing number of impressionable children under the radical and false claim that adults can change a child’s sex through a series of irreversible medical interventions.  This dangerous trend will be a stain on our Nation’s history, and it must end.

    Countless children soon regret that they have been mutilated and begin to grasp the horrifying tragedy that they will never be able to conceive children of their own or nurture their children through breastfeeding.  Moreover, these vulnerable youths’ medical bills may rise throughout their lifetimes, as they are often trapped with lifelong medical complications, a losing war with their own bodies, and, tragically, sterilization.

    Accordingly, it is the policy of the United States that it will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called “transition” of a child from one sex to another, and it will rigorously enforce all laws that prohibit or limit these destructive and life-altering procedures.

    Sec. 2.  Definitions.  For the purposes of this order:

    (a)  The term “child” or “children” means an individual or individuals under 19 years of age.

    (b)  The term “pediatric” means relating to the medical care of a child.

    (c)  The phrase “chemical and surgical mutilation” means the use of puberty blockers, including GnRH agonists and other interventions, to delay the onset or progression of normally timed puberty in an individual who does not identify as his or her sex; the use of sex hormones, such as androgen blockers, estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone, to align an individual’s physical appearance with an identity that differs from his or her sex; and surgical procedures that attempt to transform an individual’s physical appearance to align with an identity that differs from his or her sex or that attempt to alter or remove an individual’s sexual organs to minimize or destroy their natural biological functions.  This phrase sometimes is referred to as “gender affirming care.”

    Sec. 3.  Ending Reliance on Junk Science.  (a)  The blatant harm done to children by chemical and surgical mutilation cloaks itself in medical necessity, spurred by guidance from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), which lacks scientific integrity.  In light of the scientific concerns with the WPATH guidance:

    (i)   agencies shall rescind or amend all policies that rely on WPATH guidance, including WPATH’s “Standards of Care Version 8”; and 

    (ii)  within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) shall publish a review of the existing literature on best practices for promoting the health of children who assert gender dysphoria, rapid-onset gender dysphoria, or other identity-based confusion.

    (b)  The Secretary of HHS, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, shall use all available methods to increase the quality of data to guide practices for improving the health of minors with gender dysphoria, rapid-onset gender dysphoria, or other identity-based confusion, or who otherwise seek chemical or surgical mutilation.

    Sec. 4.  Defunding Chemical and Surgical Mutilation.  The head of each executive department or agency (agency) that provides research or education grants to medical institutions, including medical schools and hospitals, shall, consistent with applicable law and in coordination with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, immediately take appropriate steps to ensure that institutions receiving Federal research or education grants end the chemical and surgical mutilation of children.

    Sec. 5.  Additional Directives to the Secretary of HHS.  (a)  The Secretary of HHS shall, consistent with applicable law, take all appropriate actions to end the chemical and surgical mutilation of children, including regulatory and sub-regulatory actions, which may involve the following laws, programs, issues, or documents:

    (i)    Medicare or Medicaid conditions of participation or conditions for coverage;

    (ii)   clinical-abuse or inappropriate-use assessments relevant to State Medicaid programs;

    (iii)  mandatory drug use reviews;

    (iv)   section 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act;

    (v)    quality, safety, and oversight memoranda;

    (vi)   essential health benefits requirements; and

    (vii)  the Eleventh Revision of the International Classification of Diseases and other federally funded manuals, including the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition.

    (b)  The Secretary of HHS shall promptly withdraw HHS’s March 2, 2022, guidance document titled “HHS Notice and Guidance on Gender Affirming Care, Civil Rights and Patient Privacy” and, in consultation with the Attorney General, issue new guidance protecting whistleblowers who take action related to ensuring compliance with this order.

    Sec. 6.  TRICARE.  The Department of Defense provides health insurance, through TRICARE, to nearly 2 million individuals under the age of 18.  As appropriate and consistent with applicable law, the Secretary of Defense shall commence a rulemaking or sub-regulatory action to exclude chemical and surgical mutilation of children from TRICARE coverage and amend the TRICARE provider handbook to exclude chemical and surgical mutilation of children.

    Sec. 7.  Requirements for Insurance Carriers.  The Director of the Office of Personnel Management, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, shall:

    (a)  include provisions in the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) and Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) programs call letter for the 2026 Plan Year specifying that eligible carriers, including the Foreign Service Benefit Plan, will exclude coverage for pediatric transgender surgeries or hormone treatments; and

    (b)  negotiate to obtain appropriate corresponding reductions in FEHB and PSHB premiums.

    Sec. 8.  Directives to the Department of Justice.  The Attorney General shall:

    (a)  review Department of Justice enforcement of section 116 of title 18, United States Code, and prioritize enforcement of protections against female genital mutilation;

    (b) convene States’ Attorneys General and other law enforcement officers to coordinate the enforcement of laws against female genital mutilation across all American States and Territories; 

    (c)  prioritize investigations and take appropriate action to end deception of consumers, fraud, and violations of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by any entity that may be misleading the public about long-term side effects of chemical and surgical mutilation;

    (d)  in consultation with the Congress, work to draft, propose, and promote legislation to enact a private right of action for children and the parents of children whose healthy body parts have been damaged by medical professionals practicing chemical and surgical mutilation, which should include a lengthy statute of limitations; and

    (e)  prioritize investigations and take appropriate action to end child-abusive practices by so-called sanctuary States that facilitate stripping custody from parents who support the healthy development of their own children, including by considering the application of the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act and recognized constitutional rights.

    Sec. 9.  Enforcing Adequate Progress.  Within 60 days of the date of this order, the heads of agencies with responsibilities under this order shall submit a single, combined report to the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, detailing progress in implementing this order and a timeline for future action.  The Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy shall regularly convene the heads of agencies with responsibilities under this order (or their designees) to coordinate and prepare for this submission.

    Sec. 10.  Severability.  If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstances, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of any of its other provisions to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

    Sec. 11.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

    (i)    the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

    (ii)   the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    THE WHITE HOUSE,

        January 28, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – ProCare reflects on progress made towards equitable health outcomes by committing to Te Tiriti o Waitangi Principles

    Source: ProCare

    Over the last four years, primary healthcare provider, ProCare, has made significant progress on embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi across all aspects of the business, but acknowledges there is still more to do.

    In 2021, ProCare made a commitment to align to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and deliver key actions to help improve equity in healthcare in its ‘ProEquity’ strategy. This strategy came after extensive engagement with staff and wider stakeholders on steps ProCare could take towards achieving more equitable health outcomes.

    Some of the key achievements during the last few years were:

    • Significant improvements in the employee survey in relation to understanding Te Tiriti, cultural responsiveness, and inclusivity
    • Appointing Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Tangata Whenua Directors 
    • Establishing formal partnerships with Māori-led community organisations like Smear Your Mea and Taumata Koorero
    • Launching outreach services to improve access to healthcare services for Māori and Pacific communities
    • Developing cultural training programmes and mobile apps to support cultural competency.

    Bindi Norwell, ProCare Group CEO, says: “Embedding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi adopted from the Ministry of Health – Whakamaua Māori Health Action Plan, enabled us to have a core focus on equity across our business over the last four years, and we are proud of what we have achieved so far. Feedback from our staff on the importance of Te Tiriti has consistently trended upwards, so it’s great to see the hard work by the team being recognised.

    “We’ve recently conducted an audit of the strategy, reflecting on where we were at in 2021, what we have achieved so far, and areas of opportunity going forward. This has been great as we enter 2025, ensuring we bring all teams back to alignment and focus on a core direction,” says Norwell.

    Mihi Blair, Kaiwhakahaere Hauora Māori, Mana Taurite (GM of Māori Health and Equity), says: “Our achievements as a business have been a result of shared commitment and collective effort across ProCare, as well as building authentic and collaborative relationships with not only Māori, but Pacific, and the diverse population groups that make up Tāmaki Makaurau.

    “Utilising Te Tiriti principles, we have continued to build on our achievements, through actions like appointing Marama Royal, Chair of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust, to the ProCare Co-operative Board, welcoming Dr Minnie Strickland as a Pacific Representative on our Clinical Quality Committee, developing resources such cultural apps Ihi and Tala Moana, and giving our staff and practices access to our Te Pūheke training programme, endorsed by the Royal College of General Practice, to support them with cultural responsiveness,” says Blair.

    “Our actions are a great step forward for ProCare, but we recognise there is still work to. This includes looking into how we can embed equity into all facets of the business. This could be advocating for funding and developing frameworks that align with Te Tiriti, co-designing services with the community, exploring more partnerships, embedding Te Tiriti as a key part of any policy and performance, and more,” concludes Blair.

    To find out more about ProCare’s Equity Journey – Te Amorangi, read this infographic: https://www.procare.co.nz/media/3894/te-amorangi-procares-equity-journey.pdf

    About ProCare
    ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi. As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to nearly 700,000 patients across Auckland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. 

    For more information go to www.procare.co.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Washington joins multistate suit over federal financial assistance freeze

    Source: Washington State News

    OLYMPIA — Washington state today joined 21 other states suing the Trump administration over its illegal freeze of all federal financial assistance, which directly threatens the health and safety of Washingtonians reliant on a variety of federally funded programs by potentially withholding billions in funds from the state.

    The direction issued Monday by the federal Office of Management and Budget to pause financial assistance programs could impact childcare and special education grants, highway planning and construction dollars, energy cost assistance rebates, substance abuse treatment, and nursing care for veterans, among other programs.

    The White House says the pause is to ensure the funds are “advancing Administration priorities.”

    “The White House justifies this damaging move with culture war alarmism, but in reality they’re robbing governments and service providers of funds that keep people safe and serve urgent needs in all of our communities,” Attorney General Nick Brown said. “People’s jobs are at stake. Services for veterans are at risk. Health care and education would be taken from children. Programs that support crime victims could vanish. These examples are the tip of the iceberg.”

    If funding is cut off for these programs, even temporarily, it would interfere with critical state programs, drastically worsen Washington’s budget shortfall, and make it nearly impossible for state agencies and the Legislature to intelligently prioritize budgeting needs.

    “Presidents have significant powers and elections have consequences,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said. “However, President Trump’s refusal or inability to advance his priorities in a lawful and constitutional manner is creating needless and cruel chaos. We’re confident that the courts will, once again, determine that he is exceeding his authority.”

    The administration’s memo does not explain any legal authority for this action, because they have none. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for Rhode Island, lays out the various ways the Trump administration is breaking federal law by freezing a broad swath of financial assistance programs beyond the scope of its authority while also usurping the role of Congress.

    The complaint seeks to enjoin the Trump administration from enforcing or implementing the memo and requests a judicial declaration that the memo is unlawful.

    Read the filing here.

    This lawsuit is led by the attorneys general of New York, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Rhode Island. Joining the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. 

    -30-

    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

    Phone: (360) 753-2727

    General contacts: Click here

    Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Learn about I-5 Secret Creek fish passage project in Snohomish County during open house events

    Source: Washington State News 2

    Online open house starts Jan. 28 with digital open house events Feb. 5 and Feb. 12

    STANWOOD – The secret is out. Work to gain fish habitat in Secret Creek under Interstate 5 in northern Snohomish County begins Feb. 24.

    From 6 p.m.to 12 p.m. daily. Monday through Friday, contractors working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will remove and replace old culverts that are near the end of their useful life.

    Travelers will see work zones along both directions of I-5 between 236th Street NE, at milepost 210, and State Route 532/Stanwood Bryant Road at milepost 212.

    To help travelers prepare for potential delays on I-5 and Old Highway 99, WSDOT is hosting an online open house and a digital open house. Topics will include what to expect during construction, and why this work is necessary. It will include maps and timelines of tentative schedules.

    I-5 Secret Creek online open house information

    I-5 Secret Creek digital office hours

    Free, temporary internet access is available to those who do not have broadband service in locations throughout the state. To find the nearest Drive-In WiFi Hotspot visit: commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-state-drive-in-wifi-hotspots-location-finder/

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard interdicts 21 migrants near Point Loma

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 01/28/2025 06:15 PM EST

     

    01/28/2025 05:54 PM EST

    Coast Guard interdicted a panga with 21 individuals aboard approximately 20 miles off the coast of Point Loma, Monday evening. At approximately 10:45 p.m., U.S. Customs and Border Protection notified Coast Guard personnel at the Joint Harbor Operations Center of a 40-foot panga-style vessel traveling north approximately 40 miles south of the maritime boundary line.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man with History of Violence Sent to Federal Prison for Possessing Sawed-Off Shotgun

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    A man with a history of violence was sentenced today, to 10 years in federal prison.

    Conrad Lyons, age 36, from Sioux City, received the prison term after an August 26, 2024, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon and one count of receipt and possession of a National Firearms Destructive Device not registered to the possessor, i.e., a sawed-off shotgun. 

    Evidence in this case revealed that on March 23, 2024, at approximately 1:00 a.m., law enforcement received a report of an altercation in an apartment in Sioux City, Iowa, involving Lyons (who is a felon) and several other individuals.  Reports indicated the altercation involved a large machete-style knife, and that Lyons had a “sawed-off shotgun”.  Law enforcement responded to the apartment in Sioux City where the altercation took place.  Outside of the apartment, law enforcement encountered an individual, who confirmed there had been an altercation, and identified some of the individuals, but the individuals inside the apartment were reluctant to cooperate.

    Further, on March 23, 2024, at approximately 8:22 p.m., law enforcement observed Lyons and two other individuals, walking in Sioux City, Iowa.  As law enforcement approached, Lyons dropped a black backpack and walked into the street.  The other individual attempted to throw a machete into a storm drain.  The individuals were stopped by police. The machete was retrieved, and through the open zipper of the backpack, law enforcement observed a barrel and what appeared to be a cut-off gunstock that was covered with a sock. It was later determined Lyons was in possession of the sawed-off shotgun.

    Lyons has a history of violent offenses, failure on supervision, disciplinary violations in custody and a history of eluding, resisting and fighting with law enforcement.  Lyons criminal history includes (1) assaulting, resisting, or impeding an officer, in the United States District Court of Nebraska; (2) assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian Country, in the United States District Court of Nebraska; and (3) assault by striking, beating, and wounding, in the United States District Court of Nebraska.

    Lyons was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 120 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).  PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

    Lyons is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

    The case was investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.  

    Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

    The case file number is 24-CR-4026.

    Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Maplewood Man Accused of Selling Machine Gun Conversion Devices

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – A man from Maplewood, Missouri has been arrested on charges accusing him of selling machine gun conversion devices.

    Tanario Darden, 22, was arrested Monday and pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to two felony counts: transporting prohibited weapons without a license and transferring machine guns. He was indicted on those charges January 22.

    The indictment says Darden transported and sold one or more machine guns between April 1, 2024, and August 30, 2024.

    Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    A motion seeking to have Darden held in jail until trial says he was using a social media account to sell machine gun conversion devices (MCDs).

    MCDs, also known as switches or auto sears, convert a semi-automatic firearm into fully automatic weapon, which is defined as a machine gun under federal law.

    “These highly dangerous devices can convert a run-of-the-mill firearm into a weapon of war, transforming a street corner into a combat zone, devastating entire communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Bernard G. Hansen of the ATF Kansas City Field Division.

    The transporting prohibited weapons charge carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison. The machine gun charge carries a penalty of 10 years in prison.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Szczucinski is prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Cruz Introduce Legislation to Protect American Fishermen from Cartels

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) in reintroducing legislation to target illegally caught red snapper and tuna imports. The senators introduced similar legislation last Congress.
    The Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act would require the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop a standard methodology for identifying the country of origin of red snapper or tuna imported into the United States. Snapper poaching continues to be an issue across the Gulf of America, as Mexican fishermen illegally catch red snapper, smuggle it into their country, and then confuse American consumers by selling our fish back to us. 
    “Alabama lands 34 percent of all recreationally caught Red Snapper in the Gulf,” said Senator Tuberville. “Unfortunately, our domestic Red Snapper industry is being undermined by Mexican fishermen who are illegally catching American snapper in the Gulf, smuggling them into Mexico, and then reselling the same fish back to American consumers. In addition to taking business away from Alabama’s fishermen, many of the profits from these illegal fishing operations are funding the cartels. I’m proud to join Senator Cruz in introducing the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act to stop illegal Red Snapper from flooding our markets and bankrupting our great fishermen.”
    U.S. Senators Tuberville and Cruz were joined by U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL) and Brian Schatz (D-HI).
    Full text of the legislation can be found here.
    BACKGROUND:
    Mexican fishermen cross the maritime border between Texas and Mexico on small boats called “lanchas” to illegally catch red snapper in U.S. waters and return to Mexico. The fish are sold in Mexico or mixed in with legally-caught red snapper then exported back into the United States across land borders. Red snapper is one of the most well-managed and profitable fish in the Gulf of Mexico, but illegal fishing by Mexican lanchas puts law-abiding U.S. fishermen and seafood producers at a competitive disadvantage. Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities violate both national and international fishing regulations.
    Cartels engaged in drug smuggling and human trafficking also engage in the profitable illegal fishing of red snapper. The same fishing boats and fishermen who catch red snapper also smuggle drugs and humans for the cartels, and these profits support the organization.
    Technology exists to chemically test and find the geographic origin of many foods, but not for red snapper or tuna. The Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act would develop a field test kit the Coast Guard could use to accurately ascertain whether fish were caught in Mexico or U.S. waters, thus allowing federal and state law enforcement officers to identify the origin of the fish and confiscate illegally caught red snapper or tuna before it is imported back into the U.S.
    With the help of machine learning, NIST scientists are currently able to chemically determine the geographic origin of foods, including strawberries, apples, cherries, ginseng, ginkgo, beef, honey, and rice. Using those same methodologies, these scientists believe it would be possible to determine the geographic origin of red snapper. This would allow law enforcement to have a better understanding of the networks that support illegal fishing. It would also reduce the financial incentives for the crime, since the fish could no longer be sold back into the United States. If successful, this method could be expanded to identify other IUU fish.
    MORE:
    Tuberville Takes Aim At Cartels Engaged in Illegal Red Snapper Fishing
    Tuberville Voices Concerns About New Federal Red Snapper Limits
    Tuberville, Colleagues Advocate for Management Flexibility to Preserve Red Snapper Season
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: “It is Blatantly Unconstitutional,” King Declares in Response to Proposed Federal Grant, Loan Freeze

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    Watch or download the full remarks here
    WASHINGTON, D.C.—In a press conference on Capitol Hill today, Senator Angus King (I-ME), declared that President Donald Trump’s proposal to halt all federal grant and loan disbursement is unconstitutional. He cited Article 2 of the Constitution which clearly lays out the role of the President as an enforcer of the law. The “power of the purse” is included in Article 1 of the Constitution which declares that Congress – and in particular the House of Representatives—is responsible with the role of federal appropriations as a check on the Executive Branch. Therefore, the President does not have the ability to reappropriate federal spending without Congressional approval.
    “This is a profound constitutional issue. What happened last night is the most direct assault on the authority of Congress, I believe, in the history of the United States. It is blatantly unconstitutional. Article Two does not give the executive the power to determine budgets or expenditures. That power is vested in [Article One] – in the Congress. And if this stands, then Congress may as well adjourn, because the implications of this is the executive can pick and choose which congressional enactments they will execute.
    “The President took an oath the other day to faithfully execute the presidency of the United States. That means to execute the laws that are passed by Congress, not edicts passed by the Office of Management and Budget. So I hope and believe that our colleagues on all sides of the aisle will realize that this is not a political discussion. This is not a programmatic discussion. This is an institutional discussion that goes to the viability, authority, expertise and work that’s based upon Article Three of the Constitution.
    “This is just a usurpation of authority. As I say, I believe I’ve never seen anything quite like this in American history. Richard Nixon tried to do it. The Congress passed a specific statute which has been the concept, the basis of which has been upheld by the Supreme Court in Train versus New York, and to assert this power really renders the power of Congress a nullity. And as I say, I hope members of both sides of the aisle will realize this and stand up for the institution. James Madison said ‘the interests of the individuals will enable them or empower them to stand up for the interests of the institution.’
    “And if this stands, this will redound to the detriment of both parties, whichever party is in charge. Imagine for a moment if Joe Biden did this or there was a Republican Senate, Republican Congress, and they passed a statute saying we want to fund Head Start and Joe Biden said, ‘No, I don’t like Head Start. I’d rather put the money over here.’ We’d be hearing a lot of reaction, and the reaction should come from both sides.
    “So as someone who has worked in the law and worked with the constitution for many, many years, I was stunned last night to see this order. I thought first it was a production of the Onion, because it’s so grossly, blatantly unconstitutional and threatening to the foundation of the separation of powers under the Constitution.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Veterans Affairs Hearing, King Argues VA Hiring Freeze, Lack of Health Care Data Essentially a “Denial of Benefits”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King today argued that a lack of health care data and the current Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hiring freeze are denying veterans the benefits they rightly deserve. In a hearing of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), King questioned Naomi Mathis, the Assistant National Legislative Director for Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and John Eaton, the Vice President for the Complex Care Wounded Warrior Project, about the lack of health care data comparing the VA direct care and non-VA community care providers. He also made clear that hiring freezes will make it more difficult for VA staff to carry out their duties, resulting in a decrease in quality care for veterans.
    “This electronic medical records problem started with a no bid contract about five years ago, six years ago, that was extended by the last administration. I still don’t understand why we don’t go out to the market. I’m sorry you mentioned Epic Senator, because Epic is a successful medical record system that I observed in my system. Well, okay, in any case, it seems to me, in order to analyze the issue of the relationship between VA direct care and community care, we need more data. We know exactly the VA wait times and all those kinds of things. We don’t have that kind of data in terms of the private sector. I know in the private sector, in Maine, it is pretty hard to get a get an appointment, and particularly with a specialist. So, I think in order to make policy here, Mr. Chairman, we need some information. We need to have cost comparisons. We need to have time comparisons, wait times. So everybody’s nodding, but that won’t show up in the record. Could somebody say yes,” asked Senator King.
    “Yes. Senator, I wholeheartedly agree. There is no data coming back out of the community back into VA and there is no sort of accountability either when the records don’t show up back to VA. So, you have a provider, a primary care provider, say at VA, that may have sent a patient out to the community for specialized care and the information when the patient comes back to VA, the information is not coming back, therefore that provider is not able to provide an accurate treatment plan for that patient,” replied Mathis.
    “So we don’t have a handle on cost, quality or time. Is that correct,” questioned Senator King.
    “Correct, Senator,” said Mathis.
    “And, by the way, when we’re talking about the time of VAs responsibility and backlogs, a staff freeze isn’t going to help that problem. If there are fewer people to answer the phone, fewer people to process claims, that’s only going to exacerbate the problem, not make it any better. And I note that the that the administration the other day appeared to walk back part of the hiring freeze with regard to direct care providers, but to deny, but to leave a hiring freeze in effect that has fewer people responding, processing claims and those kinds of things. That’s in effect, a denial of benefits itself. Is it not, Mr. Eaton,” Senator King asked again.
    “Yes,” responded Eaton.
    Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, he has been among the Senate’s most prominent voices on the need to address veterans suicide, and has repeatedly pressed for action from top Department of Defense officials on this issue. An advocate for amplifying veteran voices, Senator King held a field hearing focusing on long-term care in Maine. Additionally, last spring led a letter urging further investments in traumatic brain injury research, the signature wound of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and introduced legislation to provide safe firearm storage for veterans. In 2024, Congress passed Senator King’s bipartisan legislation to improve veterans’ access to health care and benefits.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Grassley Seek Presidential Explanation For IG Dismissals

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    January 28, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, requested President Donald Trump provide the lawfully-required substantive rationale behind his recent decision to dismiss Inspectors General (IGs) from 18 offices. The Senators additionally asked President Trump to share the names of each official who will serve in an acting IG capacity and urged the President to quickly nominate qualified and nonpartisan individuals to permanently fill the current IG vacancies. This weekend, Durbin released a statement after President Trump unlawfully fired independent inspectors general across multiple federal agencies.
    IGs are nonpartisan watchdogs responsible for identifying and rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse at federal agencies. IGs serve at the President’s disposal. However, a Grassley-authored amendment signed into law as part of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requires the President to provide written, detailed communication informing Congress of the President’s decision to dismiss or transfer an Inspector General at least 30 days before taking action to do so.  
    “While IGs aren’t immune from committing acts requiring their removal, and they can be removed by the president, the law must be followed. The communication to Congress must contain more than just broad and vague statements; rather, it must include sufficient facts and details to assure Congress and the public that the termination is due to real concerns about the Inspector General’s ability to carry out their mission,” the Senators wrote. 
    “This is a matter of public and congressional accountability and ensuring the public’s confidence in the Inspector General community, a sentiment shared more broadly by other Members of Congress,” the Senators continued. “IGs are critical to rooting out waste, fraud, abuse, and misconduct within the Executive Branch bureaucracy, which you have publicly made clear you are also intent on doing.
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    January 28, 2025
    Dear President Trump:
    We write to you today concerning the reported firing of Inspectors General (IGs) from 18 offices.[1] Congress was not provided the legally required 30-day notice and case-specific reasons for removal, as required by law.[2] Accordingly, we request that you provide that information immediately.
    On December 23, 2022, the “James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023” was signed into law and included provisions from the Securing Inspector General Independence Act, which was introduced by a bipartisan group of members.[3]  Those provisions require that the President “shall” communicate to Congress in writing 30 days before removing or transferring an IG from office the “substantive rationale, including detailed and case-specific reasons” for the removal or transfer.[4]  The law also prohibits an IG from being placed on non-duty status during the 30-day period preceding the date of removal or transfer unless the continued presence of the Inspector General in the workplace poses a threat as described by requirements in the Administrative Leave Act and the President submits a report to Congress.[5]  
    While IGs aren’t immune from committing acts requiring their removal, and they can be removed by the president, the law must be followed.[6]  The communication to Congress must contain more than just broad and vague statements, rather it must include sufficient facts and details to assure Congress and the public that the termination is due to real concerns about the Inspector General’s ability to carry out their mission.[7]
    This is a matter of public and congressional accountability and ensuring the public’s confidence in the Inspector General community, a sentiment shared more broadly by other Members of Congress.  IGs are critical to rooting out waste, fraud, abuse, and misconduct within the Executive Branch bureaucracy, which you have publicly made clear you are also intent on doing.
    Accordingly, we request that you provide Congress with a written communication that contains the “substantive rationale, including detailed and case-specific reasons” for each of the IG’s removed.  Further, we request the name of each official that will serve in an acting capacity and that you work quickly to nominate qualified and non-partisan individuals to serve in these open positions.
    -30-

    [1] Yamiche Alcindor, Vaughn Hillyard and Laura Strickler, Trump fires 18 inspectors general overnight in legally murky move, NBC News (Jan. 25, 2025) https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/trump-fires-multiple-inspectors-general-legally-murky-overnight-move-rcna189261.  
    [2] Id.; see Pub. L. 117-263.
    [3] See S. 587, Securing Inspector General Independence Act of 2021, 117th Congress (introduced Mar. 4, 2021) https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/587/text.
    [4] Pub. L. 117–263.
    [5] Id.; see 5 U.S.C. § 6329b(b)(2)(A)(i)-(iv) (2) Requirements.-An agency may place an employee in leave under paragraph (1) only if the agency has-(A) made a determination with respect to the employee that the continued presence of the employee in the workplace during an investigation of the employee or while the employee is in a notice period, as applicable, may- (i) pose a threat to the employee or others; (ii) result in the destruction of evidence relevant to an investigation; (iii) result in loss of or damage to Government property; or (iv) otherwise jeopardize legitimate Government interests.
    [6] Pub. L. 117–263.
    [7] Pub. L. 117–263.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Briefing Security Council on Goma Attack, Senior UN Official in Democratic Republic of Congo Urges De-escalation to Avert ‘Third Congo War’

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Note: Complete coverage of this afternoon’s meeting of the Security Council will be available Wednesday, 29 January.

    As the Security Council convened an emergency meeting for the second time in three days to address the worsening situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a senior United Nations official warned that escalating attacks by the 23 March Movement, or M23, continue to kill civilians and peacekeeping personnel in and around the city of Goma.

    Vivian van de Perre, Deputy Special Representative for Protection and Operations in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), voiced alarm that clashes in the eastern part of that country have resulted in massive displacement. Consequently, MONUSCO has received a large number of people seeking refuge, including officials and various elements who have surrendered their arms.  However, MONUSCO bases are not able to accommodate the large number of surrendering elements and civilians seeking refuge.  “Moreover, our bases are not safe themselves,” she stressed.

    The Mission is storing voluntarily relinquished or abandoned weapons in accordance with international standards, she reported, while casualty-evacuation efforts remain a significant challenge for seriously injured peacekeepers.  She warned that troops are now running out of critical equipment — especially water, food, medical supplies and blood — while the proliferation of weapons in Goma poses a significant risk as combatants blend into the civilian population and abandoned military depots are looted by civilians. 

    Urging all parties to guarantee the protection of life, ensure access to basic services and prevent sexual violence, she called for immediate action to alleviate the suffering of civilians.  Moreover, ethnically motivated attacks in a region with a very sensitive history need to be taken seriously.  Appealing for high-level diplomatic channels to ensure that critical airports, border points and humanitarian access routes are reopened without delay, she urged:  “Resuming the Luanda Process is of utmost urgency to ensure a path towards de-escalation and to avert the looming threat of a third Congo war.”

    And, stressing that attacks on UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes, she called MONUSCO “a beacon for myriad vulnerable groups seeking protection”.  However, the Mission has been severely impacted by heavy direct and indirect fire over the last few days, and must address the logistical, human-rights and humanitarian challenges it is facing.  “Let us please draw on our humanity and do our utmost to bring an immediate end to such levels of violence and suffering,” she urged.

    In the ensuing debate, the representative of Sierra Leone — also speaking for Algeria, Guyana and Somalia — cited significant African diplomatic efforts since 26 January to support the Congolese people.  Nevertheless, he stressed:  “But what is needed now is the commitment of both Rwanda and the DRC [Democratic Republic of the Congo] to engage in direct negotiations under the Luanda Process.”  Allowing Goma to remain under the control of a rebel group, he stated, “sends a disturbing message about the ability — or willingness — of the international community to prevent threats to international peace and security from flourishing.”

    …

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Raising speed limits on undivided highways invites trouble

    Source: Green Party

    The Government’s move to increase speed limits substantially on dozens of stretches of rural and often undivided highways will result in more serious harm.

    “The Government’s pro-growth spin cannot obscure the fact that raising speed limits significantly increases the risk of serious harm,” says the Green Party’s Transport spokesperson, Julie Anne Genter.

    “The laws of physics aren’t a matter of popular opinion. The faster the speed, the bigger the mess. The evidence is overwhelming: safe speeds save lives.

    “And yet this Government is substantially hiking up the speed limit on a swathe of often undivided roads in regions such as Northland which has had historically higher rates of deaths on their roads compared to the rest of the country.

    “When safe speed limits were established in Northland it reduced deaths and serious injuries by 50-60 per cent with increases in travel times less than one minute per 10 kilometres. 

    “People won’t notice a minute added to their travel – they will notice when a loved one doesn’t return home from work or school.

    “Countries with the lowest deaths and serious injuries have 70 or 80 kph speed limits maximum on rural undivided highways. That’s the International Transport Forum’s recommendation – and the difference it makes is quite stark.

    “Local councils, health professionals and road safety experts from here and around the world have spoken out opposing this senseless policy, outlining the serious harm it will cause.

    “The Government is playing politics with people’s lives here. Failing to follow the evidence and ignoring basic physics will have real-world consequences,” says Julie Anne Genter.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Department of Defense Statement Clarifying Defense Contracting

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    “The Department is currently reviewing the OMB Memorandum, “Temporary Pause of Agency Grant, Loan, and Other Financial Assistance,” dated January 27, 2025. As directed by the memorandum, the Department will expeditiously analyze its financial assistance programs to identify programs, projects, and activities that may be implicated by any of the President’s executive orders. In the interim, and as directed by OMB, the Department will temporarily pause activities related to the obligation or disbursement of financial assistance, to the extent permissible under applicable law. The scope of the OMB M-25-13 memo on financial assistance instruments does not include contracts. Contrary to certain media accounts, the Department of Defense has not paused contract awards. The Department continues to award new contracts to fulfill validated mission needs. While we are not aware of any specific contracts or other activities affected, it is possible that activities may be paused if they are determined to fall within the bounds of the guidance. We look forward to providing more details regarding this matter as they develop and become available.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jamaican Citizen Sentenced to Prison in Connection with Lottery Scheme

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    A federal judge in Charlotte, North Carolina, sentenced a Jamaican citizen yesterday to prison for operating a Jamaica-based fraudulent lottery scheme.

    Antony Linton Stewart, 40, pleaded guilty on Aug. 3, 2023, to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, in the Western District of North Carolina.  On Jan. 27, U.S. District Court Judge Robert J. Conrad sentenced Stewart to 84 months in prison. Stewart was also ordered to pay $1,104,041.74 in restitution.

    According to court documents, and as part of his plea, Stewart acknowledged that from approximately 2010 through at least August 2016, he led a fraudulent lottery fraud scheme in which he and his co-conspirators targeted victims in the United States. Stewart admitted that he contacted elderly Americans by phone and falsely told them that they had won money and other prizes in a sweepstakes or lottery.  Stewart told victims that they needed to send money to pay fees and taxes on their winnings.  He repeatedly contacted victims for as long as they could be persuaded to send additional money. No lottery existed and no victim ever received any winnings.

    “Overseas lottery schemes are unfortunately a common means by which foreign criminals seek to target U.S. citizens, particularly elder Americans,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Such schemes are unacceptable, and the Department will hold accountable those who participate in them.”

    “Stealing money from elderly individuals is a despicable crime,” said U.S. Attorney Dena J. King for the Western District of North Carolina. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that fraudsters who target and exploit older adults for financial gain will be brought to justice.”

    This prosecution is part of the Justice Department’s effort to work with federal and foreign law enforcement to combat fraudulent lottery schemes in Jamaica that prey on U.S. citizens.

    The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Jamaica to secure the arrest and extradition of Stewart. The U.S. Marshals Service also provided significant assistance.

    Trial Attorney Ryan E. Norman of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch prosecuted the case, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Ryan for the Western District of North Carolina.

    If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. eastern time. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.

    For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch, visit its website at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina, visit their website at www.justice.gov/usao-wdnc. Information about the Justice Department’s Elder Fraud Initiative is available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Minneapolis Mayoral Aide and Safari Restaurant Co-Owner Both Plead Guilty in $250 Million Feeding Our Future Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MINNEAPOLIS –Two more defendants pleaded guilty for their roles in the $250 million fraud scheme that exploited a federally-funded child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

    According to court documents, from approximately April 2020 through January 2022, Abdulkadir Nur Salah, 38, of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, and Abdi Nur Salah, 37, of St. Paul, Minnesota, knowingly participated in a scheme to defraud a federal child nutrition program designed to provide free meals to children in need. The co-conspirators obtained, misappropriated, and laundered millions of dollars in program funds that were intended as reimbursements for the cost of serving meals to children. The defendants exploited changes in the program intended to ensure underserved children received adequate nutrition during the Covid-19 pandemic. Rather than feed children, the defendants took advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic—and the resulting program changes—to enrich themselves by fraudulently misappropriating millions of dollars in federal child nutrition program funds.

    According to court documents, Abdulkadir Nur Salah was co-owner and operator of Safari Restaurant, a site that received more than $16 million in fraudulent Federal Child Nutrition Program funds. Abdi Nur Salah registered Stigma-Free International, a non-profit entity used to carry out the fraud scheme with sites throughout Minnesota, including in Willmar, Mankato, St. Cloud, Waite Park, and St. Paul. Abdi Salah also worked for the City of Minneapolis as a Senior Policy Aide to the Mayor. 

    As part of their plea agreement entered today, each defendant agreed that a variety of assets and money were derived specifically from their fraud scheme and are thus subject to forfeiture to the United States. For Abdulkadir Salah that includes: $309,993.51 seized from Bell Bank account for Cosmopolitan Business Solutions d/b/a Safari Restaurant; $435,512.44 seized from Bell Bank account for 3017 LLC; $472,889.08 seized from Northeast Bank account for 3017 LLC; real estate property located at 2722 Park Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota. For Abdi Salah, that includes $343,418.98 seized from Star Choice Credit Union account for Stone Bridge Development, LLC; real estate properties located at 8432 Noble Avenue, North Brooklyn Park, Minnesota (known previously as Kelly’s 19th Hole) and 2529 12th Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

    Both pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court before Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz. Their sentencing hearings will be scheduled at a later date.

    The case is the result of an investigation by the FBI, IRS – Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Minnesota Joseph H. Thompson, Harry M. Jacobs, Matthew S. Ebert, and Daniel W. Bobier are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Baune is handling the seizure and forfeiture of assets.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Charles City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of Methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    A man who possessed meth with intent to distribute it was sentenced today to more than 7 years in federal prison.

    Jeremy Thomas Scott, age 46, from Charles City, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 17, 2024, guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams of methamphetamine.  

    At the guilty plea, Scott admitted that he was a passenger in a van that was stopped by law enforcement on I-35 on June 6, 2024, in Cerro Gordo County.  Law enforcement had received a tip that Scott was traveling to Iowa from California with multiple pounds of methamphetamine. 

    A K-9 was deployed around the van and provided a positive alert. Scott admitted to having a methamphetamine pipe in the door of the van where he was seated and claimed everything in the van was his.  A search of the van by the ISP troopers found approximately 4 pounds of methamphetamine seized from inside a Rice Krispies box.  

    Scott was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Scott was sentenced to 90 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a 4-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

    Scott is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Fletcher and was investigated by the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Iowa State Patrol.  

    Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

    The case file number is 24-CR03031.

    Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Tufts Medical Center Doctor Sentenced to a Decade in Prison for Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Child

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    BOSTON – A former anesthesiologist at Tufts Medical Center in Boston was sentenced today for attempted sex trafficking of a child.

    Sadeq Ali Quraishi, 47, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In October 2024, Quraishi was convicted of one count of attempted sex trafficking of a child.

    “Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of Mr. Quraishi’s heinous actions and underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting children from exploitation. Our office, alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively pursue individuals who fuel the market for child sex trafficking and hold them accountable for their crimes. This sentence reflects our dedication to identifying those who prey on our most vulnerable and holding them accountable for their inhumane acts,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley.

    “As a doctor, Quraishi was in a position of public trust. He abused that trust when he actively sought out and agreed to pay to sexually abuse a child. Fortunately, instead of the vulnerable child he planned to meet, he was met with an undercover HSI special agent,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “It is a heartbreaking truth that children are trafficked every day, but HSI remains steadfast in our commitment to fight the exploitation of children here in Massachusetts and around the world.”

    In November 2022, law enforcement conducted an undercover operation designed to identify and apprehend people who sought to pay for sex with children. To that end, law enforcement placed advertisements online offering commercial sex with two young girls who were purportedly 12 and 14 years old.

    Quraishi, then a practicing anesthesiologist at Tufts Medical Center, responded to one of the advertisements. Through an ensuing text conversation with undercover agents posing as the seller of the two girls, Quraishi agreed to pay $250 for a sex act to be performed by a 14-year-old girl. Shortly thereafter, Quraishi obtained cash from an ATM, and drove from his Boston home to a Waltham hotel to meet with the purported seller. Once at the hotel, he met with an undercover agent, confirmed he had the money to pay for the commercial sex act, and accepted a keycard he believed would give him access to the room where the 14-year-old girl would be. During that meeting, Quraishi was arrested and found to be in possession of exactly $250.

    If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, please contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.

    U.S. Attorney Foley and HSI SAC Krol made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian A. Fogerty of the Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit and Lauren A. Graber of Criminal Division prosecuted the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –