NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coram Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Charges

    Source: US FBI

    GREAT FALLS – A Coram man accused of possessing methamphetamine admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    The defendant, Blaine Justin Olds, 51, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Olds faces a mandatory minimum term of 10 years to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for September 18, 2025. Olds was detained pending further proceedings.

    The government alleged in court documents that beginning in May 2024, Blaine Justin Olds and his co-defendant were coming from their home in Coram, Montana, to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation to deliver large amounts of methamphetamine. In October 2024, law enforcement arranged three controlled purchases of large of amounts of methamphetamine from the defendants. During each of these controlled purchases, Olds and his co-defendant traveled from their home in Coram to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and exchanged methamphetamine for money.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case. The FBI, BIA, DEA, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, and Glacier County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

    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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta and Superintendent Thurmond Remind School Administrators of Graduates’ Rights to Wear Tribal Regalia

    Source: US State of California

    Friday, May 23, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today announced sending a letter to County and District Superintendents, Charter School Administrators, and High School Principals to remind them of graduates’ rights to wear tribal regalia. Students are allowed to wear “traditional tribal regalia or recognized objects of cultural or religious significance as an adornment at school graduation ceremonies” pursuant to California Education Code section 35183.1(emphasis added). Per section 35183.1, a local education agency such as a school district, county office of education or charter school, retains discretion and authority to prohibit such an item only if the item “is likely to cause a substantial disruption of, or material interference with, the ceremony.” 

    “Graduations are among the most memorable of life events — not only for the graduate, but for his or her entire family. These special moments are also an opportunity for students to celebrate their culture, and Superintendent Thurmond and I are reminding school administrators of their obligation to allow tribal regalia to be worn,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “California is home to the largest Native population in the country. We wholeheartedly embrace our diversity, and this serves as another example of that commitment.” 

    “Graduation is a major milestone in the lives of our students. This celebration is an opportunity to not only recognize their academic achievements but also to preserve and uplift our students’ heritage,” said Superintendent Tony Thurmond. “As we celebrate, I urge all educators to implement policies that embrace culturally inclusive ceremonies and preserve the rights of Native students. Many will showcase their cultural pride and celebrate their heritage by wearing cultural and traditional attire — and they are allowed to do so by law.”

    In their letter, Attorney General Bonta and Superintendent Thurmond encourage the school administrators to take the time to further review Education Code section 35183.1 in its entirety as well as local policies and explore opportunities for students to honor their heritage, which is crucial for creating an inclusive and supportive environment. In addition, Attorney General Bonta and Superintendent Thurmond recommend engaging with local tribal leaders and American Indian communities to gain a deeper understanding of their traditions and values. 

    A copy of the letter can be found here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: University Research – Daytime boosts immunity, scientists find – UoA

    Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

    Kiwi scientists have discovered how daylight can boost the immune system’s ability to fight infections.

    NZT 6am Saturday 24 May: A breakthrough study, led by scientists at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, has uncovered how daylight can boost the immune system’s ability to fight infections.

    The team focused on the most abundant immune cells in our bodies, called ‘neutrophils’, which are a type of white blood cell. These cells move quickly to the site of an infection and kill invading bacteria.

    The researchers used zebrafish, a small freshwater fish, as a model organism, because its genetic make-up is similar to ours and they can be bred to have transparent bodies, making it easy to observe biological processes in real time.

    “In earlier studies, we had observed that immune responses peaked in the morning, during the fish’s early active phase,” says lead researcher Associate Professor Christopher Hall, from the Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology.

    “We think this represents an evolutionary response such that during daylight hours the host is more active so more likely to encounter bacterial infections,” says Hall.

    However, the scientists wanted to find out how the immune response was being synchronised with daylight.

    With this new study, published in Science Immunology, and led by two doctoral researchers, neutrophils were found to possess a circadian clock that alerted them to daytime, and boosted their ability to kill bacteria.

    Most of our cells have circadian clocks to tell them what time of day it is in the outside world, in order to regulate the body’s activities. Light has the biggest influence on resetting these circadian clocks.

    “Given that neutrophils are the first immune cells to be recruited to sites of inflammation, our discovery has very broad implications for therapeutic benefit in many inflammatory diseases,” Hall says.

    “This finding paves the way for development of drugs that target the circadian clock in neutrophils to boost their ability to fight infections.”

    The research was funded through the Royal Society of NZ’s Marsden Fund.

    Current research is now focussed on understanding the specific mechanisms by which light influences the neutrophil circadian clock.

    Find out about animal-based research at the University of Auckland: http://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/research/about-our-research/openness-in-animal-research.html

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawaii Woman Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud and Tax Fraud

    Source: US State of California

    A Hawaii woman pleaded guilty yesterday to defrauding her mortgage lender and conspiring to defraud the IRS by fraudulently obtaining a tax refund and then thwarting the IRS’ efforts to recoup it.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Hannah Heart, of Honolulu, conspired with others to file a false 2014 individual income tax return in her name. As part of the conspiracy, Heart’s co-conspirators created a fake tax form purportedly issued by a mortgage lender to Heart, which she attached to her return. The form falsely reported that Heart had received income from a financial institution of more than $2.4 million, from which over $1.2 million in taxes had been withheld. As a result, Heart filed a tax return that falsely claimed she was entitled to a $464,904 refund, which the IRS paid.

    When the IRS began trying to collect the fraudulent refund from Heart, she took several steps to thwart the IRS. For example, Heart deposited the refund check into a trust bank account and immediately transferred most of the balance to a separate bank account, both of which she controlled. She also sent numerous false, fraudulent, and frivolous letters to the IRS in response to IRS communications.

    In addition, Heart helped another co-conspirator defraud the IRS using the same scheme. Heart and her co-conspirator deposited a second fraudulently obtained $1 million refund check from the IRS, payable to the co-conspirator.

    In total, Heart caused a tax loss to the IRS of $1,618,985.54.

    Heart also defrauded her mortgage lender, conspiring with others to do so. Heart took out a mortgage for her home in 2006 and stopped making payments in 2010 toward her mortgage. The mortgage lender initiated foreclosure proceedings in 2022 against Heart. In response, a co-conspirator sent the lender a fictitious document purporting to be a check for the full amount due for Heart’s mortgage. The lender initially accepted the check but later rejected it as fraudulent. Afterwards, Heart sent mail to the lender demanding that it accept the fraudulent check as full payment of her remaining balance.

    In total, Heart intended to defraud the mortgage lender of $2,066,522.22.

    Heart will be sentenced at a later date. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the charge of mail fraud and a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the charge of conspiracy to defraud the IRS. She also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson for the District of Hawaii made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and FBI are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Sarah Kiewlicz and Megan Jones of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Paris Yates for the District of Hawaii are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hawaii Woman Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud and Tax Fraud

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    A Hawaii woman pleaded guilty yesterday to defrauding her mortgage lender and conspiring to defraud the IRS by fraudulently obtaining a tax refund and then thwarting the IRS’ efforts to recoup it.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Hannah Heart, of Honolulu, conspired with others to file a false 2014 individual income tax return in her name. As part of the conspiracy, Heart’s co-conspirators created a fake tax form purportedly issued by a mortgage lender to Heart, which she attached to her return. The form falsely reported that Heart had received income from a financial institution of more than $2.4 million, from which over $1.2 million in taxes had been withheld. As a result, Heart filed a tax return that falsely claimed she was entitled to a $464,904 refund, which the IRS paid.

    When the IRS began trying to collect the fraudulent refund from Heart, she took several steps to thwart the IRS. For example, Heart deposited the refund check into a trust bank account and immediately transferred most of the balance to a separate bank account, both of which she controlled. She also sent numerous false, fraudulent, and frivolous letters to the IRS in response to IRS communications.

    In addition, Heart helped another co-conspirator defraud the IRS using the same scheme. Heart and her co-conspirator deposited a second fraudulently obtained $1 million refund check from the IRS, payable to the co-conspirator.

    In total, Heart caused a tax loss to the IRS of $1,618,985.54.

    Heart also defrauded her mortgage lender, conspiring with others to do so. Heart took out a mortgage for her home in 2006 and stopped making payments in 2010 toward her mortgage. The mortgage lender initiated foreclosure proceedings in 2022 against Heart. In response, a co-conspirator sent the lender a fictitious document purporting to be a check for the full amount due for Heart’s mortgage. The lender initially accepted the check but later rejected it as fraudulent. Afterwards, Heart sent mail to the lender demanding that it accept the fraudulent check as full payment of her remaining balance.

    In total, Heart intended to defraud the mortgage lender of $2,066,522.22.

    Heart will be sentenced at a later date. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the charge of mail fraud and a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the charge of conspiracy to defraud the IRS. She also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson for the District of Hawaii made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and FBI are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Sarah Kiewlicz and Megan Jones of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Paris Yates for the District of Hawaii are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Co-Leads Bipartisan Coalition Urging Congress to Pass Legislation to Prevent Youth Substance Abuse

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today co-led a bipartisan coalition of 40 other attorneys general from across the country in calling on Congress to pass the Youth Substance Use Prevention and Awareness Act, bipartisan legislation to reduce youth drug use through research-based public education campaigns and strategic community outreach. In a letter to Democratic and Republican leadership in the House and Senate, Attorney General James and the coalition emphasize the importance of proactive, science-based prevention efforts at a time when young people face increased risk of exposure to dangerous narcotics like fentanyl and xylazine.

    “Too many young people know firsthand just how deadly drugs like fentanyl can be,” said Attorney General James. “As the opioid epidemic continues to tear apart families and communities, attorneys general remain on the front lines protecting our youth, and we need all levels of government to help fight back. The Youth Substance Use Prevention and Awareness Act is a commonsense bipartisan measure that will provide significant resources to help save lives and educate young people about the dangers of drug use.”

    The legislation, introduced by U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), would amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide targeted federal funding for public service announcements (PSAs), youth-led campaigns, and other outreach tools that help prevent early substance use. All campaigns funded under the bill must be grounded in evidence, designed for cultural relevance, and adapted to meet the specific needs of local communities.

    Attorney General James and the coalition argue that youth substance use remains a growing public health and safety concern, especially amid a rise in fentanyl-related overdoses and the increasing availability of synthetic drugs. Research consistently shows that young people who begin using drugs at an early age are more likely to develop long-term substance use disorders, and the consequences can be devastating for families, schools, and communities.

    The Youth Substance Use Prevention and Awareness Act would fund a range of efforts to better reach young people with timely, credible, and accessible information, including:

    • Culturally relevant PSAs tailored specifically to youth;
    • Youth-led PSA contests to drive peer-to-peer engagement and creativity;
    • Federal grants for outreach across TV, radio, social media, streaming platforms, and other media; and
    • Annual reporting requirements to measure reach and effectiveness, ensuring transparency and accountability.

    The letter is led by Attorney General James and the attorneys general of Connecticut, New Hampshire, and South Dakota. Joining the letter are the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and American Samoa. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Defense Minister Meets Thai Armed Forces Chief

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, May 23 (Xinhua) — Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun met with Thai Armed Forces Chief Songwit Noonpakdee in Beijing on Friday.

    During the meeting, Dong Jun highly appreciated the deep traditional friendship between the two countries, characterized by the concept of “China and Thailand as one family”, as well as the solid foundation and fruitful achievements of military cooperation between the two countries.

    The Chinese defense minister expressed China’s willingness to work with Thailand to fully utilize existing cooperation mechanisms, enhance the level of interaction in areas such as joint exercises and personnel training, and contribute to the construction of a China-Thailand community with a shared future.

    S. Noonpakdee, for his part, noted that Thailand and China are friendly close neighbors. He assured that the Thai side always adheres to the one-China principle. The military leader stressed that the Thai army expects to further strengthen practical exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields, strengthen coordination in multilateral affairs, and jointly maintain regional security and stability. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Belarusian Foreign Ministry called the EU’s decision to increase duties on agricultural products and nitrogen fertilizers trade protectionism

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    MINSK, May 23 /Xinhua/ — The decision to introduce higher import customs duties of the European Union on Belarusian agricultural products and nitrogen fertilizers is trade protectionism and an expression of unfair competition, said Ruslan Varankov, press secretary of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry, on Friday. The corresponding information was published by the press service of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry on the same day.

    “One can only once again sympathize with the ordinary citizens of the EU member states who will be deprived of access to high-quality, inexpensive and competitive products of Belarusian origin – primarily agricultural products and nitrogen fertilizers,” noted R. Varankov.

    According to him, with such decisions the EU punishes its own producers and consumers, adding fuel to the fire of social discontent instead of fighting the looming economic recession and inflation against the backdrop of a sharp increase in spending on the military-industrial complex.

    “Belarus, as a reliable supplier, will continue to work on export diversification. The rationality of this strategy is confirmed by the growing volumes of deliveries, for example, to Russia, countries in Asia, Africa and the Middle East,” the press secretary of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry said.

    On May 22, the European Parliament approved protective duties on potash fertilizers from Russia and Belarus, despite concerns from major European agricultural producers about the negative impact of this decision on the EU market. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Premier Congratulates Singapore Prime Minister on Re-Election

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, May 23 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Friday sent a congratulatory message to Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on the occasion of his re-election to the post.

    As Li Qiang noted, China and Singapore are friendly neighbors and important cooperative partners with healthy dynamics of development of relations and fruitful results of cooperation in various fields, which has greatly contributed to the advancement of the modernization process in both countries.

    The congratulations said that both sides also maintain coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs and make positive contributions to peace, stability, prosperity and development of the region.

    The Chinese leader expressed his willingness to work with Liu Wong and take the 35th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties as an opportunity to further deepen mutual political trust, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges, jointly safeguard multilateralism and the free trade system, promote new achievements in China-Singapore relations as a comprehensive, high-quality, future-oriented partnership, and strengthen prosperity and stability in the region. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen, Young Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Cybersecurity of U.S Health Care System

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced the Healthcare Cybersecurity Act to bolster the health care and public health sectors’ cybersecurity. This bipartisan bill would direct the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to collaborate on improving cybersecurity and make resources available to non-federal entities relating to cyber threat indicators and appropriate defense measures. It would also create a special liaison to HHS from CISA to support cybersecurity for health care and public health sector entities.
    “For years, America’s health care system has faced devastating cyberattacks that have exposed patients’ data, jeopardized access to care, and hurt local and rural medical facilities across Nevada,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m introducing this bipartisan legislation to increase coordination to prevent cybersecurity attacks and make more resources available to hospitals and health care entities to improve their cybersecurity. I’ll keep working with both parties to strengthen our cybersecurity and protect Nevadans from cybercriminals.”
    “In recent years, hospitals and other health care facilities in Indiana and across America have experienced a dramatic increase in cyberattacks,” said Senator Young. “Our bipartisan bill will take critical steps to strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure and better protect patients’ personal data.”
    Since she joined the Senate, Senator Rosen has been working across party lines to improve our nation’s cybersecurity. Last month, she sent a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Kennedy Jr. expressing her deep concerns and demanding answers regarding the elimination of critical information technology and cybersecurity personnel and leadership at HHS. Last year, Senator Rosen announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implemented her bipartisan law to strengthen the cybersecurity of veterans’ personal information and data.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Durbin Lead Call for Inspector General to Investigate Emil Bove’s Abuse of Prosecutorial Power at DOJ’s Civil Rights Division 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Constitution Subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee, and Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) referred Emil Bove III to the Office of Inspector General. Senators asked Inspector General Michael Horowitz to investigate Mr. Bove’s potential abuse of prosecutorial authority within the Civil Rights Division. 
    Public reporting indicates that Mr. Bove used intimidation tactics to stymie protected rights of students, including freedom of speech and freedom of association. Mr. Bove reportedly instructed career prosecutors in the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Civil Rights Division to obtain a membership list of a student group at Columbia and investigate those students. After career prosecutors raised concerns about whether such actions violated the Constitution, Mr. Bove reportedly demanded prosecutors file for search warrants for the list. A magistrate judge twice rejected this request, finding the investigation initiated at Mr. Bove’s direction lacked probable cause. He then, purportedly, ordered FBI agents to intimidate protestors by putting on their raid jackets and stand in a phalanx formation.  
    “If these reports are accurate, Mr. Bove has abused his prosecutorial and supervisory authority to retaliate against protected First Amendment activity for the purpose of furthering President Trump’s political agenda,” the Senators write. “This matter must be reviewed by the Office of Inspector General (OIG). While we acknowledge that DOJ views attorney misconduct as the province of the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), OPR is apparently not available to pursue this matter. Since the constructive removal of Jeffrey Ragsdale as Director and Chief Counsel, OPR has no publicly-known leadership, and our understanding is that the office has been shuttered completely. OIG is thus the only available avenue for oversight of attorney professional misconduct.” 
    The letter, led by Senator Welch and Ranking Member Durbin, was signed Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). 
    Read the letter here and below:  
    Dear Inspector General Horowitz:  
    We write to express our concern about grave allegations that Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove III violated the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Justice Manual, flouted his ethical responsibilities, abused the powers of his office, and exceeded the constitutional limitations on prosecutorial power by initiating pretextual criminal investigations against students at Columbia University and premising investigative steps on protected constitutional activity.  
    According to public reporting, Mr. Bove sought to have career prosecutors in DOJ’s Civil Rights Division obtain a membership list of a student group at Columbia and investigate its members. Prosecutors resisted this request due to the Justice Manual’s prohibition on initiating criminal investigations based on protected constitutional activity, such as freedom of association. These career prosecutors then learned Mr. Bove allegedly sought this list to share with immigration agents, creating a fear that the investigation was a pretextual effort to intimidate students engaged in First Amendment expression with threats of detention and deportation. Separately, Mr. Bove reportedly attempted to employ a different intimidation tactic, instructing Federal Bureau of Investigation agents on the Joint Terrorism Task Force to don their raid jackets and stand in a phalanx near protestors on Columbia’s campus. 
    Subsequently, Mr. Bove ordered prosecutors to obtain a search warrant for the nonpublic data associated with the student group’s Instagram account, based on the premise that the account was used to make a threat—despite the assessment of career prosecutors that the identified statement did not meet the legal definition of a threat. No prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York signed the warrant application, despite the action being brought in their jurisdiction, reportedly due to the same concerns shared by the career prosecutors in the Civil Rights Division. 
    Ultimately, Mr. Bove’s requested warrant application was rejected twice, once on initial review and again on reconsideration, by a federal magistrate judge for failing to establish probable cause. The nature of the second rejection appears to indicate further abuses because the magistrate judge imposed a special condition: if DOJ seeks to refile this search warrant application before another federal judge, they must include a transcript of the sealed discussions of these initial efforts. If these reports are accurate, Mr. Bove has abused his prosecutorial and supervisory authority to retaliate against protected First Amendment activity for the purpose of furthering President Trump’s political agenda.  
    This matter must be reviewed by the Office of Inspector General (OIG). While we acknowledge that DOJ views attorney misconduct as the province of the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), OPR is apparently not available to pursue this matter. Since the constructive removal of Jeffrey Ragsdale as Director and Chief Counsel, OPR has no publicly-known leadership, and our understanding is that the office has been shuttered completely. OIG is thus the only available avenue for oversight of attorney professional misconduct.  
    Moreover, concurrent jurisdiction exists between OIG and OPR, particularly where misconduct creates waste, fraud, and abuse. The alleged abuse of power and unethical behavior in question involves the type of misconduct that extends beyond an attorney’s professional responsibilities and falls under the jurisdiction of OIG. In this extraordinary circumstance, we urge you to exercise existing concurrent jurisdiction to investigate all alleged misconduct. 
    Sincerely,  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison Names Leadership Team, Reorganizes Criminal Division

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison announced today the appointment of a new executive leadership team to guide the District of New Mexico’s mission, along with a restructuring of the Albuquerque office’s Criminal Division to best advance the Administration’s priorities.

    Mr. Ellison named Kimberly Brawley as First Assistant U.S. Attorney, overseeing the Criminal, Civil, and Administrative Divisions. Ms. Brawley joined the office in 2007 and has worked across all sections of the Criminal Division. From 2013 to 2018, she supervised the General Crimes Section, which handled violent crimes, firearms offenses, narcotics, and immigration cases.   Since 2018 she has prosecuted white collar, national security, and civil rights cases.  Ms. Brawley earned her B.A. with honors from New Mexico State University and graduated cum laude from the University of New Mexico School of Law.  Before becoming an Assistant U.S. Attorney, she clerked for the office and practiced civil defense litigation in the private sector.

    Christopher McNair will serve as Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney. Mr. McNair joined the office 2018 and has primarily handled firearms, violent crime, and immigration offenses. Mr. McNair graduated magna cum laude from the University of New Mexico School of Law and earned his B.A. from the University of New Mexico.

    Roberto Ortega has been appointed as Chief of the Civil Division. Mr. Ortega has over 35 years of legal experience, including 25 years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. He has prosecuted a wide range of federal criminal cases and now focuses on defending the United States in civil litigation. Mr. Ortega holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Stanford University and a Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law. He is also an active community leader, having served on several local boards, including the UNM Alumni Association and the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation. He and his wife, Dr. Loretta Cordova de Ortega, have four children.

    Niki Tapia-Brito will lead the Albuquerque Office’s Criminal Division as Chief. Ms. Tapia-Brito joined the office in 2011, after serving for 10 years as a prosecutor in the 7th and 2nd Judicial District Attorneys’ Offices.  Throughout her career with the office, Ms. Tapia-Brito has prosecuted federal cases in the Indian Crimes, Violent Crimes, Civil Rights and Public Integrity sections.  Ms. Tapia-Brito earned her B.A. from Stanford University and a JD at University of New Mexico School of Law.

    In the Las Cruces Branch Office, Richard Williams will serve as Chief of the Criminal Division. He joined the office in 2001 as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and became an Assistant U.S. Attorney in 2002. From July 2008 to July 2022, Mr. Williams served in supervisory roles, including Deputy Branch Chief and Section Supervisor. Throughout his career with the office, he has led numerous criminal investigations and prosecutions involving immigration, firearms, narcotics, money laundering, murder and other violent crimes, white-collar offenses, and various federal violations. He has also argued multiple appeals before the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, securing two successful topside appeals. In recognition of his appellate work, Mr. Williams received the EOUSA Director’s Award for Superior Performance in 2010. Before joining the office, he practiced commercial litigation as an associate at Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. in Houston, Texas. Mr. Williams earned his J.D. with honors from the University of Texas School of Law and his B.A. cum laude from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. He grew up in Fort Worth, Texas.

    Paige Messec will continue to serve as the Chief of the Appellate Division, which she has headed since 2018. Ms. Messec joined the office in 2008 and served in the Immigration, General Crimes, and White Collar sections of the Criminal Division before moving to the Appellate Division in 2015. She received her undergraduate degree summa cum laude from Georgetown University and law degree cum laude from Harvard Law School. Before joining the office, she clerked for Judge Harris L Hartz on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.

    Jeremy Peña has been appointed as Senior Litigation Counsel for the Albuquerque Criminal Division. Mr. Peña joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2011, starting in the General Crimes Section and moving to the White Collar Section that same year. In 2014, he received the U.S. Attorney’s Award for the trial conviction of Sheriff Thomas Rodella.  He has prosecuted some of the Office’s most complex cases, including Ayudando Guardians and the recent trial conviction of Solomon Peña.  Mr. Peña graduated from Pomona College and the University of Chicago Law School.  He was an Assistant District Attorney for five years before becoming an AUSA.

    In the Las Cruces Branch Office, Terri Abernathy will continue to serve as Senior Litigation Counsel for the Criminal Division, a position she has held since 2010. In this role, Ms. Abernathy is responsible for coordinating the training of Assistant U.S. Attorneys and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Las Cruces Office. She has been with the office since 2000 and serves as the District’s Border Security Coordinator. Over her 25-year career, Ms. Abernathy has prosecuted complex narcotics cases and more than a thousand immigration cases. Before joining the office, she clerked for Circuit Judge Bobby R. Baldock of the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals and is a graduate of Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, Missouri.

    In addition to his executive leadership team, Mr. Ellison announced a restructured Criminal Division in the Albuquerque Office, now organized into four sections:

    • Narcotics and Organized Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine Ramirez and Deputy Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Lou Mattei.
    • White Collar Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Federici.
    • Violent and General Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Hurtado and Deputy Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Mysliwiec.
    • Indian Country Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew McGinley.

    The Las Cruces Branch Office is organized into two sections:

    • Organized and General Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Joni Stahl.
    • Violent and General Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Armijo.

    Public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the District of New Mexico. With this new leadership team in place, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to vigorously enforcing the law, protecting our communities, and upholding the rights of all New Mexicans. The office will continue to collaborate closely with local, state, tribal, and federal partners to address violent crime, combat drug trafficking, and strengthen border security. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • US to impose sanctions on Sudan after finding government used chemical weapons

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The United States said on Thursday it would impose sanctions on Sudan after determining that its government used chemical weapons in 2024 during the army’s conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, a charge the army denied.

    Measures against Sudan will include limits on U.S. exports and U.S. government lines of credit and will take effect around June 6, after Congress was notified on Thursday, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement.

    “The United States calls on the Government of Sudan to cease all chemical weapons use and uphold its obligations under the CWC,” Bruce said, referring to the Chemical Weapons Convention treaty banning the use of such weapons.

    In a statement, Sudan rejected the move, and described the allegations as false.

    “This interference, which lacks any moral or legal basis, deprives Washington of what is left of its credibility and closes the door to any influence in Sudan,” government spokesperson Khalid al-Eisir said on Friday.

    The war in Sudan erupted in April 2023 from a power struggle between the army and the RSF, unleashing waves of ethnic violence, creating the world’s worst humanitarian crisis and plunging several areas into famine. Tens of thousands of people have been killed and about 13 million displaced.

    Washington in January imposed sanctions on army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, accusing him of choosing war over negotiations to bring an end to the conflict.

    The U.S. has also determined members of the RSF and allied militias committed genocide and imposed sanctions on some of the group’s leadership, including RSF leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti.

    The New York Times reported in January, citing four senior U.S. officials, that the Sudanese army had used chemical weapons at least twice during the conflict, deploying the weapons in remote areas of the country.

    Two officials briefed on the matter said the chemical weapons appeared to use chlorine gas, which can cause lasting damage to human tissue, the New York Times reported at the time.

    Bruce’s statement said the U.S. had formally determined on April 24 under the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act of 1991 that the government of Sudan used chemical weapons last year, but did not specify what weapons were used, precisely when or where.

    “The United States remains fully committed to hold to account those responsible for contributing to chemical weapons proliferation,” Bruce said.

    “The intention here is to distract from the recent campaign in Congress against the UAE,” a Sudanese diplomatic source said.

    The source said the U.S. could have gone to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to investigate the claims and neglected to do so.

    Sudan’s government is aligned with the army.

    It cut diplomatic relations with the UAE this month, saying the Gulf power was aiding the RSF with supplies of advanced weaponry in the devastating conflict that broke out following disagreements over the integration of the two forces.

    The UAE has denied the allegations and says it supports humanitarian and peace efforts.

    U.S. congressional Democrats sought last Thursday to block arms sales to the United Arab Emirates over its alleged involvement in the war.

    Sudan said this week that the United Arab Emirates was responsible for an attack on Port Sudan this month, accusing the Gulf state for the first time of direct military intervention in the war.

    The UAE denied the allegations in a statement and said it condemned the attack.

    (Reuters)

  • PM Modi to chair 10th NITI Aayog Governing Council Meeting on May 24, focusing on ‘Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog on May 24 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, emphasizing the theme “Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047.” The meeting aims to unite states and Union Territories as “Team India” to drive India’s transformation into a developed nation by 2047, with a focus on state-led development as the cornerstone of national progress.

    The meeting will deliberate on strategies to realize the vision of Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat, encouraging states to craft bold, inclusive, and long-term vision documents aligned with national priorities while reflecting local realities. States are urged to leverage their unique geographic and demographic strengths, set time-bound targets, and prioritize human development, economic growth, sustainability, technology, and governance reforms. The adoption of data-driven processes, supported by Project Monitoring Units, ICT-enabled infrastructure, and Monitoring & Evaluation Cells, will ensure accountability and enable mid-course corrections for outcome-based transformation.

    A key agenda of the meeting is to build consensus on development challenges and foster collaboration between the Centre, states, and Union Territories to position states as the building blocks of a developed India. Discussions will also focus on promoting entrepreneurship, enhancing skilling, and creating sustainable employment opportunities nationwide. The meeting will build on the outcomes of the 4th National Conference of Chief Secretaries, held from December 13-15, 2024, which outlined key recommendations under the theme “Promoting Entrepreneurship, Employment and Skilling – Leveraging the Demographic Dividend.” The conference highlighted six critical areas: creating enabling ecosystems for manufacturing and services in Tier 2 and 3 cities, supporting MSMEs and informal employment in rural and urban areas, and tapping opportunities in the green economy, including renewable energy and circular economy initiatives.

    The 10th Governing Council Meeting will see participation from Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors of states and Union Territories, Union Ministers, and NITI Aayog’s Vice Chairman, Members, and CEO. .

  • India pushes for removal of export controls among BRICS nations

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India has urged the removal of export controls among BRICS member nations during the BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting held on May 21 in Brasilia under Brazil’s presidency. The meeting, centered around the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” served as a platform for India to advocate for enhanced intra-bloc trade cooperation and mutual support.

    Looking ahead to its upcoming BRICS presidency in 2026, India praised Brazil’s pragmatic and consensus-driven approach in navigating key trade challenges and promoting constructive dialogue among member countries.

    Representing India at the meeting, Economic Adviser in the Department of Commerce, Yashvir Singh emphasized the need to eliminate restrictive trade measures that disrupt critical supply chains.

    A significant outcome of the meeting was the endorsement of a Joint Declaration accompanied by three annexures: the BRICS Declaration on WTO Reform and Strengthening of the Multilateral Trading System, the BRICS Data Economy Governance Understanding, and the BRICS Trade and Sustainable Development Framework. These key documents reflect BRICS’ shared commitment to an equitable, inclusive, and rules-based global trade architecture. The declaration also warned against the misuse of climate-related trade measures, cautioning that such actions should not become tools of unjustified discrimination or disguised trade restrictions.

    Delivering a speech on behalf of Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, India extended appreciation to Brazil for steering the deliberations effectively and welcomed Indonesia’s upcoming induction into BRICS in 2025. India reiterated its call for a fair, transparent, and decentralised trade system that serves the developmental needs of the Global South.

    India used the opportunity to raise the long-pending issue of WTO reform. It stressed the urgent need for a permanent solution to the matter of public stockholding (PSH) for food security and promoted its “30 for 30” proposal — a blueprint for introducing 30 practical reforms ahead of the WTO’s 30th anniversary in 2025. India also reaffirmed that sustainable development must remain a foundational pillar of international trade governance, rooted deeply in the country’s cultural ethos.

    Singh also highlighted the importance of ensuring the concessional transfer of Environmentally Sound Technologies (ESTs) to developing countries, with adequate financial support. He spotlighted India’s global initiative, Mission LiFE, which advocates for mindful consumption, sustainable living, and circular economy practices as part of a fair climate responsibility model.

    The meeting also acknowledged the critical role of digital transformation in global economic development. India reaffirmed its leadership in inclusive digital governance through initiatives such as Digital India and IndiaAI. It also reiterated its commitment to international collaboration in areas such as Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. India underscored the need to continue working through multilateral forums like the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) and the G20. The BRICS Data Economy Governance Understanding officially recognised DPI as a fundamental driver of digital economic transformation.

  • From SAGAR to MAHASAGAR: Experts call PM Modi’s maritime shift ‘strategic and visionary’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

     In a defining moment for India’s maritime diplomacy, the country unveiled its expanded oceanic strategy under the banner of the ‘MAHASAGAR’ (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) initiative. This move marked a significant evolution of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s original SAGAR doctrine. The new initiative demonstrates a shift from the regional focus on the Indian Ocean to a comprehensive global maritime approach.

    The strategy was the centrepiece of a high-level dialogue held in the capital, bringing together top defence experts, diplomats, and scholars for a conference titled “The Mahasagar Initiative in the Current Security Context”, organised by the Chintan Research Foundation.

    Delivering the keynote address, Admiral R.K. Dhowan (Retd), former Chief of Naval Staff, highlighted India’s growing maritime prowess:

    “The Indian Navy is fully capable of deterring threats, asserting control across ocean spaces, and defending the nation’s interests through operational manoeuvre, sea denial, and sea control. Our readiness also covers coastal defence and asymmetric warfare scenarios.”

    Shishir Priyadarshi, President of the Chintan Research Foundation, reflected on the journey from SAGAR to Mahasagar:

    “‘SAGAR’—Security and Growth for All in the Region—was rooted in the belief that economic development cannot be achieved without peace and stability. It initially targeted the Indian Ocean Region but laid the groundwork for a broader global approach.”

    Over the past decade, India has steadily expanded its maritime partnerships and blue economy engagement. Former Ambassador Rajiv Bhatia stressed SAGAR’s impact in strengthening regional ties and developmental outreach:

    “SAGAR has driven India’s efforts to build regional partnerships and boost maritime development, especially in the blue economy.”

    Now, India’s sights are set on a more ambitious global maritime framework. Prof. Chintamani Mahapatra, Founder and Chairperson of the Kalinga Institute of Indo-Pacific Studies, highlighted the shift:

    “MAHASAGAR goes beyond SAGAR—it seeks shared prosperity and security across all oceans. PM Modi envisions a world where every country with maritime borders benefits equally from peace, trade, and sustainability.”

    Jayant Misra, Executive Committee Member of MP-IDSA, elaborated on the expanded scope of Mahasagar: “The scope of MAHASAGAR is wider. It now includes collective security, regional coordination, and enhanced global maritime partnerships.”

    Stressing the diplomatic symbolism, Ruchita Beri, Senior Fellow at VIF, pointed out the strategic location of the initiative’s announcement:

    “Announcing the Mahasagar initiative from Mauritius underscored the country’s strategic importance and symbolic partnership in India’s maritime outreach.”

    Prof. Gulshan Sachdeva, Coordinator at DAKSHIN-RIS, offered a broader perspective:

    “While SAGAR was focused on the Indian Ocean, MAHASAGAR includes other oceanic regions and the broader Global South. It positions India as a first responder and a key economic and strategic partner.”

    As oceanic challenges and geopolitical rivalries intensify, the Mahasagar Initiative signals a bold new era in India’s foreign policy. It redefines India’s maritime role—not just as a regional power, but as a global advocate for maritime security, economic inclusion, and sustainable ocean governance.

    With MAHASAGAR, India is positioning itself as a strategic leader offering a forward-looking model for international maritime cooperation in the 21st century.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 23 May 2025 Departmental update Progress on infection prevention and control

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Following the adoption of resolution WHA75.13, WHO developed a global action plan and monitoring framework between June 2023 and March 2024. This included consultations with Member States and experts, as well as a Delphi survey to define key actions, indicators, and targets at global, national, and facility levels. The finalized framework, covering the period 2024–2030, was adopted by the Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly in 2024. 

    To assess the implementation of IPC measures worldwide, WHO launched a global survey in November 2023 across 150 countries, territories, and areas. The survey evaluated adherence to minimum IPC requirements and gathered updated data on healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance. The results were published in the 2024 WHO Global Report on IPC, expanding the evidence base for global IPC efforts. 

    Between June 2022 and December 2024, WHO published 21 IPC guidance documents, 11 training resources, and three assessment tools. Technical support was provided to countries across all WHO regions, including 25 in Africa, 12 in the Americas, all 11 in South-East Asia, 11 in the Eastern Mediterranean, 25 in Europe, and eight in the Western Pacific. 

    In addition to technical work, WHO has actively promoted IPC in high-level political forums. Since May 2023, IPC has been included in the agendas and outcome documents of major international meetings, including the G20 in Brazil, G7 summits in Italy, the United Nations General Assembly high-level meeting on antimicrobial resistance, and the Fourth Global High-level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance in Saudi Arabia. 

    WHO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Member States in strengthening national IPC programmes and aligning with the global action plan and monitoring framework. These efforts are seen as essential to improving healthcare safety, reducing the spread of infections, and addressing the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. 

    “,”datePublished”:”2025-05-23T06:00:00.0000000+00:00″,”image”:”https://www.who.int/images/default-source/wpro/emergencies-hub/goarn/severe-acute-respiratory-infection-isolation-and-treatment-center-facility_2003.jpg?sfvrsn=91c7b11d_5″,”publisher”:{“@type”:”Organization”,”name”:”World Health Organization: WHO”,”logo”:{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”url”:”https://www.who.int/Images/SchemaOrg/schemaOrgLogo.jpg”,”width”:250,”height”:60}},”dateModified”:”2025-05-23T06:00:00.0000000+00:00″,”mainEntityOfPage”:”https://www.who.int/news/item/23-05-2025-progress-on-infection-prevention-and-control”,”@context”:”http://schema.org”,”@type”:”NewsArticle”};
    ]]>

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Global Gateway and support for regional connectivity in Central Asia – E-001927/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001927/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Thierry Mariani (PfE)

    Today, Central Asia is at the heart of the geo-economic recomposition between Europe and Asia, and regional connectivity is an essential lever for stability, trade integration and energy resilience.

    Against this backdrop, the President of the European Commission announced on 4 April 2025, at the inauguration of the Samarkand Climate Forum, that a further EUR 12 billion would be made available under the Global Gateway initiative.

    Can the Commission give details of the new regional projects envisaged, particularly with regard to regional connectivity, transport infrastructure, energy and transnational digital networks between the countries of Central Asia?

    Submitted: 14.5.2025

    Last updated: 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: US President Threatens 50 Percent Tariffs on EU and 25 Percent Tariffs on Apple

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    NEW YORK, May 23 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday threatened to impose a 50 percent tariff on all imports from the European Union and a 25 percent tariff on Apple products if iPhones are not made in the United States.

    “The threats, made via social media, show how Trump can destabilize the global economy with a few typed messages, even as his tariffs have failed to deliver the trade deals he hoped for or the return of manufacturing to the U.S. he promised voters,” the Associated Press noted.

    The US President has announced his intention to impose tougher tariff conditions on the EU than on China. D. Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the protracted negotiations with the European Union, which proposes a complete abolition of duties, while the US President continues to defend the need to maintain a 10% basic duty on most imported goods.

    “Trade negotiations are going nowhere,” the American leader said on the Truth Social social network. “In this regard, I recommend imposing a direct 50 percent tariff on goods from the EU from June 1, 2025. It will not be levied on goods produced or manufactured in the United States,” D. Trump said.

    Earlier, the US president threatened to impose import tariffs on Apple over the company’s plans to continue manufacturing iPhones in Asia. Apple, Amazon, Walmart and other major US companies have come under fire from the White House as they try to respond to the uncertainty and inflationary pressures caused by Trump’s tariffs. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Mornings With Maria on Fox Business to Discuss Budget Reconciliation, Iran Negotiations, GENIUS Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty
    NEW YORK CITY—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Appropriations, Banking, and Foreign Relations Committees and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, joined Mornings With Maria on Fox Business live in-studio to discuss the budget reconciliation package, President Donald Trump’s negotiations with Iran, and the GENIUS Act.

    *Click the photo above or here to watch*
    Partial Transcript
    Hagerty on the budget reconciliation package: “[Senator] Ron [Johnson] has been focused very much on reducing our debt, reducing our deficit on an annual basis. And I agree with him in principle of what we need to do. But I also would say this: there are many things that don’t get calculated here. If you think about the massive deregulatory thrust that is underway right now, that’s not being captured, the CBO completely missed it. Back in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, they were looking for a $1 trillion revenue decrease. We had actually a massive revenue increase from a tax revenue standpoint. So, I think there’s a lot more to be done. Look, it’s coming to the Senate. I don’t think it’s going to look exactly like it came to us from the House. In fact, there are a lot of people working at pace right now to look for deeper cuts. I’m optimistic. When you add together the deregulatory thrust, the tariff reconciliation that’s going on around the world, and the actual growth components of this bill that are real, they will actually incentivize capital investment. The dynamic aspects of this, again, get missed in the calculations […] At a broad and principle level, the Senate is going to continue to look at means to actually reduce the deficit. Everything that we can accelerate in terms of reductions, we’re going to do that as well. And I think our viewpoint is we have to be responsible. We have to get on the right track here. We’re not going to solve it all in one swoop.”
    Hagerty on urgency to pass the budget reconciliation package: “I actually called up the CEOs of the companies that I had invested in. I served on their boards for years. And I asked them, what are they doing in terms of capital investment, capital planning for 2026? They said, they’re waiting. Everybody’s on hold right now. We need to deliver certainty. And my goal is, without putting a specific date on this, and I called Leader [John] Thune on this as well. I said, look, we’ve got to move this as quickly as we possibly can. I’d love to see it by the 4th of July. Certainly, we need to get it done this summer, because if we don’t, I think capital plans are going to be delayed. We’re not going to see the capital investment we want to see happen so that 2026 is the best year ever. We got to move quickly on that.”
    Hagerty on Trump’s negotiations with Iran: “I think President Trump is absolutely right. Look, I was in his administration. We put maximum pressure on Iran. We had a miss close to a deal in the previous administration. And [Former President] Joe Biden backed off, completely allowed the funds to flow again, and terrorism flowed around the Middle East. We need to maintain maximum pressure. President Trump is doing this, enrichment to the point that they could obtain nuclear grade weapons is absolutely off the table, in my view. This is going to be a tough set of negotiations. The Iranian regime, that theocracy there, has never been easy to deal with. I think the people of Iran seriously need to see change. And these negotiations, I hope, will be very fruitful.”
    Hagerty on Trump’s Middle East trip: “I think he demonstrated that America is back. We’re looking for economic ties. Economic security actually equates to national security these days. That’s a thing of the past to separate the two, and more economic prosperity is going to link our economies together. It’s going to make our security interest aligned. I thought it was a wonderful trip.”
    Hagerty on the GENIUS Act: “This is going to take us into the 21st century. We have a payment system today that was designed in the 1970s and the 1980s. It takes five to ten days to clear a payment here. With the technology available on the chain to actually do this on an almost instantaneous basis, what this will also do is provide regulatory clarity to an industry that’s been seeping offshore. Americans need to lead here. The innovation that we are capable of delivery here is enormous. And also, the benefits of this will be to extend dollar dominance, our reserve currency around the world, because it’ll be used much more in the new digital environment. Additionally, it will stimulate demand for U.S. treasuries because these digital dollars have to be backed up by cash or U.S. treasuries […] A key reason that we’ve brought stablecoin policy to the fore first [is] because this is something that my colleagues do understand. This is simply taking our payment system into the 21st century. It’s stable. It’s dollar denominated. It’s simply that these dollars have to be backed completely by cash or by U.S. treasuries. That’s safe and secure in putting these, sort of, guardrails in place. I think all my colleagues get this, but as you animated, we’re going to move into market structure. This is a complex market. This is a new market that’s evolving rapidly, that’s going to take a great deal more education. It’s going to take a great deal more time. But I’m optimistic as we embrace this piece of legislation, and I’m delighted that we’ve gotten strong, bipartisan support here, that we’re moving in the right direction. And I think that America has got to be, and will continue to be, the leader in this innovative field.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, GAZA & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (23 May 2025) | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    – His Holiness Pope Leo XIV
    – Secretary-General/GAZA
    – Occupied Palestinian Territory
    – Chad
    – South Sudan
    – Democratic Republic of the Congo
    – Mozambique
    – Myanmar
    – Colombia
    – Resident Coordinator in Algeria
    – International Days
    – Africa Day
    – Financial Contribution
    – Programming Note

    HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV
    The Secretary-General spoke by telephone with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. The Secretary-General extended his heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness and expressed his commitment to build on the long legacy of cooperation between the United Nations and the Holy See to advance human dignity, human rights, peace and justice in the world.
    The Secretary-General extended a standing invitation to His Holiness to visit the United Nations. He looks forward to meeting with His Holiness to discuss joint efforts to promote common values in our troubled world. 

    SECRETARY-GENERAL / GAZA
    The Secretary-General, in a press encounter this morning, said that after nearly 80 days in which aid to Gaza had been blocked, a trickle of aid has finally crossed over. In recent days, almost 400 trucks were cleared for entry to Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing. But supplies from only 115 trucks have been able to be collected, he said, and nothing has reached the besieged north.  
    The Secretary-General said that all the aid authorized until now amounts to a teaspoon of aid when a flood of assistance is required.
    Mr. Guterres pointed to the need for safety and security mitigation measures to be in place for our convoys. Our staff’s lives are at risk if we continue to be prevented from distributing food parcels and wheat flower directly to the people in desperate need, he warned. 
    At the same time, he said that 80 per cent of Gaza – or four fifths of the territory – has been either designated an Israeli-militarized zone or an area where people have been ordered to leave. 
    The Secretary-General reiterated that the United Nations will not take part in any scheme that fails to respect international law and the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality.

    OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
    Regarding U.N. operations in Gaza: Yesterday, we moved another batch of around 100 full truckloads to Kerem Shalom and picked up about 35 from the Palestinian side of the crossing to bring them closer to where people need them in Gaza. As a reminder – supplies we collect usually reached the crossing a day or two earlier, because of the time-consuming procedures at Kerem Shalom. And the truckload sizes don’t exactly match: Inside Gaza, our teams stack an extra layer of pallets on each truck to make the most of the space. Yesterday’s deliveries included more flour, nutrition items and medical supplies.
    Today, the World Food Programme said that 15 truckloads of critical food supplies were looted last night on their way to bakeries. WFP said that hunger, deprivation and anxiety over whether food aid is coming in are all contributing to rising insecurity. WFP appealed for support from Israeli authorities to get far greater volumes of assistance into Gaza – faster, more consistently, and transported along safer routes, as done during the ceasefire. They stressed that the number of bakeries and sites where Gaza’s population can access food must not be limited.
    Even with all the challenges, our teams on the ground say that the little aid that’s getting through is already reaching people in need. A handful of bakeries managed to fire up their ovens yesterday, using flour and fuel we provided, and our partners already picked up the bread for direct distribution. And, in the south, a field hospital has received a much-needed batch of medical supplies this week.
    The World Health Organization warned yesterday that the intensification of hostilities has brought Gaza’s already weakened health system to a breaking point.
    This follows yesterday’s attack on Al Awda hospital, in North Gaza, where patient triage tents, including one provided by WHO, caught fire, burning all medical supplies in the warehouse and destroying vehicles in the basement. WHO’s attempt to reach the hospital yesterday was impeded. And as of earlier today, sources at the hospital tell us that the fire had not been fully extinguished.
    Over the past week alone, four major hospitals have had to suspend medical services because of hostilities, attacks or displacement orders in their areas. That’s Kamal Adwan, Indonesia, Hamad and European Gaza hospitals.
    WHO tells us that 4 per cent of nearly 700 attacks on health care in Gaza since October 2023 were recorded over the past week alone. That’s 28 attacks – or four times the average number of attacks per day. At least 94 per cent of the hospitals in Gaza are now damaged or destroyed, and half of them are no longer operational.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjCw1UThU_w

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Leads Multistate Coalition in Opposing HHS Rollback of Protections for Unaccompanied Children

    Source: US State of California

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, leading a coalition of 19 attorneys general, submitted comments opposing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) interim final rule that makes significant changes to the 2024 Unaccompanied Children Program Foundational Rule (Foundational Rule). In their letter, the attorneys general express their strong concern with the interim final rule’s removal of provisions prohibiting the Office of Refugee Resettlement from: (1) disqualifying potential sponsors for unaccompanied children based solely on their immigration status, (2) collecting information on the immigration status of potential sponsors for law enforcement or immigration enforcement related purposes, and (3) sharing immigration status information about sponsors with law enforcement and immigration enforcement related entities. The coalition argues that these changes will deter prospective sponsors, many of whom are parents or close relatives, from coming forward to sponsor unaccompanied children, prolonging the time these children spend in federal custody.

    “As Attorney General, I’m committed to ensuring all children — including immigrant children — have a safe, caring environment to call home,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The changes HHS seeks to implement would do nothing for unaccompanied children but prolong their stay in federal custody and reduce the availability of safe, protected homes. Many of the sponsors that would be disqualified by these changes are parents or close relatives of these children. I urge HHS to keep these families together and reconsider this damaging, and potentially unlawful, rule.”

    Attorney General Bonta and the multistate coalition have a strong interest in protecting the rights of unaccompanied immigrant children, as many of these children will eventually be released to sponsors in their states. In fiscal year 2024, approximately 10,800 unaccompanied children were released to sponsors in California — 11 percent of all unaccompanied children released to sponsors that year and the second-highest number of released children after Texas. These children become important members of their communities, students in their schools, and eventually, parents of their own families. Forcing these children to spend prolonged time in federal custody will make it more difficult for them to thrive in their communities upon release. A robust body of research shows that prolonged time in immigration custody is particularly harmful for children’s physical and mental health and disrupts their development.

    In the comment letter, the attorneys general express their strong concern with both the substance of HHS’s rulemaking and HHS’s decision to make this significant regulatory change through an interim final rule rather than providing notice and sufficient opportunity for the public to comment, as required under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). HHS has failed to adequately justify its determination that there is good cause to exempt this action from the APA’s notice and comment requirements.

    Unaccompanied children already within our borders need more protection, not less. Attorney General Bonta previously led a multistate coalition in support of the Foundational Rule’s expansion of protections for unaccompanied children that have now been rescinded. In today’s letter, a similar coalition urges HHS to withdraw the interim final rule and provide the public with notice and the opportunity to comment on any future proposal to rescind these protections. 

    In sending the comment letter, Attorney General Bonta leads the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.

    A copy of the letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lawton Couple Pleads Guilty for their Roles in Child Sex Trafficking Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    OKLAHOMA CITY – NIA HALL, 30, and JACKIE DUNCAN, 35, both of Lawton, have pleaded guilty for conspiring to commit sex trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. 

    On January 21, 2025, a federal Grand Jury returned a three-count Indictment against Hall and Duncan, charging them with sex trafficking of children, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. According to public record, in May 2024, two juveniles ran away from a juvenile group home in Lawton, Oklahoma, and were entered into law enforcement databases as missing juveniles. One of the juveniles was located by officers with the Plano Police Department on July 16, 2024, at a motel in Collin County, Texas, where she disclosed that she and the other missing juvenile had been sex-trafficked. The juvenile told officers that after she and the other juvenile had fled the group home, they were approached by two people, later identified as Hall and Duncan, at a gas station. The juveniles began living with Hall and Duncan, who soon after transported the juveniles to various cities in Texas, where they performed sex acts for money, which Hall and Duncan kept. In return, the juveniles were provided food and shelter. The juvenile told authorities she had recently escaped Hall and Duncan’s car in the Dallas area. On September 30, 2024, the second juvenile was found and recovered in San Antonio, Texas.  She recounted a similar story of being sex-trafficked by Hall and Duncan in exchange for food and shelter. During the investigation, local and federal law enforcement reviewed sex advertisements associated with Hall. These advertisements contained photos of the juveniles. Hall and Duncan were arrested on December 16, 2024.

    On May 19, 2025, Hall pleaded guilty to Count 3 of the Indictment, and admitted she knowingly worked with Duncan to recruit and transport the juveniles for purposes of commercial sex acts, and that she knew the victims were under the age of 18. Duncan pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment on April 30, 2025, and admitted he knowingly recruited two minors under the age of 18 to cause them to engage in commercial sex acts, and that he aided and abetted Hall to do the same. 

    At sentencing, Hall and Duncan face up to life in federal prison, Duncan faces at least 10 years in federal prison, and both face fines of up to $250,000. 

    This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, FBI, Lawton Police Department, Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics & Dangerous Drugs Control, Fort Smith Police Department, Arkansas State Police, San Antonio Police Department, Plano Police Department, and Fort Worth Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jordan Ganz and Brandon Hale are prosecuting the case.

    This case is also the result of an investigation by the Tornado Alley Child Exploitation Task Force, which is led by HSI. The Tornado Alley Child Exploitation Task Force is an implementation of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.  PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Torres, Valadao, Obernolte, Hirono, Barrasso Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution Recognizing National Wildfire Preparedness Month

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

    May 23, 2025

    Resolution designates May as “National Wildfire Preparedness Month” to encourage increased awareness and preparedness as wildfires across the country increase in scale, complexity, and severity

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Norma Torres (D-CA), David Valadao (R-CA), Jay Orbernolte (R-CA) and U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and John Barrasso (R-WY) introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution designating May as “National Wildfire Preparedness Month” to encourage increased awareness and preparedness as wildfires across the country increase in scale, complexity, and severity. The introduction of this resolution comes as recovery efforts continue following the devastating Lahaina wildfires in 2023 and the Los Angeles fires earlier this year.

    “Wildfires continue to be one of the most destructive natural disasters, putting families, homes, and entire communities at risk across our country. Earlier this year, thousands of Californians lost everything to these catastrophic fires .As someone who lost my own home to a fire years ago, I know firsthand what it’s like to lose everything in an instant,” said Congresswoman Norma Torres. “This resolution serves as a crucial reminder that wildfire preparedness is not only a concern for those living in fire-prone areas but for all of us. I’m proud to work alongside Senator Hirono, Senator Barrasso, Congressman Valadao and Congressman Orbernolte to highlight the importance of taking proactive measures—such as creating defensible space, staying informed through local alerts, and supporting fire resilience efforts—to reduce the risks that wildfires pose. Together, we can build safer, more resilient communities that are prepared to face the challenges during the wildfire season.”

    “Wildfires continue to threaten lives, property, and critical infrastructure across California and throughout the West,” said Congressman Valadao. “It’s essential that we remain prepared year-round—not just during fire season—to protect our communities and support the first responders who put themselves on the line. I’m proud to join my colleagues in the House and Senate to raise awareness about the importance of proactive planning and prevention in the fight against wildfires.”

    “As wildfires increase in frequency and severity across our country, it is critical that our communities remain vigilant and proactive in reducing the risk of these natural disasters,” said Senator Hirono. “As we enter wildfire season, this resolution helps to highlight the importance of wildfire mitigation and serves as a reminder to take preventative measures to increase fire resilience and better safeguard our communities and first responders.”

    “Our nation’s wildland firefighters put their lives on the line to protect our forests and our communities. It is critical we provide them with the resources and tools they need to help prevent catastrophic fires. Our bipartisan resolution honors our brave firefighters and first responders and highlights the important work we must do to reduce the risk and impact of future wildfires,” said Senator Barrasso.

    From January 1 to May 2, 2025, over 22,000 wildfires burned more than 988,000 acres, which is above the 10-year average occurrence of wildfires and average 10-year burned area. As wildfires become growing threats in regions of the U.S. that have little to no history of wildfires and, in many parts of the country, fire seasons are lengthening to encompass the entire year, this resolution emphasizes the need for investment in planning, mitigation, and risk reduction efforts to counteract wildfire risk, damage, and loss. The resolution also supports expanding resources and educational initiatives that communicate how at-risk communities can take preventative measures to limit wildfire hazards.

    “This resolution affirms the importance of local, state, and federal collaboration to support proactive wildfire risk reduction, planning, and community readiness,” said HWMO REPRESENTATIVE. “HWMO is proud to support this effort and commends Senator Hirono for championing wildfire resilience as a national priority informed by the needs of wildfire-prone communities in Hawai?i and beyond. ”

    This resolution is endorsed by the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization.

    The full text of the resolution is available here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Members consider China’s request for panel to examine Canadian surtax measures

    Source: World Trade Organization

    The DSB Chair, Ambassador Clare Kelly (New Zealand), announced at the start of the meeting that Canada’s request for a panel in DS636, “China — Additional Import Duties on Certain Agricultural and Fishery Products from Canada”, had been removed from the agenda at the request of Canada.

    DS627: Canada — Measures on Certain Products of Chinese Origin

    China submitted its first request for the establishment of a dispute panel with respect to the surtax measures imposed by Canada on certain products of Chinese origin, including electric vehicles and steel and aluminium products. The request also cites Canada’s alleged decision to impose measures on certain solar products, critical minerals, semiconductors, permanent magnets and natural graphite imported from China. China also cited in its panel request any other Canadian surtax measures on products or materials that originate in China.

    China and Canada held consultations in April 2025 but failed to resolve the dispute, China said, prompting its request for the panel. China said the measures are in direct breach of Canada’s WTO obligations. China said it remains open to working with Canada to resolve the dispute amicably in accordance with WTO rules.

    Canada said it engaged with China in a constructive manner during the consultations. It is unfortunate that China has included in its panel request claims related to certain solar products, critical minerals, semiconductors, permanent magnets and natural graphite imported from China, Canada said, noting that there are no Canadian surtax measures on these products.

    Canada said its surtax measures on electric vehicles, steel and aluminium products are justified under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and that it was fully prepared to defend these measures. In light of this, Canada said it is not ready to accept the establishment of a panel. Canada remains committed to maintaining constructive dialogue with China and to the rules-based multilateral trading system, it added.

    The DSB took note of the statements and agreed to revert to the matter if requested by a member.

    Appellate Body appointments

    Colombia, speaking on behalf of 130 members, introduced for the 87th time the group’s proposal to start the selection processes for filling vacancies on the Appellate Body. The extensive number of members submitting the proposal reflects a common interest in the functioning of the Appellate Body and, more generally, in the functioning of the WTO’s dispute settlement system, Colombia said.

    The United States said it does not support the proposal and noted its longstanding concerns with WTO dispute settlement that have persisted across US administrations. The US cited as an example its concern over rulings containing interpretations deviating from the text of WTO agreements and creating precedents. It emphasized that the dispute settlement system was intended to resolve specific disputes rather than create new rules for members. The US reiterated that fundamental reform of WTO dispute settlement is needed and that it will reflect on the extent to which it is possible to achieve such a reformed WTO dispute settlement system.

    More than 20 members took the floor to comment, one speaking on behalf of a group of members. Several members urged others to consider joining the Multi-party interim appeal arrangement (MPIA), a contingent measure to safeguard the right to appeal in the absence of a functioning Appellate Body. A number welcomed the decision of Malaysia and Paraguay to join the MPIA.

    Colombia, on behalf of the 130 members, said it regretted that for the 87th occasion members have not been able to launch the selection processes. Ongoing conversations about reform of the dispute settlement system should not prevent the Appellate Body from continuing to operate fully, and members shall comply with their obligation under the Dispute Settlement Understanding to fill the vacancies as they arise, Colombia said for the group.

    Dispute settlement reform

    The DSB Chair said that, as members would recall from the last General Council (GC) meeting on 20-21 May, the GC Chair Ambassador Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) had informed members about his intention to consult with interested delegations on advancing work in three key areas, including dispute settlement reform. The consultations are now ongoing, the DSB Chair said.

    Surveillance of implementation

    The United States presented status reports with regard to DS184, “US — Anti-Dumping Measures on Certain Hot-Rolled Steel Products from Japan”,  DS160, “United States — Section 110(5) of US Copyright Act”, DS464, “United States — Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Measures on Large Residential Washers from Korea”, and DS471, “United States — Certain Methodologies and their Application to Anti-Dumping Proceedings Involving China.”

    The European Union presented a status report with regard to DS291, “EC — Measures Affecting the Approval and Marketing of Biotech Products.”

    Indonesia presented its status reports in DS477 and DS478, “Indonesia — Importation of Horticultural Products, Animals and Animal Products.” 

    Next meeting

    The next regular DSB meeting will take place on 23 June 2025.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Members advance discussions on special and differential treatment proposals

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Members advance discussions on special and differential treatment proposals

    Members heard updates from three facilitators of the discussions. Barbados, speaking on behalf of the G-90, presented a roadmap for future work leading up to the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in March 2026, with a view to achieving possible outcomes at MC14 regarding the three proposals. The Group reiterated its commitment to advancing the proposals in a constructive, evidence-based and inclusive manner.
    The Chair, Ambassador Kadra Ahmed Hassan of Djibouti, briefed members on recent bilateral consultations with delegations and group coordinators regarding the Committee’s work going forward. She recognised willingness from members to engage in S&DT negotiations with flexibility and pragmatism.
    On the SPS and TBT proposals, the facilitator Daniel Lim of Singapore updated members on his consultations, encouraging collaboration with the SPS and TBT committees. He said he has been working with members and these committees to convene a thematic session in July, which would explore possible avenues to address the challenges and needs faced by developing economies and least developed countries (LDCs).
    The chairs of the SPS and TBT committees, Cecilia Risolo of Argentina and Daniela García of Ecuador, respectively, also provided detailed updates on their committees’ work, including efforts to enhance the implementation of S&DT for developing members and LDCs. Members were also encouraged to participate in the upcoming thematic session on TBT, scheduled for 24 June 2025.
    Regarding the issue of technology transfer to LDCs under TRIPS Article 66.2, the facilitator Joel Richards of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines informed members that an informal thematic information session is planned for 12 June 2025. This session will provide an opportunity for LDCs, donor members, external experts, private sector representatives and relevant international organizations to share insights into LDCs’ needs and how these can be effectively addressed. Several members also emphasized the importance of ensuring synergies with relevant technical committees.
    The facilitator Eduardo Terada Kosmiskas of Brazil submitted an update on his consultations regarding the proposal on trade-related investment measures. He called on members to continue to be flexible in exploring ways to advance discussions on the G-90 proposal.
    The Chair urged members to make full use of the facilitators and to continue engaging constructively. Members underlined the need for collaboration with relevant WTO bodies, with a view to fostering shared understandings and developing collective solutions to the specific challenges faced by developing economies, particularly LDCs. The Chair noted:  “With less than a year until MC14, it is clear that we need to work with a sense of urgency and stronger focus on results.”
    The negotiations taking place in the special session are mandated by Paragraph 44 of the 2001 Doha Ministerial Declaration.
    More information on special and differential treatment is available here.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arkansas Drug Ring and Their California Suppliers Sentenced to a Combined 132 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EL DORADO – Fifteen members and associates of a South Arkansas drug trafficking organization, including two Los Angeles-area narcotics suppliers, have been sentenced to serve a combined 1,591 months in the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.  The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearings, which took place between August 7, 2024, and May 21, 2025, in the United States District Court at El Dorado, Arkansas.  There is no parole in the federal system. 

    According to court records, between August 2021 and August 2022, Christopher Walters, age 45, of Magnolia, operated a drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing kilograms of methamphetamine in and around Columbia County, Arkansas.  Walters sourced bulk methamphetamine from Michael Cummings, a 46-year-old Southern California business owner who doubled as an interstate narcotics supplier.  Cummings employed Robert Leonne Morris, age 47, of Los Angeles, to deliver methamphetamine and other drugs to Walters in Arkansas, at times by rail.  Walters then engaged numerous South Arkansas DTO members and associates in storing, transporting and distributing that methamphetamine, and attempting to do so, before sharing the substantial profits with Cummings.

    On August 10, 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and its state and local partners executed search warrants at multiple Columbia County properties owned or controlled by DTO members and associates, including Walters.  In so doing, investigators found and seized methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, more than 15 firearms, including tactical rifles, and thousands of dollars in cash.

    Between September 2022 and March 2023, a federal grand jury sitting in the Western District of Arkansas returned indictments charging 15 members and associates of Walters’ DTO, including Cummings and Morris, with a total of fifty (50) felony counts.  All 15 defendants pleaded guilty to one or more felony violations of the Controlled Substances Act, and have been sentenced as follows:

     

    Defendant

    Prison Term

    Sentence Date
    Christopher Walters, 45, of Magnolia, Arkansas

    222 months

    December 6, 2024
    Michael Cummings, 46, of Los Angeles, California

    162 months

    March 21, 2025
    Jvance Radford, 47, of Magnolia, Arkansas

    144 months

    August 22, 2024
    Joseph Lowe, 38, of Magnolia, Arkansas

    140 months

    August 12, 2024
    Robert Leonne Morris, 47, of Los Angeles, California

    121 months

    May 21, 2025
    Lacadran D. Thomas, 37, of Magnolia, Arkansas

    120 months

    August 22, 2024
    Marcus S. Jordan, 42, of Waldo, Arkansas

    110 months

    December 4, 2024
    Hendrick Johnson, 27, of Magnolia, Arkansas

    108 months

    September 11, 2024
    Dawnisha D. Jordan, 40, of Magnolia, Arkansas

    98 months

    August 7, 2024
    John L. Grissom, 40, of Magnolia, Arkansas

    97 months

    August 7, 2024
    Jarrod D. Wilson, 38, of Magnolia, Arkansas

    78 months

    March 20, 2025
    Nyterious L. Sharp, 32, of Waldo, Arkansas

    60 months

    August 23, 2024
    Antonio J. Johnson, 41, of Magnolia, Arkansas

    54 months

    August 22, 2024
    Malaysia D. Benjamin, 36, of Los Angeles, California

    41 months

    December 5, 2024
    Mario L. Meadows, 36, of Magnolia, Arkansas

    36 months

    May 21, 2025

     

    In addition to his 162-month prison sentence, a $100,000 money judgment was also entered against Cummings, representing his profits from the year-long conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in South Arkansas.  That judgment is executable against Cummings’ assets in California and elsewhere. 

    U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes made the announcement.

    The case was investigated by the Magnolia Police Department, the 13th Judicial District Drug Task Force, the Union County, Arkansas, Sheriff’s Office, the El Dorado Police Department, the Arkansas State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham Jones prosecuted the case for the United States.

    The case was investigated and prosecuted under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Filed 134 Border-Related Cases This Week

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California filed 134 border-related cases this week, including charges of bringing in aliens for financial gain, reentering the U.S. after deportation, and importation of controlled substances.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California is the fourth-busiest federal district, largely due to a high volume of border-related crimes. This district, encompassing San Diego and Imperial counties, shares a 140-mile border with Mexico. It includes the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the world’s busiest land border crossing, connecting San Diego (America’s eighth largest city) and Tijuana (Mexico’s second largest city).

    In addition to reactive border-related crimes, the Southern District of California also prosecutes a significant number of proactive cases related to terrorism, organized crime, drugs, white-collar fraud, violent crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and national security. Recent developments in those and other significant areas of prosecution can be found here.

    A sample of border-related arrests this week:

    • On May 16, Elizabeth Janeth Ramirez-Martinez, a U.S. citizen, was arrested and charged with Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain. According to a complaint, Ramirez-Martinez was stopped at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry by Customs and Border Protection officers, who found a Vietnamese national crammed into a compartment in the dash of her vehicle. The undocumented immigrant told officers that before they made their way to the border, the defendant had placed him in the compartment and secured it using screws.
    • On May 19, Fernanda Barrios Monzon, a legal permanent resident of the U.S., was arrested and charged with Bringing in Unlawful Aliens without Presentation and Importation of a Controlled Substance. According to a complaint, the defendant drove her vehicle through the San Ysidro Port of Entry but was stopped when a Customs and Border Protection officer noticed a man lying on the floor of the vehicle, under the feet of the defendant’s children. The officer further discovered 271 pounds of methamphetamine hidden throughout the vehicle.
    • On May 20, Gustavo Hernandez Oliveros, was arrested and charged with Deported Alien Found in the U.S. According to a complaint, Border Patrol agents located Hernandez Oliveros hiding in brush about two miles north of the border and two miles east of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. He was previously deported in November 2018.

    Also recently, a number of defendants with criminal records were convicted by a jury or sentenced for border-related crimes such as illegally re-entering the U.S. after previous deportation. Here are a few of those cases:

    • On May 23, Jair Valdez-Hernandez, a Mexican national who was previously convicted of felony attempted carjacking in 2017, was sentenced in federal court to 10 months in custody for illegally entering the U.S. After illegally reentering the U.S., in July 2024, Valdez-Hernandez was convicted of corporal injury to a spouse/cohabitant and within the two months following that conviction was arrested twice for violating domestic violence protective orders.
    • On May 23, Rogelio Herrera-Rodriguez, a Mexican national who was previously convicted of voluntary manslaughter and corporal injury to a spouse causing great bodily injury and removed from the United States, was sentenced in federal court to 24 months for again reentering the U.S. illegally.
    • On May 23, Sacramento Sagrero-Pahua, a Mexican national, was sentenced in federal court to 36 months in custody for bringing aliens to the United States for financial gain. On August 26, 2023, Sagrero-Pahua guided a group of eight illegal aliens into the United States near Otay Mountain before being caught by Border Patrol agents. Among the group Sagrero-Pahua guided was an armed guard, who brought a gun with him to protect the group as it traveled toward the U.S.-Mexico border.
    • On May 19, 2025, Oscar Eduardo Audelo-Rodriguez, a Mexican national, who admitted to fleeing border patrol agents by boat in Mission Bay, was sentenced in federal court to 8 months in custody for alien smuggling.

    Pursuant to the Department’s Operation Take Back America priorities, federal law enforcement has focused immigration prosecutions on undocumented aliens who are engaged in criminal activity in the U.S., including those who commit drug and firearms crimes, who have serious criminal records, or who have active warrants for their arrest. Federal authorities have also been prioritizing investigations and prosecutions against drug, firearm, and human smugglers and those who endanger and threaten the safety of our communities and the law enforcement officers who protect the community.

    The immigration cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the support and assistance of state and local law enforcement partners.

    Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE investigation leads to indictment of 8 individuals with ties to China in transnational elder fraud scheme

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A federal indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Providence charges eight individuals for their roles in orchestrating and executing an elaborate transnational fraud and money laundering scheme targeting elderly citizens in the United States and Canada.

    The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-led investigation identified approximately 300 individuals in at least 37 states who have been defrauded. At this time, victims are estimated to have suffered known losses exceeding $5 million. However, investigators have identified a bank account through which approximately $16 million in additional suspected fraud funds appear to have been laundered.

    According to the charging documents, members of the conspiracy sent pop-up messages to seniors’ computers, often styled to appear as if they were originating from a well-known technology company. The messages contained various false claims, including that that the victims’ financial accounts had been compromised, that their computers had been hacked, or that the victims had been identified as the target of a criminal investigation.

    The pop-up message contained information that directed victims to call a “live agent,” who informed the victims that their financial assets were at risk or could be garnished, but the agent could assist in protecting their assets. During a series of calls, victims were connected with others who falsely claimed to be “representatives” of the victim’s financial institutions or government agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission and Federal Reserve Bank. Those “representatives” were, in fact, members of the conspiracy.

    During these calls, some victims were instructed that, in order to protect their assets, they should initiate a transfer of their funds from their accounts via wire transfers and cryptocurrency transfers to accounts controlled by agencies the scammers purportedly represented. Other victims were told to withdraw their funds in cash, purchase gold bars and turn them over to a purported government courier who would come to their home for transfer to a secure government location. Still others were told to simply turn the cash over to a courier for safe keeping by the government.

    The indictment charges:

    • Nanjun Song 27, of Brooklyn, New York, a Chinese national who has allegedly overstayed a B2 visa, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. ICE Homeland Security Investigations Las Vegas arrested the defendant. He is detained in federal custody in Rhode Island.
    • Jirui Liu, 23, of Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, a citizen of China and Canada, whose U.S. visa has expired, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. HSI Providence arrested the defendant with assistance from the Connecticut State Police and Narragansett Police Department. He is detained in federal custody in Rhode Island.
    • Xiang Li, 37, of Flushing, New York, a Chinese national and with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. HSI Providence with HSI New York and the New York City Police Department arrested the defendant. He was detained in New York and is being transferred to Rhode Island.
    • Xuehai Sun, 37, of Flushing New York, a Chinese national, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. HSI Providence with HSI New York and the NYPD arrested the defendant and he appeared that day in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
    • Fangzheng Wang, 24, of Westborough, Massachusetts, a Chinese national, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. HSI Providence with HSI New England arrested the defendant and he is detained in federal custody in Rhode Island.
    • Cynthia Jia Sun, 25, of Houston, Texas, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. HSI Houston with the Texas Department of Public Safety and is in federal custody in Houston arrested the defendant. She is awaiting transfer to Rhode Island.
    • Zhenyang Xin, 25, of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, a Chinese national, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. An arrest warrant has been issued for the defendant.
    • Wing Kit Ho, 22, of Markham, Ontario, Canada, a Canadian citizen born in Hong Kong, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. An arrest warrant has been issued for the defendant.

    A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    HSI Providence and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation led the investigation with assistance from and HSI New England, HSI New York, HSI Houston, and HSI Los Angeles, the Narragansett Police Department, East Providence Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, New York Police Department, Connecticut State Police. The United States Attorney’s Offices in the Eastern District of New York and Southern District of Texas provided valuable assistance.

    This investigation is an initiative of the Rhode Island Homeland Security Task Force, a multiagency task force focused on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Whangārei

    Source: New Zealand Police

    One person has died after a truck collided with a power pole in Whangārei overnight.

    The crash, at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Ewing Road, was reported to Police at 1.25am today.

    The driver of the truck was the sole occupant.

    Enquiries are under way into the circumstances of the crash.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –