NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Very Hot Weather Warning issued

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Attention TV/radio announcers:

    Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

    The Hong Kong Observatory has issued the Very Hot Weather Warning.

    To prevent heat stroke, avoid prolonged activities outdoors.

    If engaged in outdoor work or activities, wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes. Stay in shaded areas as much as possible.

    Drink plenty of water, and avoid beverages containing caffeine or alcohol.

    If you feel sick, consult a doctor right away.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Record visitors to Beyond Expo shows China’s tech momentum

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

    UBTech’s humanoid robots steal the show at Beyond Expo 2025’s opening ceremony in Macao, May 21, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Beyond Expo]

    The fifth annual Beyond Expo kicked off in the Macao Special Administrative Region this week with its biggest turnout yet, reflecting China’s rising prominence in global tech innovation.

    More than 1,200 exhibitors, 500 startups and 80 unicorn companies crammed into the Venetian Macao Cotai Expo on Thursday, with organizers expecting 30,000 visitors. The event has tripled in size since its 2021 debut.

    “When we first established Beyond Expo in 2021, we wanted to showcase the technological advancement of Asia,” said the expo’s co-founder Gang Lu. “We are delighted to be celebrating our fifth year with over 800 companies — the largest number of participants to date from all over the world.”

    This year’s expo rides China’s tech sector hot streak, following DeepSeek’s splashy launch earlier this year. And the Wednesday night opening ceremony wasted no time showcasing the country’s technological prowess, with UBTech’s humanoid robots stealing the show.

    The Shenzhen company recently partnered with Huawei to combine AI systems with robotics expertise — a marriage that could cement China’s already formidable position in the sector. Mass production will begin this year, company officials said.

    The opening ceremony also celebrated China’s cosmic ambitions. Wang Jian, founder of Alibaba Cloud and now head of Zhejiang Lab, outlined plans for a 1,000-satellite network functioning as a space-based computing system. His lab launched the first dozen satellites earlier this month.

    A humanoid robot performs a piano demonstration at the Beyond Expo in Macao, May 22, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Beyond Expo]

    These high-profile innovations reflect broader trends in Asian tech development. Asia filed 70% of global patents in 2024, with China alone holding 60% of worldwide AI patents.

    “Asia is no longer just a manufacturing base — it’s now a global hub for innovation in AI, robotics and smart manufacturing,” said AI expert Kai-Fu Lee in a video address. “The scale of our markets, the speed of our adoption and the boldness of our entrepreneurs are shaping the future of technology.”

    But Lee emphasized that innovation cannot happen in silos. “It takes openness, exchange and collaboration. That’s why Beyond matters. It brings together the best of Asia and the world to share ideas, build partnerships and co-create the future.”

    This is not just aspirational talk — Beyond has assembled a speaker lineup that crosses borders, sectors and rivalries.

    Featured speakers include OpenAI’s former marketing chief Zack Kass, NBA champion and tech investor Metta Sandiford-Artest, Chinese internet pioneer Mike Cai, and esports leader Mario Ho, son of Macao’s casino magnate Stanley Ho.

    “Beyond is a platform from Asia and for Asia — creating a global stage where the world can see the region’s immense potential,” said co-founder Jason Ho, outlining the event’s core mission.

    Haofeng Fu, CEO of Japan’s Regacy Innovation Group, backed Ho’s perspective: “Asia has immense technological potential, but there’s still no truly representative platform that unites Asian innovations and connects them with the global stage. I hope that Beyond Expo can take on that mission.”

    The expo is delivering on these aspirations. This fifth edition has seen the launch of several new initiatives, including the Beyond Global Network for market entry support and the Beyond Founder’s Club, a network for high-growth startup founders across Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

    Beyond has also become a significant funding hub. More than 300 investment firms will attend this year’s Global Investment Summit, looking for new opportunities in the region. Meanwhile, the expo’s Fund at First Pitch contest will see over 150 startups compete for immediate investment, after last year’s winners cashed in with $15 million in funding.

    A futuristic air taxi prototype is displayed at the fifth annual Beyond Expo in Macao, May 22, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Beyond Expo]

    Beyond’s Macao setting is no accident. The city anchors the southern edge of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), China’s $1.9 trillion economic zone that is home to 87 million people and the country’s densest concentration of tech talent.

    “All the new kids on the block are linked to Shenzhen and the Greater Bay Area,” said Laurent Le Pen, CEO of Shenzhen-based tech wearables firm Omate. “You can think about DJI, Insta360, the smartphone kings — Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus, Nothing — and now cars like XPeng and Huawei.”

    Le Pen emphasized the importance of hosting the expo in the GBA, adding: “We’re all cooperating in the internationalization of Shenzhen and the Greater Bay Area.”

    Beyond Expo 2025 runs until May 24.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Labour Department to hold courses and public talks on prevention of heat stroke at work and occupational health

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Labour Department (LD) regularly organises courses and public health talks on the prevention of heat stroke at work and occupational health to raise awareness of occupational health among both employers and employees.

         Details of eight courses and health talks on the prevention of heat stroke at work in June are as follows:

    (1)
    Dates and time: June 5, 17 and 27 (Half-day (am)); June 9 and 25 (Half-day (pm))
    Venue: Occupational Safety and Health Training Centre of the LD, 13/F, KOLOUR·Tsuen Wan I, 68 Chung On Street, Tsuen Wan, New Territories
    Enrolment method: Download the application form (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/osh/form.htm)
    Enquiry hotline: 2940 7057

    (2)
    Date and time: June 5 and 26 (Half-day (am))
    Venue: Occupational Safety and Health Centre of the LD, G/F, Kwun Tong Community Health Centre Building, 60 Hip Wo Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon
    Enrolment method: Online registration of courses in Occupational Safety and Health Centre (www.oshsreg.gov.hk/en)
    Enquiry hotline: 2361 8240

    (3)
    Date and time: June 4 (3.30pm to 5pm)
    Venue: Lecture Hall, Hong Kong Science Museum, 2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon
    Enrolment method: Online registration for public talks on occupational health (www.oshsreg.gov.hk/en)
    Enquiry hotline: 2852 4040

         In addition, the LD will hold the following occupational health public talks in June:

    (1)
    Topic: Prevention of Lower Limb Disorders and Guidance Notes on Standing at Work
    Content: The talk will introduce symptoms of common lower limb disorders, such as plantar fasciitis, varicose veins of lower limbs and osteoarthritis of the knee, as well as their treatment and preventive measures. Demonstrations and practice of workplace exercises and a briefing on the LD’s publication “Guidance Notes on Standing at Work and Service Counter Design” will be included.
    Date and time: June 2 (6.30pm to 8pm)
    Venue: Lecture Theatre, Hong Kong Central Library, 66 Causeway Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
    Enrolment method: Online registration (www.oshsreg.gov.hk/en)
    Enquiry hotline: 2852 4040

    (2)
    Topic: First Aid in the Workplace
    Content: The talk will cover basic knowledge of first aid and explain how to assist and handle employees injured in workplace accidents through case illustrations.
    Date and time: June 16 (3.30pm to 5pm)
    Venue: Lecture Hall, Hong Kong Science Museum, 2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon
    Enrolment method: Online registration (www.oshsreg.gov.hk/en)
    Enquiry hotline: 2852 4040

    (3)
    Topic: Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) for Confined Space Workers
    Content: To enhance workers’ OSH awareness of working in confined spaces, the talk will explain the related hazards as well as their preventive measures.
    Date and time: June 18 (3.30pm to 5pm)
    Venue: Lecture Theatre, Hong Kong Central Library, 66 Causeway Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
    Enrolment method: Online registration (www.oshsreg.gov.hk/en)
    Enquiry hotline: 2852 4040

         All courses and public talks will be given by the LD’s occupational hygienist, occupational safety officer or occupational health nurse in Cantonese. Admission is free.

         The LD also provides a free-of-charge outreach occupational health education service. For details, please visit the department’s webpage (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/osh/content7.htm) or call 2852 4062.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: S for Housing concludes Paris visit (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    S for Housing concludes Paris visit  
    In the morning, Ms Ho met with a representative of CDC Habitat, a social housing association in France, to learn more about the mode of operation, development strategies, and challenges of social housing in France. She also shared Hong Kong’s situation and the various housing initiatives being implemented by the Housing Bureau.
     
    Ms Ho then visited an integrated residential and commercial community comprising social housing, which was transformed from the Olympic Athletes’ Village, to learn about sustainable urban development.
     
    Moreover, Ms Ho exchanged views with a renowned urban planner, Associate Professor of the IAE Paris Sorbonne Business School, Professor Carlos Moreno, and shared her vision and thoughts on sustainable urban planning and design. Professor Moreno put forward the urban planning concept of the “15-minute city”, which aims to enable residents in a community to meet their daily needs for food, clothing, housing and transport within a 15-minute walking or cycling distance and to enhance environmental sustainability. Ms Ho pointed out that this coincides with the planning concept of the new public housing estates of the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA) and cited Queen’s Hill Estate as an example, demonstrating the HKHA’s planning of a resident-oriented, self-sufficient community that embraces cultural heritage and blends with nature to create a sustainable community. Professor Moreno showed great interest in Hong Kong’s public housing planning model and expressed his wish to have the opportunity to visit Hong Kong in the future.
     
    In the evening, Ms Ho met with the Advisor to the Mayor on housing, urban planning, architecture, land development, Mr Renaud Paque, and Director of Housing and Habitat, Ms Doan Lebel, to exchange views on public housing policies and experiences on sustainable urbanisation and urban planning concepts.
     
    Concluding the trip, Ms Ho said, “This visit tied in with the HB’s Housing•I&T initiative this year, introducing the latest developments of advanced technology companies from Hong Kong and the Mainland in the areas of construction technologies, public housing, green building, etc, as well as demonstrating to the world the application of technologies such as Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) and construction robots that help enhance construction efficiency and safety. We will actively make reference to overseas experiences on decarbonisation and energy-saving technologies. At the same time, we will fully capitalise on Hong Kong’s unique advantages, reinforce connectivity, and play the role as a ‘super connector’ and a ‘super value-adder’. I expect that the two cities will maintain liaison and strengthen exchanges in areas such as innovative building technologies, public housing construction, green buildings, well-being communities, and enhancing the housing ladder to give new impetus to public housing construction.”
     
    Ms Ho will return to Hong Kong this afternoon (May 23).
    Issued at HKT 12:05

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Durant Resident Sentenced to 32 Years for Second Degree Murder

    Source: US FBI

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Kyle Hunter Laws Duffner, age 27, of Durant, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 384 months in prison for one count of Murder in Indian Country—Second Degree.

    The charge arose from an investigation by the Durant Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    On December 4, 2024, Duffner pleaded guilty to unlawfully killing a child with malice aforethought.  According to investigators, on June 27, 2021, law enforcement responded to a 911 call of a non-responsive infant.  The child was life-flighted for care but succumbed to injuries shortly after transfer.  During treatment, medical professionals discovered signs of acute rib fractures, older rib fractures in various stages of healing, and a possible head injury.  A post-mortem examination revealed a skull fracture symptomatic of blunt force impact in the early stages of healing, multiple contusions to the forehead, jaw, and chest, and rib fractures consistent with at least three events of blunt force trauma.

    The crime occurred in Bryan County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.  Duffner will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Paladino represented the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-Led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Two in the Northern District of Oklahoma

    Source: US FBI

    TULSA, Okla. – The Department of Justice announces the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators.  The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown.  The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

    “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”

    “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”

    “Over a five-day period in April, the Justice Department charged and the FBI arrested more than 200 offenders of child sexual abuse crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The success of this operation would not be possible without the collaborative effort of law enforcement across the United States.”

    FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater stated, “Operation Restore Justice is not just about upholding the rule of law – it’s about standing up as a society for the safety of children and showing predators that we will not allow them to rob kids of their innocence.  The FBI is proud to collaborate with our law enforcement partners every single day to ensure anyone involved in criminal behavior against a child is brought to justice.”

    Two individuals in the Northern District of Oklahoma were arrested and indicted last week, during Operation Restore Justice.

    • Jonathan Gross, 36, of Mounds, was arrested and indicted for Possession of Child Pornography; and
    • Kaleb Smith, 23, of Bartlesville and a member of the Osage Nation of Oklahoma, was arrested and indicted for Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country, and two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor in Indian Country

    Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

    In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.

    This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

    The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood 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 Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

    The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

    Other online resources:
    Violent Crimes Against Children
    How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids

    Jonathan Gross’s case is being investigated by the FBI-Oklahoma City field office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Robert. Kaleb Smith’s case is being investigated by the FBI-Oklahoma City field office with the assistance of the Bartlesville Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia Hockenbury.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: North Korea launches full-scale investigation into incident during launch of new destroyer

    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

    PYONGYANG, May 23 (Xinhua) — A North Korean investigative team has launched a “full-scale investigation” into a serious incident that occurred during the launch of a new destroyer at the Chongjin shipyard on Wednesday, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Friday.

    The investigation team into the accident includes representatives of the prosecutor’s office and relevant experts, KCNA said in a statement.

    “A detailed underwater and internal inspection of the destroyer confirmed that, contrary to the initial announcement, there were no holes in the bottom of the vessel, the starboard side of the hull was scratched, and a small amount of water flowed into the stern through a structural channel,” KCNA reported, citing the results of the investigation.

    Experts estimate that it will take two to three days to pump out the sea water, and more than 10 days to restore the ship’s side. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Murray County Resident Pleads Guilty to Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Eluding a Peace Officer

    Source: US FBI

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jayson Geoffrey Evans, age 50, of Sulphur, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country, punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000.00 fine, and one count of Eluding Peace Officer in Indian Country, punishable by not less than one year imprisonment and up to five years imprisonment, and a fine of not less than $1,000.00 and up to $5,000.00.

    The Indictment alleged that on December 30, 2023, Evans assaulted the victim with a dangerous weapon, with intent to do bodily harm.

    The Indictment further alleged that on December 30, 2023, Evans willfully attempted to elude a peace officer while operating a motor vehicle after receiving a visual and audible signal directing him to stop.

    The crimes occurred in Murray County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

    The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

    A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Evans will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Robinson represented the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Johnstown Woman Sentenced to Over Eight Years in Prison for Narcotics Trafficking

    Source: US FBI

    JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 100 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on her convictions of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin, crack, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Jessica Wilson, 39, on May 8, 2025.

    According to information presented to the Court, from in and around January 2021 to July 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Wilson conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute quantities of heroin, crack, and methamphetamine. Wilson was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that she distributed to others. During a separately charged offense, from in and around April 2024 to June 2024, Wilson conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute quantities of mixtures containing fentanyl and crack.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Maureen Sheehan-Balchon and Arnold P. Bernard Jr. prosecuted these cases on behalf of the government.

    Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Wilson. Additional agencies participating in this investigation included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs detects money laundering case involving about $61 million following narcotics investigation

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs yesterday (May 22) detected a suspected money laundering case involving about $61 million in crime proceeds subsequent to a follow-up investigation of a dangerous drug case identified last year. Two local women and one local man suspected to be connected with the case were arrested.
     
    In October last year, Customs detected a dangerous drug case involving about $1.9 million worth of drugs and arrested two local persons suspected to be connected with the case. A subsequent financial investigation and fund-flow analysis revealed that there were numerous suspicious transactions, which were suspected to be crime proceeds, in the personal bank accounts of one of the arrestees. Meanwhile, the investigation also revealed that a 55-year-old local woman and a 30-year-old local man transferred or received the suspected crime proceeds. During the period between January and December 2024, the total amount of the suspicious transactions handled by the three arrestees reached about $61 million.
     
    Upon further investigation, Customs arrested the 55-year-old local woman and 30-year-old local man yesterday for “dealing with property known or reasonably believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offenses” (commonly known as money laundering) under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance (OSCO) and searched their residential premises in Ho Man Tin and Tung Chung. Three mobile phones were seized in the operation. On the same day, Customs officers also further arrested a 63-year-old local woman who has been remanded due to the related drug trafficking case, for money laundering.
     
    Two of the arrested persons have been released on bail pending investigation, while one arrested person continues to be remanded in custody. The investigation of the case is still ongoing, and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
     
    Under the OSCO, a person commits an offence if he or she deals with any property knowing or having reasonable grounds to believe that such property, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly represents any person’s proceeds of an indictable offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and imprisonment for 14 years while the crime proceeds are also subject to confiscation.
         
    Members of the public may report any suspected money laundering activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Shohini Sinha Named Assistant Director of the Victim Services Division

    Source: US FBI

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation has named Shohini Sinha as the assistant director of the Victim Services Division. Ms. Sinha most recently served as the special agent in charge of the Salt Lake City Field Office.

    Ms. Sinha joined the FBI as a special agent in 2001. She was first assigned to the Milwaukee Field Office, where she worked in counterterrorism investigations. She also served temporary assignments at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, the FBI Legal Attaché Office in London, and the Baghdad Operations Center.

    Ms. Sinha was promoted in 2009 to supervisory special agent and transferred to the Counterterrorism Division in Washington, D.C. She served as program manager of Canada-based extraterritorial investigations and facilitated liaison efforts with Washington-based Canadian liaison officers.

    In 2012, Ms. Sinha was promoted to assistant legal attaché in Ottawa, Canada, working counterterrorism matters in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. In 2015, she was promoted to field supervisor in the Detroit Field Office, where she led squads responsible for investigating international terrorism matters.

    In early 2020, Ms. Sinha transferred to the Cyber Intrusion squad, which worked both national security and criminal cyber intrusion matters. Later in 2020, she was promoted to assistant special agent in charge for national security matters, and later criminal matters, in the Portland Field Office.

    Ms. Sinha was selected to serve as the executive special assistant to the director in 2021. She has been serving as the special agent in charge of the Salt Lake City Field Office since July of 2023.

    Prior to her employment with the FBI, Ms. Sinha worked as a therapist and later as an administrator for a private, not-for-profit clinic. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Purdue University in Indiana.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: McAlester Resident Sentenced to 11 Years for Maiming in Indian Country

    Source: US FBI

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced Cody Ray McFadden, age 36, of McAlester, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 132 months in prison for one count of Maiming in Indian Country.

    The charge arose from an investigation by the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    On December 16, 2024, McFadden pleaded guilty to the charge.  According to investigators, on July 16, 2022, McFadden invited a visitor to his residence. Once inside, McFadden beat the victim, forced the victim into a cage, and padlocked the door.  During the next 36 hours, McFadden proceeded to assault and torture the victim, threatening to kill the victim with a cross bow and intentionally striking at the victim with an axe.  The victim, who sustained a head laceration, burns, bruises, and a broken arm, managed to break free, escape through a window, and run to a neighbor’s home.  Law enforcement responding to the neighbor’s emergency call took McFadden into custody after a brief standoff.  The crime occurred in Pittsburg County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    “This defendant demonstrated a complete lack of humanity, subjecting the victim to an extended period of violence resulting in unimaginable physical and mental trauma,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater.  “The FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to rooting out violent offenders through aggressive investigations and prosecutions.”

    “This is the stuff of nightmares, but unfortunately, it was sickeningly real,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson.  “I commend the bravery of this survivor, the quick work of law enforcement in securing an end to this horrifying ordeal, and the steadfastness of investigators and prosecutors who ensured that McFadden spends the next decade in prison answering for his ruthless crimes.”

    The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.  McFadden will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Satter represented the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Okmulgee Resident Sentenced to Over 20 Years for Voluntary Manslaughter

    Source: US FBI

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Brett Wayne Pigeon, age 45, of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 126 months in prison for one count of Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian Country, and 120 months in prison for one count of Using, Carrying, Brandishing and Discharging a Firearm in Relation to a Crime of Violence.  The terms will be served consecutively.

    The charges arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Okmulgee Police Department, and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police Department.

    On January 6, 2025, Pigeon pleaded guilty to the charges.  According to investigators, on November 27, 2023, law enforcement responding to reports of shots fired discovered the victim deceased from apparent gunshots to the back, head, and hip.  Pigeon was identified as a suspect, and later admitted shooting the victim with a 12-gauge shotgun.    The crimes occurred in Okmulgee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    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.

    The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.  Pigeon will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick M. Flanigan and Rachel Geizura represented the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • Qatar boosts FIFA Arab Cup prize fund to record $36.5 million

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The 2025 FIFA Arab Cup will have a record prize fund of more than $36.5 million, Qatar’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the regional tournament announced on Thursday.

    The competition, which features senior men’s national teams from the 22-member Union of Arab Football Associations (UAFA), representing both Asia and Africa, takes place from December 1 to 18.

    “This announcement further elevates the stature of the FIFA Arab Cup, a tournament we reinstated in 2021, and reflects Qatar’s leading role in developing football across the region and beyond,” said Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Thani, Minister of Sports and Youth and LOC Chairman in a statement.

    Having taken over the organisation from UAFA, which initially ran the event, FIFA has been in charge since the tournament’s revival in 2021, when it had a reported prize fund of $25.5 million.

    The draw will be held in Doha on Sunday, with defending champions Algeria among the favourites.

    -Reuters

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas Man Formerly Employed by Ohio Company Convicted of Damaging Source Code and Deleting Data

    Source: US FBI

    CLEVELAND — A federal jury in Cleveland convicted a Texas man today for writing and deploying malicious code on his former employer’s network.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Davis Lu, 55, of Houston, was employed as a software developer for the victim company headquartered in Beachwood, Ohio, from November 2007 to October 2019.

    Following a 2018 corporate realignment that reduced his responsibilities and system access, Lu began sabotaging his employer’s systems. By Aug. 4, 2019, he introduced malicious code that caused system crashes and prevented user logins. Specifically, he created “infinite loops” (in this case, code designed to exhaust Java threads by repeatedly creating new threads without proper termination and resulting in server crashes or hangs), deleted coworker profile files, and implemented a “kill switch” that would lock out all users if his credentials in the company’s active directory were disabled. The “kill switch” code — which Lu named “IsDLEnabledinAD”, abbreviating “Is Davis Lu enabled in Active Directory” — was automatically activated upon his termination on Sept. 9, 2019, and impacted thousands of company users globally. Lu named other code “Hakai,” a Japanese word meaning “destruction,” and “HunShui,” a Chinese word meaning “sleep” or “lethargy.”

    Additionally, on the day he was directed to turn in his company laptop, Lu deleted encrypted data. His internet search history revealed he had researched methods to escalate privileges, hide processes, and rapidly delete files, indicating an intent to obstruct efforts of his co-workers to resolve the system disruptions. Lu’s employer suffered hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses as a result of Lu’s actions.

    “Mr. Lu was calculating in his intent to inflict damage to a company that provides products and services to businesses and organizations that span a variety of industries and fields,” said Acting United States Attorney Carol M. Skutnik of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio. “Together with our colleagues from the Criminal Division and the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will prosecute those who intend to disrupt business operations, especially, if it has the potential to inflict greater harm on national and international levels. We will hold perpetrators accountable and pursue justice against vindictive employees who break federal laws.”

    “Sadly, Davis Lu used his education, experience, and skill to purposely harm and hinder not only his employer and their ability to safely conduct business, but also stifle thousands of users worldwide,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen. “The FBI and its cadre of exceptionally qualified agents and analysts will continue to identify, find, and investigate individuals who seek to carry out deliberate and destructive actions against businesses or organizations for retaliatory or malicious purposes.”

    The jury convicted Lu of causing intentional damage to protected computers, for which he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A sentencing date has not been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI Cleveland Division investigated the case.

    Senior Counsel Candina S. Heath of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. Riedl and Brian S. Deckert for the Northern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • Djokovic within two wins of 100th title as he turns 38

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Novak Djokovic marked his 38th birthday in style on Thursday, defeating Matteo Arnaldi 6-4 6-4 to reach the Geneva Open semi-finals and continue his pursuit of a 100th career title.

    The 24-time Grand Slam champion avenged last month’s Madrid Open loss to the Italian and will next face Britain’s Cameron Norrie, who rallied to defeat Australian Alexei Popyrin 7-6 (8-6) 6-4.

    “It’s great to be in the semi-finals again. Hopefully this year I can go at least a step further, that’s the goal,” said Djokovic, who lost to Tomas Machac in last year’s quarter-finals.

    “I think I’m playing really good tennis. A straight-sets win, but it was much closer than the score indicates.”

    After taking the first set, Djokovic trailed 4-1 in the second but stormed back with five consecutive games to seal the win in one hour and 40 minutes.

    The former world No. 1 admitted that smashing his racket in frustration helped him reset mentally and close out the match in straight sets.

    “After the racquet breaking I kind of found my optimal state and balance mentally and emotionally to be able to play my best tennis when it was most needed,” Djokovic, who was presented with a birthday cake on court, said.

    Djokovic is bidding to become only the third man in history to win 100 ATP titles, after Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103).

    -Reuters

  • Markets open higher; Nifty crosses 24,700 mark on broad-based buying

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian equity markets opened on a firm note on Friday, with benchmark indices trading higher amid mixed global cues and strong domestic macroeconomic fundamentals. Early gains were led by buying interest in FMCG, IT, and auto stocks.

    At 9:29 AM, the BSE Sensex was up by 281.75 points, or 0.35%, at 81,233.74, while the NSE Nifty climbed 109.75 points, or 0.45%, to trade at 24,719.45.

    The Nifty Bank index was also in the green, rising 69.85 points, or 0.13%, to 55,011.15. Broader markets mirrored the positive trend, with the Nifty Midcap 100 gaining 258.10 points (0.46%) to 56,582.95 and the Nifty Smallcap 100 advancing 58.30 points (0.33%) to 17,561.40.

    Market experts attributed the upbeat sentiment to India’s robust economic indicators, including steady GDP growth and declining inflation and interest rates.

    Top gainers in the Sensex included ITC, Adani Ports, Infosys, PowerGrid, Tech Mahindra, Tata Steel, SBI, HCL Tech, UltraTech Cement, Tata Motors, and L&T. On the flip side, Sun Pharma, M&M, NTPC, Bajaj Finance, Bharti Airtel, Maruti Suzuki, and ICICI Bank were among the major laggards.

    In Asia, major markets such as China, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Seoul, Jakarta, and Japan were trading in the green, providing a supportive backdrop to Indian equities.

    Overnight in the US, key indices posted a mixed close. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended almost flat at 41,859.09, down 1.35 points. The S&P 500 slipped 2.60 points to 5,842.01, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 53.09 points to 18,925.74.

    Experts noted that US equities were volatile following the retreat of Treasury yields after the passage of tax and spending legislation by the US House of Representatives.

    On the institutional front, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net sellers to the tune of ₹5,045.36 crore on May 22, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought equities worth ₹3,715.00 crore.

    “Even when the market turns weak, domestic demand-driven segments like financials, telecom, and aviation remain resilient. This is evident in the strength of stocks like ICICI Bank, Bharti Airtel, and InterGlobe Aviation. The market is sending a clear signal,” said Dr. V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

    -IANS

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of Underwriting Auction conducted on May 23, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    In the underwriting auction conducted on May 23, 2025, for Additional Competitive Underwriting (ACU) of the undernoted Government securities, the Reserve Bank of India has set the cut-off rates for underwriting commission payable to Primary Dealers as given below:

    Nomenclature of the Security Notified Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Minimum Underwriting Commitment (MUC) Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Additional Competitive Underwriting Amount Accepted
    (₹ crore)    		 Total Amount underwritten
    (₹ crore)    		 ACU Commission Cut-off rate
    (paise per ₹100)
    6.75% GS 2029 15,000 7,518 7,482 15,000 0.03
    7.09% GS 2054 12,000 6,006 5,994 12,000 0.19
    Auction for the sale of securities will be held on May 23, 2025.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/392

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: NZ and Australia: navigating turbulent times together

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    New Zealand and Australia are redoubling our efforts to navigate an increasingly challenging strategic environment together, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.

    “It’s been an honour to be hosted in Adelaide today by Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong,” Mr Peters says. 

    “We wanted to get across the Tasman as soon as possible after the Australian general election because there is so much for us to tackle together.

    “New Zealand and Australia face an unpredictable, contested and disordered region and world. We are strongest when we meet these challenges together.”   

    Ministers Peters and Wong meet formally for Australia–New Zealand Foreign Minister Consultations twice a year. Today’s FMCs in Adelaide follow those held in Melbourne and Auckland in 2024 and covered bilateral cooperation, priorities in the Pacific, regional security in the Indo-Pacific and global tensions and developments. 

    “Australia is New Zealand’s closest, most important and most likeminded partner, and it has been invaluable to discuss in detail with Minister Wong today how we will work together in the period ahead on the issues that matter most to our countries and our peoples,” Mr Peters says.

    “The global environment is such that New Zealand and Australia face more concerted threats to our interests and values than we have for generations. In that context, we have been able today to update each another on our respective government priorities at an important moment in our countries’ political cycles, while focusing on how and where we can cooperate for mutual benefit.

    “Our relationship is as strong as ever, and we are committed to maintaining this close bond now that Prime Minister Albanese, Foreign Minister Wong and their colleagues have secured a second term.

    “These consultations highlight not just the value New Zealand places in our relationship with Australia, but also our enduring commitment to work together to promote our shared international goals, such as Pacific development and security,” Mr Peters says. 

    Minister Peters will depart Australia for Sri Lanka tomorrow, where he will begin a tour of South Asia

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: TKO Line train suspension probed

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Electrical & Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) announces that it is investigating a train suspension incident that happened yesterday evening on the MTR Tseung Kwan O Line, which was caused by a failure of the traction power supply system.

     

    At around 5.15pm yesterday, the Government received notification from the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) that services on the Tseung Kwan O Line were disrupted and subsequently suspended.

     

    The Government expressed that it is deeply concerned about the incident. The EMSD has requested the MTRCL to conduct a comprehensive review and submit an investigation report as soon as possible to explain the cause of the incident and propose improvement measures to prevent recurrence of similar incidents.

     

    Upon receiving notification from the MTRCL, the EMSD immediately deployed professional railways and electrical engineers to the site to assess the situation and conduct an investigation.

     

    Preliminary findings indicated that a section of the overhead cable was found faulted in the tunnel of the Tseung Kwan O Line near Quarry Bay Station. The traction power supply system was tripped when the train passed through the section.

     

    The EMSD also found signs of damage to the overhead cable at the scene and initially suspected that the cause of incident was related to the damage of cable components.

     

    In addition to continuing its investigation at the scene concerning the traction power supply system, the department made it clear that it will inspect the train that was involved in the incident at the depot.

     

    The investigation encompasses the consideration of power distribution system, train components, environmental conditions and human factors, etc.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Participants in ‘Tech Support’ Scheme Charged with Conspiracy to Launder Fraudulent Proceeds

    Source: US FBI

    TUCSON, Ariz. – On December 11, 2024, a federal grand jury in Tucson returned an elder fraud indictment against Ahmed Maqbul Syed, 57, and Rupesh Chandra Chintakindi, 27, both citizens of India, for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. Syed was also charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.

    The indictment alleges that Syed, Chintakindi, and others conspired to launder fraudulent proceeds derived from schemes targeting elderly victims around the United States, including Arizona. Generally, victims were lured into the schemes when they observed a “pop-up” display on their computer, indicating their computer had been hacked or there was another issue. Victims were directed to contact “tech support” or “government representatives” to resolve the issue. In fact, victims were directed to other conspirators in the scheme who further convinced the victims that their accounts had been hacked and their information had been compromised, which was not true. The conspirators then instructed the victims to withdraw or transfer money by telling them, for example, that they needed to protect their money and accounts.

    Victims were directed to purchase gold from various gold dealers and to withdraw cash. They were then told that individuals purporting to be representatives of the government would retrieve the gold and cash from the victims. Victims were also directed to purchase gift cards from various private businesses and transfer the gift card numbers to individuals they were led to believe would help them. At least one victim was also directed to make cash deposits into a bitcoin ATM.

    Convictions for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering and Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

    Syed has been arrested on the charges, and the Court has ordered him detained pending trial. An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (Indianapolis and Phoenix Divisions) and the Marana (Arizona) Police Department conducted the investigation. Other local law enforcement agencies from Arizona, Illinois, Wisconsin, Texas, and Indiana also assisted with the investigation. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.
     

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-24-08825-TUC-JCH
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-181_Syed

     

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Starving’ masked Palestine protesters condemn Luxon’s Gaza ‘appeasement’

    Asia Pacific Report

    Protesting New Zealanders donned symbolic masks modelled on a Palestinian artist’s handiwork in Auckland’s Takutai Square today to condemn Israel’s starvation as war weapon against Gaza and the NZ prime minister’s weak response.

    Coming a day after the tabling of Budget 2025 in Parliament, peaceful demonstrators wore hand-painted masks inspired by Gaza-based Palestinian artist Reem Arkan, who is fighting for her life alongside hundreds of thousands of the displaced Gazans.

    The “bodies” represented more than 53,000 Palestinians killed by Israel’s brutal 19-month war on Gaza.

    The protest coincided with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon addressing the Trans-Tasman Business Circle in Auckland.

    The demonstrators said they chose this moment and location to “highlight the alarmingly tepid response” by the New Zealand government to what global human rights organisations — such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch — have branded as war crimes and acts of collective punishment amounting to genocide.

    “This week, we heard yet another call for Israel to abide by international law. This is not leadership. It’s appeasement,” said a spokesperson, Olivia Coote.

    “The time for statements has long passed. What we are witnessing in Gaza is a humanitarian catastrophe, and New Zealand must impose meaningful sanctions.

    “Israel’s actions, including the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure, forced displacement, and obstruction of humanitarian aid, constitute grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions of which we are signatories.”

    A self-portrait by Palestinian artist Reem Arkan who depicts the suffering of Gaza – and the beauty – in spite of the savagery of the Israel attacks. Image: Insta/@artist_reemarkan

    Green Party Co-Leader Chlöe Swarbrick challenged Prime Minister Luxon in Parliament over his government’s response earlier this week, saying: “We’ve had lots of words. We need action.”

    Luxon claimed that sanctions were in place — but the only measure taken has been a travel ban on 12 extremist Israeli settlers from the West Bank.

    “This is an action that does nothing to protect the more than two million Palestinians in Gaza who face daily bombardment, siege, and starvation,” Coote said.

    The protesters are calling on the New Zealand government to act immediately by:

    • Imposing sanctions on Israel; and
    • Suspending all diplomatic and trade relations with Israel until there is an end to hostilities and full compliance with international humanitarian law.

    “This government must not be complicit in atrocities through silence and inaction,” Coote said. “The people of Aotearoa New Zealand demand leadership as the world watches a genocide unfold in real time.”

    A street theatre protester demonstrates today against starvation as a weapon of war as deployed by Israel in its brutal war on Gaza. Image: APR

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Violent Recidivist Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Federal Prison for Racially Motivated Attack on Asian American Woman

    Source: US FBI

    LOS ANGELES – A Southern California man has been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for punching an Asian American woman in the head while shouting racial slurs and then leaving her bloodied in a Culver City street in 2021, the Justice Department announced today.

    Jesse Allen Lindsey, 38, who was transient at the time of the attack, was sentenced on Monday by United States District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald.

    Lindsey pleaded guilty in December 2024 to one count of a hate crime. He has been in federal custody since July 2024.

    On June 14, 2021, at approximately 1 a.m., Lindsey began following the victim on her walk to work. According to the government’s sentencing position, Lindsey shouted racial slurs, cursed at the victim, and told her, “You don’t belong here.” He then violently punched her in the head. While the victim lay face down in the street, defendant shouted, “You hear what I said, [N-word]? I said good morning, bitch!”

    Emergency personnel later transported the victim to a hospital to treat injuries to her head and ear. She was unable to work for a month and suffered years of psychological trauma, prosecutors said.

    At sentencing, Judge Fitzgerald called the attack a “shocking and horrible crime” and noted Lindsey’s “serious criminal record.” Lindsey has 13 criminal convictions for firearms and narcotics offenses, domestic battery, grand theft, and attempted extortion. He also has at least 14 violations of probation or pretrial release and 19 additional arrests or contacts with law enforcement, the government said at Monday’s sentencing hearing.

    Lindsey fled California after seeing news reports about the attack. Law enforcement officers eventually located Lindsey in a California state prison serving time for an unrelated conviction. 

    During an interview with law enforcement about the assault, Lindsey eventually admitted to punching the victim, but falsely claimed self-defense, the government’s sentencing position stated. Lindsey said the “little Asian person” was “mouthy” and looked like a “gangbanger.” Referencing the Asian actor known for his martial arts ability, Lindsey claimed the victim might pull “some Jet Li [expletive].” The victim was a middle-aged Asian woman who stood five feet tall and weighed approximately 120 pounds. Lindsey was over six feet tall and weighed approximately 250 pounds.

    The FBI investigated this matter and received substantial assistance from the Culver City Police Department.

    Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey Greer Dotson prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Crowheart Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Sexual Abuse of a Minor

    Source: US FBI

    Quinlin James Hernandez, 32, of Crowheart, Wyoming, was sentenced to 300 months’ imprisonment with five years of supervised release for sexual abuse. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on March 5 in Casper.

    According to court documents, on April 13, 2024, a 14-year-old minor victim who had been reported missing was located at the residence of Hernandez. She was able to send a text to her grandmother to come pick her up at that location. During her forensic interview, she stated that Hernandez and several minors picked her up April 10, 2023, without the knowledge of her guardians. Hernandez drove to a liquor store, where he bought alcohol and then drove the minors to his residence in Crowheart. At the residence, all the minors and the defendant drank the alcohol. Hernandez began flirting with and making sexual advances toward the minor victim. The minor victim was at Hernandez’s residence for approximately two and a half days, during which Hernandez forced himself on the minor victim, sexually abusing her twice. The victim underwent a Sexual Assault Nurse Examination and Hernandez’s seminal fluid and DNA were confirmed to be on the victim’s clothing.  He was indicted on May 16, 2024.

    When interviewed, Hernandez denied sexually abusing the minor victim. However, when he entered his plea of guilty on December 13, 2024, he admitted that he had sex with the minor victim when she was too drunk to either consent or decline to have sex with him.

    The Bureau of Indian Affairs Wind River Police Department and the FBI investigated this crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerry Jacobson prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought about by Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet and to identify and rescue victims.

    Case No. 24-CR-00087

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Statement From Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office, Reflecting on the 2024 National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons

    Source: US FBI

    “In Alaska, the FBI joins partners and tribal communities across the country in honoring the many American Indian and Alaska Native families that have disproportionately been impacted by violence. The FBI is committed to supporting our law enforcement partners to combat violent crime and seek resolution, in pursuit of justice and healing for Indigenous communities throughout Alaska.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: South African Man Indicted for Stabbing on Cruise Ship En Route to Alaska

    Source: US FBI

    JUNEAU, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment charging a South African man with assaulting three people with medical scissors while aboard a cruise ship.

    According to court documents, on May 6, 2024, Ntando Sogoni, 35, was allegedly discovered trying to deploy a lifeboat and was taken to the ship’s medical area for an evaluation.

    During his evaluation, he began struggling with a nurse and security guard and fled to another examination room, where he assaulted a female victim, who is a U.S. citizen. He stabbed her with trauma scissors multiple times in the chest, arms and head, causing serious bodily harm. He proceeded to attack two security guards, stabbing one guard, a national of the Philippines, in the head, and stabbing the other guard, a national of Nepal, in the spine.

    He was detained and held in the ship’s jail until arriving in Juneau on May 7, where he was charged by complaint and arrested by the FBI.

    At the time of the assault, the ship was on the high seas and within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the U.S., and on a voyage with a scheduled departure from or arrival in the U.S.

    Sogoni is charged with one count assault with intent to murder in violation of 18 U.S.C. §7(1), (7) and (8) and 113(a)(1), three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon in violation of 18 U.S.C. §7(1), (7) and (8) and 113(a)(3), and three counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury in violation of 18 U.S.C. §7(1), (7) and (8) and 113(a)(6), The defendant made his initial court appearance on May 9 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew M. Scoble of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the one count of assault with intent to murder and 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the other five assault counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day with the FBI Anchorage Field Office and Supervisory Special Agent Brett Durham of the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) Resident Agency Juneau and Resident Unit Anchorage made the announcement.

    The FBI Anchorage Field Office and FBI Juneau Resident Agency, and the CGIS Resident Agency Juneau are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt is prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sextortion: A Growing Threat Targeting Minors

    Source: US FBI

    Offenders Deceive and Manipulate Victims to Create Sexually Explicit Material for Extortion Purposes

    LITTLE ROCK, AR—The FBI wants to warn parents, educators, caregivers, and children about the dangers of online activity that may lead to the solicitation and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual acts.

    Sextortion involves an offender coercing a minor to create and send sexually explicit images or video. An offender gets sexually explicit material from the child and then threatens to release that compromising material unless the victim produces more. These offenders are seeking sexual gratification.

    Financially motivated sextortion is a criminal act that involves an offender coercing a minor to create and send sexually explicit material. Offenders threaten to release that compromising material unless they receive payment, which is often requested in gift cards, mobile payment services, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. These offenders are motivated by financial gain, not necessarily just sexual gratification.

    Victims are typically males between the ages of 14 to 17, but any child can become a victim. For financially motivated sextortion, offenders are usually located outside the United States and primarily in West African countries such as Nigeria and Ivory Coast, or Southeast Asian countries such as the Philippines.

    These crimes can lead victims to self-harm and have led to suicide. From October 2021 to March 2023, the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations received over 13,000 reports of online financial sextortion of minors. The sextortion involved at least 12,600 victims—primarily boys—and led to at least 20 suicides.

    In the six-month period from October 2022 to March 2023, the FBI observed at least a 20% increase in reporting of financially motivated sextortion incidents involving minor victims compared to the same time period the previous year.

    “The exploitation of children is a reprehensible crime and will not be tolerated by the FBI,” said Special Agent in Charge Alicia Corder of the FBI’s Little Rock Field Office. “Our office will continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to protect Arkansas children from sextortion and hold these predators accountable.”

    If you or someone you know believes that they are a victim of sextortion or financially motivated sextortion, immediately report the activity to law enforcement. You can report it to the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or visiting tips.fbi.gov.

    For more information on sextortion and financial sextortion, visit the FBI’s resources on the threats at: https://www.fbi.gov/sextortion and https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/sextortion/financially-motivated-sextortion.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • Death toll in Australia floods rises to four, tens of thousands stranded

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The body of a man was found in a car trapped in floodwaters in Australia’s southeast on Friday, raising the death toll to four, after three days of incessant rain cut off entire towns, swept away livestock and destroyed homes.

    Police said the man was found near Coffs Harbour, around 550 km (342 miles) north of Sydney. The search continued for a person missing since the deluge began early this week.

    Around 50,000 people are still isolated, emergency services personnel said, while residents returning to their flooded homes were warned to watch out for dangers.

    “Floodwaters have contaminants, there can be vermin, snakes … so you need to assess those risks. Electricity can also pose a danger as well,” state Emergency Services Deputy Commissioner Damien Johnston said during a media briefing.

    Television videos showed submerged intersections and street signs, cars up to their windshields in water, after fast-rising waters burst river banks in the Hunter and Mid North Coast regions of New South Wales, Australia’s most populous state.

    Debris from the floods, and dead and lost livestock, have washed up on the coast.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had to cancel his planned visit to Taree, one of the worst-hit towns, due to floodwaters.

    “We did try … but that was not possible due to the circumstance, which I’m sure people understand,” Albanese told reporters from the town of Maitland in the Hunter region.

    “But our thoughts are with communities that are cut off at this point in time. And we’re here to basically say, very clearly, and explicitly you’re not alone.”

    Australia has been enduring more extreme weather events that some experts say are happening because of climate change. After droughts and devastating bushfires at the end of last decade, frequent floods have wreaked havoc since early 2021.

    “What once were rare downpours are now becoming the new normal – climate change is rewriting Australia’s weather patterns, one flood at a time,” Davide Faranda, weather researcher at ClimaMeter, said in a statement.

    DISRUPTIONS IN SYDNEY

    A wild weather system that dumped around four months of rain over three days shifted south towards Sydney on Thursday bringing heavy rain overnight, though the weather bureau, in its latest update, said it is expected to ease by Friday evening.

    Water on rail tracks impacted some suburban train lines in Sydney, including its airport line services, while Sydney Airport was forced to shut down two of its three runways for one hour on Friday morning due to strong winds, delaying flights.

    Warragamba Dam, which supplies 80% of Sydney’s water supply and is currently at around 96% of capacity, could spill over, officials said.

    REUTERS

  • UK signs Chagos deal with Mauritius, India welcomes move

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Britain signed a deal on Thursday to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, after a London judge overturned a last-minute injunction and cleared the way for an agreement the government says is vital to protect the nation’s security.
     
    The multibillion-dollar deal will allow Britain to retain control of the strategically important U.S.-UK air base on Diego Garcia, the largest island of the archipelago in the Indian Ocean, under a 99-year lease.
     
    India has welcomed the signing of the treaty between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Mauritius on the return of Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including the strategic island of Diego Garcia. 
     
    “India has consistently supported Mauritius’s legitimate claim over the Chagos Archipelago. This is in keeping with our principled position on decolonization, respect for sovereignty, and the territorial integrity of nations,” said the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement.
     
    “As a steadfast and longstanding partner of Mauritius, India remains committed to working closely with Mauritius and other like-minded countries to strengthen maritime security and regional stability,” the MEA added.
     
    The signing went ahead after a carefully choreographed ceremony was postponed when lawyers representing a British national born in the Chagos Islands were granted an interim injunction at the High Court in the early hours of Thursday.
     
    Judge Martin Chamberlain then lifted that injunction following a hearing, saying Britain’s interests would be “substantially prejudiced” if the injunction were to continue.
     
    The government, which has been criticised by opposition parties for pursuing a deal they say is overly costly and would play into the hands of China, has long said the agreement is essential to secure the future of Diego Garcia.
     
    “The strategic location of this base is of the utmost significance to Britain, from deploying aircraft to defeat terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan to anticipating threats in the Red Sea and the Indo-Pacific,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer told a news conference.
     
    “By agreeing to this deal now, on our terms, we’re securing strong protections, including from malign influence, that will allow the base to operate well into the next century.”
     
    The signing ends months of wrangling over the deal, the details of which were first announced in October, after the then-Mauritian leader Pravind Jugnauth was replaced by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, who raised concerns about it.
     
    It was further delayed after the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump in January, with London wanting to give the new administration time to examine the details of the plan. In February, Trump indicated his backing for the deal.
     
    Ramgoolam welcomed the deal, saying it had been a long fight to get to this point.
     
    “With this agreement, we are completing the total process of decolonization,” Ramgoolam said in a televised broadcast, speaking in the local Creole language.
     
    “It’s total recognition of our sovereignty on the Chagos, including Diego Garcia.”
     
    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also welcomed the deal saying it “secures the long-term, stable, and effective operation of the joint U.S.-UK military facility at Diego Garcia”.
     
    LATEST LEGAL CHALLENGE
     
    The injunction was the latest legal challenge to the deal in the last two decades brought by members of the wider Chagossian diaspora, many of whom ended up in Britain after being forcibly removed from the archipelago more than 50 years ago.
     
    It was granted following action by Bertrice Pompe, a British national who was born in Diego Garcia and has criticised the deal for excluding Chagossians.
     
    James Eadie, the government’s lawyer, said the delay was damaging to British interests and “there is jeopardy to our international relations … (including with) our most important security and intelligence partner, the U.S.”
     
    It is one less headache for Starmer, who is under fire from his own governing Labour Party for implementing welfare cuts to try to better balance Britain’s books.
     
    But Starmer’s political opponents were again critical of the accord, arguing it was both costly and by ceding sovereignty, China could further deepen its ties with Mauritius, benefiting Beijing’s influence in the Indian Ocean.
     
    “Labour’s Chagos Surrender Deal is bad for our defence and security interests, bad for British taxpayers and bad for British Chagossians,” Conservative Party foreign affairs spokeswoman Priti Patel said on X.
     
    The financial component of the deal includes 3 billion pounds to be paid by Britain to Mauritius over the 99-year term of the agreement, with an option for a 50-year extension and Britain maintaining the right of first refusal thereafter.
     
    The base’s capabilities are extensive and strategically crucial. Recent operations launched from Diego Garcia include bombing strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen in 2024-2025, humanitarian aid deployments to Gaza and, further back, attacks on Taliban and al-Qaeda targets in Afghanistan in 2001.
     
    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Lauren Boebert’s Bipartisan Zip Code Bill Passes Through Committee

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lauren Boebert (Colorado, 3)

    EATON, CO— Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-04) successfully passed her bipartisan Zip Code bill, H.R. 3095, through the House Oversight Committee this morning. H.R. 3095 directs the United States Postal Service to create unique zip codes for more than 65 cities, towns, and communities across the country. The bill, which includes a dozen communities in Colorado and 30 cosponsors, is a reintroduction of the Congresswoman’s similar effort in the 118th Congress which passed through the U.S. House in December 2024.

    Cities and towns like Castle Pines, Lone Tree, and Severance all have their sales tax revenue, insurance rates, mail delivery rates, and response times for first responders negatively impacted by the lack of a unique zip code for their community. This legislation will address these issues and directly improve the quality of life for Coloradans and Americans living in these communities.

    “For too long, small cities and towns across Colorado and America have been stuck with higher insurance rates, longer response times, inconsistent mail delivery, and less revenue for public services because they lack their own unique zip code,” said Congresswoman Boebert. “It may not be an issue that draws headlines, but zip code reform is a topic I continue to be passionate about because it impacts the daily lives of so many small-town residents in the 4th District and beyond. Mayors and community leaders from every part of Colorado have made it clear fixing this problem is a priority for them and I am determined to finish the job this Congress after getting our bill through the House Oversight Committee this morning.”

    “We are so appreciative of Congresswoman Boebert’s leadership in addressing the vast number of challenges communities face with the USPS across the country,” said Castle Pines Mayor Tracy Engerman. “Lauren’s bill includes over 65 communities that have worked for years, and in some cases decades, to get a unique zip code from the USPS. We value our relationship with the Congresswoman and, on behalf of our National Zip Code Coalition, I personally want to thank her for unwavering leadership on this issue. Lauren knows this is not a partisan issue and has worked across the aisle to make this bill happen. I believe this will be the year that she gets this bill through Congress.”

    “The Postal Service structures the delivery of mail around ZIP Codes—five-digit numbers that organize how to deliver the mail. H.R. 3095, which will create new ZIP Codes for communities across the nation, is the product of various Members’ advocacy. I thank Rep. Boebert for her work on this bill,” said House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (KY-01).

    BACKGROUND:

    The full text of Congresswoman Boebert’s H.R. 3095 can be read HERE. The Congresswoman’s remarks from today’s Committee hearing can be found HERE.

    The following news stories are a mixture of recent news articles and coverage on Congresswoman Boebert’s previous effort on zip codes in the 118th Congress:

    Fox 31: Proposed bill could give these Colorado areas a new zip code

    CBS News Colorado: New zip codes could improve Colorado towns’ income, safety

    The Orange County Register: Could North Tustin get its own zip code? Proposed congressional effort underway to do that

    The Zip Code system was instituted in America in the 1960s. The Postal Service utilizes the zip code system to deliver mail, but it is also heavily used and relied on by economic developers, insurers and emergency personnel. 

    Communities that do not have a unique Zip Code often experience associated problems that include the loss of economic development, loss of sales tax, unjustifiably high insurance rates, tax remittance and commercial licensing issues, diminished public safety and reduced emergency response times, identity issues, and efficiency issues.

    For example, first responders often go to the wrong streets and people needing help experience delays due to Zip Code issues that would be addressed by this legislation.

    Small towns and cities can petition the Postal Service for a new Zip Code but it is rarely approved and if it is denied they cannot appeal this decision for up to 10 years. Congress has intervened on these matters and last passed a law enacting four new Zip Codes through the Post Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006. 

    The current list of 30 cosponsors for H.R. 3095 includes Rep. Young Kim [CA-40], Rep. Brittany Pettersen [CO-07], Rep. Jason Crow [CO-06], Rep. Gabe Evans [CO-08], Rep. Joe Courtney [CT-02], Rep. Byron Donalds [FL-19], Rep. Mikie Sherrill [NJ-11], Rep. Nancy Mace [SC-01], Rep. Jared Moskowitz [D-FL-23], Rep. Keith Self [TX-03], Rep. Brandon Gill [TX-26], Rep. H. Morgan Griffith [VA-09], Rep. Bryan Steil [WI-01], Rep. Gwen Moore [WI-04], Rep. Scott Fitzgerald [WI-05], Rep. Harriet M. Hageman [WY-AL], Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes [D-OH-13], Rep. Andy Barr [KY-06], Rep. Nicholas A. Langworthy [NY-23], Rep. Nick LaLota [NY-01], Rep. Troy E. Nehls [TX-22], Rep. Mark Harris [NC-08], Rep. Pat Fallon [TX-04], Rep. Clay Higgins [LA-03], Rep. Mark E. Amodei [NV-02], Rep. Brad Finstad [MN-01], Rep. Sean Casten [IL-06], Rep. Gilbert Ray Cisneros [CA-31], Rep. Linda T. Sanchez [D-CA-38], and Rep. Julia Letlow [R-LA-5].

    The full list of communities included can be found below:

    (1) Canyon Lake, California.

    (2) Hidden Hills, California.

    (3) Industry, California.

    (4) North Tustin, California.

    (5) Tehachapi, California.

    (6) Castle Pines, Colorado.

    (7) Centennial, Colorado.

    (8) Cherry Hills Village, Colorado.

    (9) Greenwood Village, Colorado.

    (10) Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

    (11) Keystone, Colorado.

    (12) Lone Tree, Colorado.

    (13) Mountain Village, Colorado.

    (14) Mt. Crested Butte, Colorado.

    (15) Severance, Colorado.

    (16) Silver Cliff, Colorado.

    (17) Sterling Ranch, Colorado.

    (18) Superior, Colorado.

    (19) Telluride, Colorado.

    (20) Hollywood, Florida.

    (21) Oakland Park, Florida.

    (22) Lighthouse Point, Florida.

    (23) Coconut Creek, Florida.

    (24) Parkland, Florida.

    (25) Deerfield Beach, Florida.

    (26) Wilton Manors, Florida.

    (27) Burr Ridge, Illinois.

    (28) Carmel, Indiana.

    (29) Noblesville, Indiana.

    (30) Westfield, Indiana.

    (31) Zionsville, Indiana.

    (32) Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

    (33) Montz, Louisiana.

    (34) Springwater Township, Minnesota.

    (35) Grass Valley, Nevada.

    (36) Swanzey, New Hampshire.

    (37) Kinnelon, New Jersey.

    (38) Flanders, New York.

    (39) Glendale, New York.

    (40) Riverside, New York.

    (41) Pendleton, New York.

    (42) Harnett County, North Carolina.

    (43) Weddington, North Carolina.

    (44) Goose Creek, South Carolina.

    (45) Fairview, Texas.

    (46) Fate, Texas.

    (47) Heath, Texas.

    (48) Murphy, Texas.

    (49) Northlake, Texas.

    (50) Parker, Texas.

    (51) Sargent, Texas.

    (52) Fairlawn, Virginia.

    (53) Caledonia, Wisconsin.

    (54) Franklin, Wisconsin.

    (55) Glendale, Wisconsin.

    (56) Greenfield, Wisconsin.

    (57) Village of Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin.

    (58) Village of Somers, Wisconsin.

    (59) Village of Harrison, Wisconsin.

    (60) Hochatown, Oklahoma.

    (61) Green, Ohio.

    (62) Rochester, Wisconsin.

    (63) Quartzite Township, Minnesota.

    (64) Frederick, Colorado.

    (65) Camargo, Kentucky.

    (66) Wheatfield, New York.

    (67) Mauldin, South Carolina.

    (68) Josephine, Texas.

    MIL OSI USA News –