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Category: Crime

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Public hearings addressing critical threats to the European Union’s internal security – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    Organised Crime and its impact on Internal Security © Image used under the license from Adobe Stock

    The LIBE Committee is pleased to announce two upcoming public hearings addressing critical threats to the European Union’s internal security, taking place on 4th of June.

    The first hearing, “Organised Crime and its Impact on Internal Security“, will explore the growing complexity and cross-border nature of criminal networks, aiming to strengthen cooperation, legislative frameworks, and the protection of citizens’ rights. The second hearing will focus on online radicalisation, particularly the recruitment of children into organised crime and terrorism.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Hearings – Organised Crime and its impact on Internal Security – 04-06-2025 – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    On 4 June, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) is organising a Public Hearing on “Organised Crime and its impact on Internal Security”. The hearing will aim to discuss the escalating complexity and transnational nature of criminal activities which are undermining the European Union’s security and the fundamental rights of its citizens.

    This dedicated hearing will provide a crucial platform to assess emerging threats, enhance cross-border cooperation, and strengthen legislative frameworks. By bringing together policymakers, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, academia and experts, the LIBE Committee can consider and assess coordinated strategies to safeguard the rule of law, protect citizens, and reaffirm the EU’s commitment to justice and internal security.

    The hearing will be divided into two panels and will include Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, Europol Executive Director, Ms Catherine De Bolle and State Secretary to Minister for Justice of Sweden, Ms Charlotte Kugelberg. The Italian national anti-mafia prosecutor and a Professor of criminology, with expertise in the area of organised crime, are also invited to attend the Hearing.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Creative industry figures urge Starmer to act against Gaza genocide- ‘you know what is happening’

    Source: Amnesty International –

    116 leading UK and Irish creatives have urged Keir Starmer to act over Israel’s escalating atrocities in Gaza, criticising UK arms exports, settlement trade, and lack of ICC support – open letter 

    Riz Ahmed, Dame Harriet Walker, Maxine Peake, Nish Kumar, Paloma Faith and others condemn UK government inaction on Gaza 

    The Prime Minister must ‘stand up for justice and human rights’ and ‘words are no longer enough; we need to see action’ – Creatives 

    Artists gather outside Downing Street to hold placards urging the PM to act to stop the genocide and human rights abuses in Gaza 

    Over 100 leading voices from across the UK and Ireland’s film, television, and creative industries including Riz Ahmed, Dame Harriet Walker, Maxine Peake, Nish Kumar, Paloma Faith, Juliet Stevenson and many more have united to call on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to take urgent action in response to Israel’s escalating atrocities in Gaza and the wider Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).   

    In a public letter, the group condemn “all attacks on civilians” but emphasise that as well as Israel’s decades-long military occupation, expansion of illegal settlements, and system of apartheid, Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, as described by Amnesty International in its report “You feel Like You Are Subhuman”.  

    “We are deeply troubled by your lack of meaningful action to help deter Israel’s horrifying and calculated violations of Palestinian rights,” the letter states to the Prime Minister. 

    Since October 2023, more than 20,000 children have reportedly been killed in Gaza. The group point to the use of 2,000lb bombs dropped from F-35 fighter jets – supplied with UK-made components – as part of a devastating campaign that includes siege tactics blocking access to food, water, electricity, and medicine for over two million civilians. 

    “You know what is happening,” they write to the Prime Minister, and state “your Government is failing to fulfil its obligation to prevent the ongoing genocide in Gaza.” 

    The letter also highlights a stark double standard in UK policy: banning imports from Russian-occupied Crimea, while allowing trade with Israeli settlements in the illegally Occupied Palestinian Territory. The International Court of Justice has made clear that countries must not support illegal occupations – including through trade.

    In addition to arms and trade, the group call on the UK government to fully support the International Criminal Court’s investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the region. 

    Their demands include: 

    • An immediate suspension of all UK arms exports to Israel 
    • A ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory 
    • Compliance with international legal rulings, including those of the ICJ and ICC 

    The group implores the Prime Minister “to stand up for justice and human rights” and that “words are no longer enough; we need to see action”. 

    Artists gather outside Downing Street to deliver the letter and hold placards urging the PM to act to stop Israel’s genocide and human rights abuses in Gaza. 

    The artists held placards bearing messages from residents of Gaza that capture the urgency and human toll of the crisis: 

    • “I don’t want my child to die hungry” – Gaza Resident, Occupied Gaza 
    • “You may send your child to bring water only for him to return in a body bag” – Gaza Resident, Occupied Gaza 

    These statements are a stark reminder of the daily reality for civilians under Israel’s illegal blockade.  

    About the Signatories 

    This statement by Amnesty International has been endorsed by a coalition of UK-based professionals across the creative industries – filmmakers, actors, writers, artists and cultural leaders – who believe in the power of art, law, and collective voice in the face of injustice. 

    Ahmed Masoud; Aisling Bea; Aiysha Hart; Alan Moore; Alexander McKinnon; Alexei Sayle; Alice Roberts; Alisdair Beckett; King Amrita Acharia; Andrea Arnold Anjli; Mohindra Anneika; Rose Annie Mac; Sir Anish Kapoor CBE; Anoushka Shankar; Dr Ariel Caine; Bernadette O’Brien; Bertie Carvel; President of the Bianca Jagger Human Rights Foundation; Brian Eno; Briony Hannah; Brona C Titley; Charlotte Church; Chipo Chung; David Morrissey; Deborah Frances-White; Declan McKenna; Denise Gough; Emma D’Arcy; Esther Freud; Esther Manito; Fionn O’Loinsigh; Francesca Martinez; Frankie Boyle; Frederico Gaggio; Grace Petrie; Dame Harriet Walter; Himesh Patel; Ian Rickson; Imran Yusuf; Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness; Inua Ellams MBE; Ivor Graeme; Jackie Clune; James Acaster; Jan Pearson; Janie Dee; Jason Fleming; Jay Griffiths; Jen Brister; Jessica Fostekew; Jim Loach; John Higgs; Josie Long; Jolyon Rubinstein; Juliet Stevenson CBE; Kathy Lette; Kerry Godliman; Khalid Abdalla; Ken Loach; Lise Meyer; Lolly Adefope; Louisa Young; Love Ssegga; Mae Martin; Mahtab Hussain; Manjinder Virk; Mariam Haque; Marnie Dickens; Max Porter; Maxine Peake; Dr Michael Hrebeniak; Misan Harriman; Mystery Jets; Nadia Sawalha; Nicola Thorp; Nikesh Patel; Nikesh Shukla; Nikita Gill; Nimmi Harasgama; Nish Kumar; Paapa Essiedu; Paloma Faith; Paul Laverty; Penny Woolcock; Peter Wyer; Rebecca O’Brien; Rida Hamidou; Riz Ahmed; Robin Ince; Robin Morrissey; Roger Hartley; Roisin O’Loughlin; Ruth Lass; Salena Godden; Sam Spruell; Sara Masry; Sarah Agha; Sasha Behar; Selma Dabbagh; Shazia Mirza; Simon Rix; Sonali Bhattacharyya; Stewart Lee; Steve Coogan; Susan Lynch; Suzi Ruffell; Thomas Browne; Thomas Combes; Thusitha Jayasundera; Tobias Menzies; Dame Tracey Emin; Tracey Seaward; Vijay Mistry; Vivian Munn; Young Fathers (all members); Zainab Hassan 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Video: ICE arrest of Jose Alfredo Palacios-Hernandez

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    We arrested Jose Alfredo Palacios-Hernandez — a criminal alien convicted of indecent assault — May 6.

    Criminal aliens are not welcome in the United States. If you’re here illegally, expect an ICE arrest.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kP4HbWw-vg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee on the Rights of the Child Commend Romania on Deinstitutionalisation Process, Raise Questions on Corporal Punishment and Segregation in Education

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on the Rights of the Child today concluded its review of the combined sixth and seventh periodic reports of Romania, with Committee Experts commending the State on the deinstitutionalisation process of alternative care centres, while raising questions on the prevalence of corporal punishment and measures taken to combat segregation in education. 

    A Committee Expert said she was happy to hear about the programme for the deinstitutionalisation of alternative care centres; this was something Romania should be proud of, as well as all the foster arrangements being made, especially for children with disabilities. 

    Juliana Scerri Ferrante, Committee Expert and Country Taskforce Member, said there seemed to be a lack of parental education programmes around corporal punishment. How could the views of the child be respected if violence was accepted as a disciplinary measure?  Could the Romanian Government take clear steps to train staff and promote child education?  Philip Jaffe, Committee Vice-Chair and Country Taskforce Member, also noted that corporal punishment appeared to remain quite widespread despite being banned in 2004.  What efforts were being made to lower the prevalence and change attitudes among parents and adults? 

    Mr. Jaffe asked what was being done to combat school segregation based on disability, special education needs, and family economic status?  What improvements were being made to increase the improvement of vocational training for older children who may be leaving the school system?  Were there any programmes which specifically targeted economically disadvantaged children?

    The delegation said Romanian legislation completely prohibited violence against children, regardless of the environment.  However, despite the legislation, which was fully aligned with United Nations Conventions, the State needed to fight against mentalities and traditions and to practically change the minds of parents and caregivers, who believed corporal punishment would discipline children better.  Awareness-raising campaigns were being conducted for parents, and mechanisms including hotlines had been developed to support children, including the helpline 119.  Authorities were obligated to launch investigations immediately concerning any allegations of violence against children. 

    The delegation said the Ministry of Education had taken steps to assist children with special educational needs, with the creation of frameworks offering them different kinds of support, based on the type of disability.  Adaptive measures had been taken for Roma children, including stimulating their participation in early education and in summer kindergartens, supporting education in their current language, and translating schoolbooks in their mother tongue, among others.  An increasing number of contracts between schools and the business sector had been recorded, including around 6,000 contracts in the school year 2023/2024. 

    Introducing the report, Helena Omna-Raicu, President of the National Authority for the Protection of Child Rights and Adoption of Romania and head of the delegation, said Romania’s path in recent years had been shaped by profound changes and emerging pressures, including the war in Ukraine and the arrival of thousands of children and families fleeing conflict.  As a neighbouring country, Romania had mobilised rapidly to provide emergency care, protection, psychosocial support, and schooling to children regardless of their nationality. 

    Ms. Omna-Raicu said Romania had made significant progress in certain areas, including in the deinstitutionalisation process.  Of the 167 residential placement centres operating in 2017, 149 had already been closed by the end of March 2025 and over 6,000 children were now benefiting from family-type alternative care.  The remaining 18 placement centres would be closed soon. 

    In closing remarks, Rinchen Chophel, Committee Expert and Country Taskforce Coordinator, reiterated the Committee’s appreciation for the Government of Romania’s support to Ukrainian refugees, particularly children.  Significant progress had been made from the last reporting period to the current one, with many looking forward beyond the dialogue. 

    In her closing remarks, Ms. Omna-Raicu, expressed deep gratitude for the dialogue.  The Committee’s concerns regarding urban disparities were noted.  Romania would treat the Committee’s recommendations as an opportunity for deeper transformation. 

     

    The delegation of Romania was comprised of representatives from the National Authority for the Protection of Child Rights and Adoption; the Ministry of Education and Research; the Ministry of Justice; the Ministry of Health; the Ministry of Labour, Family, Youth and Social Security; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the General Inspectorate of the Romanian Police; the General Inspectorate for Immigration; the National Administration of Penitentiaries; the Prosecutor’s Office; the National Health Insurance Authority; and the Permanent Mission of Romania to the United Nations Office at Geneva. 

    Summaries of the public meetings of the Committee can be found here, while webcasts of the public meetings can be found here. The programme of work of the Committee’s ninety-ninth session and other documents related to the session can be found here.

    The Committee will next meet in public at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, 21 May to begin its consideration of the combined fifth and sixth periodic reports of Qatar (CRC/C/QAT/5-6).

    Report

    The Committee has before it the combined sixth and seventh periodic reports of Romania (CRC/C/ROU/6-7).

    Presentation of Report

    HELENA OMNA-RAICU, President of the National Authority for the Protection of Child Rights and Adoption of Romania and head of the delegation, said Romania’s path in recent years had been shaped by profound changes and emerging pressures, including the war in Ukraine and the arrival of thousands of children and families fleeing conflict.  As a neighbouring country, Romania had mobilised rapidly to provide emergency care, protection, psychosocial support, and schooling to children regardless of their nationality.  The State was proud to have established the first Blue Dot in the region at the border crossing with Ukraine and launched the use of the Child Protection Information Management System Primero in only a couple of months after the onset of the refugee crisis, ensuring registration and case management for almost 40,000 refugee children.

    Several new national strategies had been developed for 2021-2027 which aimed to address child poverty and wellbeing, including the national strategy for the protection and promotion of children’s rights “protected children, safe Romania” 2023-2027, and the national strategy on social inclusion and poverty reduction 2022-2027, among others.   Romania had also adopted and begun the implementation of the child guarantee national action plan 2023-2030, which aimed to reduce the number of children at risk of poverty or social exclusion by at least 500,000 by 2030. Romania had seen a measurable decline in the proportion of children at risk of poverty and social exclusion from 41.5 per cent in 2022 to 33.8 per cent in 2024. 

    In April 2024, law 100/2024 was approved which included specific amendments to several laws relevant for social assistance.  The new emergency ordinance no. 96/2024, approved in June 2024 regarding the provision of humanitarian support and assistance by the Romanian State to foreign citizens or stateless persons in special situations coming from the area of the armed conflict in Ukraine, established the legal framework providing refugees with access to a wide range of key national statutory services. Another significant legislative change was enacted by amending law 272/2004 in December 2024, which now mandated the participation of children in public decision-making processes. 

    There had also been several significant programmes launched, including modernising the unique national number 119 for reporting cases of abuse, neglect, exploitation and any other form of violence against children; the development of community services for children and families to prevent separation and support the family reintegration of children from the special protection system; and the development of 200 integrated community centres and 150 daycare centres for children, among others.  Despite these advances, challenges remained, including disparities between rural and urban areas. 

    However, Romania had made significant progress in certain areas, including in the deinstitutionalisation process.  Of the 167 residential placement centres operating in 2017, 149 had already been closed by the end of March 2025 and over 6,000 children were now benefiting from family-type alternative care.  The remaining 18 placement centres would be closed soon.  The use of European Union structural funds had also supported the training of over 11,000 foster carers.  A new programme had also been introduced, aimed to scale-up integrated community-services in 2,000 marginalised rural communities, combining social assistance, health, education, and other types of social support.  Over 800 million euros of European Social Funds were planned for enhancing access to social services for the most vulnerable, including children and their families.

    The State had also expanded support for children at risk of early school leaving by using the early warning mechanism in education, of which around 50,000 participants from 6,950 institutions had completed the training programme.  Targeted policies had been developed that supported the reintegration of children who dropped out during the pandemic, and more resources were reaching schools in deprived communities.  In health, the role of community nurses and Roma health mediators had grown, and work continued to improve access to services for vulnerable groups. 

    Pilot projects on mental health for children had laid the groundwork for more systemic change, with mental health services for children and adolescents being expanded. However, challenges remained in ensuring equitable access to quality services in rural and marginalised areas, addressing shortages of specialised personnel, and improving early identification and intervention for children with developmental delays or disabilities.

    Romania was committed to reducing the number of children affected by poverty and social exclusion by at least 500,000.  The State would also pursue the complete closure of old-type residential centres, with every child in alternative care placed in family-based or community settings. Romania was committed to translating the pledges made during the first-ever global ministerial conference on ending violence against children held at the end of 2024 in Bogota, Columbia, into realities for children. 

    In education, the State aimed to increase the early childhood education enrolment rate by at least 22 per cent for children aged zero to three and at least 95 per cent for children aged four to six.  There would be a focus on improving mental health services for children and linking schools, families, and health providers more effectively, aiming to reduce preventable mortality by 20 per cent compared to 2021 levels for children of all ages.   Finally, Romania would ensure that children had a role in shaping systems through participatory budgeting, monitoring, and children and youth-led policy platforms. Romania remained committed to fully implementing the Convention and to contributing to the global effort to advance child rights everywhere.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    RINCHEN CHOPHEL, Committee Expert and Country Taskforce Coordinator, said Romania had achieved a lot since the last report, which the Committee was happy about. Romania’s assistance to the Ukrainian refugees and children should be noted.  There had been significant legislative achievements, particularly the amendments to law 272.  What measures were in place to ensure effective implementation of the law?  The national strategy on social inclusion and poverty reduction 2022-2027, and the child guarantee national action plan 2023-2030 were very welcome developments.  How had these impacted on measures to promote and protect children? Had an assessment been undertaken to evaluate the impact of the national strategy. 

    While welcoming increased allocations to certain sectors, the Coordinator asked what measures were in place to develop a child-friendly budgeting process?  What was the current status of the complaints mechanism in the country for reporting all forms of abuse and violence for children? What had been done to inform children of their right to file a complaint?  Had professionals working with children been trained on receiving complaints concerning children and the Convention? 

    The establishment of the child Ombudsman in 2018 was a crucial step in the right direction, and the Government should be congratulated for that.  What was the current status of the institution?  How did it connect with children?  The Committee noted the State party’s awareness raising activities on the Convention with appreciation, including the translation of the Committee’s general comments into Romanian.  How did these efforts extend to rural children? 

    JULIANA SCERRI FERRANTE, Committee Expert and Country Taskforce Member, asked if the national strategy for school de-segregation been adopted?  If not, then when would this occur?  What measures had been taken to address hate speech? Did the permanent committee set up in every education unit offer a complaints mechanism to children?  If not, how could children complain in schools? 

    What had been done to decrease discrimination against the Roma population?  What efforts had been made to promote the inclusion of Roma in mainstream schooling?  How was discrimination against children with disabilities tackled in education?  There was concern that Romanian law did not define valid reasons on which minor marriages could be authorised and this was left to the discretion of the authorities.  What training was provided to apply the best interests of the child? What approaches had been taken to reduce the preventable mortality of children under five years old?  What was the position of the Romanian Government on the proposed amendment to law 272 regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex children?

    There seemed to be a lack of parental education programmes around corporal punishment. How could the views of the child be respected if violence was accepted as a disciplinary measure?  Could the Romanian Government take clear steps to train staff and promote child education?  How were child labour laws enforced?  How would the Romanian Government establish a child participation mechanism?  Were refugee and asylum-seeking children involved in decisions which affected them? Were children provided information on their rights? 

    What measures were being taken to strengthen the capacity of the social welfare services? How were children with disabilities prioritised in reform measures?  What was being done to combat the illicit transfer of children abroad?  Had bilateral agreements been conducted in this regard?  Was the Romanian Government carrying out measures to understand the impact of prison on children?  How were they supported when their parents were incarcerated?  What support was available for young people leaving institutional care? 

    SOPHIE KILADZE, Committee Chair and Country Taskforce Member, said the adoption of law 105/22 providing for automatic birth registration should be considered as positive.  Could more information be provided about how the law worked in practice?  Were there any plans to introduce a statelessness determination procedure?  Was data on statelessness which concerned children disaggregated?  What measures were in place to protect children from excessive screen use?  How did Romania deal with artificial intelligence as a European Union member? Romania had one of the lowest levels of digital skills in the European Union; what measures were being undertaken to promote digital literacy among children, as well as parents? 

    PHILIP JAFFE, Committee Vice-Chair and Country Taskforce Member, said it was wonderful that strong pledges had been made at the global ministerial conference on ending violence against children in Bogota.  How was Romania implementing its mission as a pathfinding global alliance country?  It seemed Romanian children were in need of protection against high levels of physical and sexual violence.  One of the pledges made in Bogota was to conduct a prevalence study on sexual abuse; had the State moved forward with this study?  Were there dedicated teams drawing up the comprehensive framework and strategy which had been promised?  One pledge had been to enhance children’s participation regarding issues of violence.  What efforts had the Government made to ensure that there was a clear public understanding that all forms of violence against children needed to be reported? 

    Corporal punishment appeared to remain quite widespread despite being banned in 2004. What efforts were made to lower the prevalence and change attitudes among parents and adults?  It was encouraging that Romania had been one of 40 countries to recently join a statement of the Human Rights Council, expressing children’s right to protection from corporal punishment.  How was bullying and cyber bullying being addressed at all levels of legislative policy?  Could more information about the child helplines be provided? 

    Was it true that around seven to eight per cent of girls in Romania were married before the age of 18, with that percentage rising to around 20 per cent in the Roma community? What was being done in response to this? Was it true that charges had been dropped against a 17-year-old boy who entered into a non-formal marriage with an 11-year-old girl?  What policy was in practice in the health sector regarding surgical interventions and intersex children?  What were the guidelines to protect their bodily integrity until these children were capable of providing consent? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the law on child protection now included clear provisions which made it compulsory for public administrative bodies to involve children in consultations regarding issues which concerned them.  The national strategy on children’s rights was recently adopted and another national action plan was elaborated; these plans were complimentary. This was a comprehensive package which would help the Government to better implement all necessary measures. An assessment of the national strategy had been undertaken.  The State was now piloting a system which would indicate how to establish a model of financing where children would be considered as a different group that would benefit from a different budget. 

    The national programme for schooling in Romania ensured children received food support at schools to increase the enrolment rate and participation.  School supplies were also provided for all school grades. Two hundred euros were provided for the purchase of technology, and remedial lessons were provided to students coming from disadvantaged communities.  Recently, the scholarship system had been extended to encompass more disadvantaged groups. 

    Funds allocated to primary medical care had registered a continuous annual increase.  Just last year, the fund allocated to primary care increased by 24 per cent.  The national observatory was a big achievement for Romania and aimed to identify the children most at risk of being separated from their families, based on indicators.  Training was being conducted on the use of the observatory to ensure the data provided was reliable.   

    The hearing of minors in justice proceedings took place in special rooms, and a psychologist was always required to be present.  The new national strategy for the development of the judicial system provided for another 10 hearing rooms across the country.  There were specially designated prosecutors to handle cases involving minors.  The child Ombudsman was fully operational and cooperated with all institutions.  It had a functioning complaints mechanism.  If an incident was notified to the Ombudsman, an investigation started, which concluded with a set of recommendations sent to the institution responsible to correct the situation.  

    Civil society representatives were part of the consultative groups established at the national level.  A methodology had been issued and piloted regarding identifying and banning segregation within the educational sector.  The measures focused on ensuring an inclusive education.  Any kind of discrimination on criteria such as ethnicity, religion or sex was completely forbidden within the educational system.  Specific places in high schools were allocated for Roma students and students with disabilities.  To ensure access to high quality education, educational services had been developed starting from early education to prevent early dropout and absenteeism.     

    A set of programmes had been introduced, including a monthly allowance for children up to the age of 18, as well as parental leave.  There was also a minimum income support which supported families with children. Emergency ordinance no.96 was developed specifically for children from Ukraine and their families. 

    There was a dedicated intergovernmental group which addressed the subject of forced marriage, with the aim of drafting legislative projects in this regard.  Concerning infant mortality and the number of deaths under one year of age, a regionalised system of care had been introduced to ensure each neonate was born in a medical unit which could provide the services necessary for their care, thereby reducing infant mortality.  An important national programme was in place which contained around 15 interventions, established in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund.  Another programme provided 900 neonatal incubators around the country. 

    A significant number of services had been established to help families in vulnerable situations. A special programme was launched last year on the minimum inclusion income, which focused on how to assist parents within the labour market.  The State was aware of a lack of social assistance in rural areas, which was where the most vulnerable communities lived.  Interventions were directed, including food packages, and local administrative capacities would be developed. 

    A programme had been developed which aimed to establish hearing rooms for children in courts, and 29 hearing rooms were completed in April 2024.  The rooms were used by the Prosecutors and police officers when they had victims who were minors.  The rooms were child-friendly and specially designed with toys.  The child did not see the other people participating in the hearing.  A new strategy adopted in 2025 provided for the need for an additional 10 hearing rooms in the near future. 

    All social services were functioning based on a set of minimum quality standards, which were verified by the national agency for social inspection.   With the United Nations Children’s Fund, Romania was piloting a project which would identify and train foster families to care specifically for children with disabilities.  A child entering the special protection system was prioritised to be reintegrated in a family environment.  Adoption was considered the best solution in this regard, and this could only be decided by a court.  Priority was offered to domestic adoption, but international adoption could be considered after one year. 

    Amendments had been made to allow special spaces for visits in prison with children.  Such spaces were now available in all prison facilities within the Romanian penitentiary system.  There were cooperation protocols in place with the United Nations Children’s Fund and Save the Children which supported parents to develop their parental skills and improve their relationship with their children. The State was aware of the need to develop programmes which addressed the needs of children and adults and improved the relationship within the family.

    The Ministry of Education aimed to develop digital competencies among students and parents. During the pandemic, all students were provided with laptops and digital devices to keep up with the educational process.  In a new initiative launched in partnership with Microsoft, the Ministry of Education had announced the development of a project concerning artificial intelligence for increasing the school performance of students.  A project was also being implemented aimed at improving the digital skills of civil servants. 

    Romania had a dedicated national child help line.  It was toll-free and operational 24/7.  Those operating the calls were specialised counsellors who could refer the cases to the relevant authorities.  Another helpline just referred cases to social services.  The 119 helpline was a recent development, operational from any place in Romania and accessible to children and adults.  After the first year, it had been well received and was being regularly used to inform on any situation concerning a child. 

    Rape of a minor and sexual assault against a minor had been introduced as acts within the Criminal Code.  Rape committed by an adult against a minor under the age of 18 was punished by a prison sentence of between seven to 12 years.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    PHILIP JAFFE, Committee Vice-Chair and Country Taskforce Member, said one in 20 people in Romania held a disability certificate, with around 80,000 being children. What were the difficulties faced by certain groups of children to receive this certificate, including rural children?  Were there any awareness-raising campaigns for rural minorities and poor families regarding their entitlement to services?  Could more information be provided about Romania’s strategy for persons with disabilities?  How were the number and expertise of professionals being scaled up?  To what degree had the State embraced a human-rights approach to disability, as opposed to a medical model of disability?  How many children were still left in institutions? When would such institutions all be closed? 

    There were two recent laws on pre-university education and higher education; could more information be provided about the implementation of these laws?  What was the level of gross domestic product dedicated to education in Romania?  Was there a direct pipeline to hear about the concerns of children within the education system and were these concerns taken seriously?  What was being done to combat school segregation based on disability, special education needs, and family economic status?  Figures suggested that 40 per cent of children with disabilities had limited access to education.  What steps were being made to improve education for children under the age of three? What improvements were being made to increase the improvement of vocational training for older children who may be leaving the school system?  Were there any programmes which specifically targeted economically disadvantaged children?  What was the mission of the Ministry of Youth? 

    SOPHIE KILADZE, Committee Chair and Country Taskforce Member, asked if sufficient resources were dedicated to the capacity building of medical personnel? Did all children have access to health care, including health insurance?  How were vaccinations promoted in the country?  How was breast feeding promoted?  Child obesity was an issue of concern; how was this combatted? Was there a hot meals programme? 

    Mental health was a very important issue.  Was data on mental health being disaggregated, including on suicide?  Was there a comprehensive strategy and action plan regarding the issue of mental health?  Were quality mental health services available in rural and remote areas? According to alarming information, the country had the highest number of adolescent mothers across the European Union. What steps would the State undertake to prevent adolescent pregnancies and subsequent abortions?  Would Romania make reproductive education part of the curriculum? 

    What measures were in place to address drugs or substance abuse?  Were there treatments available for children?  Romania had made substantial efforts for Ukrainian children and other groups of refugees.  How would the State integrate these children long-term?  Were there delays in the enrolment of refugee children and their families into the social services system?  Would amendments be considered in the asylum law to end the detention of families at the legislative level?  Did unaccompanied migrant children have access to services, including psychosocial support and disability services?  Were there any barriers which could hinder access to education? 

    What measures were being undertaken to end child labour, including begging?  What was being done to assist children in street situations?  How were perpetrators investigated and brought to justice?  Were there quality services for child victims of trafficking in place? Was the system of child justice established across the country?  Were adequate financial resources allocated to it?  Was free legal aid available to children in conflict with the law?  Was the detention of children used only as a last resort?  If yes, did it comply with international standards? 

    RINCHEN CHOPHEL, Committee Expert and Country Taskforce Coordinator, said one in five children were affected by severe material and social deprivation, which was concerning.  What was the reality on the ground?  The minimum social assistance package had been introduced; could more information be provided on it?  Romania was increasingly vulnerable to droughts, heatwaves, floods and landslides, and it was also grappling with water pollution.  How had the national strategies pertaining to climate change helped to address the challenges of the environment and climate change in the country? What measures were being adopted to take into account children’s needs and views in the development of specific policies, including disaster-preparedness plans?  Were child rights impact assessments carried out when dealing with the business sector? 

    A Committee Expert asked what the national coverage of vaccinations was in the country?  Romania had an epidemic of measles; how did the population react to vaccinations?  How was confidence being built in vaccines?  Were people familiar with the law on rape?  What happened once the 30-day limit for registering births had elapsed? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    Romanian legislation completely prohibited violence against children, regardless of the environment.  However, despite the legislation, which was fully aligned with United Nations Conventions, the State needed to fight against mentalities and traditions and to practically change the minds of parents and caregivers, who believed corporal punishment would discipline children better.  Awareness-raising campaigns were being conducted for parents, and mechanisms including hotlines had been developed to support children, including the helpline 119. 

    Authorities were obligated to launch investigations immediately concerning any allegations of violence against children.  Romania was committed to continuing these efforts and to changing social norms and mentalities.  The numbers of cases of violence against children was increasing, which meant people were becoming more aware of the issue and reporting it. 

    Since 2016, the methodology applied in Romania clearly distinguished between the concept of disability and special education needs.  In Romania, the deinstitutionalisation process was one of the most important commitments of the Government, and the process was now concluding. Currently, out of the 167 residential centres operating in 2017, 149 had already been closed, and more than 6,000 children were benefiting from alternative care.  The legal framework stated that no placement centre could operate without the approved closure plan.  The deinstitutionalisation process also involved finding better alternative and family-based care for children.   Only 18 placement centres remained in the process of being closed, and by 2026 no such centre would be operating in Romania.  The State was still aiming to find family-style solutions for children with disabilities, and a project was being developed with the United Nations Children’s Fund to this end.

    If a birth was declared after the 30-day deadline but less than one year after the birth, the birth certificate could be issued based on approval from the mayor.  If the birth declaration was made more than one year after the birth, the certificate needed to be approved by the mayor and other administrative bodies. 

    More than 2.8 million students were enrolled in the 2023/2024 school year in Romania.  For high school, there had been a significant decrease in dropouts from 2.5 per cent in 2017 to 0.8 per cent in 2024. Around 4.5 per cent of the budget was allocated to education.  The Ministry of Education had taken steps to assist children with special educational needs, with the creation of frameworks offering them different kinds of support, based on the type of disability.  For students with temporary special needs, the law of education presented special measures, including the implementation of schooling hospitals, or schooling at home for those who were required to be in hospital or at home for medical reasons. 

    Adaptive measures had been taken for Roma children, including stimulating their participation in early education and in summer kindergartens, supporting education in their current language, and translating schoolbooks in their mother tongue, among others.  More than 66,000 teachers had been trained in digital and multimedia use.  An increasing number of contracts between schools and the business sector had been recorded, around 6,000 contracts in the school year 2023/2024.  Most teachers had been trained to create open educational resources.  Significant funds had been allocated to modernising rest room facilities in schools. 

    Any student could submit complaints of discrimination via an established framework.  Students benefitted from representation in the school system through several platforms.  The national strategy for sustainable development issued the methodology of the “green week programme”, which contributed to preschoolers and students’ competence in understanding basic concepts of climate change, to initiate individual and protective action to protect the environment.  Teachers were obliged to obtain 90 transferrable professional credits every five years, through attending courses offered by Romanian training houses.

    In recent years, infant mortality had remained relatively stable in Romania.  From 2023 to 2024, the number of doctors treating children increased by five per cent.  Regarding children’s access to medical services, all children were insured in Romania and benefitted from basic medical services across all sectors of health care.  The national health insurance fund also reimbursed certain services.  The Ministry of Health had launched a vaccination campaign in partnership with the Red Cross, to raise awareness of parents; this had been accompanied by a “catch-up” vaccination schedule, resulting in 1,500 children being vaccinated.  A protocol had been signed with the Orthodox Church to establish an active partnership to create a framework for anyone facing a possible cancer diagnosis, offering support.   

    World Breastfeeding Week was celebrated in August each year, as breastfeeding remained one of the most effective ways to provide children with the best start in life. Breast feeding recommendations had been developed with partners, including the World Health Organization, and were relayed to medical practitioners at the local level.  Around 200 integrated community centres would be restructured, elevated and equipped.  A television broadcast had been created to promote the importance of breastfeeding in the first six months of a child’s life.   

    Information and education campaigns had been carried out for children, parents and teachers about the benefits of a healthy diet and the consequences of unhealthy eating. Around 1,000 people had benefited from the campaign.  Substance abuse could be detected by family doctors and psychological services could be recommended.  The national health insurance house implemented the national mental health programme, providing treatment for persons with substance abuses, and ensuring specific treatment for patients with depressive disorders. 

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    RINCHEN CHOPHEL, Committee Expert and Country Taskforce Coordinator, said the Government had approved a social assistance programme in 2011 which targeted all communes, but was underfinanced; could more information be provided?  The Environment Week presented was an excellent initiative; how was it being utilised? 

    JULIANA SCERRI FERRANTE, Committee Expert and Country Taskforce Member, asked if there were any supervision orders, where children remained with their family but were supervised?  Were there age assessment procedures during the asylum procedure?  What rights did children applying for asylum have?  Could they appeal any decisions? 

    PHILIP JAFFE, Committee Vice-Chair and Country Taskforce Member, said according to research by the United Nations Children’s Fund, Romanian girls felt much lonelier than Romanian boys.  Was there a reason for this gap? 

    SOPHIE KILADZE, Committee Chair and Country Taskforce Member, asked for clarification on case management coordination? 

    A Committee Expert noted the prevalence of women among the large delegation and asked if women generally had an important and high-profile position in Romania, or if this only occurred when discussing children?  Had there been any programmes to prevent violence?  Had the concept of gender been fully institutionalised? Were teachers trained in detecting signs of violence?  What was the prevalence of child marriage in the country?  What about figures for marriages which were not officially recorded? Had there been any programmes to prevent the phenomenon or sanctions? 

    Was there any mapping of the at-risk populations in the country of female genital mutilation? Was female genital mutilation prohibited in law?  What was the most updated action on sexual exploitation?  Was there any cross-border cooperation between Romania and neighbouring countries?  Did Ukrainian children born in Romania have access to Romanian citizenship?  Did rape victims have access to emergency contraception?

    Another Expert asked about vaccinations from children aged zero to 12; was there distrust in the population when it came to vaccines?  It seemed that tuberculosis was a public health issue.  What was being done in the field of treatment? Were there children whose births had not been declared, particularly among refugees, Roma and migrants?

    A Committee Expert asked about the new concept introduced by the Parliament on parental alienation.  How had this concept been consulted on, particularly with children?  How would the best interests of the child be ensured? What specific measures were being taken to reduce school dropout and improve access to quality education for Roma children?  What mechanisms were in place to monitor and support Roma children who were at risk of dropping out? 

    Another Committee Expert said she was happy to hear about the programme for the deinstitutionalisation of alternative care centres; this was something Romania should be proud of, as well as all the foster arrangements being made, especially for children with disabilities.  What was the State doing to support the families of children with disabilities, particularly those with severe disabilities? 

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said emergency contraception was available to those who had experienced sexual assault and could be obtained without a prescription.  Adolescent pregnancies were a major concern for the Romanian public health system.  Contraceptives and medical devices were provided free of charge through family centres and through gynaecological departments, where abortions were performed upon request.  Romania was one of the first European countries to offer non-discriminatory HIV/AIDS treatment. 

    Refugees were granted a monthly allowance, one-month’s accommodation, and access to education for minors.  Legislation in the field of asylum provided for beneficiaries to apply for family reunification when family members were not in Romania.  Identity documents needed to be provided to prove family links. Family reunification of unaccompanied minors was carried out with the best interest of the child in mind. Minors from immigrant backgrounds benefitted from the same rights as minors who were Romanian citizens. Romanian language courses provided teaching support, textbooks and workbooks developed on linguistic levels according to the European Union framework.  Priority for asylum applications was given to unaccompanied minors. 

    Medical forensic expertise was used when an asylum applicant could not prove their age and there were serious doubts about their ethnicity.  The declared age of the asylum applicant was accepted if their refusal to undergo the medical expertise was based on compelling reasons.  The assessment was performed with full respect for the minor’s dignity and in as least invasive way as possible. 

    Investigations in child and human trafficking were undertaken by specialists with supervision from specialised prosecutors.  Through law 229/2024, the Romanian Parliament aimed to discourage sex tourism and the pimping of minors.  More than 1,200 criminal cases had been identified regarding child trafficking. The General Inspectorate of Romanian Police organised regular sessions for border police and 

    non-governmental organizations, with the purpose of identifying victims.  More than 125 trainings had been carried out to over 4,000 workers who may encounter trafficking victims through their work. The National Agency against Trafficking in Persons and the Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime had implemented a national action plan in the fight against human trafficking to improve the awareness of at-risk groups. 

    In 2024, prosecutors from the Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime took part in 35 seminars regarding identifying child victims, compensation for victims, international cooperation, and online sexual exploitation of children, among other topics.  A public awareness campaign had been launched relating to sexual acts between adults and minors.  The message stated that a sexual act committed against a minor of 16 years or under constituted rape, if the age gap was more than five years, and punishments applied. 

    According to Romanian legislation, minors benefited from free legal aid, whether they committed a crime, or if they were victims of a crime.  The Romanian penal system limited sanctions in regard to minors, and measures for deprivation of liberty were only given as a last resort and could only be ordered by a court. 

    The integrated social services project aimed to develop the academic knowledge of professionals working in the social assistance field, and to develop concrete measures for vulnerable groups of people. 

    During “green week”, schools organised activities around several topics relating to the environment.  These were uploaded on a specialised platform dedicated to education on climate change and varied from one educational cycle to another.  The Ministry of Education had developed a programme, the mechanism of early-living alert, which focused on early education for Roma children. 

    In Romania, social services were obligated to identify children in a risk situation.  Children could remain within families and be monitored by social services until the risks were removed.  The parental alienation provision was introduced in all cases relating to violence and neglect.  It was recommended that this provision be removed, as these measures should only be applied by the courts.  There were many trainings offered to judges on methods relating to children’s rights.  Social workers were also trained to provide necessary assistance to visiting parents. Social services could only assist; they could not intervene and solve disputes between parents. 

    Closing Remarks

    RINCHEN CHOPHEL, Committee Expert and Country Taskforce Coordinator, reiterated the Committee’s appreciation for the Government of Romania’s support to Ukrainian refugees, particularly children.  The State was encouraged to continue to undertake these activities which were important for solidarity for children.  Significant progress had been made from the last reporting period to the current one, with many looking forward beyond the dialogue.  This was an indication of the Government’s commitment towards children.  As the country moved forward, it was important to put emphasis on implementation and ensure vulnerable children did not miss out. 

    HELENA OMNA-RAICU, President of the National Authority for the Protection of Child Rights and Adoption of Romania and head of the delegation, expressed deep gratitude for the dialogue.  The delegation welcomed the Committee’s emphasis on equality, accountability and sustainability, and would underpin the next stage of the State’s deinstitutionalisation journey.  The Committee’s concerns regarding urban disparities were noted.  It was recognised that rights delayed were rights denied, and the State was committed to accelerating affirmative action. Romania would treat the Committee’s recommendations as an opportunity for deeper transformation. 

    SOPHIE KILADZE, Committee Chair, thanked the delegation for the fruitful dialogue and commended its members for their clear and comprehensive answers.  Ms. Kiladze extended her best regards to the children of Romania. 

    ___________

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

     

    CRC25.013E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Trafficking in children – 21-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Trafficking in human beings is a serious crime and a violation of human rights. When it happens to children, it disrupts their childhood and exposes them to horrific exploitation and abuse, and a precarious future. Even though the true number of victims of human trafficking is not known, recent data reveal that the number of child victims has been on the increase. Awareness of children as victims of human trafficking has increased as well. Just like adult victims, child victims can be trafficked for sexual exploitation, forced labour, forced criminality or organ removal. Recently, the EU has officially recognised new forms of exploitation, including surrogacy, forced marriage and illegal adoption. There are geographical differences in the recruitment of victims, with the vast majority of child victims originating from northern, southern and western Europe being girls (82.9 %) and 55.1 % of child victims from Africa and 77.6 % of child victims from southern Asia being boys. Female child victims are more likely to report sexual exploitation, while male child victims are more likely to be exploited through child labour. Forced criminality in the EU, although comparatively lower as a share of the total number of victims, is steadily increasing, with boys of migration background being the main targets. The EU’s anti-trafficking legislation was amended last year, resulting in legislation that identifies children as especially vulnerable to trafficking. The amendments also expanded the list of forms of exploitation to include those that particularly affect children and emphasised the importance of a victim-centred approach and prevention. Member States are therefore asked, inter alia, to promote and provide regular and specialised training for professionals who are likely to come into contact with such children. Another relevant directive, on victims’ rights, is currently being revised to provide even more rights to victims, including child victims. The existing directive already prioritises the best interests of children when applying its provisions.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Joint Statement of Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) ahead of the AU – EU Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on 21 May 2025

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    ACCRA, Ghana, May 21, 2025/APO Group/ —

    As shepherds of the Catholic Church in Africa and in Europe, we, the bishops of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) (www.SECAM.org) and of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), speak today with a voice formed by the lived realities of our people – farmers, fisherfolk, pastoralists, women and youth – whose lives are shaped by the land, and whose hope depends on justice, peace, and dignity. We welcome the convening of the joint African Union–European Union Foreign Ministers’ Meeting as an opportunity to examine not only shared ambitions but the very nature of our partnership. As SECAM and COMECE have already stated five years ago, “we are firmly convinced that Africa and Europe could become the engines for a reinvigoration of multilateral cooperation by reinforcing their longstanding ties marked by our common roots and geographical proximity […] towards an equitable and responsible partnership that puts the people at its centre”.

    We are, however, deeply concerned about certain developments in this partnership over recent years. We have witnessed a profound shift in European priorities – away from solidarity with the most fragile regions and communities, and from development cooperation aimed at eradicating poverty and hunger, towards a more narrowly defined set of geopolitical and economic interests. Notwithstanding the commendable intention behind some projects promoting human development at the grassroots, certain initiatives supported under the EU’s Global Gateway – while presented as mutually beneficial – too often seem to replicate extractive patterns of the past: privileging European corporate and strategic aims over the real needs and aspirations of African people.

    Land, water, seeds, and minerals – the very foundations of life – seem to be once again treated as commodities for foreign profit rather than as common goods to be stewarded with care. Africa is being asked to sacrifice its ecosystems and communities to help Europe meet its decarbonisation goals – whether through massive land deals for so-called “green” energy projects, the expansion of carbon offset plantations, or the outsourcing of industrial agriculture’s toxic inputs and waste. This is not partnership. This is not justice.

    “The earth herself, burdened and laid waste, is among the most abandoned and maltreated of our poor” (Laudato Si’, §2)

    The Catholic Church, inspired by late Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, shares the understanding that we must hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. These cries are loud and clear across Africa. Climate change is wreaking havoc on those who depend on the land, even as our continent has contributed least to the crisis. Soil degradation, poisoned water, and the loss of biodiversity are destroying the foundation of rural life. Hunger in Africa is growing, not because we lack food, but because we have allowed systems to dominate that put profit above people and that treat agriculture as an industrial process, not a way of life.

    We urge the ministers gathered in Brussels to place the dignity of African peoples at the heart of the AU-EU partnership. This means supporting a transformation of agriculture that breaks free from dependency on imported fertilisers, chemical inputs, and genetically modified seeds. It means protecting and promoting farmer-managed seed systems, which are the repositories of Africa’s agricultural biodiversity and the key to food sovereignty. These systems are not backward or inefficient – they are resilient, rooted in tradition, and adapted to local ecologies. Criminalising farmers for saving seeds or imposing rigid intellectual property regimes aligned with UPOV or corporate agendas violates both their rights and the planet’s needs.

    We call for an immediate ban on the export and use of Highly Hazardous Pesticides in Africa. It is a grave injustice that chemicals banned in Europe for their risks to health and ecosystems are still manufactured there and marketed to African farmers. This double standard must end. Instead, we must invest in agroecology – a science, a practice, and a social movement that nourishes the land, respects cultural traditions, and empowers women and youth. Agroecology offers a truly African path to climate adaptation and rural regeneration. It is rooted in the wisdom of our communities and validated by science. It is our future.

    Moreover, we remind our political leaders that land is sacred. For most Africans, land is not merely a factor of production or a tradable asset. It is a gift from God, entrusted to us by our ancestors and held in common for future generations. Large-scale land acquisitions by foreign investors or development finance institutions, carried out without free, prior, and informed consent, are an affront to this sacred trust. They displace communities, erode customary rights, and contribute to conflict and forced migration. Ministers must act decisively to end land grabbing and ensure legal protection for communal and customary tenure systems.

    We are particularly disturbed by growing use of African territory as a site for Europe’s resource needs and climate ambitions. Decarbonisation must not come at the cost of African ecosystems or the rights of African communities. It is ethically untenable to demand that Africa become the dumping ground for Europe’s “green transition” – whether through extractive mining for critical minerals or vast land projects that reduce our continent to a carbon sink.

    Let us be clear: Africa does not need charity, nor does it need to be a battleground for external interests. What it needs is justice. What it needs is a partnership grounded in mutual respect, environmental stewardship, and the centrality of human dignity. We believe such a partnership is possible – but only if the structures and priorities of AU-EU cooperation are fundamentally reoriented towards these objectives.

    We therefore urge ministers to listen more closely to African civil society, Indigenous peoples, and faith communities – not as token participants, but as equal co-creators of policy. Real dialogue means making space for the voices of those who live on and with the land.

    We conclude by echoing the spirit of Laudato Si’, which calls for an “integral ecology” – one that recognises the profound interconnection between people, planet, and purpose.

    We pray that this meeting may mark a turning point – not only in diplomatic relations but in the moral and spiritual compass guiding our shared future.

    Africa needs a transformation rooted in the Gospel values of care for creation, solidarity with the poor, and the pursuit of peace. As Laudato Si’ teaches us, “everything is interconnected” (§117) – and so our response must be holistic and courageous.

    We invite the AU and EU Foreign Ministers to rise to this moment. Let this be the partnership that listens to the cries of the earth and the cries of the poor. Let this be the moment when Africa’s future is shaped not by external interests, but by the aspirations of its people – especially those who till the land, feed the nation, and protect the environment.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eastern Passage — RCMP arrests two people involved in assault

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment has arrested two people for assaulting fishers in Eastern Passage.

    On May 4, at approximately 7 p.m., RCMP officers responded to a report of an assault in progress near Cow Bay Rd. in Eastern Passage. On arrival, officers found two people with serious injuries and arrested two other people – one youth and one man. Police also seized several items used as weapons in this assault, including fishing hooks and a metal pipe. The incident occurred while the victims were fishing for gaspereau.

    The victims were transported to hospital by EHS, one with life-threatening injuries.

    The youth had a first court appearance and remains in custody, facing four charges including aggravated assault.

    The 39-year-old man, from Cow Bay, was later released on conditions. He will appear in Dartmouth Provincial Court on June 10, 2025, to face a charge of assault.

    This incident is still under investigation. Police are aware of allegations that this was a hate-motivated crime or hate-motivated incident based on information provided by witnesses. The RCMP takes incidents of hate with utmost seriousness and condemns all hate-motivated incidents, and may follow up with further charges as is necessary based on the ongoing investigation.

    Anyone with information about this incident and who has not yet spoken to police is asked to contact RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment at 902-490-5020. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    File #: 25-62315

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Missouri Man Sentenced to Over Nine Years in Prison for Church Arson

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    A Missouri man was sentenced yesterday to 111 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp for the Eastern District of Missouri for burning down a Cape Girardeau, Missouri house of worship in 2021. He was also ordered to pay $6,968,223.36 in restitution for damages incurred by the church.

    Christopher Scott Pritchard, 49, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri in Cape Girardeau, on Dec. 19, 2024, to one count of arson and one count of violating the Church Arson Prevention Act. Pritchard admitted setting fire to the house of worship owned and used by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, during the evening of April 28, 2021. Pritchard was spotted watching the fire and was arrested about 1.5 miles away by the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office. Pritchard smelled like smoke and had a backpack containing a laptop computer, a projector, speakers and 21 apples that he’d stolen from the church. Pritchard told deputies that he’d gotten into a verbal altercation with the Bishop of the church a few days before the fire and had threatened to assault the Bishop and burn the church down.

    The fire destroyed the building and prevented the congregants in the free exercise of their religious beliefs. No one was injured.

    “There is no place in America for criminal acts against houses of worship,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division thanks its law enforcement partners for prosecuting this matter.”

    Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon and U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming for the Eastern District of Missouri made the announcement.

    The FBI St. Louis Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Hahn for the Eastern District of Missouri prosecuted the case, with assistance from the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Virginia Attorney Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax Return

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A Virginia attorney pleaded guilty yesterday to filing a false tax return that concealed a significant portion of his income.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Asim Ghafoor, of Ashburn, was an attorney who operated a law practice in Virginia. His law practice had clients in various states, including Michigan. Ghafoor reported income from his practice on individual income tax returns that he personally prepared and signed. For 2012 through 2016, Ghafoor prepared and filed false tax returns that underreported the income he earned from his business.

    In total, Ghafoor caused a tax loss to the IRS of $354,634.

    Ghafoor is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 23. He faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for filing a false tax return. 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 made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Richard J. Kelley and Jeffrey A. McLellan of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Seizes Domains Behind Major Information-Stealing Malware Operation

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Coordinated Microsoft Actions and Court-Authorized Domain Seizures Disrupt LummaC2 Malware Infrastructure Used to Target Millions

    The Justice Department announced today the unsealing of two warrants authorizing the seizure of five internet domains used by malicious cyber actors to operate the LummaC2 information-stealing malware service.

    “The Department will continue to use its unique tools, authorities, and partnerships to disrupt malicious cyber operations and criminal networks,” said Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Today’s disruption is another instance where our prosecutors, agents, and private sector partners came together to protect us from the persistent cybersecurity threats targeting our country. We are grateful for their work and dedication.”

    “Malware like LummaC2 is deployed to steal sensitive information such as user login credentials from millions of victims in order to facilitate a host of crimes, including fraudulent bank transfers and cryptocurrency theft,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s announcement demonstrates that the Justice Department is resolved to use court-ordered disruptions like this one to protect the public from the theft of their personal information and their assets. The Department is also committed to working with and appreciates the efforts of the private sector to safeguard the public from cybercrime.”

    “The FBI is committed to disrupting the key services that cyber criminals rely on,” said Assistant Director Bryan Vorndran of FBI’s Cyber Division. “That’s why, with our partners, we took action against the most popular infostealer service available in online criminal markets, which is responsible for millions of attacks against victims. Thanks to partnerships with the private sector, we were able to disrupt the LummaC2 infrastructure and seize user panels. Together, we are making it harder, and more painful, for cyber criminals to operate.”

    As alleged in the affidavits filed in support of the government’s seizure warrants, the administrators of LummaC2 used the seized websites to distributeLummaC2, an information-stealing malware, to their affiliates and other cyber criminals. According to court documents, common targets for cybercriminals using malware like LummaC2 include browser data, autofill information, login credentials for accessing email and banking services, as well as cryptocurrency seed phrases, which permit access to virtual currency wallets. As alleged in the affidavits, the FBI has identified at least 1.7 million instances where LummaC2 was used to steal this type of information.

    The government’s affidavit further alleges that the seized domains, also referred to as user panels, served as login pages for the LummaC2 malware, allowing credentialed users and administrators to access and deploy LummaC2. On May 19, 2025, the government seized two domains. On May 20, 2025, as detailed in court documents, the LummaC2 administrators informed their users of three new domains that they had set up to host the user panel. The next day, the government then seized those three domains.

    The seizure of these domains by the government will prevent the owners and cybercriminals from using the websites to access LummaC2 to compromise computers and steal victim information. Individuals who now visit the websites will see a message indicating that the site has been seized by the Justice Department, including the FBI.

    Concurrent with today’s actions and consistent with the Department’s approach to public-private operational coordination, Microsoft announced an independent civil action to take down 2,300 internet domains also claimed to be used by the LummaC2 actors or their proxies.

    FBI’s Dallas Field Office is investigating the case.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, the National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section, and the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are handling the case.

    The U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program, which is administered by the Diplomatic Security Service, offers a reward of up to $10 million for information on foreign government-linked individuals participating in certain malicious cyber activities against U.S. critical infrastructure in violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.

    Anyone with information on any other foreign government-linked malicious cyber actors or activity targeting U.S. critical infrastructure should contact Rewards for Justice via the RFJ Tor-based tip line at: he5dybnt7sr6cm32xt77pazmtm65flqy6irivtflruqfc5ep7eiodiad.onion (Tor browser required). Learn more about Rewards for Justice and their reward offers at RewardsforJustice.net.

    If you believe you have a compromised computer or device, please visit the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). You may also contact your local FBI field office directly.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man charged with terrorism offence

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been charged with a terrorism offence following an investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.

    Liam O’Hanna, 27, (16.10.97) of Belfast has been charged, via postal requisition, with displaying a flag in support of Hizballah, a proscribed organisation, namely:

    • On 21 November 2024, in a public place, namely the O2 Forum, Kentish Town, London, displayed an article, namely a flag, in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation, namely Hizballah, contrary to section 13(1)(b) and (3) of the Terrorism Act 2000.

    Officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command were made aware on Tuesday, 22 April of an online video from the event. An investigation was carried out, which led to the Crown Prosecution Service authorising the above charge.

    O’Hanna is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 18 June.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Seizes Domains Behind Major Information-Stealing Malware Operation

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    Coordinated Microsoft Actions and Court-Authorized Domain Seizures Disrupt LummaC2 Malware Infrastructure Used to Target Millions

    The Justice Department announced today the unsealing of two warrants authorizing the seizure of five internet domains used by malicious cyber actors to operate the LummaC2 information-stealing malware service.

    “The Department will continue to use its unique tools, authorities, and partnerships to disrupt malicious cyber operations and criminal networks,” said Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Today’s disruption is another instance where our prosecutors, agents, and private sector partners came together to protect us from the persistent cybersecurity threats targeting our country. We are grateful for their work and dedication.”

    “Malware like LummaC2 is deployed to steal sensitive information such as user login credentials from millions of victims in order to facilitate a host of crimes, including fraudulent bank transfers and cryptocurrency theft,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s announcement demonstrates that the Justice Department is resolved to use court-ordered disruptions like this one to protect the public from the theft of their personal information and their assets. The Department is also committed to working with and appreciates the efforts of the private sector to safeguard the public from cybercrime.”

    “The FBI is committed to disrupting the key services that cyber criminals rely on,” said Assistant Director Bryan Vorndran of FBI’s Cyber Division. “That’s why, with our partners, we took action against the most popular infostealer service available in online criminal markets, which is responsible for millions of attacks against victims. Thanks to partnerships with the private sector, we were able to disrupt the LummaC2 infrastructure and seize user panels. Together, we are making it harder, and more painful, for cyber criminals to operate.”

    As alleged in the affidavits filed in support of the government’s seizure warrants, the administrators of LummaC2 used the seized websites to distributeLummaC2, an information-stealing malware, to their affiliates and other cyber criminals. According to court documents, common targets for cybercriminals using malware like LummaC2 include browser data, autofill information, login credentials for accessing email and banking services, as well as cryptocurrency seed phrases, which permit access to virtual currency wallets. As alleged in the affidavits, the FBI has identified at least 1.7 million instances where LummaC2 was used to steal this type of information.

    The government’s affidavit further alleges that the seized domains, also referred to as user panels, served as login pages for the LummaC2 malware, allowing credentialed users and administrators to access and deploy LummaC2. On May 19, 2025, the government seized two domains. On May 20, 2025, as detailed in court documents, the LummaC2 administrators informed their users of three new domains that they had set up to host the user panel. The next day, the government then seized those three domains.

    The seizure of these domains by the government will prevent the owners and cybercriminals from using the websites to access LummaC2 to compromise computers and steal victim information. Individuals who now visit the websites will see a message indicating that the site has been seized by the Justice Department, including the FBI.

    Concurrent with today’s actions and consistent with the Department’s approach to public-private operational coordination, Microsoft announced an independent civil action to take down 2,300 internet domains also claimed to be used by the LummaC2 actors or their proxies.

    FBI’s Dallas Field Office is investigating the case.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, the National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section, and the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are handling the case.

    The U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program, which is administered by the Diplomatic Security Service, offers a reward of up to $10 million for information on foreign government-linked individuals participating in certain malicious cyber activities against U.S. critical infrastructure in violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.

    Anyone with information on any other foreign government-linked malicious cyber actors or activity targeting U.S. critical infrastructure should contact Rewards for Justice via the RFJ Tor-based tip line at: he5dybnt7sr6cm32xt77pazmtm65flqy6irivtflruqfc5ep7eiodiad.onion (Tor browser required). Learn more about Rewards for Justice and their reward offers at RewardsforJustice.net.

    If you believe you have a compromised computer or device, please visit the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). You may also contact your local FBI field office directly.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Virginia Attorney Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax Return

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    A Virginia attorney pleaded guilty yesterday to filing a false tax return that concealed a significant portion of his income.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Asim Ghafoor, of Ashburn, was an attorney who operated a law practice in Virginia. His law practice had clients in various states, including Michigan. Ghafoor reported income from his practice on individual income tax returns that he personally prepared and signed. For 2012 through 2016, Ghafoor prepared and filed false tax returns that underreported the income he earned from his business.

    In total, Ghafoor caused a tax loss to the IRS of $354,634.

    Ghafoor is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 23. He faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for filing a false tax return. 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 made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Richard J. Kelley and Jeffrey A. McLellan of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DOJ Press releases at OCI (Prior Years)

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    05/21/2019
    December 10, 2018: Olympus Medical Systems Corporation, Former Senior Executive Plead Guilty to Distributing Endoscopes After Failing to File FDA-Required Adverse Event Reports of Serious Infections

    03/26/2019
    March 30, 2018: KC Paramedic Indicted for Stealing Fentanyl, Morphine from Ambulances

    03/26/2019
    March 30, 2018: Counterfeit Cigarette Smuggler Sentenced to Prison

    03/20/2019
    April 4, 2018: Canadian Pharmacist Sentenced for Distributing Counterfeit and Adulterated Botox to Local Doctors

    03/20/2019
    March 27, 2018: Compounding Pharmacy Owner Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for $10.5 Million Health Care Fraud

    03/20/2019
    March 27, 2018: Federal Jury Finds Three Guilty in Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy

    03/20/2019
    April 4, 2018: Fences Indicted in Multi-Million Dollar, Multi-State Criminal Theft Operations

    03/19/2019
    March 30, 2018: Lynn Man Sentenced to Over 10 Years in Prison for Role in Counterfeit Steroid Conspiracy

    03/05/2019
    October 1, 2018: AmerisourceBergen Corp. to Pay $625 Million to Settle Civil Fraud Allegations Resulting from Its Repackaging and Sale of Adulterated Drugs and Unapproved New Drugs, Double Billing and Providing Kickbacks

    03/05/2019
    October 18, 2018: Pharmacist Indicted for Taking Drugs, Carrying Firearm in Violation of Court Order

    03/05/2019
    October 15, 2018: Leader of Fraudulent Prescription Conspiracy Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

    03/05/2019
    November 29, 2018: Two Practitioners Sentenced for Drug Crimes in Connection with HOPE Clinic

    03/05/2019
    December 4, 2018: Medical Device Maker ev3 Agrees to Plead Guilty and Pay $17.9 Million for Distributing Adulterated Device

    03/05/2019
    November 20, 2018: Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Counterfeit Cialis and Viagra into the United States

    03/05/2019
    November 19, 2018: Georgia Man Charged with Social Security and Wire Fraud

    03/05/2019
    October 22, 2018: Medical Equipment Company Agrees to Pay $5.25 Million to Resolve Allegations of Fraudulent Claims for Compounded Medical Creams

    03/05/2019
    October 15, 2018: Four Men and Seven Companies Indicted for Billion-Dollar Telemedicine Fraud Conspiracy, Telemedicine Company and CEO Plead Guilty in Two Fraud Schemes

    03/05/2019
    November 5, 2018: Nurse Sentenced for Taking Fentanyl for Personal Use

    03/05/2019
    November 28, 2018: Former Vice President of Insys Pharmaceuticals Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Scheme

    03/05/2019
    October 18, 2018: Grand Jury Returns Superseding Indictment In Shamo Case; Adds Distribution Of Fentanyl Count Resulting In Death

    03/05/2019
    November 29, 2018: Dietary Supplement Ingredient Importers Arrested in Connection with Large-Scale Smuggling and Money Laundering Scheme

    03/05/2019
    December 4, 2018: Memphis Man Pleads Guilty to Tampering with Consumer Products

    03/05/2019
    October 22, 2018: Oklahoma Orthopedic Company to Pay $455,000 to Settle Claims of False Medical Billing

    02/25/2019
    December 13, 2018: Floridian Pleads Guilty in Complex Fraud Scheme Related to the Processing of Credit Card Payments

    02/25/2019
    December 13, 2018: Owner and Four Former Employees of New England Compounding Center Convicted Following Trial

    02/25/2019
    December 7, 2018: VA Nurse Admits to Fraudulently Obtaining and Tampering with Opioid Prescriptions

    02/25/2019
    December 4, 2018: Des Moines Residents Sentenced for Felony Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act Offense

    02/13/2019
    October 11, 2018: Two Companies Ordered to Pay More Than $7 Million for Adulterated and Misbranded Pet Food Ingredients

    02/13/2019
    October 4, 2018: Troutdale Doctor Sentenced for Purchasing and Administering Foreign-Sourced Botox and Juvaderm

    09/25/2018
    September 24, 2018: Board Certified Ophthalmologist Agrees to Civil Fraud Settlement in Medicare Fraud Investigation

    09/19/2018
    September 19, 2018: Springfield Doctor Sentenced for Illegally Sharing Patient Medical Files

    09/17/2018
    September 11, 2018: Columbus Pharmacist Sentenced for Health Care Fraud Scheme

    09/17/2018
    September 8, 2017: Galena Biopharma Inc. to Pay More than $7.55 Million to Resolve Alleged False Claims Related to Opioid Drug

    09/10/2018
    September 6, 2018: Cattle Company and Veterinarian Indicted for False Health Certificates on Livestock

    09/06/2018
    August 31, 2018: Former Home Health Nurse Pleads Guilty to Tampering with Patients’ Drugs

    09/04/2018
    August 30, 2018: Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Misbranded Prescription Horse Drugs

    08/30/2018
    August 28, 2018: Providence Nurse Sentenced for Tampering with Oxycodone

    08/23/2018
    August 22, 2018: Louisiana Pharmacist Convicted of Trafficking and Selling Stolen Medication

    08/20/2018
    August 17, 2018: Unlicensed Pharmacy Technician Pleads Guilty to Working at New England Compounding Center

    08/16/2018
    August 16, 2018: Genesee County Physician and Two Others Charged with Health Care Fraud

    08/16/2018
    August 15, 2018: Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Scheme to Market Dietary Supplements

    08/06/2018
    August 3, 2018: Northwest ENT Associates, P.C. to Pay Approximately $1.2 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations

    08/01/2018
    July 31, 2018: Three Canadians and their Company Sentenced for Wholesale Distribution of Misbranded Prescription Drugs and Money Laundering

    07/31/2018
    July 30, 2018: Two People Guilty of Distributing Tramadol Pills

    07/30/2018
    July 26, 2018: Miami-Dade Resident Charged in Connection with Performance of Illicit Silicone Injections

    07/24/2018
    July 23, 2018: Springfield EMT/Paramedic Pleads Guilty to Stealing Fentanyl, Morphine

    07/19/2018
    July 18, 2018: Medical Device Maker AngioDynamics Agrees to Pay $12.5 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations

    07/17/2018
    July 17, 2018: Former President of Cumberland Distribution, Inc. Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for $50 Million Drug Diversion Scheme

    07/12/2018
    July 10, 2018: Pawtucket Woman Sentenced for Participation in Opioid Prescription Conspiracy

    07/11/2018
    July 10, 2018: VA Medical Center Nurse Indicted, Arraigned for Allegedly Tampering with and Stealing Prescription Opioids

    07/11/2018
    July 10, 2018: Former Des Moines Pharmacy Technician Sentenced for Illegally Tampering with Fentanyl

    07/11/2018
    July 10: 2018: Former Pharmacy Technician Indicted for Stealing Fentanyl, Morphine

    07/09/2018
    July 6, 2018: Vero Beach Orthopedic Surgeon Sentenced to Life in Prison Following Conviction for Fentanyl Analog Drug Conspiracy Resulting in Death

    07/09/2018
    July 6, 2018: Internet Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Selling $2.3 Million Worth of Non-FDA Approved and Misbranded Botox and Juvederm-Related Products

    07/05/2018
    July 3, 2018: Canton Man Indicted on Fentanyl and Firearms Charges

    06/28/2018
    June 28, 2018: Southern District of Florida Charges 124 Individuals Responsible for $337 Million in False Billing as Part of National Healthcare Fraud Takedown

    06/22/2018
    June 20, 2018: Fitchburg Woman and Saugus Man Sentenced for Roles in Counterfeit Steroid Conspiracy

    06/18/2018
    June 15, 2018: Theranos Founder and Former Chief Operating Officer Charged in Alleged Wire Fraud Schemes

    06/05/2018
    June 5, 2018: Opioid Prescription Conspiracy Leader Pleads Guilty

    05/31/2018
    May 31, 2018: Notification of Stolen Fertility Drugs: Gonal-f® RFF Redi-ject® and Gonal-f® Multi-Dose

    05/21/2018
    May 21, 2018: Mississippi Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud Scheme Involving the Reselling of Food Products That Were to Be Destroyed

    05/08/2018
    May 8, 2018: Notification of Stolen Octagam

    04/19/2018
    April 13, 2018: Canadian Drug Firm Admits Selling Counterfeit and Misbranded Prescription Drugs Throughout the United States

    04/19/2018
    April 12, 2018: Chinese Citizen Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud Related to Dietary Supplement Scheme

    04/19/2018
    April 6, 2018: New Hampshire Residents Sentenced for Participating in Scheme to Distribute Misbranded Drugs

    03/15/2018
    March 14, 2018: Meridian Nurse Practitioner Pleads Guilty to Obtaining Controlled Substances by Fraud

    03/14/2018
    March 12, 2018: Champaign, Illinois, Resident Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Producing and Selling Over 80,000 Homemade Tramadol Capsules to Customers without Verifying Prescriptions

    03/13/2018
    March 12, 2018: Pharmacist and Pharmacy Employee Sentenced for Involvement in Over $30 Million Health Care Fraud

    03/08/2018
    March 6, 2018: Monterey Park Woman Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Injecting Foreign Substance into Woman for Buttocks Enhancement

    03/08/2018
    March 8, 2018: Four Individuals Indicted for Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods

    03/05/2018
    March 2, 2018: Woman Sentenced for Injecting Adulterated Liquid Silicone

    03/05/2018
    February 23, 2018: Lake Charles Veterinarian, Pharmacy Sentenced for In-Race Horse Doping Conspiracy

    03/01/2018
    February 28, 2018: Two Doctors Arrested Pursuant to Federal Indictment That Alleges Bogus Sleep Studies Helped 1-800-Get-Thin Fraudulently Bill Insurance Programs Over $250 Million Related to Lap-Band Surgeries

    02/27/2018
    February 27, 2018: Former President of Houston-Based Drug Company Convicted in $50 Million Drug Diversion Scheme

    02/22/2018
    February 21, 2018: Pharmacy Tech Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Tampering with Opioids for IV Fluid

    02/21/2018
    February 20, 2018: U.S. Attorney Announces 69-count Indictment Charging Owners, Managers and Physicians Associated with Hope Clinic

    02/21/2018
    February 14, 2018: Palmer Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Import Prescription Drugs from Pakistan

    02/20/2018
    August 19, 2016: Pharmacy Owner and Medical Doctor Charged in an Internet Scheme to Dispense Medications to Customers without Valid Prescriptions

    02/14/2018
    February 14, 2018: Two Indian Citizens and India-based Corporation Sentenced for Conspiring to Smuggle Counterfeit Cigarettes

    02/12/2018
    February 8, 2018: Queensbury Oncologist and Spouse to Pay $500,000 for Submitting False Claims to Medicare for the Administration of Unapproved Cancer Drugs

    02/12/2018
    February 9, 2018: Tampa Resident Convicted for Involvement with Tricare Health Care Fraud Scheme

    02/05/2018
    February 5, 2018: Pennsylvania Firearms Dealer Sentenced To 100 Months Imprisonment

    02/05/2018
    November 25, 2018: Nevada Man Indicted for Distribution of Anabolic Steroids and Drug Misbranding

    02/05/2018
    February 5, 2018: Three Florida Residents Sentenced for Operating an Illegal Steroid and Counterfeit Prescription Drug Lab

    01/31/2018
    January 31, 2018: New England Compounding Center Pharmacist Sentenced for Role in Nationwide Fungal Meningitis Outbreak

    01/24/2018
    September 25, 2017: U.S. Attorney Charges Pharmacy Tech for Tampering with Opioids

    01/24/2018
    January 13, 2017: Two Louisiana Men Sentenced for Roles in On-line Pharmacy Scheme

    01/24/2018
    May 17, 2017: Gardner Man Charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Counterfeit Steroids

    01/24/2018
    December 6, 2016: Two Sentenced for Trafficking in Counterfeit Viagra and Cialis

    01/24/2018
    September 11, 2017: Knoxville Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Defraud the FDA

    01/24/2018
    December 9, 2016: Carroll County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Conspiracy Charge

    01/24/2018
    July 18, 2016: Cincinnati Man Sentenced for Illegally Importing Drugs into U.S.

    01/24/2018
    July 7, 2016: Johnston Resident Charged with Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering

    01/24/2018
    January 7, 2016: Former Nurse Pleads Guilty to Stealing Narcotics from Hospital

    01/24/2018
    February 15, 2017: Hampton-Based Spice Dealer Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison

    01/24/2018
    July 13, 2017: Four Charged in Counterfeit Body Building Steroid Conspiracy

    01/24/2018
    December 8, 2016: Pharmaceutical Executives Charged in Racketeering Scheme

    01/24/2018
    December 2, 2016: Woman Arrested For Injecting Adulterated Liquid Silicone

    01/24/2018
    September 20, 2017: Registered Nurse Sentenced for Tampering with Fentanyl

    01/24/2018
    June 28, 2017: Registered Nurse Pleads Guilty to Tampering with Fentanyl

    01/24/2018
    June 27, 2016: Hampton-Based Spice Retailer and Wholesaler Pleads Guilty

    01/24/2018
    May 31, 2016: Worcester Nurse Indicted on Federal Drug Tampering Charges

    01/24/2018
    August 7, 2017: Notification of Stolen Sterile Prescription Injectable Products

    01/23/2018
    January 23, 2018: Two Indian Citizens and India-based Corporation Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Smuggle Counterfeit Cigarettes

    01/17/2018
    January 12, 2018: Owner of Seafood Company Charged in Atlantic Blue Crab Scam

    01/17/2018
    September 22, 2017: Drug Maker Aegerion Agrees to Plead Guilty; Will Pay More Than $35 Million to Resolve Criminal Charges and Civil False Claims Allegations

    01/16/2018
    June 30, 2017: Bath County Man Sentenced For Misbranding Drugs and Obstructing Justice

    01/16/2018
    June 21, 2017: Gardner Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Traffic Counterfeit Steroids

    01/16/2018
    August 28, 2017: Costa Rican Defendant Appears in Federal Court to Face Fraud Charges

    01/16/2018
    July 17, 2017: Leader of $17 Million Health Insurance Fraud Scheme Ordered to Prison

    01/16/2018
    October 11, 2016: Foreign National Pleads Guilty To International Wire Fraud Scheme

    01/16/2018
    August 30, 2017: Two Charged in Federal Court with Smuggling Counterfeit Cigarettes

    01/16/2018
    May 31, 2017: Men Sentenced to Combined 60 Years for Selling Spice in Hampton Roads

    01/12/2018
    December 20, 2016: New England Compounding Center’s National Sales Director Pleads Guilty

    01/12/2018
    July 19, 2017: Texas Man Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Import Prescription Drugs

    01/12/2018
    March 13, 2017: Vice-President of SK Labs Found Guilty of Conspiracy, Mail Fraud Charges

    01/12/2018
    December 27, 2016: Providence Nurse Charged in Connection with Tampering with Oxycodone

    01/12/2018
    January 20, 2016: Businessman Sentenced for Marketing and Selling Unapproved Remedies for Cancer

    01/12/2018
    March 2, 2017: Bath County Man Convicted of Obstructing Justice and Selling Misbranded Products

    01/12/2018
    February 6, 2017: Arizona Man Sentenced for Trafficking in Pet Products with Counterfeit Labels

    01/12/2018
    January 17, 2017: Tampa-Area Medical Device Salesman Guilty of Selling Expired Lap-Band Devices

    01/12/2018
    August 1, 2017: Two Kansans Sentenced for Operating Multimillion-Dollar Designer Drug Business

    01/12/2018
    June 2, 2016: Additional Criminal Charges Brought Against Indicted Penn National Horse Trainer

    01/12/2018
    June 15, 2017: Gloucester Woman Charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Steroids and Launder Money

    01/12/2018
    June 15, 2017: Two Kansans Sentenced for Operating Multimillion-Dollar Designer Drug Business

    01/12/2018
    May 15, 2017: Vitamin Shop Owner Guilty of Selling Misbranded Drugs and Controlled Substance

    01/12/2018
    August 15, 2016: Second Trafficker Convicted of Distributing Dangerous Counterfeit Viagra and Cialis

    01/12/2018
    July 17, 2017: Gloucester Woman Pleads Guilty to Her Role in Counterfeit Steroid Trafficking Scheme

    01/12/2018
    October 12, 2016: Colombian National Charged for Unlawfully Injecting Silicone into Victims Bodies

    01/12/2018
    July 28, 2017: Westerly Resident to Plead Guilty to Trafficking Steroids, Money Laundering Charges

    01/12/2018
    September 22, 2016: Hoover Man Charged for Marketing Misbranded Male Enhancement Drugs from China

    01/12/2018
    September, 22, 2016 Hoover Man Charged for Marketing Misbranded Male Enhancement Drugs from China

    01/12/2018
    August 2, 2016: Colombian National Charged for Unlawfully Injecting Silicone into Victims’ Bodies

    01/12/2018
    December 13, 2016: Tampa Resident Indicted for Involvement with Tricare Health Care Fraud Scheme

    01/12/2018
    September 5, 2017: New Hampshire Residents Plead Guilty to Conspiracy Involving Misbranded Drugs

    01/12/2018
    April 3, 2017: Printing and Packaging CEO Pleads Guilty to Trafficking in Counterfeit Labels and Packaging

    01/12/2018
    March 14, 2017: Woman Admits to Causing the Death of Another Person by Injecting Her with Liquid Silicone

    01/12/2018
    April 12, 2017: Former Medical Product Distributor Charged with False Statements about Hormone Shipments

    01/12/2018
    September 29, 2016: New York Man Pleads Guilty To Conspiring To Illegally Manufacture Designer Steroids

    01/12/2018
    July 1, 2016: New Hampshire Couple Indicted On Two Counts Of Illegal Distribution Of Prescription Drugs

    01/12/2018
    September 22, 2017:Woman Admits to Illegally Selling Prescription Drugs Not Approved for Use in the US

    01/12/2018
    June 22, 2016: Former Nurse Sentenced to 82 Months for Stealing and Tampering with Patient Medications

    01/12/2018
    June 13, 2017: Cherry Hill Doctor and Son Admit Defrauding Medicare, Agree To $1.78 Million Settlement

    01/12/2018
    December 19, 2016: New York Man Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Term for Selling Unsafe Dietary Supplements Online

    01/12/2018
    September 25, 2017: Pharmacy Manager Pleads Guilty to Illegal Prescription Drug Diversion and Money Laundering

    01/12/2018
    July 28, 2017: Tampa Woman Sentenced to Prison For Misbranded Drugs Used in Connection with Buttocks Injection

    01/12/2018
    March 28, 2017: Former Atlantic County, New Jersey, Man Charged with Smuggling and Dispensing Misbranded Drugs

    01/12/2018
    September 12, 2017: Former Paramedic Pleads Guilty to Stealing Pain-killing Drugs, Replacing Vials with Water

    01/12/2018
    July 29, 2016: Majority Owner of NECC and Husband Plead Guilty to Illegal Cash Withdrawals Following Outbreak

    01/12/2018
    May 15, 2017: Printing and Packaging Business Owner Convicted of Trafficking in Counterfeit Veterinary Labels

    01/12/2018
    July 14, 2017: Senior Executives of Medical Drug Re-Packager Plead Guilty to Defrauding Healthcare Providers

    01/12/2018
    July 20, 2016: Former Acclarent, Inc. Executives Convicted of Crimes Related to the Sale of Medical Devices

    01/12/2018
    June 6, 2016: Pharmaceutical Companies To Pay $67 Million To Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Relating To Tarceva

    01/12/2018
    February 16, 2017: Atlanta Man Convicted of Illegally Importing and Distributing Male Enhancement Products from China

    01/11/2018
    January 11, 2018: Former New Hampshire Pharmacist Pleads Guilty for Tampering with Narcotics at Bedford Pharmacy

    01/11/2018
    July 22, 2016: Medical Device Manufacturer Acclarent Inc. to Pay $18 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations

    01/11/2018
    November 15, 2016: Miami-Dade Resident Sentenced to Fifteen Months in Prison for Distributing Contaminated Cheese

    01/11/2018
    September 25, 2017: Millions of Medicines Seized in Largest INTERPOL Operation Against Illicit Online Pharmacies

    01/11/2018
    January 3, 2017: Notification of Stolen Reckitt Benckiser Retail, Non-Prescription, Consumer Healthcare Products

    01/09/2018
    August 1, 2017: Radford Nurse Who Tampered with Liquid Morphine Intended for Nursing Home Patients Sentenced in Federal Court

    01/09/2018
    November 4, 2016: Two Pakistani Nationals Sentenced for Conspiring to Illegally Ship Pharmaceuticals into the United States

    01/09/2018
    November 29, 2016: Eight Defendants Convicted For Conspiracy to Manufacture and Distribute Counterfeit 5-Hour Energy Drink

    01/09/2018
    September 11, 2017: Three Florida Residents Arrested After Law Enforcement Discover Steroid and Fake Prescription Drug Lab

    01/09/2018
    June 21, 2017: Counterfeiters Sentenced for Convictions in Nationwide Conspiracy to Distribute Fake 5-Hour Energy Drink

    01/09/2018
    May 31, 2017: Drug Trafficking Organization Faces Indictment For Involvment In Manufacturing Fake Prescriptions Drugs With Fentanyl

    01/09/2018
    July 6, 2016: New Jersey Medical Device Manufacturer Admits Selling Contaminated Ultrasound Gel; Court Orders Permanent Injunction

    01/09/2018
    June 26, 2017: Owner of New England Compounding Center Sentenced for Racketeering Leading to Nationwide Fungal Meningitis Outbreak

    01/09/2018
    June 21, 2016: Two Pharmacists Sentenced to Prison for Adulteration of Drugs in Connection with Alabama-Based Compounding Pharmacy

    01/09/2018
    February 14, 2017: Two Miami-Dade Women Charged in Connection with Their Operation of a Spa Performing Illicit Silicone Injections

    01/09/2018
    June 22, 2017: Pharmacy Owner and Director of Compliance Charged with Defrauding United States and Distributing Adulterated Drugs

    01/09/2018
    April 12, 2017: Owners of Two Los Angeles-Area Drug Wholesale Companies Arrested in $20 Million Federal ‘Structuring’ Conspiracy

    01/09/2018
    December 2, 2016: Former Police Officer Sentenced in White Plains Federal Court to 8 Years in Prison for Selling Date Rape Drug

    01/09/2018
    February 7, 2017: Randallstown Woman Pleads Guilty to Injecting Non-Medical Grade Silicone into the Bodies of Victim Customers

    01/09/2018
    August 30, 2017: Miami-Dade Resident Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Prison for Operating a Miami Spa Performing Illicit Silicone Injections

    01/09/2018
    March 28, 2017: 3 Canadians and their Vancouver Company Charged with Conspiring to Sell Foreign-Made Drugs to Western Pennsylvania Pharmacists

    01/09/2018
    March 9, 2017: Internet Business Owner Indicted for Selling Non-FDA Approved and Misbranded Versions of Botox and Juvederm Related Products

    01/09/2018
    June 8, 2017: Houston, Texas Man convicted of Smuggling Korean Human Growth Hormone Drugs to Local Patients and Professional Wrestlers

    01/09/2018
    February 16, 2017: Oncology Practice, Doctor and Practice Manager Pay $1.7 Million to Resolve Allegations They Billed Medicare for Illegally Imported Drugs

    01/09/2018
    June 27, 2017: Physician and Wife to Pay $1.2 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations That They Billed Medicare and Medicaid for Unapproved Drugs

    01/09/2018
    December 13, 2016: O.C. Man Charged with Selling Pet Meds Without a Prescription, Some of Which Were Not Approved for Distribution in the United States

    01/09/2018
    September 6, 2017: Bronx Pharmacist Pleads Guilty To Illegally Selling Millions Of Prescription Pills On The Internet And Agrees To Forfeit $9 Million

    01/09/2018
    November 10, 2016: Nurse Who Operated Spa in Laguna Niguel Agrees to Plead Guilty to Illegally Dispensing Botox Not Approved for Use in United States

    01/09/2018
    March 30, 2017: Lincoln Mother and Son Convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Misbranded Substances, Drug Paraphernalia, and Related Financial Crimes

    01/09/2018
    January 12, 2017: Baxter Healthcare Corporation to Pay More than $18 Million to Resolve Criminal and Civil Liability Relating to Sterile Products

    01/09/2018
    September 20, 2017: Miami-Dade Resident Sentenced to More Than 4 Years in Prison for Managing a Miami Spa Performing Illicit Silicone Injections

    01/09/2018
    May 23, 2017: Citizen of Pakistan and United Kingdom Sentenced For International Wire Fraud Scheme That Sold False Cures For Multiple Illnesses

    01/09/2018
    April 18, 2017: SCM True Air Technologies, of Ohio and Kentucky, and Its Former Company President – Guilty of Delivering Misbranded Medical Devices from Unregistered Facilities to a Georgia V.A. Medical Center and Obstructing an FDA Investigation into their Conduct

    01/09/2018
    November 28, 2016: Iowa Cancer Clinic and Oncologist to Pay More Than $176,000 To Settle False Claims Act Allegations They Recklessly Billed for Cancer Drugs That Were Unapproved, Misbranded, or Counterfeit and Improperly Upcoded Office Visit Claims

    01/09/2018
    September 9, 2016: Owner of Major Online Colored Contact Lens Business Pleads Guilty in Largest-Ever Investigation of Counterfeit and Misbranded Contact Lenses in the United States

    01/09/2018
    November 7, 2016: Medical Device Maker Biocompatibles Pleads Guilty to Misbranding and Agrees to Pay $36 Million to Resolve Criminal Liability and False Claims Act Allegations

    01/09/2018
    September 26, 2017: Houston, Texas Man Sentenced to 40 Months and a $95,000 Fine for Smuggling Korean Human Growth Hormone Drugs to Local Patients and Professional Wrestlers

    01/09/2018
    December 7, 2016: GNC Enters Into Agreement with Department of Justice to Improve Its Practices and Keep Potentially Illegal Dietary Supplements Out of the Marketplace

    01/09/2018
    September 27, 2017: Amerisourcebergen Specialty Group Pleads Guilty to Distributing Misbranded Drugs and is Sentenced to Pay $260 Million to Resolve Criminal Liability

    01/09/2018
    December 5, 2016: Medical Device Saleswoman Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Charges Relating to the Transport of Stolen Medical Devices and Money Laundering

    01/09/2018
    May 26, 2017: Florida Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Causing the Death of One Victim and Hospitalization of Others by Injecting them With Liquid Silicone

    01/09/2018
    September 11, 2017: Owner of O.C. Pet Products Company Pleads Guilty to Selling Pet Meds without Prescriptions, Some of Which Were Not Approved for U.S. Sale

    09/17/2018
    September 8, 2017: Galena Biopharma Inc. to Pay More than $7.55 Million to Resolve Alleged False Claims Related to Opioid Drug

    01/24/2018
    September 25, 2017: U.S. Attorney Charges Pharmacy Tech for Tampering with Opioids

    01/24/2018
    January 13, 2017: Two Louisiana Men Sentenced for Roles in On-line Pharmacy Scheme

    01/24/2018
    May 17, 2017: Gardner Man Charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Counterfeit Steroids

    01/24/2018
    September 11, 2017: Knoxville Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Defraud the FDA

    01/24/2018
    February 15, 2017: Hampton-Based Spice Dealer Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison

    01/24/2018
    July 13, 2017: Four Charged in Counterfeit Body Building Steroid Conspiracy

    01/24/2018
    September 20, 2017: Registered Nurse Sentenced for Tampering with Fentanyl

    01/24/2018
    June 28, 2017: Registered Nurse Pleads Guilty to Tampering with Fentanyl

    01/24/2018
    August 7, 2017: Notification of Stolen Sterile Prescription Injectable Products

    01/17/2018
    September 22, 2017: Drug Maker Aegerion Agrees to Plead Guilty; Will Pay More Than $35 Million to Resolve Criminal Charges and Civil False Claims Allegations

    01/16/2018
    June 30, 2017: Bath County Man Sentenced For Misbranding Drugs and Obstructing Justice

    01/16/2018
    June 21, 2017: Gardner Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Traffic Counterfeit Steroids

    01/16/2018
    August 28, 2017: Costa Rican Defendant Appears in Federal Court to Face Fraud Charges

    01/16/2018
    July 17, 2017: Leader of $17 Million Health Insurance Fraud Scheme Ordered to Prison

    01/16/2018
    August 30, 2017: Two Charged in Federal Court with Smuggling Counterfeit Cigarettes

    01/16/2018
    May 31, 2017: Men Sentenced to Combined 60 Years for Selling Spice in Hampton Roads

    01/12/2018
    July 19, 2017: Texas Man Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Import Prescription Drugs

    01/12/2018
    March 13, 2017: Vice-President of SK Labs Found Guilty of Conspiracy, Mail Fraud Charges

    01/12/2018
    March 2, 2017: Bath County Man Convicted of Obstructing Justice and Selling Misbranded Products

    01/12/2018
    February 6, 2017: Arizona Man Sentenced for Trafficking in Pet Products with Counterfeit Labels

    01/12/2018
    January 17, 2017: Tampa-Area Medical Device Salesman Guilty of Selling Expired Lap-Band Devices

    01/12/2018
    August 1, 2017: Two Kansans Sentenced for Operating Multimillion-Dollar Designer Drug Business

    01/12/2018
    June 15, 2017: Gloucester Woman Charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Steroids and Launder Money

    01/12/2018
    June 15, 2017: Two Kansans Sentenced for Operating Multimillion-Dollar Designer Drug Business

    01/12/2018
    May 15, 2017: Vitamin Shop Owner Guilty of Selling Misbranded Drugs and Controlled Substance

    01/12/2018
    July 17, 2017: Gloucester Woman Pleads Guilty to Her Role in Counterfeit Steroid Trafficking Scheme

    01/12/2018
    July 28, 2017: Westerly Resident to Plead Guilty to Trafficking Steroids, Money Laundering Charges

    01/12/2018
    September 5, 2017: New Hampshire Residents Plead Guilty to Conspiracy Involving Misbranded Drugs

    01/12/2018
    April 3, 2017: Printing and Packaging CEO Pleads Guilty to Trafficking in Counterfeit Labels and Packaging

    01/12/2018
    March 14, 2017: Woman Admits to Causing the Death of Another Person by Injecting Her with Liquid Silicone

    01/12/2018
    April 12, 2017: Former Medical Product Distributor Charged with False Statements about Hormone Shipments

    01/12/2018
    September 22, 2017:Woman Admits to Illegally Selling Prescription Drugs Not Approved for Use in the US

    01/12/2018
    June 13, 2017: Cherry Hill Doctor and Son Admit Defrauding Medicare, Agree To $1.78 Million Settlement

    01/12/2018
    September 25, 2017: Pharmacy Manager Pleads Guilty to Illegal Prescription Drug Diversion and Money Laundering

    01/12/2018
    July 28, 2017: Tampa Woman Sentenced to Prison For Misbranded Drugs Used in Connection with Buttocks Injection

    01/12/2018
    March 28, 2017: Former Atlantic County, New Jersey, Man Charged with Smuggling and Dispensing Misbranded Drugs

    01/12/2018
    September 12, 2017: Former Paramedic Pleads Guilty to Stealing Pain-killing Drugs, Replacing Vials with Water

    01/12/2018
    May 15, 2017: Printing and Packaging Business Owner Convicted of Trafficking in Counterfeit Veterinary Labels

    01/12/2018
    July 14, 2017: Senior Executives of Medical Drug Re-Packager Plead Guilty to Defrauding Healthcare Providers

    01/12/2018
    February 16, 2017: Atlanta Man Convicted of Illegally Importing and Distributing Male Enhancement Products from China

    01/11/2018
    September 25, 2017: Millions of Medicines Seized in Largest INTERPOL Operation Against Illicit Online Pharmacies

    01/11/2018
    January 3, 2017: Notification of Stolen Reckitt Benckiser Retail, Non-Prescription, Consumer Healthcare Products

    01/09/2018
    August 1, 2017: Radford Nurse Who Tampered with Liquid Morphine Intended for Nursing Home Patients Sentenced in Federal Court

    01/09/2018
    September 11, 2017: Three Florida Residents Arrested After Law Enforcement Discover Steroid and Fake Prescription Drug Lab

    01/09/2018
    June 21, 2017: Counterfeiters Sentenced for Convictions in Nationwide Conspiracy to Distribute Fake 5-Hour Energy Drink

    01/09/2018
    May 31, 2017: Drug Trafficking Organization Faces Indictment For Involvment In Manufacturing Fake Prescriptions Drugs With Fentanyl

    01/09/2018
    June 26, 2017: Owner of New England Compounding Center Sentenced for Racketeering Leading to Nationwide Fungal Meningitis Outbreak

    01/09/2018
    February 14, 2017: Two Miami-Dade Women Charged in Connection with Their Operation of a Spa Performing Illicit Silicone Injections

    01/09/2018
    June 22, 2017: Pharmacy Owner and Director of Compliance Charged with Defrauding United States and Distributing Adulterated Drugs

    01/09/2018
    April 12, 2017: Owners of Two Los Angeles-Area Drug Wholesale Companies Arrested in $20 Million Federal ‘Structuring’ Conspiracy

    01/09/2018
    February 7, 2017: Randallstown Woman Pleads Guilty to Injecting Non-Medical Grade Silicone into the Bodies of Victim Customers

    01/09/2018
    August 30, 2017: Miami-Dade Resident Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Prison for Operating a Miami Spa Performing Illicit Silicone Injections

    01/09/2018
    March 28, 2017: 3 Canadians and their Vancouver Company Charged with Conspiring to Sell Foreign-Made Drugs to Western Pennsylvania Pharmacists

    01/09/2018
    March 9, 2017: Internet Business Owner Indicted for Selling Non-FDA Approved and Misbranded Versions of Botox and Juvederm Related Products

    01/09/2018
    June 8, 2017: Houston, Texas Man convicted of Smuggling Korean Human Growth Hormone Drugs to Local Patients and Professional Wrestlers

    01/09/2018
    February 16, 2017: Oncology Practice, Doctor and Practice Manager Pay $1.7 Million to Resolve Allegations They Billed Medicare for Illegally Imported Drugs

    01/09/2018
    June 27, 2017: Physician and Wife to Pay $1.2 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations That They Billed Medicare and Medicaid for Unapproved Drugs

    01/09/2018
    September 6, 2017: Bronx Pharmacist Pleads Guilty To Illegally Selling Millions Of Prescription Pills On The Internet And Agrees To Forfeit $9 Million

    01/09/2018
    March 30, 2017: Lincoln Mother and Son Convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Misbranded Substances, Drug Paraphernalia, and Related Financial Crimes

    01/09/2018
    January 12, 2017: Baxter Healthcare Corporation to Pay More than $18 Million to Resolve Criminal and Civil Liability Relating to Sterile Products

    01/09/2018
    September 20, 2017: Miami-Dade Resident Sentenced to More Than 4 Years in Prison for Managing a Miami Spa Performing Illicit Silicone Injections

    01/09/2018
    May 23, 2017: Citizen of Pakistan and United Kingdom Sentenced For International Wire Fraud Scheme That Sold False Cures For Multiple Illnesses

    01/09/2018
    April 18, 2017: SCM True Air Technologies, of Ohio and Kentucky, and Its Former Company President – Guilty of Delivering Misbranded Medical Devices from Unregistered Facilities to a Georgia V.A. Medical Center and Obstructing an FDA Investigation into their Conduct

    01/09/2018
    September 26, 2017: Houston, Texas Man Sentenced to 40 Months and a $95,000 Fine for Smuggling Korean Human Growth Hormone Drugs to Local Patients and Professional Wrestlers

    01/09/2018
    September 27, 2017: Amerisourcebergen Specialty Group Pleads Guilty to Distributing Misbranded Drugs and is Sentenced to Pay $260 Million to Resolve Criminal Liability

    01/09/2018
    May 26, 2017: Florida Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Causing the Death of One Victim and Hospitalization of Others by Injecting them With Liquid Silicone

    01/09/2018
    September 11, 2017: Owner of O.C. Pet Products Company Pleads Guilty to Selling Pet Meds without Prescriptions, Some of Which Were Not Approved for U.S. Sale

    12/21/2017
    December 19, 2017: Senior Executives of Medical Drug Repackager Sentenced for Defrauding Healthcare Providers

    12/21/2017
    December 20, 2017: Fitchburg Woman Pleads Guilty to Role in Counterfeit Steroid Conspiracy

    12/18/2017
    December 18, 2017: Cherry Hill Doctor and Son Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Medicare

    12/14/2017
    December 12, 2017: Iserve Technologies, Inc. Pled Guilty in Connection with Guilty Pleas of Former Exec and Manager of Med-Fast Pharmacy Inc.

    12/04/2017
    November 30, 2017: Lynn Man Pleads Guilty to Counterfeit Steroid Conspiracy

    12/04/2017
    November 30, 2017: Paramedic Sentenced for Stealing Fentanyl from Ambulance Company

    12/04/2017
    November 28, 2017: Champaign, Illinois, Resident Guilty of Producing and Selling Over 80,000 Homemade Tramadol Capsules to Customers Without Verifying Prescriptions

    12/04/2017
    November 29, 2017: Knoxville Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Defraud the FDA

    11/27/2017
    November 21, 2017: Williamsville Couple Pleads Guilty

    11/27/2017
    November 22, 2017: Former Pharmacy Compliance Director Pleads Guilty to Introducing Adulterated Drugs into Interstate Commerce and Conspiracy to Defraud the United States

    11/27/2017
    November 20, 2017: Vitamin Shop Owner Sentenced for Misbranded Drugs and Controlled Substance Conviction

    11/21/2017
    November 20, 2017:Queensbury Oncologist and Office Manager Plead Guilty in Connection with Administering Unapproved Drugs

    11/21/2017
    November 16, 2017: Palmer Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Import Prescription Drugs from Pakistan

    11/20/2017
    November 7, 2017: Federal Jury Convicts Lake Charles Veterinarian, Pharmacy in Race Horse Doping Conspiracy

    11/06/2017
    November 3, 2017: Vero Beach Orthopedic Surgeon Charged in Drug Conspiracy Resulting in Death

    11/06/2017
    November 3, 2017: Five Charged in Alleged Opioid Prescription, Healthcare Fraud Scheme

    11/06/2017
    November 1, 2017: New York Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Misbranded Animal Drugs Containing Steroids

    11/01/2017
    November 1, 2017: FDA Supervisor and Local Businessman Charged in Bribery Scheme

    11/01/2017
    November 1, 2017: Pair Sentenced on Federal Conspiracy

    10/31/2017
    October 31, 2017: South Korean Maker of Contact Lenses, Company CEO Charged with Smuggling Products into U.S. by Failing to Declare Full Value

    10/31/2017
    March 28, 2017: Oakland Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Conspiracy to Manufacture Counterfeit Drugs

    10/30/2017
    October 27, 2017: Central Kentucky Pharmacist Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Oxycodone and Money Laundering

    10/26/2017
    October 26, 2017: Founder and Owner of Pharmaceutical Company Insys Arrested and Charged with Racketeering

    10/26/2017
    October 25, 2017: Five Chinese Citizens and Four Chinese Companies Indicted in Scheme to Sell Mislabeled Dietary Supplements

    10/26/2017
    October 25, 2017: Supervisory Pharmacist of New England Compounding Center Convicted of Racketeering Leading to Nationwide Fungal Meningitis Outbreak

    10/17/2017
    October 16, 2017: Omak, Washington Nurse Sentenced to Federal Prison for Adulterating and Misbranding Pain Medications

    10/10/2017
    October 4, 2017: Med-Fast Pharmacy Inc. and Former Exec Agree to Resolve Criminal and Civil Charges

    10/03/2017
    October 2, 2017: Compounding Pharmacy Owner Charged with $10 Million Health Care Fraud

    10/02/2017
    September 29, 2017: Randallstown Woman Sentenced To 2 Years In Prison For Injecting Non-Medical Grade Silicone Into The Bodies Of Victim Customers

    09/28/2017
    September 20, 2017: Pair Plead Guilty to Federal Conspiracy Charge

    08/29/2017
    August 28, 2017: Shrewsbury Man Pleads Guilty to Operating Counterfeit Steroid Scheme

    08/18/2017
    August 18, 2017: Former Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Steroids, Money Laundering

    07/18/2017
    July 6, 2017: North Olmsted Man Charged with Selling Misbranded Drugs

    07/03/2017
    June 28, 2017: Former VA Nurse Re-Sentenced for Stealing and Tampering with Patient Medications

    07/03/2017
    June 28, 2017: Distributor of Counterfeit Medications Arrested

    06/28/2017
    June 23, 2017: Monterey Park Woman Arrested on Federal Charges after Allegedly Injecting Foreign Substances into Woman for Buttocks Enhancement

    06/26/2017
    June 22, 2017: Paramedic Pleads Guilty to Removing Liquid Fentanyl from Ambulance

    06/19/2017
    June 16, 2017: Leawood Woman Charged With Importing Misbranded Drugs

    06/09/2017
    June 9, 2017: Providence Nurse Pleads Guilty to Tampering with Oxycodone

    04/24/2017
    April 19, 2017: Radford Nurse, Who Tampered with Liquid Morphine Intended for Nursing Home Patients, Pleads Guilty

    04/13/2017
    April 12, 2017: Six Charged with Trafficking Counterfeit Steroids

    04/06/2017
    April 5, 2017: Worcester Nurse Sentenced for Drug Tampering

    03/30/2017
    March 22, 2017: Diamond Bar Man Pleads Guilty to Smuggling ED Drugs that Were Sold as ‘Herbal Enhancement’ Products without Prescriptions

    03/27/2017
    March 22, 2017: Owner of New England Compounding Center Convicted of Racketeering Leading to Nationwide Fungal Meningitis Outbreak

    01/19/2017
    January 18, 2017: Owner of Major Online Colored Contact Lens Business Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison in Largest-Ever Scheme to Import and Sell Counterfeit and Misbranded Contact Lenses Prosecuted in the United States

    01/19/2017
    January 13, 2017: Paramedic Pleads Guilty to Tampering with Drugs

    01/17/2017
    January 11, 2017: Worcester Nurse Pleads Guilty to Drug Tampering

    02/20/2018
    August 19, 2016: Pharmacy Owner and Medical Doctor Charged in an Internet Scheme to Dispense Medications to Customers without Valid Prescriptions

    01/24/2018
    December 6, 2016: Two Sentenced for Trafficking in Counterfeit Viagra and Cialis

    01/24/2018
    December 9, 2016: Carroll County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Conspiracy Charge

    01/24/2018
    July 18, 2016: Cincinnati Man Sentenced for Illegally Importing Drugs into U.S.

    01/24/2018
    July 7, 2016: Johnston Resident Charged with Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering

    01/24/2018
    January 7, 2016: Former Nurse Pleads Guilty to Stealing Narcotics from Hospital

    01/24/2018
    December 8, 2016: Pharmaceutical Executives Charged in Racketeering Scheme

    01/24/2018
    December 2, 2016: Woman Arrested For Injecting Adulterated Liquid Silicone

    01/24/2018
    June 27, 2016: Hampton-Based Spice Retailer and Wholesaler Pleads Guilty

    01/24/2018
    May 31, 2016: Worcester Nurse Indicted on Federal Drug Tampering Charges

    01/16/2018
    October 11, 2016: Foreign National Pleads Guilty To International Wire Fraud Scheme

    01/12/2018
    December 20, 2016: New England Compounding Center’s National Sales Director Pleads Guilty

    01/12/2018
    December 27, 2016: Providence Nurse Charged in Connection with Tampering with Oxycodone

    01/12/2018
    January 20, 2016: Businessman Sentenced for Marketing and Selling Unapproved Remedies for Cancer

    01/12/2018
    June 2, 2016: Additional Criminal Charges Brought Against Indicted Penn National Horse Trainer

    01/12/2018
    August 15, 2016: Second Trafficker Convicted of Distributing Dangerous Counterfeit Viagra and Cialis

    01/12/2018
    October 12, 2016: Colombian National Charged for Unlawfully Injecting Silicone into Victims Bodies

    01/12/2018
    September 22, 2016: Hoover Man Charged for Marketing Misbranded Male Enhancement Drugs from China

    01/12/2018
    September, 22, 2016 Hoover Man Charged for Marketing Misbranded Male Enhancement Drugs from China

    01/12/2018
    August 2, 2016: Colombian National Charged for Unlawfully Injecting Silicone into Victims’ Bodies

    01/12/2018
    December 13, 2016: Tampa Resident Indicted for Involvement with Tricare Health Care Fraud Scheme

    01/12/2018
    September 29, 2016: New York Man Pleads Guilty To Conspiring To Illegally Manufacture Designer Steroids

    01/12/2018
    July 1, 2016: New Hampshire Couple Indicted On Two Counts Of Illegal Distribution Of Prescription Drugs

    01/12/2018
    June 22, 2016: Former Nurse Sentenced to 82 Months for Stealing and Tampering with Patient Medications

    01/12/2018
    December 19, 2016: New York Man Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Term for Selling Unsafe Dietary Supplements Online

    01/12/2018
    July 29, 2016: Majority Owner of NECC and Husband Plead Guilty to Illegal Cash Withdrawals Following Outbreak

    01/12/2018
    July 20, 2016: Former Acclarent, Inc. Executives Convicted of Crimes Related to the Sale of Medical Devices

    01/12/2018
    June 6, 2016: Pharmaceutical Companies To Pay $67 Million To Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Relating To Tarceva

    01/11/2018
    July 22, 2016: Medical Device Manufacturer Acclarent Inc. to Pay $18 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations

    01/11/2018
    November 15, 2016: Miami-Dade Resident Sentenced to Fifteen Months in Prison for Distributing Contaminated Cheese

    01/09/2018
    November 4, 2016: Two Pakistani Nationals Sentenced for Conspiring to Illegally Ship Pharmaceuticals into the United States

    01/09/2018
    November 29, 2016: Eight Defendants Convicted For Conspiracy to Manufacture and Distribute Counterfeit 5-Hour Energy Drink

    01/09/2018
    July 6, 2016: New Jersey Medical Device Manufacturer Admits Selling Contaminated Ultrasound Gel; Court Orders Permanent Injunction

    01/09/2018
    June 21, 2016: Two Pharmacists Sentenced to Prison for Adulteration of Drugs in Connection with Alabama-Based Compounding Pharmacy

    01/09/2018
    December 2, 2016: Former Police Officer Sentenced in White Plains Federal Court to 8 Years in Prison for Selling Date Rape Drug

    01/09/2018
    December 13, 2016: O.C. Man Charged with Selling Pet Meds Without a Prescription, Some of Which Were Not Approved for Distribution in the United States

    01/09/2018
    November 10, 2016: Nurse Who Operated Spa in Laguna Niguel Agrees to Plead Guilty to Illegally Dispensing Botox Not Approved for Use in United States

    01/09/2018
    November 28, 2016: Iowa Cancer Clinic and Oncologist to Pay More Than $176,000 To Settle False Claims Act Allegations They Recklessly Billed for Cancer Drugs That Were Unapproved, Misbranded, or Counterfeit and Improperly Upcoded Office Visit Claims

    01/09/2018
    September 9, 2016: Owner of Major Online Colored Contact Lens Business Pleads Guilty in Largest-Ever Investigation of Counterfeit and Misbranded Contact Lenses in the United States

    01/09/2018
    November 7, 2016: Medical Device Maker Biocompatibles Pleads Guilty to Misbranding and Agrees to Pay $36 Million to Resolve Criminal Liability and False Claims Act Allegations

    01/09/2018
    December 7, 2016: GNC Enters Into Agreement with Department of Justice to Improve Its Practices and Keep Potentially Illegal Dietary Supplements Out of the Marketplace

    01/09/2018
    December 5, 2016: Medical Device Saleswoman Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Charges Relating to the Transport of Stolen Medical Devices and Money Laundering

    12/15/2016
    December 13, 2016: Conagra Subsidiary Sentenced in Connection with Outbreak of Salmonella Poisoning Related to Peanut Butter

    12/13/2016
    December 9, 2016: Two South Florida Residents Charged with Conspiring to Misbrand and Sell Expired Gastric Banding Systems

    11/21/2016
    November 18, 2016: Palm Harbor Oncologist Convicted Of Buying Unapproved Cancer Medications From Foreign Sources And Defrauding Medicare

    11/08/2016
    November 4, 2016: University Hospital Nurse Arrested Following Grand Jury Indictment for Illegally Obtaining and Tampering with Fentanyl and Hydomorphone

    10/17/2016
    October 11, 2016: Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Manufacturing, Distributing Performance Enhancing Drugs

    09/26/2016
    September 9, 2016: Medical Device Saleswoman Convicted on Charges of Conspiring to Transport Stolen Medical Devices in Interstate Commerce, Money Laundering and Other Charges

    08/19/2016
    August 19,2016: North Carolina Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Providing Silicone Buttocks Injections Resulting in the Death of a Client

    07/26/2016
    July 25, 2016: Three Charged with Manufacturing, Distributing Performance Enhancing Drugs

    06/20/2016
    June 20, 2016: R.I. Businessman Pleads Guilty to Running International Scheme to Label and Sell Misbranded Drugs

    06/08/2016
    June 2, 2016: President of Pharmaceutical Companies Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Long-Running Scheme to Sell Misbranded and Unapproved Chemotherapy and Other Prescription Drugs

    05/27/2016
    May 26, 2016: Owner of “The Wholesale Source” Convicted for Selling Unsafe Dietary Supplements Online

    05/27/2016
    May 27, 2016: North Carolina Man Admits Receiving and Selling Misbranded Silicone for Buttocks Injections Resulting in the Death of a Client

    05/23/2016
    May 9, 2016: California Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Unapproved Drug in Rhode Island

    05/19/2016
    May 18, 2016: Woman Charged with Illegally Administering Silicone Injections

    05/16/2016
    May 13, 2016: Two Key Players in Illegal Online Pharmacy Scheme Sentenced to Prison

    05/16/2016
    May 12, 2016: Windsor Mill Woman Indicted for Allegedly Injecting Non-Medical Grade Silicone into the Bodies of Victim Customers

    05/09/2016
    May 9, 2016: Owner of Bodybuilding Drug Companies Sentenced for Selling Misbranded Drugs

    05/09/2016
    May 9, 2016: Lodi Oncologist and Office Administrator Pay $300,000 to Settle False Claims Act Allegations

    05/06/2016
    May 5, 2016: Florida Man Sentenced To Prison For Illegal Diet Pill Scheme

    05/05/2016
    May 4, 2016: Former Buffalo Nurse Sentenced For Stealing Pain Medications Intended For Patients From Local Hospital

    05/04/2016
    April 28, 2016: Jury Convicts Former Police Officer For Selling Date Rape Drug

    05/04/2016
    May 3, 2016: Gainesville Physician Convicted of 162 Counts of Health Care Fraud

    05/02/2016
    April 29, 2016: Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Arrest Of Black Market Distributor Of Diverted HIV Medications Worth Approximately $4 Million

    04/20/2016
    April 20, 2016: Norfolk Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Distributing Insulin

    04/14/2016
    April 7, 2016: Former Nurse Sentenced for Stealing Narcotics from Hospital

    04/06/2016
    April 4, 2016: Former Carlsbad Resident Jailed for Sale of Unapproved “Energy Wave” Medical Devices

    03/24/2016
    March 23, 2016: Federal Jury Convicts Destrehan Woman in Scheme to Sell Illegal and Mislabelled Diet Pills

    03/24/2016
    March 23, 2016: Detroit-Area Physician Sentenced to 45 Months in Prison for Role in $5.7 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme

    03/21/2016
    March 18, 2016: Bookkeeper for Online Pharmacy Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Money Laundering

    03/11/2016
    March 8, 2016: Cincinnati Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Importing Drugs into U.S.

    03/08/2016
    March 7, 2016: Tehachapi Doctor Sentenced to 6 Months in Prison for Defrauding Patients and Insurers by Implanting Unapproved IUDs

    03/08/2016
    March 4, 2016: First of Seven Defendants Who Operated Illegal Online Pharmacy Sentenced to Prison

    03/04/2016
    March 4, 2016: Mumbai, India, Man Sentenced on Misbranding Charge

    03/03/2016
    March 1, 2016: Principal of Dietary Ingredient Companies Pleads Guilty to Multi-Million Dollar Fraud and Meth Precursor Scheme

    02/29/2016
    February 26, 2016: Florence Man Sentenced for Smuggling and Distributing Prescription Drugs

    02/25/2016
    February 17, 2016: Danville Man Pleads Guilty to Manufacturing and Distributing Illegal Dietary Supplements

    02/24/2016
    February 24, 2016: Former VA Nurse Pleads Guilty To Stealing Controlled Substance From Hospital Syringes

    02/24/2016
    February 17, 2016: Two Men Sentenced For Involvement in Scheme to Distribute Misbranded Drugs

    02/23/2016
    February 10, 2016: Las Vegas Resident Indicted For Running Counterfeit and Misbranded Contact Lens Operation

    02/19/2016
    February 17, 2016: United States And Vermont Doctor Resolve Matter Involving Non-FDA Approved Drugs And False Claims

    02/19/2016
    February 16, 2016: Swedish Medical Center Surgical Tech/Technologist Indicted by Federal Grand Jury in Denver on Charges of Tampering with a Consumer Product and Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Deceit

    02/19/2016
    February 10, 2016: Owner of Cancer Treatment Clinic Convicted of Providing Fraudulent Medical Treatments to Patients

    02/04/2016
    January 28, 2016: Federal Criminal Charges Filed Against Two Pharmacists for Adulteration of Drugs in Connection with Alabama-Based Compounding Pharmacy

    02/02/2016
    February 1, 2016: Pakistani Man Makes Appearance in U.S. District Court in Denver Following Indictment and Arrest for Sale and Distribution of New, Misbranded and Counterfeit Prescription Drugs

    02/02/2016
    February 1, 2016: Worcester Nurse Sentenced for Stealing Oxycodone from Patients

    02/02/2016
    January 22, 2016: Counterfeit Cigarette Smuggler Receives Jail Sentence

    02/02/2016
    January 5, 2016: Two Defendants Sentenced to Prison in Conspiracy to Distribute Over $6.6 Million in Contraband Cigarettes

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Microsoft leads global action that’s disrupting a favored cybercrime tool

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Microsoft leads global action that’s disrupting a favored cybercrime tool

    Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit (DCU) and international partners are disrupting the leading tool used to indiscriminately steal sensitive personal and organizational information to facilitate cybercrime. On Tuesday, May 13, Microsoft’s DCU filed a legal action against Lumma Stealer (“Lumma”), which is the favored info-stealing malware used by hundreds of cyber threat actors. Lumma steals passwords, credit cards, bank accounts, and cryptocurrency wallets and has enabled criminals to hold schools for ransom, empty bank accounts, and disrupt critical services.

    Via a court order granted in the United States District Court of the Northern District of Georgia, Microsoft’s DCU seized and facilitated the takedown, suspension, and blocking of approximately 2,300 malicious domains that formed the backbone of Lumma’s infrastructure. The Department of Justice (DOJ) simultaneously seized the central command structure for Lumma and disrupted the marketplaces where the tool was sold to other cybercriminals. Europol’s European Cybercrime Center (EC3) and Japan’s Cybercrime Control Center (JC3) facilitated the suspension of locally based Lumma infrastructure.

    Between March 16, 2025, and May 16, 2025, Microsoft identified over 394,000 Windows computers globally infected by the Luma malware. Working with law enforcement and industry partners, we have severed communications between the malicious tool and victims. Moreover, more than 1,300 domains seized by or transferred to Microsoft, including 300 domains actioned by law enforcement with the support of Europol, will be redirected to Microsoft sinkholes. This will allow Microsoft’s DCU to provide actionable intelligence to continue to harden the security of the company’s services and help protect online users. These insights will also assist public- and private-sector partners as they continue to track, investigate, and remediate this threat. This joint action is designed to slow the speed at which these actors can launch their attacks, minimize the effectiveness of their campaigns, and hinder their illicit profits by cutting a major revenue stream.

    Heat map detailing global spread of Lumma Stealer malware infections and encounters across Windows devices.
    Splash page displayed on 900+ domains seized by Microsoft. 

    What is Lumma?

    Lumma is a Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS), marketed and sold through underground forums since at least 2022. Over the years, the developers released multiple versions to continually improve its capabilities. Microsoft Threat Intelligence shares more details around the delivery techniques and capabilities of Lumma in a recent blog.

    Typically, the goal of Lumma operators is to monetize stolen information or conduct further exploitation for various purposes. Lumma is easy to distribute, difficult to detect, and can be programmed to bypass certain security defenses, making it a go-to tool for cybercriminals and online threat actors, including prolific ransomware actors such as Octo Tempest (Scattered Spider). The malware impersonates trusted brands, including Microsoft, and is deployed via spear-phishing emails and malvertising, among other vectors.

    For example, in March 2025, Microsoft Threat Intelligence identified a phishing campaign impersonating online travel agency Booking.com. The campaign used multiple credential-stealing malware, including Lumma, to conduct financial fraud and theft. Lumma has also been used to target gaming communities and education systems and poses an ongoing risk to global security, with reports from multiple cybersecurity companies outlining its use in attacks against critical infrastructure, such as the manufacturing, telecommunications, logistics, finance, and healthcare sectors.

    Example of phishing email impersonating Booking.com and fake CAPTCHA verification prompt. (Source:Microsoft – Phishing campaign impersonates Booking .com, delivers a suite of credential-stealing malware)

    The primary developer of Lumma is based in Russia and goes by the internet alias “Shamel.” Shamel markets different tiers of service for Lumma via Telegram and other Russian-language chat forums. Depending on what service a cybercriminal purchases, they can create their own versions of the malware, add tools to conceal and distribute it, and track stolen information through an online portal.

    Different tiers of service for Lumma, as well as Lumma’s logo used on marketing material. (Source: Darktrace – The Rise of MaaS & Lumma Info Stealer)

    In an interview with cybersecurity researcher “g0njxa” in November 2023, Shamel shared that he had “about 400 active clients.” Demonstrating the evolution of cybercrime to incorporate established business practices, he effectively created a Lumma brand, using a distinctive logo of a bird to market his product, calling it a symbol of “peace, lightness, and tranquility,” and adding the slogan “making money with us is just as easy.”

    Shamel’s ability to operate openly underscores the importance for countries worldwide to address the issue of safe havens and to advocate for the rigorous enforcement of due diligence obligations under international law.

    Continuing to work together to disrupt prolific cybercrime tools

    Disrupting the tools cybercriminals frequently use can create a significant and lasting impact on cybercrime, as rebuilding malicious infrastructure and sourcing new exploit tools takes time and costs money. By severing access to mechanisms cybercriminals use, such as Lumma, we can significantly disrupt the operations of countless malicious actors through a single action.

    Continued collaboration across industry and government remains imperative. We are grateful for the partnership with others across government and industry, including cybersecurity companies ESET, Bitsight, Lumen, Cloudflare, CleanDNS, and GMO Registry. Each company provided valuable assistance by quickly taking down online infrastructure.

    Finally, we know cybercriminals are persistent and creative. We, too, must evolve to identify new ways to disrupt malicious activities. Microsoft’s DCU will continue to adapt and innovate to counteract cybercrime and help ensure the safety of critical infrastructure, customers, and online users.

    Organizations and individuals can protect themselves from malware like Lumma by using multi-factor authentication, running the latest anti-malware software, and being cautious with attachments and email links. More information for security professionals can be found here.

    Tags: cyberattacks, cybersecurity

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Threat Actors Deploy LummaC2 Malware to Exfiltrate Sensitive Data from Organizations

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    Summary

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) are releasing this joint advisory to disseminate known tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) and indicators of compromise (IOCs) associated with threat actors deploying the LummaC2 information stealer (infostealer) malware. LummaC2 malware is able to infiltrate victim computer networks and exfiltrate sensitive information, threatening vulnerable individuals’ and organizations’ computer networks across multiple U.S. critical infrastructure sectors. According to FBI information and trusted third-party reporting, this activity has been observed as recently as May 2025. The IOCs included in this advisory were associated with LummaC2 malware infections from November 2023 through May 2025.

    The FBI and CISA encourage organizations to implement the recommendations in the Mitigations section of this advisory to reduce the likelihood and impact of LummaC2 malware.

    Download the PDF version of this report:

    For a downloadable copy of IOCs, see:

    Technical Details

    Note: This advisory uses the MITRE ATT&CK® Matrix for Enterprise framework, version 17. See the MITRE ATT&CK Tactics and Techniques section of this advisory for threat actor activity mapped to MITRE ATT&CK tactics and techniques.

    Overview

    LummaC2 malware first appeared for sale on multiple Russian-language speaking cybercriminal forums in 2022. Threat actors frequently use spearphishing hyperlinks and attachments to deploy LummaC2 malware payloads [T1566.001, T1566.002]. Additionally, threat actors rely on unsuspecting users to execute the payload by clicking a fake Completely Automated Public Turing Test to tell Computers and Humans Apart (CAPTCHA). The CAPTCHA contains instructions for users to then open the Windows Run window (Windows Button + R) and paste clipboard contents (“CTRL + V”). After users press “enter” a subsequent Base64-encoded PowerShell process is executed.

    To obfuscate their operations, threat actors have embedded and distributed LummaC2 malware within spoofed or fake popular software (i.e., multimedia player or utility software) [T1036]. The malware’s obfuscation methods allow LummaC2 actors to bypass standard cybersecurity measures, such as Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions or antivirus programs, designed to flag common phishing attempts or drive-by downloads [T1027].

    Once a victim’s computer system is infected, the malware can exfiltrate sensitive user information, including personally identifiable information, financial credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, browser extensions, and multifactor authentication (MFA) details without immediate detection [TA0010, T1119]. Private sector statistics indicate there were more than 21,000 market listings selling LummaC2 logs on multiple cybercriminal forums from April through June of 2024, a 71.7 percent increase from April through June of 2023.

    File Execution

    Upon execution, the LummaC2.exe file will enter its main routine, which includes four sub-routines (see Figure 1).

    Figure 1. LummaC2 Main Routine

    The first routine decrypts strings for a message box that is displayed to the user (see Figure 2).

    Figure 2. Message Box

    If the user selects No, the malware will exit. If the user selects Yes, the malware will move on to its next routine, which decrypts its callback Command and Control (C2) domains [T1140]. A list of observed domains is included in the Indicators of Compromise section.

    After each domain is decoded, the implant will attempt a POST request [T1071.001] (see Figure 3).

    Figure 3. Post Request

    If the POST request is successful, a pointer to the decoded domain string is saved in a global variable for later use in the main C2 routine used to retrieve JSON formatted commands (see Figure 4).

    Figure 4. Code Saving Successful Callback Request

    Once a valid C2 domain is contacted and saved, the malware moves on to the next routine, which queries the user’s name and computer name utilizing the Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) GetUserNameW and GetComputerNameW respectively [T1012]. The returned data is then hashed and compared against a hard-coded hash value (see Figure 5).

    Figure 5. User and Computer Name Check

    The hashing routine was not identified as a standard algorithm; however, it is a simple routine that converts a Unicode string to a 32-bit hexadecimal value.

    If the username hash is equal to the value 0x56CF7626, then the computer name is queried. If the computer name queried is seven characters long, then the name is hashed and checked against the hard-coded value of 0xB09406C7. If both values match, a final subroutine will be called with a static value of the computer name hash as an argument. If this routine is reached, the process will terminate. This is most likely a failsafe to prevent the malware from running on the attacker’s system, as its algorithms are one-way only and will not reveal information on the details of the attacker’s own hostname and username.

    If the username and hostname check function returns zero (does not match the hard-coded values), the malware will enter its main callback routine. The LummaC2 malware will contact the saved hostname from the previous check and send the following POST request (see Figure 6).

    Figure 6. Second POST Request

    The data returned from the C2 server is encrypted. Once decoded, the C2 data is in a JSON format and is parsed by the LummaC2 malware. The C2 uses the JSON configuration to parse its browser extensions and target lists using the ex key, which contains an array of objects (see Figure 7).

    Figure 7. Parsing of ex JSON Value

    Parsing the c key contains an array of objects, which will give the implant its C2 (see Figure 8).

    Figure 8. Parsing of c JSON Value

    C2 Instructions

    Each array object that contains the JSON key value of t will be evaluated as a command opcode, resulting in the C2 instructions in the subsections below.

    1. Opcode 0 – Steal Data Generic

    This command allows five fields to be defined when stealing data, offering the most flexibility. The Opcode O command option allows LummaC2 affiliates to add their custom information gathering details (see Table 1).

    Table 2. Opcode 1 Options
    Key Value
    p Path to steal from
    m File extensions to read
    z Output directory to store stolen data
    d Depth of recursiveness
    fs Maximum file size

    2. Opcode 1 – Steal Browser Data

    This command only allows for two options: a path and the name of the output directory. This command, based on sample configuration downloads, is used for browser data theft for everything except Mozilla [T1217] (see Table 2).

    Table 2. Opcode 1 Options
    Key Value
    p Path to steal from
    z Name of Browser – Output

    3. Opcode 2 – Steal Browser Data (Mozilla)

    This command is identical to Opcode 1; however, this option seems to be utilized solely for Mozilla browser data (see Table 3).

    Table 3. Opcode 2 Options
    Key Value
    p Path to steal from
    z Name of Browser – Output

    4. Opcode 3 – Download a File

    This command contains three options: a URL, file extension, and execution type. The configuration can specify a remote file with u to download and create the extension specified in the ft key [T1105] (see Table 4).

    Table 4. Opcode 3 Options
    Key Value
    u URL for Download
    ft File Extension
    e  Execution Type

    The e value can take two values: 0 or 1. This specifies how to execute the downloaded file either with the LoadLibrary API or via the command line with rundll32.exe [T1106] (see Table 5).

    Table 5. Execution Types
    Key Value
    e=0 Execute with LoadLibraryW()
    e=1 Executive with rund1132.exe

    5. Take Screenshot

    If the configuration JSON file has a key of “se” and its value is “true,” the malware will take a screenshot in BMP format and upload it to the C2 server.

    6. Delete Self

    If the configuration JSON file has a key of “ad” and its value is “true,” the malware will enter a routine to delete itself.

    The command shown in Figure 9 will be decoded and executed for self-deletion.

    Figure 9. Self-Deletion Command Line

    Figure 10 depicts the above command line during execution.

    Figure 10. Decoded Command Line in Memory

    Host Modifications

    Without any C2 interactions, the LummaC2 malware does not create any files on the infected drive. It simply runs in memory, gathers system information, and exfiltrates it to the C2 server [T1082]. The commands returned from the C2 server could indicate that it drops additional files and/or saves data to files on the local hard drive. This is variable, as these commands come from the C2 server and are mutable.

    Decrypted Strings

    Below is a list of hard-coded decrypted strings located in the binary (see Figure 11).

    Figure 11. Decoded Strings

    Indicators of Compromise

    See Table 6 and Table 7 for LummaC2 IOCs obtained by the FBI and trusted third parties.

    Disclaimer: The authoring agencies recommend organizations investigate and vet these indicators of compromise prior to taking action, such as blocking.

    Table 6. LummaC2 Executable Hashes
    Executables Type
    4AFDC05708B8B39C82E60ABE3ACE55DB (LummaC2.exe from November 2023) MD5
    E05DF8EE759E2C955ACC8D8A47A08F42 (LummaC2.exe from November 2023) MD5
    C7610AE28655D6C1BCE88B5D09624FEF MD5
    1239288A5876C09D9F0A67BCFD645735168A7C80 (LummaC2.exe from November 2023) SHA1
    B66DA4280C6D72ADCC68330F6BD793DF56A853CB (LummaC2.exe from November 2023) SHA1
    3B267FA5E1D1B18411C22E97B367258986E871E5 TLSH
    19CC41A0A056E503CC2137E19E952814FBDF14F8D83F799AEA9B96ABFF11EFBB (November 2023) SHA256
    2F31D00FEEFE181F2D8B69033B382462FF19C35367753E6906ED80F815A7924F (LummaC2.exe from November 2023) SHA256
    4D74F8E12FF69318BE5EB383B4E56178817E84E83D3607213160276A7328AB5D SHA256
    325daeb781f3416a383343820064c8e98f2e31753cd71d76a886fe0dbb4fe59a SHA256
    76e4962b8ccd2e6fd6972d9c3264ccb6738ddb16066588dfcb223222aaa88f3c SHA256
    7a35008a1a1ae3d093703c3a34a21993409af42eb61161aad1b6ae4afa8bbb70 SHA256
    a9e9d7770ff948bb65c0db24431f75dd934a803181afa22b6b014fac9a162dab SHA256
    b287c0bc239b434b90eef01bcbd00ff48192b7cbeb540e568b8cdcdc26f90959 SHA256
    ca47c8710c4ffb4908a42bd986b14cddcca39e30bb0b11ed5ca16fe8922a468b SHA256
    Table 7. LummaC2 DLL Binaries
    DLL Binaries Type
    iphlpapi.dll IP Helper API
    winhttp.dll Windows HTTP Services

    The following are domains observed deploying LummaC2 malware.

    Disclaimer: The domains below are historical in nature and may not currently be malicious.

    • Pinkipinevazzey[.]pw
    • Fragnantbui[.]shop
    • Medicinebuckerrysa[.]pw
    • Musicallyageop[.]pw
    • stogeneratmns[.]shop
    • wallkedsleeoi[.]shop
    • Tirechinecarpet[.]pw
    • reinforcenh[.]shop
    • reliabledmwqj[.]shop
    • Musclefarelongea[.]pw
    • Forbidstow[.]site
    • gutterydhowi[.]shop
    • Fanlumpactiras[.]pw
    • Computeryrati[.]site
    • Contemteny[.]site
    • Ownerbuffersuperw[.]pw
    • Seallysl[.]site
    • Dilemmadu[.]site
    • Freckletropsao[.]pw
    • Opposezmny[.]site
    • Faulteyotk[.]site
    • Hemispheredodnkkl[.]pw
    • Goalyfeastz[.]site
    • Authorizev[.]site
    • ghostreedmnu[.]shop
    • Servicedny[.]site
    • blast-hubs[.]com
    • offensivedzvju[.]shop
    • friendseforever[.]help
    • blastikcn[.]com
    • vozmeatillu[.]shop
    • shiningrstars[.]help
    • penetratebatt[.]pw
    • drawzhotdog[.]shop
    • mercharena[.]biz
    • pasteflawwed[.]world
    • generalmills[.]pro
    • citywand[.]live
    • hoyoverse[.]blog
    • nestlecompany[.]pro
    • esccapewz[.]run
    • dsfljsdfjewf[.]info
    • naturewsounds[.]help
    • travewlio[.]shop
    • decreaserid[.]world
    • stormlegue[.]com
    • touvrlane[.]bet
    • governoagoal[.]pw
    • paleboreei[.]biz
    • calmingtefxtures[.]run
    • foresctwhispers[.]top
    • tracnquilforest[.]life
    • sighbtseeing[.]shop
    • advennture[.]top
    • collapimga[.]fun
    • holidamyup[.]today
    • pepperiop[.]digital
    • seizedsentec[.]online
    • triplooqp[.]world
    • easyfwdr[.]digital
    • strawpeasaen[.]fun
    • xayfarer[.]live
    • jrxsafer[.]top
    • quietswtreams[.]life
    • oreheatq[.]live
    • plantainklj[.]run
    • starrynsightsky[.]icu
    • castmaxw[.]run
    • puerrogfh[.]live
    • earthsymphzony[.]today
    • weldorae[.]digital
    • quavabvc[.]top
    • citydisco[.]bet
    • steelixr[.]live
    • furthert[.]run
    • featureccus[.]shop
    • smeltingt[.]run
    • targett[.]top
    • mrodularmall[.]top
    • ferromny[.]digital
    • ywmedici[.]top
    • jowinjoinery[.]icu
    • rodformi[.]run
    • legenassedk[.]top
    • htardwarehu[.]icu
    • metalsyo[.]digital
    • ironloxp[.]live
    • cjlaspcorne[.]icu
    • navstarx[.]shop
    • bugildbett[.]top
    • latchclan[.]shop
    • spacedbv[.]world
    • starcloc[.]bet
    • rambutanvcx[.]run
    • galxnetb[.]today
    • pomelohgj[.]top
    • scenarisacri[.]top
    • jawdedmirror[.]run
    • changeaie[.]top
    • lonfgshadow[.]live
    • liftally[.]top
    • nighetwhisper[.]top
    • salaccgfa[.]top
    • zestmodp[.]top
    • owlflright[.]digital
    • clarmodq[.]top
    • piratetwrath[.]run
    • hemispherexz[.]top
    • quilltayle[.]live
    • equatorf[.]run
    • latitudert[.]live
    • longitudde[.]digital
    • climatologfy[.]top
    • starofliught[.]top

    MITRE ATT&CK Tactics and Techniques

    See Table 8 through Table 13 for all referenced threat actor tactics and techniques in this advisory. For assistance with mapping malicious cyber activity to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, see CISA and MITRE ATT&CK’s Best Practices for MITRE ATT&CK Mapping and CISA’s Decider Tool.

    Table 8. Initial Access
    Technique Title ID Use
    Phishing T1566 Threat actors delivered LummaC2 malware through phishing emails.
    Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment T1566.001 Threat actors used spearphishing attachments to deploy LummaC2 malware payloads.
    Phishing: Spearphishing Link T1566.002 Threat actors used spearphishing hyperlinks to deploy LummaC2 malware payloads.
    Table 9. Defense Evasion
    Technique Title ID Use
    Obfuscated Files or Information T1027 Threat actors obfuscated the malware to bypass standard cybersecurity measures designed to flag common phishing attempts or drive-by downloads.
    Masquerading T1036 Threat actors delivered LummaC2 malware via spoofed software.
    Deobfuscate/Decode Files or Information T1140 Threat actors used LummaC2 malware to decrypt its callback C2 domains.
    Table 10. Discovery
    Technique Title ID Use
    Query Registry T1012 Threat actors used LummaC2 malware to query the user’s name and computer name utilizing the APIs GetUserNameW and GetComputerNameW.
    Browser Information Discovery T1217 Threat actors used LummaC2 malware to steal browser data.
    Table 11. Collection
    Technique Title ID Use
    Automated Collection T1119 LummaC2 malware has automated collection of various information including cryptocurrency wallet details.
    Table 12. Command and Control
    Technique Title ID Use
    Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols T1071.001 Threat actors used LummaC2 malware to attempt POST requests.
    Ingress Tool Transfer T1105 Threat actors used LummaC2 malware to transfer a remote file to compromised systems.
    Table 13. Exfiltration
    Technique Title ID Use
    Exfiltration TA0010 Threat actors used LummaC2 malware to exfiltrate sensitive user information, including traditional credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, browser extensions, and MFA details without immediate detection.
    Native API T1106 Threat actors used LummaC2 malware to download files with native OS APIs.

    Mitigations

    The FBI and CISA recommend organizations implement the mitigations below to reduce the risk of compromise by LummaC2 malware. These mitigations align with the Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals (CPGs) developed by CISA and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The CPGs provide a minimum set of practices and protections that CISA and NIST recommend all organizations implement. CISA and NIST based the CPGs on existing cybersecurity frameworks and guidance to protect against the most common and impactful threats, tactics, techniques, and procedures. Visit CISA’s CPGs webpage for more information on the CPGs, including additional recommended baseline protections. These mitigations apply to all critical infrastructure organizations.

    • Separate User and Privileged Accounts: Allow only necessary users and applications access to the registry [CPG 2.E].
    • Monitor and detect suspicious behavior during exploitation [CPG 3.A].
      • Monitor and detect suspicious behavior, creation and termination events, and unusual and unexpected processes running.
      • Monitor API calls that may attempt to retrieve system information.
      • Analyze behavior patterns from process activities to identify anomalies.
      • For more information, visit CISA’s guidance on: Enhanced Visibility and Hardening Guidance for Communications Infrastructure.
    • Implement application controls to manage and control execution of software, including allowlisting remote access programs. Application controls should prevent installation and execution of portable versions of unauthorized remote access and other software. A properly configured application allowlisting solution will block any unlisted application execution. Allowlisting is important because antivirus solutions may fail to detect the execution of malicious portable executables when the files use any combination of compression, encryption, or obfuscation.
    • Protect against threat actor phishing campaigns by implementing CISA’s Phishing Guidance and Phishing-resistant multifactor authentication. [CPG 2.H]
    • Log Collection: Regularly monitoring and reviewing registry changes and access logs can support detection of LummaC2 malware [CPG 2.T].
    • Implement authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) systems [M1018] to limit actions users can perform and review logs of user actions to detect unauthorized use and abuse. Apply principles of least privilege to user accounts and groups, allowing only the performance of authorized actions.
    • Audit user accounts and revoke credentials for departing employees, removing those that are inactive or unnecessary on a routine basis [CPG 2.D]. Limit the ability for user accounts to create additional accounts.
    • Keep systems up to date with regular updates, patches, hot fixes, and service packs that may minimize vulnerabilities. Learn more by visiting CISA’s webpage: Secure our World Update Software.
    • Secure network devices to restrict command line access.
    • Use segmentation to prevent access to sensitive systems and information, possibly with the use of Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) or virtual private cloud (VPC) instances to isolate systems [CPG 2.F].
    • Monitor and detect API usage, looking for unusual or malicious behavior.

    Validate Security Controls

    In addition to applying mitigations, the FBI and CISA recommend exercising, testing, and validating your organization’s security program against threat behaviors mapped to the MITRE ATT&CK Matrix for Enterprise framework in this advisory. The FBI and CISA recommend testing your existing security controls inventory to assess performance against the ATT&CK techniques described in this advisory.

    To get started:

    1. Select an ATT&CK technique described in this advisory (see Table 8 through Table 13).
    2. Align your security technologies against the technique.
    3. Test your technologies against the technique.
    4. Analyze your detection and prevention technologies’ performance.
    5. Repeat the process for all security technologies to obtain a set of comprehensive performance data.
    6. Tune your security program, including people, processes, and technologies, based on the data generated by this process.

    The FBI and CISA recommend continually testing your security program, at scale, in a production environment to ensure optimal performance against the MITRE ATT&CK techniques identified in this advisory.

    Reporting

    Your organization has no obligation to respond or provide information to the FBI in response to this joint advisory. If, after reviewing the information provided, your organization decides to provide information to the FBI, reporting must be consistent with applicable state and federal laws.

    The FBI is interested in any information that can be shared, to include the status and scope of infection, estimated loss, date of infection, date detected, initial attack vector, and host- and network-based indicators.

    To report information, please contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), your local FBI field office, or CISA’s 24/7 Operations Center at report@cisa.gov or (888) 282-0870.

    Disclaimer

    The information in this report is being provided “as is” for informational purposes only. The FBI and CISA do not endorse any commercial entity, product, company, or service, including any entities, products, or services linked within this document. Any reference to specific commercial entities, products, processes, or services by service mark, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favor by the FBI and CISA.

    Acknowledgements

    ReliaQuest contributed to this advisory.

    Version History

    May 21, 2025: Initial version.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: ESET takes part in global operation to disrupt Lumma Stealer, one of the most prevalent infostealers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • ESET took part in a globally coordinated operation to disrupt Lumma Stealer.
    • The operation, led by Microsoft, targeted Lumma Stealer infrastructure, including all known C&C servers from the past year, making the botnet, in large part, inoperative.
    • Lumma Stealer has been one of the most prevalent infostealers over the past two years.
    • ESET provided both technical analysis and statistical information, and extracted essential data from tens of thousands of samples, as Lumma Stealer developers had been actively developing and maintaining the malware.

    PRAGUE and BRATISLAVA, Slovakia, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ESET has collaborated with Microsoft, BitSight, Lumen, Cloudflare, CleanDNS, and GMO Registry in a global disruption operation against Lumma Stealer, an infamous Malware-as-a-Service infostealer. The operation targeted Lumma Stealer infrastructure, specifically all known C&C servers of the past year, making the botnet, in large part, inoperative.

    “ESET automated systems processed tens of thousands of Lumma Stealer samples, dissecting them to extract key elements, such as C&C servers and affiliate identifiers. This allowed us to continuously monitor Lumma Stealer’s activity, cluster affiliates, keep track of development updates, and more,” says ESET researcher Jakub Tomanek, who monitors and investigates Lumma Stealer. “Infostealer malware families, like Lumma Stealer, are typically just a foreshadowing of future, much more devastating attacks. Harvested credentials are a valued commodity in the cybercrime underworld, sold by initial access brokers to various other cybercriminals, including ransomware affiliates,” adds Tomanek. Lumma Stealer has been one of the most prevalent infostealers over the past two years, leaving no part of the world untouched.

    Lumma Stealer developers had been actively developing and maintaining the malware. ESET has regularly spotted code updates ranging from minor bugfixes to complete replacement of string encryption and updates to the network protocol. The operators of the botnet also actively maintained the shared network infrastructure. Between 17 June 2024 and 1 May 2025, ESET observed a total of 3,353 unique C&C domains, with an approximate average of 74 new domains emerging each week, including occasional updates to Telegram-based dead drop resolvers. This ongoing evolution underscores the significant threat posed by Lumma Stealer and highlights the importance of the disruption efforts.

    Lumma Stealer adopts the concept of malware as a service, where affiliates pay a monthly fee based on their tier to receive the latest malware builds and the network infrastructure necessary for data exfiltration. The tiered subscription model features price ranges from $250 to $1000 per month, each with increasingly sophisticated features. The operators of Lumma Stealer have also created a Telegram marketplace for affiliates, with a rating system to sell stolen data without intermediaries. Common distribution methods include phishing, cracked software, and other malware downloaders. Lumma Stealer employs a few, but effective, anti-emulation techniques that make analysis as complicated as possible. These techniques are designed to evade detection and hinder the efforts of security analysts.

    Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit has facilitated the takedown, suspension, seizure, and blocking of the malicious domains that formed the backbone of Lumma Stealer’s infrastructure via a court order granted by the United States District Court of the Northern District of Georgia. In coordination, the U.S. Department of Justice simultaneously also seized the Lumma Stealer control panel, targeting the Lumma Stealer marketplace – and in turn the purchasers of Lumma Stealer malware. This was coordinated with Europol’s European Cybercrime Center (EC3) as well as Japan’s Cybercrime Control Center (JC3), which facilitated the suspension of locally based Lumma Stealer infrastructure.

    “This global disruption operation was made possible by our long-term tracking of Lumma Stealer. The disruption operation led by Microsoft aimed to seize all known Lumma Stealer C&C domains, making the exfiltration infrastructure of Lumma Stealer non-functional. However, ESET will continue to track other infostealers while closely monitoring for Lumma Stealer activity following this disruption operation,” concludes Tomanek.

    For an overview of the Lumma Stealer ecosystem and both a technical analysis and look at the evolution of Lumma Stealer’s key static and dynamic properties critical to the disruption effort, check out the latest ESET Research blogpost, “ESET takes part in global operation to disrupt Lumma Stealer” on WeLiveSecurity.com. Make sure to follow ESET Research on Twitter (today known as X), Bluesky, and Mastodon for the latest news from ESET Research.

    Lumma Stealer detection rate based on ESET telemetry (data since July 2024)

    About ESET
    ESET® provides cutting-edge digital security to prevent attacks before they happen. By combining the power of AI and human expertise, ESET stays ahead of emerging global cyberthreats, both known and unknown — securing businesses, critical infrastructure, and individuals. Whether it’s endpoint, cloud, or mobile protection, our AI-native, cloud-first solutions and services remain highly effective and easy to use. ESET technology includes robust detection and response, ultra-secure encryption, and multifactor authentication. With 24/7 real-time defense and strong local support, we keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. The ever-evolving digital landscape demands a progressive approach to security: ESET is committed to world-class research and powerful threat intelligence, backed by R&D centers and a strong global partner network. For more information, visit www.eset.com or follow our social media, podcasts, and blogs.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3e248b2b-dcbf-42cb-93ac-a4b4668bbc31

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Horse Racing Betting Sites in Australia – Donbet Picked as the Top AU Racebook

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Horse racing is more than just a pastime in Australia—it’s practically a national obsession. From the Melbourne Cup to the raw excitement of local meets, Australians love the thrill of the track. 

    Betting on horse racing has become an integral part of this beloved sport, with numerous horse racing betting sites Australia bettors can join vying for attention from punters. But with so many options, how do you choose the best?

    JOIN THE BEST HORSE RACEBOOK IN AU: DONBET

    Why Donbet Is the Best Horse Racing Betting Site in Australia

    When you’re placing bets online, reliability and ease of use are paramount. Donbet not only meets these criteria but exceeds them. Donbet’s platform is crafted specifically with Aussie punters in mind, combining user-friendly design, excellent odds, comprehensive race coverage, and robust security features.

    One of Donbet’s standout features is its exceptional user interface. Easy navigation ensures bettors can quickly find odds and place wagers without unnecessary complications. Additionally, Donbet consistently provides competitive odds on all major and minor races, ensuring maximum value for every wager.

    The platform also offers extensive coverage of Australian and international races. Whether you’re betting on prestigious races like the Melbourne Cup or smaller local meets, Donbet ensures you never miss a beat.

    What to Consider When Choosing Horse Racing Sportbooks in Australia

    User Experience and Interface

    A seamless betting experience is crucial. Choose platforms like Donbet, known for their intuitive navigation, quick loading times, and responsive customer support.

    Betting Markets and Odds

    The best horse racing betting sites Australia has ever seen should offer a wide variety of betting markets, from straightforward win/place/show bets to more exotic wagers. Competitive odds significantly enhance potential returns.

    Security and Licensing

    Always prioritize betting sites that are licensed and regulated by Australian gaming authorities. Secure platforms utilize advanced encryption to protect your personal and financial details.

    Promotions and Bonuses

    Look for sites offering generous sign-up bonuses, free bets, cashback offers, and loyalty programs. Donbet excels by regularly updating promotions tailored to horse racing enthusiasts.

    Payment Methods and Speed of Withdrawals

    Efficient payment processing is vital. Ensure your chosen betting site supports popular Aussie-friendly payment methods like credit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets.

    Mobile Compatibility

    With betting increasingly moving online, top sites must offer mobile-optimized platforms or dedicated betting apps to allow seamless betting on-the-go.

    How to Join Horse Racing Sportsbooks in Australia

    Joining horse racing betting sites like Donbet in Australia is straightforward and quick. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps to help you easily get started:

    Step 1: Visit the Website

    Navigate to Donbet’s official site using your desktop or mobile browser. You’ll easily spot the “Join” or “Register” button, usually prominently displayed at the top right corner of the homepage.

    Step 2: Complete the Registration Form

    Click the button and enter your personal details accurately. These typically include your full name, date of birth, residential address, email, and contact phone number. It’s crucial to provide accurate information to ensure smooth verification and secure account management.

    Step 3: Verify Your Identity

    Australian betting regulations mandate identity verification for security purposes. You’ll be prompted to upload documents like your passport, driver’s license, or national ID card. Occasionally, additional proof of address might be required, such as a recent utility bill or bank statement.

    Step 4: Make Your First Deposit

    Once your account is verified, deposit funds using your preferred method. Donbet supports various popular payment options, including credit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets. Deposits are typically processed swiftly, allowing immediate betting access.

    Step 5: Place Your Bets

    With your account funded, explore Donbet’s extensive race listings. You can choose from numerous betting markets, including win/place/show, quinellas, trifectas, and more exotic options. Select your races, choose your bets, confirm your wagers, and you’re all set!

    TAKE THE 600 AUD BONUS

    Most Popular Racetracks You Can Bet On In Australia

    Australia boasts some of the most prestigious and exhilarating racetracks worldwide, each with its distinctive charm and betting opportunities:

    • Flemington Racecourse, Victoria: Located in Melbourne, Flemington is internationally renowned, especially for hosting the Melbourne Cup—Australia’s most famous horse race. The Melbourne Cup Carnival attracts thousands of spectators and bettors every November, making it a highlight of the global racing calendar.
    • Randwick Racecourse, New South Wales: Situated in Sydney, Randwick is the home of The Championships, a celebrated event featuring races such as the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Doncaster Mile. Its modern facilities and historic charm make it a favourite amongst punters.
    • Caulfield Racecourse, Victoria: Known for the prestigious Caulfield Cup, this Melbourne-based venue provides a critical testing ground for horses aiming for Melbourne Cup glory. Its engaging track layout ensures dynamic racing, offering bettors thrilling and strategic betting opportunities.
    • Moonee Valley Racecourse, Victoria: Located in Melbourne, Moonee Valley is famed for hosting the Cox Plate, known as Australia’s weight-for-age championship. Its compact and tight-turn course creates intense, exciting races ideal for experienced punters looking for challenging odds.
    • Eagle Farm Racecourse, Queensland: Brisbane’s leading racetrack, Eagle Farm, regularly hosts high-profile events like the Stradbroke Handicap and Queensland Derby. With a long straight track, it rewards strategic betting and offers great opportunities for punters looking to capitalize on form and distance specialists.
    • Ascot Racecourse, Western Australia: Ascot, located in Perth, combines lively atmosphere and competitive racing. It hosts major events like the Perth Cup and the Railway Stakes, attracting crowds and bettors keen on the vibrant social scene and competitive odds.

    What Makes Donbet Ideal for Aussie Bettors

    Donbet’s superiority comes down to several unique features tailored explicitly for Australian punters:

    • Local Expertise: Donbet is staffed with industry experts who understand the nuances of Australian horse racing.
    • Comprehensive Coverage: Whether it’s major metropolitan races or regional meets, Donbet offers extensive markets to suit every preference.
    • Enhanced Odds and Promotions: Regularly updated special offers and boosted odds provide more value to bettors, making Donbet particularly attractive for seasoned and new punters alike.
    • Reliable Customer Support: Accessible 24/7 customer service via live chat, email, and phone ensures you always have assistance when needed.
    • Robust Security Protocols: Licensed by reputable gaming authorities and employing cutting-edge encryption technologies, Donbet ensures your betting experience is secure.

    5 Essential Tips for Betting on Horse Racing

    1. Research Thoroughly

    Extensive research is crucial to successful betting. Study each horse’s recent form, historical performance on specific tracks, jockey and trainer stats, and the horse’s preferred distance. Look at past race videos and consider expert opinions to build a detailed understanding of potential outcomes.

    2. Understand and Identify Betting Value

    Understanding betting odds is essential. Recognize how bookmakers set odds and spot value bets—horses that have higher odds than their realistic winning probability. Developing a knack for identifying these bets can significantly enhance your long-term profitability.

    3. Practice Bankroll Management

    Responsible bankroll management protects your finances and improves your betting strategy. Set clear betting limits and stick to them. Allocate specific amounts per bet and avoid impulsive decisions like chasing losses. Disciplined betting will lead to more consistent and enjoyable betting experiences.

    4. Diversify Your Betting Strategy

    Don’t rely only on straightforward win bets. Explore various betting markets such as place bets, each-way bets, quinellas, trifectas, and exactas. Diversification helps balance risk and reward, potentially increasing overall returns and keeping betting engaging.

    5. Monitor Track and Weather Conditions

    Conditions greatly influence race outcomes. Horses can perform differently depending on weather (dry, wet, muddy tracks). Check accurate weather forecasts and track reports on race day. Understanding how these factors affect each horse can provide crucial betting insights and improve your decision-making.

    Final Thoughts on Horse Racing Betting Sites in Australia

    Horse racing is woven into Australia’s cultural fabric, and betting enhances the excitement of each event. Choosing the right betting site makes all the difference in your horse racing betting sites Australia experience. Donbet rises above the competition, perfectly aligning with what Australian bettors value most—reliability, extensive market coverage, superior odds, security, and outstanding customer support.

    Whether you’re a seasoned punter or just starting, Donbet and horse racing betting sites in Australia offer an exhilarating, user-friendly, and safe betting experience. Enjoy the thrills and excitement of Australian horse racing with confidence and ease at Donbet—Australia’s premier destination for horse racing betting.

    Editorial Note

    This article is provided solely for informational and entertainment purposes. Nothing within should be interpreted as legal, financial, or professional advice. Readers should carry out their own research before participating in any gambling activities or signing up with any online casinos mentioned. 

    Gambling Caution

    Online gambling comes with financial risks and may lead to addictive behavior or monetary loss. We urge all readers to gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, professional help is available. In Australia, you can dial 1800 858 858.

    18+ only. It is up to each individual to verify whether online gambling is permitted under their local, state, or federal laws. Neither the publisher, the authors, nor any syndication partners condone or support unlawful gambling. Participation in online gambling is done at the reader’s own discretion and risk.

    Affiliate Transparency

    This article may include affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase or register, a commission may be earned, at no extra cost to you.

    Syndication and Liability Disclaimer

    Any third-party publishers, media platforms, or syndication partners that republish this content do so understanding that it is meant for informational purposes only. These entities are not responsible for the legality, accuracy, or interpretation of the material.

    DonBet
    https://donbet.com
    support@donbet.com
    1150 Gemini St, Houston, TX 77058

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Xbox Game Pass members can now play Activision’s Retro Classics

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Xbox Game Pass members can now play Activision’s Retro Classics

    We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Retro Classics, a collaboration between Xbox and Antstream Arcade, available to play for Game Pass members globally. Starting today, Game Pass members can dive into a collection of 50+ classic Activision games from the ’80s and ’90s, including beloved titles like Commando, Grand Prix, Kaboom!, Mech Warrior 2: 31st Century Combat, and Pitfall! This initiative is a step in our commitment to game preservation and backwards compatibility, allowing players to experience many timeless games on modern devices.

    With Retro Classics, Game Pass members can expect a seamless gaming experience across console, PC, and on supported devices with cloud gaming. Whether playing on Xbox console, the Xbox app on PC, or streaming on supported LG and Samsung Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV devices, and Meta Quest headsets, Retro Classics offers a versatile and accessible way to enjoy these nostalgic titles.  Game Pass members can access Retro Classics through their Game Pass membership by searching and installing the feature via their console or on the Xbox app on PC. Additionally, players can take on friends, rivals, or the entire world with unique challenges. For the achievement hunters, there are some great new ones to collect, and for newer players, the ability to save and reload your progress, a first for many classic titles.

    Retro Classics

    Xbox Game Studios

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Discover timeless classics and hidden gems with Game Pass. Retro Classics includes over 50 restored and ready-to-play games available for Xbox Game Pass members. Power up your play with community challenges, competitive leaderboards, all-new challenge modes, high-score rankings and more. Play over 50 classic games from Activision like Commando, Grand Prix, Kaboom! Mech Warrior 2: 31st Century Combat, and Pitfall! . Take on friends, rivals or the entire world with unique challenges – or dive in solo – and collect achievements. Save your progress and continue later for the first time for many games. Available for Game Pass members to play on console, PC, and on supported devices with cloud gaming.

    This launch is just the beginning. Game Pass members can look forward to discovering additional games added from Activision and Blizzard, expanding the Retro Classics collection to more than 100+ titles over time.

    For more information on Retro Classics, see here.

    PC Gaming

    Game Bar Updates – Quick settings and widgets

    To further enhance the gameplay experience with Game Bar, we’ve revamped the Settings widget with quick settings and continued visual updates to the remainder of the inbox widgets. The new quick settings will be accessible in both Compact Mode and Desktop Mode across all Windows devices.

    Upon opening the Settings widget, players can now swiftly access a list of quick settings that allow them to adjust audio levels, screen brightness, show a virtual keyboard, turn on Compact Mode, manage connected devices and more, all while minimizing interruptions to gameplay.

    In addition to this, visual updates have been applied to the Widget List, Gallery widget, and Home widget for a more unified look and feel across the experience.

    Game Bar Updates – Microsoft Edge Game Assist

    Microsoft Edge Game Assist is coming soon. As the first in-game browser built specifically for players, Game Assist brings players a full browser along with tips, walkthroughs, playlists, and sites like Discord, Spotify, and Twitch right into their game. Players can use the Windows + G shortcut to open this experience in Game Bar at any time during a gameplay session. As Game Assist is seamlessly connected to the Edge browser, players will have instant access to their favorites, passwords, history, and more, ensuring everything they need is always within reach and keeping their data synched between sessions. 

    GeForce Now update

    Xbox players now have an additional option in the Xbox app on PC for playing via cloud gaming, providing even greater flexibility in how they play. GeForce Now has been added as an available option for PC gaming on participating titles, allowing players to choose their preferred streaming platform for gameplay. If a game is available on GeForce Now, players will see a pop-up when clicking the Play button on the product page, at which time they can select their preferred cloud gaming option.

    Xbox Rewards

    Rewards with Xbox – Xbox gift cards in custom amounts now available

    Players can now redeem their Rewards points for Xbox gift cards in any amount on the Rewards hub.

     To customize an Xbox gift card:

    1. On the Rewards hub, go to the catalog and choose “Xbox Gift Card”
    2. Select an amount from the drop-down list OR choose “Custom”
    3. If selecting “Custom,” enter any amount between $5-$100
    4. Select “Redeem Reward” to complete the redemption
    5. Once complete, the gift card will be automatically added to your account balance

    This balance can be used towards purchases of Games, Game Add-ons, Movies and TV Shows or on the latest deals at Xbox.com/Deals. Learn more about redeeming Rewards here.

    Stream your own game – Over 100+ games

    We’re continuing to add more games to the Stream your own game collection for Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta). Game Pass Ultimate members can stream from a library of over 100+ cloud playable games on supported devices.

    Recently added:

    • Arma Reforger
    • Deliver At All Cost
    • Monster Energy Supercross – The Official Videogame 6
    • Project Wingman
    • RIDE 5
    • ROADCRAFT

    Coming soon:

    • Anno 1800 Console Edition – Standard
    • Disney Illusion Island
    • Hello Neighbor 2
    • Just Dance
    • Life is Strange: Before the Storm Episode 1
    • Life is Strange: True Colors
    • MONOPOLY
    • Skull and Bones
    • Sunderfolk
    • Watch Dogs Legion

    Check out the full list of cloud-playable games available to stream on supported devices here. For more information, learn more here.

    Xbox Play Anywhere – Buy once, play anywhere

    With over 1,000 games now supporting Xbox Play Anywhere, players can seamlessly switch between PC, Xbox console, and supported handhelds at no additional cost, bringing even more value to our Xbox players. Progress, including saves, game add-ons, and achievements, is carried over wherever the game is played. Simply log in with an Xbox account on any device to continue playing from where you left off.

    70+ games have been released with this feature so far in 2025! In April, these games came into the Xbox Play Anywhere collection:

    • Amaze!
    • Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy
    • Annie:Last Hope
    • Biz Builder Delux
    • Blue Prince
    • Cafe Master Story
    • Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
    • Crime Scene Cleaner
    • FragPunk
    • Hegzis
    • HexaScape: Cyber Defense
    • Hot Rod Mayhem
    • Light-It Up
    • Little Droid
    • Lunar Remastered Collection
    • Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree
    • Meow Moments: Celebrating Geeks & Athletes
    • Moving Houses
    • My Little Universe
    • Ocean Keeper
    • Ruku’s Heart Balloon
    • Sky Revolver
    • South of Midnight
    • Spirit Valor
    • Tempopo
    • Terror Mansion
    • The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
    • The Epyx Collection: Handheld
    • The Safe Place
    • Towerborne (Game Preview)

    Check out the full list of available games that players can enjoy anywhere.

    In Case You Missed It

    Xbox Accessories – DOOM: The Dark Ages

    As announced in April, the new limited-edition accessories collection for DOOM: The Dark Ages is now available for purchase. This collection celebrates DOOM and the latest chapter in the franchise’s storied history. The full lineup includes an Xbox Wireless Controller, an Xbox Elite Series 2, and an Xbox Series X console wrap. Visit xbox.com to learn more about this limited-edition collection.

    Xbox Consoles –Dynamic Backgrounds

    DOOM: The Dark Ages and Metaphor: ReFantazio introduced new dynamic backgrounds for Xbox Series X|S consoles, allowing players to customize their consoles to match exciting new games.

    To learn how to customize your Xbox Series X|S console by choosing a dynamic background, visit the Xbox Support page.

    Help Shape the Future of Xbox

    Stay tuned to Xbox Wire for future updates and the latest and greatest Xbox news. For support related to Xbox updates, visit the official Xbox Support site.

    We love hearing from the community, whether you have a suggestion for a new feature that you’d like to see added, or you want to give feedback on existing features that could use some improvement. We’re always looking for ways to improve Xbox experiences for players around the world. If you’d like to help create the future of Xbox and get early access to new features, join the Xbox Insider Program today by downloading the Xbox Insider Hub for Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One or Windows PC.

    Happy gaming.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Missouri Man Sentenced to Over 19 Years in Prison for Transporting Minor for Sex

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Henry E. Autrey on Tuesday sentenced a man who admitted transporting a minor across state lines for sex to 230 months in prison.

    Scott M. Arnold-Micke, 48, of Rolla, Missouri met the 17-year-old victim in 2021 and took him to Chicago, where they used drugs and engaged in sexual acts. Arnold-Micke engaged in drug use with the victim on an almost daily basis after Arnold-Micke moved from Sullivan, Missouri to Rolla.

    Arnold-Micke, 48, pleaded guilty in January to one count of transportation of a minor to engage in a criminal sex act.

    The case was investigated by the FBI and the Rolla Police Department with assistance from the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Dianna Edwards prosecuted the case.

    “The FBI is unrelenting when it comes to protecting children,” said Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. “I commend those who brought this crime to light in order to get this child predator off the streets and in prison where he belongs.”

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scientists design gene delivery systems for cells in the brain and spinal cord

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 2

    News Release
    Wednesday, May 21, 2025

    NIH-funded breakthrough could enable targeted therapies for many neurological disorders.

    Research teams funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have created a versatile set of gene delivery systems that can reach different neural cell types in the human brain and spinal cord with exceptional accuracy. These delivery systems are a significant step toward future precise gene therapy to the brain that could safely control errant brain activity with high precision. In contrast, current therapies for brain disorders mostly treat only symptoms.
    The new delivery systems carry genetic material into the brain and spinal cord for targeted use by specific cell types. This platform has the potential to transform how scientists can study neural circuits. It provides researchers with gene delivery systems for various species used in research, without the need for genetically modified, or transgenic, animals. Examples include illuminating fine structures of brain cells with fluorescent proteins and activating or silencing circuits that control behavior and cognition.
    “Imagine this new platform as a delivery truck dropping off specialized genetic packages in specific cell neighborhoods in the brain and spinal cord,” said John Ngai, Director of the NIH’s Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® Initiative, or The BRAIN Initiative®. “With these delivery systems, we can now access and manipulate specific cells in the brain and spinal cord – access that was not possible before at this scale.”
    The new delivery tools, which use a small, stripped-down adeno-associated virus (AAV) to deliver DNA to target cells, can be broadly applied across many species and experimental systems, including small tissue samples removed during human brain surgeries. The delivery systems have been tested, or validated, in intact living systems, which is an important step for introducing new tools for widespread use. The newly published toolkit includes:

    Dozens of delivery systems that selectively target key brain cell types, including excitatory neurons, inhibitory interneurons, striatal and cortical subtypes, brain blood vessel cells, and hard-to-reach neurons in the spinal cord that control body movement and are damaged in several neurological diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy
    Computer programs powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that can identify genetic “light switches,” known as enhancers, that turn genes on in specific brain cell types, using data from many different species – cutting considerable time and effort for scientists looking for these genetic switches.

    Overall, this collection of research tools will significantly accelerate understanding of the human brain. Importantly, the toolkit enables access to specific brain cell types in the prefrontal cortex, an area that’s critical for decision-making and uniquely human traits. With other tools in the collection, scientists can better study individual cells and communication pathways known to be affected in several neurological diseases. These include seizure disorders, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and Huntington’s disease – as well as various neuropsychiatric conditions.
    AAV-based treatments are already approved for some conditions, such as spinal muscular atrophy for which a 2016 approval of a gene therapy known as Zolgensma transformed the lives of infants and young children who once faced severe disability or early death. The new collection of gene delivery resources lays the groundwork for more precise treatments that target only affected cells in the brain, spinal cord, or brain blood vessels.
    The toolkit is available at distribution centers including Addgene, a global supplier of genetic research tools. This collection of publications offers researchers standard operating procedures and user guides for these tools.
    The work is supported by the NIH’s Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® Initiative, or The BRAIN Initiative®. Funding issued less than four years ago launched a large-scale, team-run project to design new molecular tools that can be useful to many research laboratories. The Armamentarium for Precision Brain Cell Access aims to develop precise and reproducible access to cells and circuits in experimental research models of the brain and spinal cord. The large-scale project brings together experts in the field of molecular biology, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence (AI). The eight papers appear in the May 21 issue of the journals Neuron, Cell, Cell Reports, Cell Genomics, and Cell Reports Methods.
    Grants: UF1MH130701, UH3MH120096, U24MH133236, UF1MH128339, UM1MH130981, R01MH123620, U19MH114830, P510D010425, U420D011123, S10MH126994, UH3MH120094, UF1MH130881, F30DA053020, R01FD007478, U01AG076791, R35GM127102, RF1MH114126, UH3MH120095, RF1MH121274, R01MH113005, UH3MH120095
    The Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® Initiative and The BRAIN Initiative® are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
    The NIH BRAIN Initiative, a multidisciplinary collaboration across 10 NIH Institutes and Centers, is uniquely positioned for cross-cutting discoveries in neuroscience to revolutionize our understanding of the human brain. By accelerating the development and application of innovative neurotechnologies, The BRAIN Initiative® is enabling researchers to understand the brain at unprecedented levels of detail in both health and disease, improving how we treat, prevent, and cure brain disorders. The BRAIN Initiative involves a multidisciplinary network of federal and non-federal partners whose missions and current research portfolios complement the goals of The BRAIN Initiative. 
    About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
    NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pagan’s Motorcycle Club Member Pleads Guilty for Armed Assault and Attempted Assault Against Rivals

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A member of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays for his involvement in an armed assault and an attempted armed assault against members of rival motorcycle clubs.

    Jeremiah Z. Hahn, also known as “Pass Out,” 42, of Cameron, Mo., pleaded guilty today to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, one count of attempting to commit assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.

    On May 30, 2022, Hahn and other members of the Pagan’s and their support club, assaulted a lone rival motorcycle gang member at a business in Grain Valley, Mo.  In addition to fists, Hahn used an axe handle during the assault, causing physical injury to the victim.

    On Sep. 3, 2022, Hahn and other members of the Pagan’s and their support club, travelled to Topeka, Ks., to carry out a revenge attack against another rival motorcycle gang.  The plan was to “catch a stray” and “smash on sight” any rival member they saw.  The Pagan’s were aware that the rival motorcycle gang were having an event in Topeka that day, and the plan was to use either an axe handle or a gun on one of the rival gang members.  After arriving in Topeka, a rival member was spotted in a hotel parking lot.  As Hahn, who was armed with a gun, prepared to shoot the rival, a disagreement occurred among members, and the group returned to the Kansas City area.

    Following both events, Hahn and others present were awarded patches for their participation.

    On May 3, 2023, Hahn was stopped by a Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper on eastbound Highway 36 in Dekalb County, Mo., for speeding.  Hahn, who was riding a black, 2012 Harley Davidson motorcycle, had passed the trooper, traveling 98 mph in a 65-mph zone. Initially, Hahn attempted to flee the trooper and reached speeds ranging from 100-102 mph before stopping.  Following Hahn’s arrest, the trooper discovered a Smith and Wesson, model M&P Shield, .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun, in Hahn’s front pants’ pocket.  Hahn, who had felony convictions out of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri, stated that he had stolen the gun approximately a week and a half earlier from a member of a rival motorcycle club in St. Joseph, Mo.

    Under federal statutes, Hahn is subject to a sentence of up to twenty years in prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the FBI, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Blue Springs, Mo., Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.

    Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Kansas City Man Charged with Hobbs Act Robbery and Firearm Violations

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for robbing fourteen convenience stores at gunpoint. He also faces charges for attempting to rob another convenience store and illegally possessing a firearm.

    Marquise L. North, 31, of Kansas City, Mo., was charged in a thirty-one count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo.

    Today’s indictment charges North with fourteen counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, fourteen counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    The federal indictment alleges North committed the robberies between July 26, 2024, and Sep. 21, 2024.  North is alleged to have brandished a firearm during each of the robberies.

    Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition.  North has a prior felony conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm.

    The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

    Under federal statutes, North is subject to a sentence of up to life in federal prison without parole.  Brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in federal prison without parole.  The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

    This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Jennings.  It was investigated by the FBI, Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, Raytown, Missouri Police Department, and Independence, Missouri Police Department.

    Project Safe Neighborhoods

    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.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Springfield, Missouri, Men Sentenced for Methamphetamine Conspiracy

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Two men from Springfield, Mo., were sentenced in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine in the Springfield area.

    Erik C. Foster, 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes, to 215 months in federal prison without parole, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Foster pleaded guilty on Dec. 16, 2024.

    Tilton Chase Tate, 41, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes, to 146 months in federal prison without parole, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Tate pleaded guilty on October 15, 2024.

    Foster and Tate were charged, along with other individuals, in a 24-count superseding indictment on July 25, 2023, for their roles in a drug conspiracy that lasted from Dec. 2020 to Oct. 2022.

    Foster admitted to purchasing and delivering methamphetamine for other conspirators to distribute in Southwest Missouri. During the course of the conspiracy, law enforcement seized well over 50 grams of methamphetamine from members of the conspiracy.

    According to court records, on Sep. 10, 2022, officers with the Republic, Mo. Police Department located two plastic bags containing at least 844 grams of methamphetamine from inside a speaker during a traffic stop where Foster was the passenger. Foster told officers that he had picked up the methamphetamine in Joplin and was taking it to Springfield to deliver it to a co-conspirator for distribution.

    On Oct. 12, 2022, deputies with the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office seized a small plastic bag of what appeared to be black tar heroin, a backpack containing 70 grams of methamphetamine, and over $11,960 in cash from Foster during a traffic stop. During a post-Miranda interview, Foster told officers that he was taking the backpack to a co-conspirator for distribution and that he had made six or seven similar trips to deliver methamphetamine.

    Tate admitted to possessing and distributing methamphetamine to others as part of the conspiracy.

    On Oct. 19, 2021, during a traffic stop, a Springfield, Mo. Police Department (SPD) detective seized over 440 grams of methamphetamine from Tate.

    On April 14, 2022, while executing a search warrant for Tate’s residence, SPD officers located a Ruger LCP 380 handgun and a Stoeger Arms, STR 9C 9mm handgun, as well as miscellaneous pills and suspected methamphetamine.

    Later in April, during a post-Miranda interview, Tate admitted to purchasing the methamphetamine seized during the Oct. traffic stop from a co-conspirator. He estimated that he was selling a pound of methamphetamine each week.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Republic, Mo., Police Department, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

    Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Kansas City Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Conspiracy

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin and for possession of firearms in furtherance of that conspiracy.

    Codi J. Monteer, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge D. Greg Kays to 30 years in federal prison without parole.

    On Oct. 8, 2024, Monteer pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana; one count of maintaining a drug involved premises; one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of the drug conspiracy; and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms.

    Monteer’s participation in the drug trafficking conspiracy lasted approximately one year and he was responsible for conspiring with others to distribute at least 124 kilograms of methamphetamine; 700 grams of fentanyl (powder and pills); and 1.58 kilograms of heroin.  He was also in possession of several firearms used in furtherance of his drug trafficking.

    On one occasion, in March 2021, Monteer led members of the Kansas Highway Patrol on a high-speed pursuit that reached speeds of approximately 145 miles per hour.  The pursuit did not conclude until two of the tires came off Monteer’s vehicle.  During the pursuit, drugs were thrown from the vehicle.     

    Monteer was an associate of Autumn Dicks, Ian Hazel, They Kelley, Marc Downs, and Jamison Hopson-Stephens.  Those individuals have already been sentenced for their roles within the conspiracy.  Monteer was also an associate of Davion Williams, Curtis Lewis, Daniel Anderson, and Aaron Dorsey in this conspiracy.  Those individuals have all pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashleigh A. Ragner.  It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo. Police Department, FBI, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Kansas State Highway Patrol.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Shiprock Man Charged in Connection to Stabbing Incident

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon after he allegedly stabbed a man multiple times during an altercation near Shiprock.

    According to court documents, on the night of April 19, 2025, Navajo Police Department officers responded to a 911 call reporting a stabbing in Shiprock, New Mexico. Officers located the victim who had sustained three stab wounds to his upper and lower back. The victim was transported to the hospital for emergency treatment.

    An investigation led by the FBI and Navajo Nation Criminal Investigators revealed that Matthew Charley, 29, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, approached the victim and two witnesses. After a brief verbal exchange, the witnesses left the area, leaving Charley and the victim alone. When the witnesses returned a short time later, they found the victim had been stabbed. The victim identified Charley as his assailant.

    Law enforcement collected witness statements, obtained video evidence, and reviewed surveillance footage that corroborated the description and movements of the suspect.

    Screenshot of video showing Charley

    Charley is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Charley faces 10 years in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.

    The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Lackawanna, New York, Man Going to Prison for His Role in Kidnapping Conspiracy Attempting to Force Sister to Marry in Yemen

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Waleed Abughanem, 33, of Lackawanna, NY, who was convicted of misprision of felony, was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles M. Kruly and Maeve E. Huggins, who handled the case, stated that Abughanem is the son of Khaled Abughanem and the brother of Adham Abughanem. On September 8, 2021, Khaled and Adham Abughanem flew from Buffalo, NY, to Guadalajara, Mexico to kidnap Victim 1, who is the daughter of Khaled and the sister of Adham and Waleed. Between September 10, 2021, and April 6, 2023, Waleed, Khaled and Adham Abughanem conspired to transport Victim 1 from the Western District of New York to Cairo, Egypt, and then to Sanaa, Yemen, where they confined Victim 1 for approximately 16 months with the purpose of marrying her to a man not of her choosing.

    Waleed Abughanem knew Victim 1 was being held involuntarily, and during some of this period, he was present in Yemen. When he was not present in Yemen, Waleed Abughanem instructed his wife to monitor and supervise Victim 1. In December 2022, Waleed Abughanem traveled from Yemen to the United States. When questioned by U.S. Customs and Border Protection as to the whereabouts of his siblings, Waleed Abughanem told the CBP Officer that the Victim was in the United States. By making a false statement, Waleed Abughanem concealed that Victim 1 had been kidnapped and was being involuntarily held in Yemen.

    Khaled and Adham Abughanem were previously convicted by a federal jury at trial and are awaiting sentencing.

    Waleed Abughanem’s sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, under the direction of Diplomatic Security Director Carlos Matus and Deputy Assistant Secretary Paul Houston. Additional assistance was provided by the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Packard, Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, and CPB in Boston, Massachusetts.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Indicted for Allegedly Attempting to Smuggle Over 1100 Pounds of Meth into the U.S. Through Eagle Pass

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DEL RIO, Texas – A federal grand jury in Del Rio returned an indictment charging a Mexican national with four counts related to methamphetamine trafficking.

    According to court documents, Veronica Sanchez-Pineda, 46, of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, approached the Eagle Pass Port of Entry in a pickup truck on April 20, allegedly giving Customs and Border Protection officers a negative declaration for contraband including narcotics. A secondary inspection allegedly resulted in the discovery of a crystal-like substance inside an auxiliary tank in the bed of the truck. The liquid was extracted and resulted in a positive test result for the properties of methamphetamine, a criminal complaint alleges. The total approximate weight of the alleged narcotic was 521.03 kg.

    The criminal complaint also alleges that Sanchez-Pineda consented to a search of her cell phone, which contained a text message about a “job” in Eagle Pass as well as screenshots of money transfers between the defendant and another individual. Sanchez-Pineda allegedly admitted to being involved in illegal activity regarding the contents of the auxiliary tank and that she was being compensated in Mexican Pesos.

    Sanchez-Pineda is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; one count of conspiracy to import methamphetamine; and one count of importation of methamphetamine. She was arrested and made her initial court appearance April 24 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. If convicted, Sanchez-Pineda faces 10 years to life in prison and up to a $10 million fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

    Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Warsame Galaydh is prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Baltimore Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Involving Sale of Loaded AR-Style Pistol

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    The defendant sold undercover agents more than 2,000 grams of drugs.

    Baltimore, Maryland – Derrick Nutter, 40, of Baltimore, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit drug trafficking in federal court. 

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the plea with Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

    According to the guilty plea, Nutter unknowingly met with undercover agents on multiple occasions to sell methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and a loaded AR-style pistol.

    On June 12, 2024, Nutter sold an undercover agent approximately 109 grams of cocaine for $3,600, approximately seven grams of methamphetamine for $100, and a free sample of fentanyl. Then on June 20, 2024, Nutter sold the undercover agent approximately 85 grams of suspected fentanyl for $3,300, and approximately 79 grams of cocaine for $2,700.

    Additionally, on the same date, Nutter sold the undercover agent a 5.56 caliber AR-style privately made pistol with no serial number. It was equipped with an Axeon optic and loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition. The substance Nutter described as fentanyl was actually Schedule I ortho-Methylfentanyl – a fentanyl analogue.

    Nutter sold cocaine and MDMA to a second undercover on June 25, 2024, and August 22, 2024. He also explained that his “girl” was receiving a package of drugs in the mail. Investigators identified Nutter’s “girl” as co-conspirator Khristina Williams.

    On September 3, 2024, Nutter was at Williams’ residence and then he drove to a planned meeting location to sell the second undercover agent drugs. Nutter met the undercover agent and sold approximately 223 grams of methamphetamine in exchange for $4,000. He returned to his vehicle where authorities observed Williams seated in the front passenger seat.

    Then on September 10, 2024, Nutter met with two undercover agents and sold them approximately 525 grams of methamphetamine in exchange for $6,100. He also provided a free sample of fentanyl. Nutter agreed to sell the undercover agents additional fentanyl if they came to his home.

    While in route to his home, Nutter called Williams multiple times. After arriving at his residence, Nutter sold the undercover agents several hundred fentanyl pills. Eventually, Nutter and the undercover agents walked outside and met with Williams, who had arrived in her vehicle. Nutter retrieved several hundred additional fentanyl pills from Williams and handed them to the undercovers. The undercover agents paid Nutter $3,900 in exchange for the drugs, including nearly 800 fentanyl pills.

    On October 3, 2024, the two undercover agents met Nutter in a public parking lot. After Nutter sold them approximately 830 grams of methamphetamine, authorities arrested him. During the undercover operation, Nutter sold agents approximately 1,595 grams of methamphetamine, 298 grams of cocaine, 90 grams of fentanyl, 85 grams of fentanyl analogue, and the loaded AR-style pistol.

    Nutter faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17, at 11 a.m.

    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.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney James O’Donohue who is prosecuting the case.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

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