NewzIntel.com

Category: Crime

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Compliance with Directive 2010/63/EU for antibody production methods – E-001391/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001391/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tilly Metz (Verts/ALE)

    In 2022, 477 632 uses of animals were recorded for routine production purposes, including for antibody production, despite the availability of a validated non-animal method recommended by the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM). Of particular concern is the fact that 49 309 uses involved the ascites method, which ECVAM has strongly discouraged since 1998. France accounted for 97 % of these uses and has reported a 34 % increase since 2021.

    Given that Directive 2010/63/EU requires the use of non-animal methods where they are available:

    • 1.What steps is the Commission taking to ensure that the Member States comply with this requirement?
    • 2.Will the Commission initiate infringement proceedings against countries such as France, where there is a persistent failure to transition to non-animal methods?

    Submitted: 4.4.2025

    Last updated: 11 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sussex County Man Sentenced To 80 Months For Distribution Of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – A Sussex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced to 80 months for distributing videos and images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

    Gaetano Lapegna, 67, of Franklin, New Jersey previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi to an information charging one count of distribution of child pornography.  Judge Cecchi imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    From December 2022 to March 2023, Lapegna distributed videos and images of child sexual abuse via a publicly available online peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing program.  During the course of the investigation, an undercover law enforcement officer conducted online sessions using the P2P program, during which a user shared hundreds of videos and images of child sexual abuse from an IP address traced to Lapegna’s address.

    Subsequent to a lawful search of his residence on March 30, 2023, law enforcement officers recovered over 100 items depicting child pornography on Lapegna’s thumb drive. Law enforcement also found that Lapegna’s computer was running the same version of the P2P program from which law enforcement downloaded child pornography from Lapegna.

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Cecchi sentenced Lapegna to five years of supervised release and ordered restitution of $50,000.

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.  She also thanked the United States Postal Inspection Service, Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, and Franklin Borough Police Department for their assistance.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Farhana C. Melo of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.

    Defense counsel:  Claressa Lowe Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: International Monetary Fund (IMF) Staff Completes 2025 Article IV Mission to Mauritius

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

    WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, April 11, 2025/APO Group/ —

    • The Mauritian economy continues to exhibit resilience with growth at 4.7 percent in 2024 and contained inflation. The growth outlook remains favorable, though risks are to the downside.
    • Mauritius needs to recalibrate the macroeconomic policy mix to rebuild fiscal space. The monetary policy framework needs to be strengthened while continued monitoring of macro-financial risks is essential to maintain financial stability.
    • Advancing key reforms to foster external competitiveness and private sector-led growth while enhancing climate resilience will reduce external imbalances.

    An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Mariana Colacelli visited Mauritius from March 31 to April 11, 2025, to conduct the 2025 Article IV Consultation.

    At the conclusion of the visit, Ms. Colacelli issued the following statement:

    “Real GDP grew by a robust 4.7 percent in 2024, driven by services, construction, and tourism. The growth outlook is favorable, supported by the services sector. However, real GDP growth is projected to soften to 3.0 percent in 2025 due to weakening external demand, easing tourism activity, and the severe drought.

    “Headline inflation is projected to remain contained in 2025. Inflation eased in 2024 to 3.6 percent from 7.0 percent in 2023. Inflation was 2.5 percent in March, remaining within the Bank of Mauritius’ (BOM) target range of 2-5 percent, driven by declining international food and energy prices, and lower fuel excise duties.

    “The external current account deficit is estimated to have widened in 2024 while foreign reserves increased to US$ 8.4 billion at end-2024.

    “A deterioration in global growth and higher uncertainty in trade and financial markets could dampen growth. Delays in recalibrating the macroeconomic policy mix could lead to a disorderly adjustment. Extreme climate events could damage infrastructure and agriculture, weakening tourism and growth.

    “Policy discussions centered on recalibrating the macroeconomic policy mix to rebuild fiscal space, strengthening the monetary policy framework, and maintaining financial stability.

    “As in fiscal year 2023/24, the fiscal policy stance in fiscal year 2024/25 is expected to be expansionary—with the primary fiscal deficit projected to widen to 6.6 percent of GDP, excluding grants. Public debt is projected to reach almost 90 percent of GDP at end-June 2025. Implementing an ambitious medium-term growth-friendly fiscal consolidation plan, starting in fiscal year 2025/26, is critical to help rebuild fiscal space and support fiscal sustainability. Boosting tax revenue and reducing current spending while protecting the most vulnerable, and strengthening fiscal governance, are needed.

    “Since 2023, the monetary policy stance has become less accommodative, and inflation has decreased to BOM’s target range. The BOM should remain ready to further tighten the monetary policy stance should inflationary pressures revive. The implementation of the monetary policy framework should be strengthened, and BOM independence must be safeguarded. Conserving foreign reserves will enhance the resilience of the economy in the face of external shocks. We support the authorities’ plans to gradually phase out the BOM’s ownership of the Mauritius Investment Corporation.

    “Continued monitoring of macro-financial risks, including those associated with global business companies operating in the Mauritius International Financial Center and the real estate sector, will maintain financial stability.

    “Advancing structural reforms to foster external competitiveness and private sector-led growth while enhancing climate resilience will reduce external imbalances. Key reforms would improve governance, sustain compliance with Anti Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) standards, boost private sector competitiveness, and enhance labor supply and skills.

    “The IMF team extends its thanks to the Mauritian authorities and people for the constructive and open dialogue and warm hospitality.”

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: More support to increase access to justice

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Projects funded support criminal justice activities, crime prevention and assistance to victims of crime.

    Several local initiatives aimed at increasing Canberrans’ access to justice have received funding through the Confiscated Assets Trust (CAT).

    CAT funding ensures proceeds of crime are used to address the effects of crime on the community.

    The funding supports a range of initiatives designed to:

    • empower victims
    • strengthen community connections
    • ensure a fairer legal process for the community.

    The projects funded support criminal justice activities, crime prevention and assistance to victims of crime.

    They each contribute to ensuring Canberrans have an equal opportunity to navigate the legal system.

    Legal Aid ACT is one organisation to receive funding.

    It will use its $369,000 to employ client liaison officers to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and cultural and linguistically diverse Canberrans.

    “Legal Aid ACT is strongly committed to the delivery of services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities,” Legal Aid ACT Chief Executive Officer Dr John Boersig PSM said.

    “This will allow us to better provide legal assistance by engaging liaison officers from these communities.”

    Initiatives to receive CAT funding include:

    Women’s Legal Centre: $30,000

    Funds will support the centre to develop and distribute a Sexual Assault Legal Service handbook.

    This will provide essential information and resources to sexual assault survivors navigating the criminal justice system.

    Expansion of the Witness Assistance Scheme: $404,346

    Funds will be used to immediately expand the Witness Assistance Scheme within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

    This will provide essential support and guidance to witnesses and complainants throughout the criminal justice process.

    Extension of Embedded Prosecutor Initiative: $107,000

    The funds will extend the placement of a senior prosecutor within the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Team (SACAT) in  ACT Policing.

    This will help to provide high-quality, pre-charge advice and support for the implementation of the new Threshold to Charge policy.

    Family counselling pilot: $15,000

    A family counselling pilot will be established at the Alexander Maconochie Centre.

    A family counsellor at the Centre will provide personalised support to detainees. This will help enhance their communication skills, build resilience and provide strategies to build relationships and resolve conflict.

    Restorative Justice: $509,804

    CAT funding will be used to improve community access to restorative justice.

    This funding will allow for extra resources to reduce restorative justice waiting times.

    It will also assist continued progress to enhance the Restorative Justice Scheme and increase accessibility for victim-survivors of sexual violence.

    Legal Aid ACT: $369,000

    Legal Aid ACT will employ three Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse client liaison officers.

    These officers will give targeted support to vulnerable members of the community and strengthen Legal Aid’s capacity.

    If you need help, please contact Sexual Violence Legal Services on 6257 4377.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Never Again

    Since Oct. 7, 2023, when the Jewish community in Israel faced its largest and most deadly targeted attacks since the Holocaust, antisemitism has been on the rise across Canada and the world. According to Statistics Canada, the Jewish community is the most targeted group for hate crimes in Canada and were the target of 70 per cent of all religion-motivated hate crimes across the country in 2023. B’Nai Brith Canada also recently reported an unprecedented 6,219 antisemitic incidents in Canada last year – the highest number ever documented since the organization started its annual audit in 1982.

    The Holocaust, or Shoah, was one of the darkest chapters in human history, resulting in the targeted deaths of six million Jews – an atrocity that was the ultimate consequence of anti-Jewish hate. Recognizing this as one of history’s most heinous crimes ever committed is critical to ensuring the collective post-war vow of Never Again remains as resolute today as it was 80 years ago. Each spring, the Jewish community recognizes Holocaust Remembrance Day, or Yom HaShoah, reiterating this vow. Fulfilling the vow of Never Again means actively fighting antisemitism, including educating future generations on the dangers of hate.

    “Never again is now. With anti-Jewish hate on the rise in Canada and around the world, it is our responsibility to ensure our children learn the lessons of the past and are ready to stand up against hate today. Antisemitism has no place in our communities and must always be unequivocally condemned. To the Jewish community, you are not alone – Alberta’s government stands in solidarity with you against all forms of hate and oppression.” 

    Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services

    As part of its ongoing commitment to Never Again, Alberta’s government is investing $200,000 to support the Calgary Jewish Federation and Jewish Federation of Edmonton as they work to combat antisemitism. Both federations play an important role in educating Albertans about Jewish culture and building a vibrant, engaged and connected Jewish community in the province. This investment supports the federations’ efforts to fight antisemitism through education and promotion of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. This includes scholarships, educational and training materials for teachers and students, engagement sessions with government and law enforcement agencies, and an Alberta conference focused on antisemitism.

    “The Jewish Federation of Edmonton extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Alberta for their unwavering support of the Jewish community in the face of an alarming rise in antisemitism. This generous grant is a beacon of hope in fostering resilience among Jewish Albertans. We appreciate the Government of Alberta’s strong commitment to addressing antisemitism and demonstrating leadership on this issue.”

    Stacey Leavitt-Wright, CEO, The Jewish Federation of Edmonton

    Over the past several years, Alberta’s government has continued to stand with the Jewish community against antisemitism. Holocaust education is now a mandatory component of the Alberta’s social studies curriculum and Alberta’s government formally endorses the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism. A variety of programs and supports have also been introduced to help fight hate and bias-motivated crimes across the province. This includes law enforcement resources such as the Hate Crime Coordination Unit and funding for security improvements and risk mitigation so Albertans can gather and worship in peace.

    “Calgary Jewish Federation is deeply grateful to the Government of Alberta for this important support in combating antisemitism. This grant is not only an investment in the safety and well-being of our community, but also a clear statement that hate and intolerance have no place in our province.”

    Rob Nagus, CEO, Calgary Jewish Federation

    Quick facts:

    • The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance formally adopted the following working definition of antisemitism in 2016: “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred towards Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, towards Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
    • Albertans are encouraged to report antisemitic incidents to B’Nai Brith Canada’s Anti-Hate Hotline at 1-844-218-2624, [email protected], through the Anti-Hate app, or by visiting its website.

    Related information:

    • Statistics Canada’s latest police-reported hate crime data
    • B’Nai Brith Canada’s Annual Audit of Antisemitic Incidents 2024
    • B’Nai Brith Canada’s Anti-Hate Hotline

    Related news:

    • Taking a stand against antisemitism (Jan. 27, 2025)
    • Strengthening security for at-risk schools (Dec. 7, 2023)
    • Mandatory Holocaust education for Alberta students (Nov. 10, 2023)
    • Taking a stand against antisemitism (Sept. 23, 2022)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemalan National Pleads Guilty To The Unlawful Transportation Of Aliens And Illegal Reentry Into The United States

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Timoteo Son-Gonzalez (40), a Guatemalan national, has pleaded guilty to unlawful transportation of an illegal alien for the purpose of financial gain and illegal reentry by a previously deported alien. Son-Gonzalez faces a maximum penalty of 12 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

    According to court documents, in February 2025, agents from the U.S. Border Patrol stopped a car driven by Son-Gonzalez. The car contained six passengers, all of whom were illegal aliens. After interviewing the passengers, agents determined that Son-Gonzalez was transporting illegal aliens for financial gain. Son-Gonzalez was also found to be unlawfully present in the United States, after having been removed in June 2024. 

    This case was investigated by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelli Swaney.

    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).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mississippi Man Guilty of Attempted Receipt of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LA – AVERY FREEL (“FREEL”), age 23, of Ocean Springs, MS, pled guilty on April 10, 2025, before United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon, to Attempted Receipt of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. 

    FREEL faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five (5) years, up to a maximum of twenty (20) years imprisonment, and/or a fine of up to $250,000.00.  In addition, FREEL faces a term of supervised release of no less than five (5) years and up to life, after his release from prison, as well as a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

    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 United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Hammond Police Department, and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigations with this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Violent Bridgeport Gang Member Sentenced to More Than 13 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ERIC HAYES, also known as “Heavyweight Champ,” 28, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 165 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his involvement in a violent Bridgeport street gang, including the murder and attempted murder of rival gang members.

    Today’s announcement was made by Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter; Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Acting U.S. Marshal Lawrence Bobnick.

    According to court documents, statements made in court, and the evidence presented during a month-long trial, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence.  Hayes has been a member of the “East End gang,” which began as a local street gang based in the East End of Bridgeport, but currently has members and associates who are either incarcerated or living throughout Bridgeport and surrounding towns.  The East End gang has been aligned with other groups, including the PT Barnum Gang, the East Side gang and 150, which is a geographic gang based on the West Side of Bridgeport.  These groups were aligned against rival organizations in Bridgeport, including the “Original North End” (“O.N.E.”) and the “Greene Homes Boyz,” (“GHB/Hotz”), based in the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport’s North End.

    Due to the level of gun violence Bridgeport was experiencing, the investigation commenced shortly before East End members shot and killed Myreke Kenion and shot and attempted to kill D’Andre Brown, both members and associates of the GHB/Hotz gang, on January 26, 2020.  The next day, in retaliation for these shootings, GHB/Hotz and O.N.E. members attempted to kill East End gang members and associates in a brazen afternoon shooting in front of a state courthouse on Golden Hill Street in Bridgeport that resulted in four victims being shot while sitting inside a car.

    For a time, Hayes was the de facto leader of the East End gang.  Hayes and other East End members distributed heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana and Percocet pills; used and shared firearms; and committed at least six murders and other acts of violence against rival gang members and other individuals.  East End members celebrated their criminal conduct in rap videos on YouTube and on social media websites such as Facebook, and committed acts of intimidation and made threats to deter potential witnesses to their crimes and to protect gang members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities.

    The investigation determined that on March 5, 2019, Hayes shot and killed Jerrell Gatewood, a member of the Terrace, a rival group to the East End gang.  Also, Hayes helped coordinate the attempted murder of Marquis Isreal, also known as “Garf” or “Gbaby,” a member and associate of the O.N.E. gang.  On September 15, 2019, East End member Trevon Wright shot Isreal 12 times inside a restaurant in Bridgeport’s East End.  Isreal survived the shooting.

    Hayes has been detained since his arrest on September 25, 2019.  On that date, he possessed a loaded .45 caliber handgun.  Subsequent forensic analysis of the firearm connected it to shell casings recovered from the restaurant after the Marquis Isreal shooting.

    On December 5, 2023, a jury found Hayes, Wright, Keishawn Donald, and Travon Jones guilty of conspiring to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity.

    Approximately 47 members and associates of the East End, O.N.E. and the GHB/Hotz gangs have been convicted of federal offenses stemming from this investigation, which has and solved eight murders and approximately 20 attempted murders.

    Wright, Donald, and Jones were previously sentenced.

    This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory, and the Waterbury Police Department.  These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Stephanie T. Levick, Rahul Kale, and Karen L. Peck.

    This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.

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

    Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities.  Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.  If a group member elects to engage in gun violence, the focused attention of federal, state and local law enforcement will be directed at that entire group.

    OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grand Falls-Windsor — Grand Falls-Windsor RCMP investigates damage to property

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Grand Falls-Windsor RCMP is investigating recent reports of mischief (damage to property) that occurred between April 10 and 11, 2025. A number of political signs were defaced.

    RCMP reminds the public that mischief is a criminal offence.

    The investigation is continuing.

    Anyone who has information about this crime is asked to contact Grand Falls-Windsor RCMP at 709-489-2121. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Valadao Introduces Legislation to Combat Organized Supply Chain Theft and Retail Crime

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

    WASHINGTON – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) introduced the Combatting Organized Retail Crime (CORCA) Act alongside Reps. Dave Joyce (OH-14), Susie Lee (NV-03), Dina Titus (NV-01), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Laurel Lee (Fl-15), Lou Correa (CA-46), and Michael Baumgartner (WA-05). This bipartisan, bicameral bill takes important steps to strengthen legal tools for law enforcement and crack down on interstate and transnational crime. The Senate companion bill is led by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).

    The CORCA Act builds off initiatives in the Safeguarding our Supply Chains Act, which was introduced by Congressman David Valadao and Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) in the 118th Congress.

    “Organized retail crime and supply chain theft are hitting families and small businesses hard in the Central Valley and beyond,” said Congressman Valadao. “These crimes are largely run by sophisticated criminal networks that endanger public safety and drive-up costs for consumers. In the 118th Congress, I introduced the Safeguarding our Supply Chains Act to fight back against cargo theft, and I’m happy to see some of that language included in this bill. The CORCA Act gives law enforcement the tools they need to hold criminals accountable, and I’m proud to work with my colleagues to get this across the finish line.”

    “Businesses throughout my district are facing the burdens of a rise in organized retail crimes and fraud schemes that are sweeping the nation,” said Rep. Joyce. “These criminal organizations are not only harming small businesses and retailers in our communities, but are also putting American consumers at risk of violence and fraud. These crimes also have more widespread consequences for public safety, as these organized groups often resell stolen goods to finance other illicit activities, including drug and human trafficking operations. Our bipartisan, bicameral legislation will give law enforcement the tools they need to put a stop to these rampant crimes. I want to thank Senator Grassley for his steadfast leadership on this effort and all our House and Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their partnership in addressing this critical issue.” 

    “Organized retail crime puts all of us in danger, while hurting consumers, taxpayers, and businesses of all sizes. And the stolen goods fund human trafficking and terrorism,” said Rep. Susie Lee. “Our local and state law enforcement are doing incredible work, but we need coordination at the federal level to investigate and prosecute these crimes. Our bipartisan legislation will support law enforcement with the tools they need to crack down on these criminal operations.”

    “By establishing a coordinated federal response, the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would target the criminals who endanger consumers, local businesses, and transportation networks, along with the nefarious transnational groups that fund their operations,” said Rep. Titus. “This legislation will help law enforcement better pursue and prosecute these bad actors, while protecting businesses and saving consumer dollars.”

    “Organized cargo and retail theft are a real and growing problem in Illinois and across the country – it’s time Congress step in to counteract it,” said Rep. Schneider. “Cargo and retail theft are not just local issues — organized groups are stealing goods at all points in the supply chain, oftentimes well before products make it to shelves, and resell stolen items across state lines. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to safeguard commerce, consumer confidence, and national security.”

    “The rise in sophisticated criminal activities targeting retail stores and the broader supply chain has become a critical threat to our national economy, consumer safety, and public security,” said Rep. Laurel Lee. “With retail theft surging by 93 percent over the last four years, the time to act is now. We must equip law enforcement with the necessary resources and tools to combat these criminals on a federal level, as they operate across state lines and international borders. I am proud to co-sponsor the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act to protect our businesses and keep our communities safe.”

    “The damage of organized retail crime is real, and it hurts hard-working American taxpayers and businesses here in Orange County across the country,” Rep. Correa said. “Our state and local public safety officers work tirelessly to keep our communities safe from this crime, and they deserve the best possible tools to take down these criminal syndicates. Retail crime affects everyone—so I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act today to help stop this threat dead in its tracks.”

    “Every time these criminals loot a store, fleece a supplier, highjack a trucker, shakedown a warehouse, honest Americans pay more. Prices go up, shelves go empty, and the working families in places like Spokane and Walla Walla get hit with a hidden tax — all because prosecutors are unable to prosecute, and thieves think they can get away with it,” said Rep. Baumgartner. “This bill hits back. It takes on the crime rings behind the theft, shuts down the online black market for stolen goods, and backs the blue with real support. Do you want to lower prices? Start by locking up the people who are robbing us blind.”

    “The Home Depot applauds Congressman Valadao for committing to the safety of our associates and customers by introducing the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act,” said Scott Glenn, VP of Asset Protection, The Home Depot. “This legislation will help stop dangerous criminals from stealing from our stores.”

    “The Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) strongly supports efforts to combat organized retail crime, and we appreciate the strong bipartisan support behind the reintroduction of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act,” said Megan Noland, MCSA Executive Director. “With provisions to strengthen penalties and the creation of a dedicated center for coordination and information sharing, this legislation is a vital step toward supporting law enforcement in our fight against organized crime. We look forward to working together to advance this important legislation during this Congress.”

    “Organized cargo theft and fraud disrupt intermodal freight supply chains, risk the safety of our workforce, and harm the U.S. economy,” said Anne Reinke, President & CEO of the Intermodal Association of North America. “The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) applauds Senator Grassley (R-IA), Senator Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Reps. Joyce (R-OH), Lee (D-NV), Valadao (R-CA), Titus (D-NV), Baumgartner (R-WA), Schneider (D-IL), Lee (R-FL), and Correa (D-CA) for their leadership in championing critical legislation to address this urgent threat. The bipartisan Combating Organized Retail Crime Act will provide important resources to detect and fight organized crime throughout the supply chain, ensuring that our industry can continue delivering goods to American consumers safely and efficiently.”

    “Organized criminal operations continue to evolve and escalate their targeted attacks against our nation’s supply chain and retailers,” said Association of American Railroads President and CEO Ian Jefferies. “This alarming trend affects every industry — including the nation’s largest railroads, which experienced a 40% spike in cargo theft last year. Rep. Valadao’s long-term leadership on developing a unified, federal response has been pivotal in shaping the legislation introduced today. CORCA’s economy-wide strategic framework will go a long way in disrupting these criminal networks and safeguarding our supply chain.”

    “UPS supports the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act as it provides the necessary resources and coordination to protect the movement of American goods throughout our country while safeguarding the integrity of our national supply chain from rail to road, to retail,” said President of UPS Global Public Affairs Michael Kiely.

    “Across the United States, communities small and large are facing an unprecedented number of Organized Retail Crime (ORC) incidents. The Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act would provide the necessary resources to bring the people and organizations behind this nationwide problem to justice by establishing formal coordination between law enforcement and the private sector,” said ICSC President and CEO, Tom McGee. “We applaud Reps. Joyce, Lee, Titus, and Valadao for reintroducing the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act. We believe the bill represents a huge step in the right direction towards addressing this growing issue.”

    “The trucking industry takes great pride in delivering America’s freight safely and on time; however, the billions of tons of goods transported by trucks from coast to coast have increasingly become a prime target for organized crime rings, including transnational organizations, putting truck drivers at risk and raising costs for consumers,” said American Trucking Associations President & CEO Chris Spear.  “ATA commends this bipartisan group of leaders for addressing this alarming trend and safeguarding our supply chain.  By empowering federal agencies to improve cooperation across jurisdictions and ramp up enforcement actions, this bill would strike an effective blow against organized crime.”

    “Sophisticated criminal gangs are targeting retailers through brazen organized retail crime schemes, defrauding customers via gift card scams and attacking our supply chains by hijacking our rails and truck shipments. These criminal activities put retail employees, customers and supply chain partners in danger and allow criminal gangs to use ill-gotten profits to fund nefarious activities such as drug smuggling and human trafficking. Dismantling these organized criminal rings requires cooperation and collaboration. RILA thanks Reps. Joyce (R-OH), Lee (D-NV), Valadao (R-CA), Titus (D-NV), Baumgartner (R-WA), Schneider (D-IL), Lee (R-FL), and Correa (D-CA) for their leadership and commitment to enacting the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA), which brings federal, state, and local law enforcement together to intercept and prosecute these criminal enterprises. RILA looks forward to working with them to get this critical piece of legislation signed into law,” said Michael Hanson, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Senior Executive Vice President, Public Affairs. 

    “NRF applauds Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH-14) for his continued leadership to address one of retail’s biggest challenges, the rise of organized retail crime. ORC is a multibillion-dollar crisis impacting retailers, their associates and the customers they serve. ORC is occurring across the retail enterprise – supply chains, bricks-and-mortar stores, warehouses and online – with stolen product sold for a profit, oftentimes to fund other crimes. The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 will align efforts within a new Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center to ensure that resources and information-sharing will be available across local, state, federal and private-sector partners to bring cases and prosecutions against organized theft groups. This legislation is an important step to help prevent ORC from infiltrating local communities across the country,” said NRF Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French.

    Background:

    Sophisticated criminal organizations have been increasingly involved in theft, fraud, and other property crimes against retail stores and various components of the supply chain. These crimes have escalated in scope and impact, threatening the national economy, consumer safety, and public security. According to the National Retail Federation, retail larceny incidents increased by 93% from 2019 to 2023, and stores lost $121.6 billion to retail theft in 2023. This surge in retail crime is often orchestrated by organized groups to resell stolen goods through physical and online marketplaces, further fueling illicit profits and financing additional criminal enterprises.

    At the same time, product manufacturers and supply chains are experiencing a rise in organized cargo theft across rails, roads, and the various distribution points across the United States. CargoNet reported a 27% increase in cargo theft incidents in 2024 over 2023. These thefts range from large-scale physical theft of goods from containers and storage to sophisticated cybercriminal methods that divert shipments to illicit receivers. This causes significant financial losses and operational supply chain disruptions.

    The CORCA Act would:

    • Strengthen legal tools for law enforcement by allowing criminal forfeitures for interstate shipment, transportation of stolen goods, or sale of stolen goods convictions.
    • Expand money laundering statutes.
    • Enable prosecution of organized retail and supply chain groups using interstate or foreign commerce to facilitate crimes.
    • Mandate the creation of the Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center within Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) and the Department of Homeland Security.

    The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act is also supported by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the Reusable Packaging Association, DHL, the U.S. Dairy Export Council, the National Milk Producers Foundation, the Transportation Intermediaries Association, the PASS (Protect America’s Small Sellers) Coalition, the International Downtown Association, Amazon, the World Shipping Council, Pirate Ship, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Walgreens Co., CVS Health, Kroger, Walmart, and Target.

    Read the full bill here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Zaquikon T. Roy Facing New Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Rutland, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on Wednesday, April 1, 2025, the grand jury sitting in Rutland, Vermont, returned a Second Superseding Indictment charging Zaquikon T. Roy, 35, previously of Brooklyn, New York, with fifteen charges: conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of cocaine; conspiracy to use and possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; three counts of distribution of cocaine base; two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; three counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; four counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm; and one count of discharge of a firearm while using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. The count related to the discharge of a firearm relates to a shooting that occurred in Leicester, Vermont on June 4, 2023. Roy has not yet been arraigned on these charges and no date for the arraignment has been set.

    The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the Indictment are merely accusations, and that Roy is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty. If convicted of these offenses, Roy faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 35 years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, and/or a $8,000,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Vermont State Police.

    The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul J. Van de Graaf and Wendy L. Fuller. Roy is represented by Chandler Matson, Esq.

    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).

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund Supports Community Safety Initiatives

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on April 11, 2025

    The Government of Saskatchewan is providing more than $1.1 million to police agencies, the Victims’ Fund and community programs from the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund. These assets will help municipal police forces purchase new resources, as well as offer supports for victims and aid in the delivery of community programming.

    “We are committed to offering support to victims of crime in our province and delivering safer communities and neighbourhoods across Saskatchewan,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod said. “The criminal property forfeiture process allows us to do that by taking proceeds from criminal activity and putting it to good use through our police agencies and community programs.”

    Saskatchewan’s Civil Forfeiture Program, through The Seizure of Criminal Property Act, 2009, seeks the forfeiture of property alleged to be proceeds or an instrument of unlawful activity. Proceeds of forfeited property are placed in the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund for distribution to police, victims and community programs.

    Of the $1.1 million being provided, over $564,000 of this will go to police services across the province, as well as Search and Rescue Regina. In accordance with legislation, a matching amount will be deposited from the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund into the Victims’ Fund.

    The funding will be used to provide the following equipment and programming: 

    • Audio Visual Equipment to interview child and youth victims of violence to facilitate the investigation and prosecution of offences against children in Moose Jaw;
    • The development of a Child and Youth Advocacy Centre in Moose Jaw;
    • Investigative enhancements to the Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) in Moose Jaw, including officer training, upgraded video interview recording equipment and Faraday bags to prevent the loss of evidence;
    • Photocell camera for the Regina Police Service;
    • Facility upgrades to the tactical training facility in Regina; 
    • Investigative search support for a Saskatoon Police Service investigation;
    • A portable light system for the File Hills First Nations Police Service;
    • A wet processing bench, which provides a dedicated exhibit processing workspace to enhance safety and minimize contamination, for the Prince Albert Police Department; and
    • Tent and trailer for Search and Rescue Regina. 

    Civil Forfeiture removes the financial incentives of criminal activity, making involvement in criminal activity less attractive and benefiting Saskatchewan communities both financially and socially. 

    “The Moose Jaw Police Service is delighted to partner with the Saskatchewan government and community partners in applying funding received through civil forfeiture for the enhancement and expansion of our approach in the investigation, care, and support of child and youth victims of abuse in Moose Jaw and surrounding communities,” Acting Police Chief Rick Johns said.

    Since inception, over $10 million from the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund has been distributed to police operations, the Victims’ Fund and community programming.

    The Victims’ Fund provides support to victims of crime through both the justice and law enforcement systems as well as community organizations. Further information can be found at www.saskatchewan.ca/victimsservices.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Louisville, Kentucky Man Found Guilty of Methamphetamine Distribution

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Louisville, KY – This week, following a three-day trial, a federal jury convicted a Louisville, Kentucky man of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on April 17, 2023, Terry Masden, 51, distributed approximately 6 pounds of methamphetamine to the co-defendant, Dominique Kemp, 43, of Louisville. The Jury also found that Masden had previously been convicted of the following serious drug felony.

    On August 24, 2011, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, Masden was convicted of the offense of possession with the intent to distribute oxycodone.

    Masden is scheduled for sentencing on July 15, 2025, before a United States District Judge for the Western District of Kentucky. Masden was ordered detained in federal custody pending sentencing.  He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. The judge will determine the sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Kemp was previously convicted and sentenced to 5 years and 3 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for this charge.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    The DEA and LMPD investigated the case.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Frank Dahl and Joshua Porter are prosecuting the case with assistance from paralegal specialist Aaron Cooper.

    This conviction is a 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).

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev: In 2025, about 5 billion rubles of state support is provided for farmers in new regions

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev, as part of a working visit to the Luhansk People’s Republic, visited a number of enterprises in the agro-industrial complex and also familiarized himself with the progress of spring field work.

    Dmitry Patrushev got acquainted with the pace of barley sowing in the fields of one of the republic’s agricultural enterprises. At present, the work is proceeding as usual, and the farmers are provided with all the necessary material and technical resources. In addition, for the successful implementation of seasonal field work and technical modernization of the industry, Rosagroleasing JSC supplies agricultural machinery on preferential leasing terms.

    “As part of the sowing campaign in Novorossiya and Donbass, 200 thousand hectares have already been sown with spring crops, 1.6 million hectares – with winter crops. Our agricultural producers are provided with all the necessary material and technical resources. As part of state support for farmers, including the food and processing industries, about 5 billion rubles have been allocated for these regions. This is significant money that allows them to feel quite confident. We really hope for a decent sowing and harvest as a result,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

    The Deputy Prime Minister visited a number of enterprises of the agro-industrial complex, including a meat processing plant included in the free economic zone. Its products are widely represented in the Rostov, Voronezh, Belgorod regions and the Republic of Crimea.

    Since last year, meat processing enterprises in the new regions have been provided with subsidies to support the processing of raw meat into food products in the amount of 20%. This year, 401.4 million rubles from federal funds have been allocated for these purposes.

    Also during the working visit, Dmitry Patrushev assessed the production capacity of the largest production complex in Lugansk, where he inspected the bakery shop. The enterprise is the leader in the region in the production of flour, cereals, as well as all types of cereal flakes, pasta, sunflower oil and compound feed. State support for the bakery industry in new regions has increased to 270 million rubles this year.

    “The enterprises of Donbass and Novorossiya are operating normally and producing products that are sold not only within the region, but also supplied throughout Russia,” concluded Dmitry Patrushev.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 11.04.2025, 15-58 the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor, the transfer rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment of the LSNGP (RSetiLE-p) security were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    04/11/2025

    15:58

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 11.04.2025, 15-58 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor with the settlement code Y0/Y1Dt (up to -20.64%), the transfer rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment (up to -0.408 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 46.36%) of the LSNGP (RSetiLE-p) security were changed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.MO/N89429

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 04/11/2025, 16:44 (Moscow time) the values of the lower boundary of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the RU000A1009Z8 (O’KEY B1R2) security were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    04/11/2025

    16:44

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 11.04.2025, 16-44 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the price corridor (up to 82.45) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 739.27 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 22.5%) of the RU000A1009Z8 (O’KEY B1R2) security were changed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.MO/N89436

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 04/11/2025, 16:53 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for security RU000A109916 (RostelP10R) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    04/11/2025

    16:53

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 11.04.2025, 16-53 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 105.79) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1122.12 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 8.75%) of the security RU000A109916 (Rostel P10R) were changed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.MO/N89438

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eskasoni — Missing person: Help the RCMP find Abby Marie Poulette

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Eskasoni RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 36-year-old Abby Marie Poulette, from Eskasoni, who was reported missing yesterday.

    Poulette is described as 5-foot-7 with a slim build. She has brown hair and brown eyes.

    Poulette has been known to frequent Membertou First Nation.

    When someone goes missing, it has deep and far-reaching impacts for the person and those who know them. We ask that people spread the word through social media respectfully.

    Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Abby Marie Poulette is asked to contact the Eskasoni RCMP at 902-379-2822. 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 #: 2025-470111

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Organized Crime – International Conference Against Environmental Crime (11.04.25)

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    More than 100 of the world’s leading experts and officials on environmental crimes gathered in Paris at the “Security and Development Dialogue for Advancing Multilateral and Multi-Stakeholder Responses to Environmental Crime”, hosted by France and the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), with financial support of the European Union through the ECO-SOLVE project.

    Opening the conference, Mr Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, France’s Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships, called for the international community to prioritize action against environmental crimes. Despite the uncertain international context, the minister emphasized the need to keep the issue of environmental crimes at the heart of the international community’s concerns.. He highlighted the need for collective action, including in preparation for the UN Oceans Conference to be held in Nice this June.

    GI-TOC’s Director Mark Shaw called for greater inclusivity and innovation to deal with environmental crimes. He highlighted the global character of illicit flows and emphasized the need for “diverse action across supply chains” to cut the links that enable environmental crime to flourish, not least through licit trade routes and information platforms. “We need more internationally coordinated action across sectors, and we need globally funded and resourced responses”, said Shaw, also highlighting the key roles that can be played by civil society and the private sector.

    The international conference, which took place on 8 and 9 April, took stock of current international responses to environmental crimes, shared best practices and identified opportunities for more effective engagement through upcoming multilateral processes – including a new Expert Group Meeting under the Conference of Parties to the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), the UN Oceans Conference, the Climate COP, the UN General Assembly, and the next UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice taking place in 2026.

    Participants included officials from diverse countries, including Colombia, Peru, Brazil, UAE, UK, Indonesia, Kenya, Gabon and Germany, civil society, academia, law enforcement and criminal justice personnel.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Steven J. Jensen Named Assistant Director in Charge of the Washington Field Office

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

    Director Kash Patel has named Steven J. Jensen as the Assistant Director in Charge of the Washington Field Office. Mr. Jensen most recently served as the special agent in charge of the Columbia Field Office in South Carolina.

    Mr. Jensen joined the FBI as a special agent in 2006. He was first assigned to the New York Field Office, where he investigated health care fraud, domestic terrorism, and Asian organized crime. Mr. Jensen also served on the SWAT team and as a firearms and defensive tactics instructor.

    In 2012, Mr. Jensen was promoted to supervisory instructor at the FBI Academy in Quantico, where he was a firearms instructor. He moved in 2014 to the Rockford Resident Agency of the Chicago Field Office to serve as the supervisory senior resident agent. The office covered the 10 northwestern counties outside of Chicago.

    Mr. Jensen was named assistant special agent in charge for the Jackson Field Office in 2017 and oversaw the National Security, Criminal, and Administrative branches. In 2020, Mr. Jensen reported to the Counterterrorism Division at FBI Headquarters in Washington as the section chief of the Domestic Terrorism Operations Section.

    In 2021, Mr. Jensen was promoted to deputy assistant director of the Training Division, where he oversaw all basic field training programs and the National Academy training programs. He was named special agent in charge of the Colombia Field Office in South Carolina in 2023.

    Mr. Jensen also served temporary duty assignments to the Attorney General Protection Detail, the Safe Streets Gang Program, and as the director of the High Value Interrogation Group.

    Prior to joining the FBI, Mr. Jensen was a police officer with the Colorado Springs Police Department. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Stony Brook University in New York and a master’s degree in leadership studies from Northeastern University.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Phillip E. Bates Named Special Agent in Charge of the Counterterrorism Division at the Washington Field Office

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

    Director Christopher Wray has named Phillip E. Bates as the special agent in charge of the Counterterrorism Division at the Washington Field Office. Mr. Bates most recently served as section chief of the Inspection Division’s Internal Affairs Section.

    In July 2008, Mr. Bates began his career at the FBI as a special agent. He reported to the Seattle Division’s Everett Resident Agency, where he worked on their Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) and covered Indian country matters.

    In 2013, he transferred to the Phoenix Field Office, where he was a member of the Violent Street Gang Task Force. He was promoted to supervisory special agent (SSA) in the Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate at FBI Headquarters in 2014. During his time in WMDD, he oversaw weapons of mass destruction (WMD) investigations in the western United States and Asia before returning to Phoenix in 2016 to serve as the primary WMD coordinator. 

    In 2018, he was promoted to supervisor of the Phoenix JTTF, where he led the Threat Assessment and Mitigation squad, moving to lead the Domestic Terrorism and WMD squad in May 2019. In April 2021, he was promoted to assistant special agent in charge over the counterterrorism program at the Phoenix Field Office.

    Prior to becoming a special agent, Mr. Bates served for six years as a police officer and a member of the special weapons and tactics team for the City of Mesa, Arizona Police Department. Mr. Bates graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in education and graduated in 2012 from Norwich University with a master’s degree in organizational leadership.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Middleton — Annapolis County District RCMP charge a man involved in a robbery

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Annapolis County District RCMP has charged a man involved in a robbery that occurred in Middleton.

    On April 9, at approximately 4:05 p.m., RCMP officers responded to a report of a robbery at a grocery store on Commercial St. Investigators learned that a man entered the business, brandished a knife, punched an employee and demanded cash before fleeing on foot. The man was not successful in getting cash from the store.

    The employee, a 64-year-old Nictaux woman, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was assessed by EHS at the scene.

    A search of the area, assisted by RCMP Police Dog Services and the RCMP Emergency Response Team, was not successful in locating the man.

    The following day, at approximately 2:20 p.m., RCMP officers located and safely arrested the man walking along Commercial St. At the time of his arrest, the 18-year-old Annapolis County man was found in possession of ammunition and stolen shoes.

    Tyson Kevin Cecil Bishop has been charged with:

    • Robbery
    • Disguise with Intent to Commit an Indictable Offence
    • Assault Causing Bodily Harm
    • Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
    • Theft
    • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
    • Contravention of Storage Regulation

    Bishop was held in custody and will appear in Digby Provincial Court today.

    File #: 2025-463291

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four men jailed over the murder of a man in east London

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Four men have been sentenced in relation to the murder of a man in Newham.

    It follows a Met investigation that saw one of the perpetrators extradited back from Europe.

    Anselam Senaj, 26, was killed after being stabbed in the back of a car in East Ham at around 22:10hrs on Saturday, 11 November 2023.

    At the Old Bailey today (Friday, 11 April) four men were sentenced, as follows:

    [A] Muhammad Saqib Khan, 24 (21.01.01), of Walton Road, Manor Park, was jailed for life, with minimum term of 26 years for murder.

    [B] Muhammad Samiyul Miah, 19 (04.02.06) of Jack Cornwell Street, Manor Park, was jailed for life, to serve a minimum of 25 years in prison for murder.

    Their sentences also included terms for possession of a knife.

    [C] Ibrahim Naim, 18 (21.07.06), of Clacton Road, East Ham was sentenced to ten and a half years for manslaughter.

    [D] Zain Ali, 22 (27.03.03), of Poulett Road, East Ham, was sentenced to 14 years for manslaughter.

    Detective Sergeant Brett Hagen, who led the Met’s investigation, said: “Anselam Senaj was killed in a brutal cold-blooded assault which lasted seconds, but was so severe he died at the scene.

    “Our team conducted a thorough and detailed investigation which led to the arrest of three of the suspects within two weeks of the attack.

    “We’d like to thank our partner agencies who helped us ensure the arrest of the final suspect, and bring the case to trial to secure justice for Anselam.

    “Our thoughts remain as always with Anselam’s friends and family as they move forward with their life, safe in the knowledge his attackers are behind bars where they belong.”

    During a 14-week trial, the court heard the gang of men used a stolen vehicle to stop the taxi Anselam was travelling in and attacked him in the back seat at the junction of Victoria Avenue and Grangewood Street.

    Despite the efforts of emergency services, he died at the scene.

    The Met’s Specialist Crime Command issued warrants at various addresses in London on 22 November 2023, which led to the arrest of Miah, Ali and Naim who were all charged with murder that night.

    They forensically analysed the clothes worn by Anselam and the suspects, as well as downloading phone conversations between the men which all pointed to drug dealing.

    The team then identified Khan, who had fled to Amsterdam after the killing, as a further suspect and instigated an international manhunt to bring charges against him.

    After extensive enquiries by the Met’s investigative team and following work with international law enforcement partners, Khan was arrested on 4 December 2023 by Dutch authorities.

    On 12 January 2024, he was returned to the UK and taken into custody, after being extradited from the Netherlands, where he was charged with murder and possession of a knife.

    Khan and Miah were both convicted of the murder and possession of a knife at the Old Bailey on Monday, 13 January.

    Naim and Ali were both convicted of manslaughter at the same trial.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ahoskie Gang Member Sentenced to 71 Months in Prison for Firearm and Drug Trafficking Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW BERN, N.C. – An Ahoskie man was sentenced today to 71 months in prison for gun and drug crimes.  Nyjawaun Ezell, a.k.a. “Nike,” age 28, pleaded guilty to the charges on November 13, 2024.

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, Ezell, a high-ranking member of the G-Shine set of the Bloods gang, unlawfully obtained multiple firearms over a 10-month period while under indictment for allegedly murdering a rival gang member in Hertford County. In one instance, Ezell tried to purchase an AR-style rifle at a local gun store and made a false statement on the ATF gun-purchase form about being under the felony indictment, which disqualified him from being able to purchase a firearm. The evidence also showed that Ezell was engaged in dealing narcotics and other controlled substances in Hertford County during this time period.

    Ezell pleaded guilty to three counts of receipt of a firearm while under felony indictment; one count of knowingly making a materially false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer; and one count of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of oxycodone.

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF); the Down East Drug and Violent Crime Task Force; and the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Warlick prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-CR-22-FL-RJ.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Boscobel Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Conviction

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

    A man who possessed ice methamphetamine with the intent to distribute was sentenced on April 8, 2025, in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

    Hunter Newberry, age 23, from Boscobel, Wisconsin, pled guilty on October 31, 2024, to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

    Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that on January 27, 2024, law enforcement officers stopped the car Newberry was driving.  During the traffic stop, officers searched Newberry’s car and located a bag containing nearly two pounds of methamphetamine.  Subsequently, Newberry admitted to officers that he had acquired the methamphetamine in Madison, Wisconsin, and brought it to the Dubuque area to distribute.  Newberry admitted that between December 2023 and January 2024, he acquired at least ten pounds of methamphetamine and distributed it in the Dubuque area.  

    Newberry was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Newberry was sentenced to 140 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Newberry remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.

    The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael S.A. Hudson and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Dubuque Drug Task Force, comprised of the Dubuque Police Department and the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office.  

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

    The case file number is 24-CR-1026.

    Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE Presence supports Albanian State Police with informative sessions on new covert sources management model

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE Presence supports Albanian State Police with informative sessions on new covert sources management model

    As part of its long-standing support to the Albanian State Police (ASP) in implementing intelligence-led policing, the OSCE Presence in Albania organized a series of informative sessions on the new covert sources management model from 7 to 11 April 2025. Delivered by a contracted OSCE expert with extensive law enforcement experience and an ASP expert, the sessions took place in Lezha, Fier, Elbasan and Tirana, gathering representatives from all 12 local police directorates across the country.
    These sessions mark a significant step in strengthening the ASP’s operational capacity to manage covert sources in line with international standards and the officially adopted Standard Operating Procedures. The workshops provided guidance to police officers, focusing on the practical implementation of the new model, tailored to Albania’s evolving law enforcement context.
    The sessions are the culmination of nearly a decade of dedicated efforts by the OSCE Presence, which began in 2016 with the first assessments of covert sources handling practices. Following the establishment of the dedicated Unit within the ASP’s Criminal Police Department in 2020 and the official approval of Standard Operating Procedures in 2023, these informative sessions provided further support to the consolidation and implementation of the new model.
    By reinforcing best practices and standardizing procedures nationwide, the OSCE Presence’s initiative ensures a sustainable and professional approach to covert sources management, further embedding intelligence-led policing as a strategic framework for policing in Albania.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ohio Resident Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Narcotics Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced in federal court to 72 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, and crack, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Deangelo Ward, 35, on April 10, 2025.

    According to information presented to the Court, from in and around July 2022 to in and around March 2023, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Ward conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of cocaine, 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl, and a quantity of a mixture of crack. Ward was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that he distributed to others.

    Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

    Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Ward. Additional agencies participating in the investigation included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and other local law enforcement agencies.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Las Cruces Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Firearms Offenses

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

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after a federal search warrant uncovered large quantities of fentanyl, firearms, and cash linked to drug trafficking activities.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court records, on April 10, 2024, FBI Southern New Mexico Safe Streets Gang Task Force agents and Task Force Officers along with agents from Las Cruces/Dona Ana County Metro Narcotics executed a federal search warrant at the residence of Joe Angel Sandoval, 29, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, uncovering substantial evidence of drug trafficking.

    During the search, investigators located:

    • Over 500 grams of fentanyl pills.
    • Three firearms and ammunition.
    • Approximately $139,857 in cash was found inside the residence, along with $1,900 in Sandoval’s vehicle.

    In his plea agreement, Sandoval admitted to being an unlawful user of fentanyl at the time of the search and acknowledged selling the fentanyl pills for approximately three to four years, making him a prohibited possessor of firearms and ammunition under federal law.

    Upon his release, Sandoval will be subject to 10 years of supervised release.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Las Cruces/Dona Ana County Metro Narcotics Agency, Las Cruces Police Department, and Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Maria Y. Armijo prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arizona Man Charged with Federal Assault and Stolen Vehicle Transport After High-Speed New Mexico Pursuit

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

    ALBUQUERQUE – An Arizona man is facing federal for allegedly assaulting federal officers and transporting a stolen vehicle across state lines after a high-speed pursuit in New Mexico.

    According to court documents, on March 31, 2025, Christopher Jack Leach, 33, became aware of a warrant for his arrest in Arizona. He borrowed a friend’s vehicle under false pretenses, claiming he would drive it to another friend’s house in Arizona, but instead fled toward Florida with a passenger. The vehicle was reported stolen after the owner realized Leach’s deception. On that date, Leach and his passenger traveled across state lines, knowing the vehicle was reported stolen, and evaded law enforcement for the next several days.

    On the morning of April 2, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol agents responded to reports of a stolen vehicle traveling eastbound at high speed on Interstate 10 in Las Cruces. During the pursuit, Leach accelerated toward the agents’ unmarked vehicle on a narrow street, prompting one agent to exit and discharge a warning shot. Leach evaded the agents, drove into a dead-end street, drove into their vehicle causing a collision, and fled again before ultimately being apprehended by the New Mexico State Police.

    Following the incident, agents from the FBI interviewed Leach’s passenger, who confirmed that Leach knowingly fled law enforcement and was aware of the vehicle’s stolen status. Leach, however, claimed memory loss during his FBI interview, stating no recollection of events between Arizona and New Mexico.

    Leach is charged with assault of a federal officer and transportation of a stolen vehicle and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Leach faces up to 20 years in prison.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol, New Mexico State Police, and Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyson Hehr 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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pictou — Police charge two people with drug trafficking and weapons offences

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Police have charged two people with drug trafficking and weapons offences after executing a search warrant in Pictou.

    On April 3, 2025, the Pictou County Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit (PCISCEU) executed a search warrant at a residence on Welsford St. as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation. A man and a woman were safely arrested inside the home.

    Officers searched the residence and seized a quantity of cocaine, methamphetamine, cash, a firearm, a machete, mobile devices and tools, which are believed to have been stolen

    Jennifer Anne Stevenson, 40, and Chad Andrew Thomson, 34, both of Pictou are each charged with:

    • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (cocaine)
    • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (methamphetamine)
    • Careless Use of Firearm
    • Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
    • Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
    • Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose (2 counts)
    • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (2 counts)

    Stevenson and Thomson were released on conditions and are scheduled to appear in Pictou Provincial Court on July 7.

    The investigation is ongoing and is being led by PCISCEU with assistance of Pictou County District RCMP, Antigonish/Guysborough Street Crime Enforcement Unit and RCMP Police Dog Services.

    Nova Scotians are encouraged to contact their nearest RCMP detachment or local police to report crime, including the illegal sale of drugs, in their communities. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips app.

    Note: The PCISCEU is made up of police officers from Pictou County District RCMP, Westville Police Service, and Stellarton Police Service.

    File #2025-347322

    MIL Security OSI –