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Category: Crime

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Grassley Reintroduce Legislation to Combat Organized Retail Theft

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S.Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to crack down on intricate retail theft schemes. The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 would establish a coordinated multi-agency response and create new tools to tackle evolving trends in organized retail theft. 
    “Large criminal organizations are constantly evolving their tactics to steal goods from retailers and the supply chain in communities across the Silver State,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “The rise in organized retail crime has left businesses scrambling, and it is time for Congress to pass this bipartisan legislation to help law enforcement agencies keep our communities safe.”
    “Retail crime has cost Iowa billions, and it’s even worse across the nation. Organized theft rings deploy innovative tactics to pilfer goods, and it’s causing financial harm to businesses, putting employees and consumers at risk and funding transnational criminal organizations throughout the world. It’s time for the law to catch up and prevent criminals from exploiting the internet and online marketplaces. Our bill improves the federal response to organized retail crime and establishes new tools to recover stolen goods and illicit proceeds, and deter future attacks on American retailers,” said Senator Grassley.
    The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would establish an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center within the Department of Homeland Security that combines expertise from state and local law enforcement agencies, as well as retail industry representatives. The bill would also create new tools to assist in federal investigation and prosecution of organized retail crime and help recapture lost goods and proceeds. 
    The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act is supported by the National Retail Federation (NRF), United Postal Service (UPS), Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), Association of American Railroads (AAR), Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), American Trucking Associations, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Reusable Packaging Association (RPA) and the Home Depot.
    The full text of the legislation can be found here and summary is available here.
    As the former top law enforcement official in Nevada, Senator Cortez Masto has been a leading advocate in the Senate for our police officers and is part of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus. She has secured historic funding for the Byrne JAG grant program, the leading source of criminal justice funding in the country. Her bipartisan bills to combat the crisis of law enforcement suicide and provide mental health resources to police officers have been signed into law by presidents of both parties. Her BADGES for Native Communities Act, to support the Bureau of Indian Affairs with law enforcement recruitment and retention, passed the Senate last Congress.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Since January, California has seized over $316 million in illicit cannabis

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 10, 2025

    What you need to know: California officials continue to protect consumers and support the legal cannabis market through operations to seize 212,681 illegal cannabis plants worth $316 million.

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that officials have seized more than $316 million worth of illegal cannabis and $474,000 in cash since January 2025. Through coordinated enforcement actions with state agency partners and local governments, these efforts build upon the previous work to seize $534 million worth of illegal cannabis in 2024.

    In addition to confiscating 212,681 illicit cannabis plants, officials issued 99 warrants, which resulted in the removal of 35 firearms and 29 arrests.

    “As California’s legal cannabis market expands, we have a responsibility to crack down on the nefarious actors that put public health at risk and undermine the progress we’ve made. Unlicensed, unregulated products threaten consumer safety and jeopardize the integrity of this industry. We’re doubling down on our commitment to protect Californians and lift up the legal cannabis marketplace that so many have worked hard to build.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    These figures represent combined enforcement efforts from the Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF), the Department of Fish & Wildlife (DFW), the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, the California Department of Pesticide Regulations, Torrance Police Department, Alameda District Attorney’s Office, Oakland Police Department, among others, since January.

    California’s regulated cannabis market is the largest in the world, fostering environmental stewardship, compliance-tested products, and fair labor practices, while driving economic growth and funding vital programs in education, public health, and environmental protection. The Department of Cannabis Control recently released a market outlook report that shows prices are stable, industry value is up, and the licensed market is growing.

    A unified strategy across California 

    Since 2019, officials have seized and destroyed over 800 tons, or over 1.7 million pounds, of illegal cannabis worth an estimated retail value of $3.1 billion through over 1,500 operations.

    The cannabis task force was established in 2022 by Governor Newsom to enhance collaboration and enforcement coordination between state, local, and federal partners. Partners on the task force include the Department of Cannabis Control, the Department of Pesticide Regulation, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife, among others. 

    Protecting California’s consumers

    In September, Governor Newsom announced emergency hemp regulations in response to increasing health incidents related to intoxicating hemp food and beverage products, which state regulators found sold across the state. The new regulations ban any detectable quantity of THC from consumable hemp products to protect youth and mitigate the risk of adverse health effects. The emergency regulations better align the sale of hemp products with certain restrictions currently seen in the California legal cannabis market by limiting serving and package size and establishing a minimum age of 21 to legally purchase industrial hemp food, beverage and dietary products.

    In October, Governor Newsom issued a statement following the Los Angeles County Superior Court’s recent decision to reject the hemp industry’s attempt to block enforcement of the regulations.

    Since the emergency hemp regulations were put in place, agents from California’s Alcoholic Beverage Control have visited 9,251 locations and seized 7,007 hemp products from 141 violators. 

    To learn more about the legal California cannabis market, state licenses, and laws, visit cannabis.ca.gov.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah says, Modi government is mowing down drug cartels with full might

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah says, Modi government is mowing down drug cartels with full might

    Home Minister congratulates NCB, Assam Police and CRPF on seizure of 30.4 kg of methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 24.32 crore and arrest of 3 persons in Assam, in a massive blow to drug cartels

    Modi Government’s offensives against drugs will continue with ruthless force

    Posted On: 10 APR 2025 8:12PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah has said that the Modi government is mowing down drug cartels with full might.

    In a post on X platform, Shri Amit Shah said that “in our vision to build a drug-free Bharat, our agencies launched massive operations strangling drug cartels and seized 30.4 kg of methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 24.32 crore while arresting three people in Assam. Our offensives against drugs will continue with ruthless force. Congratulations to the NCB, Assam Police, and the CRPF on this major breakthrough.”

    Details of Operation:

    NCB seizes 30.4 kg Methamphetamine Tablets (YABA) worth Rs 24.32 Crores and arrests three drug traffickers in two cases on April 6, 2025

    Pursuant to the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, of a DRUG FREE INDIA and acting upon the directives of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has achieved significant success in dismantling inter-state synthetic drug network in Assam.

    ​In a major breakthrough, the NCB seized a total of 30.4 kg worth Rs 24.32 Crores of methamphetamine tablets popularly known as YABA, along with two vehicles, and arrested three accused during two separate operations in Silchar recently. On 06.04.2025, in an intelligence led operation developed over 3 months, NCB Guwahati, in a joint operation with the Assam police, intercepted a car and recovered 10 packets containing 9.9 kg of methamphetamine tablets. The contraband was concealed in a cavity within the vehicle’s boot. The sole occupant of the car who is a resident of Churachandpur, Manipur, was arrested on the spot. Investigations are on to identify the backward and forward linkages. 

    Later that night, in another intelligence led operation NCB Guwahati, Assam Police and the CRPF, a Mahindra Thar was intercepted. Authorities recovered 20.5 kg of methamphetamine tablets packed in 21 packets hidden inside the vehicle’s spare tire. Both occupants of the vehicles who also belong to Churachandpur were taken into custody. Investigations are underway to unravel the backward and forward linkages.

    ​NCB had earlier seized around 110 kg of methamphetamine tablets in two operations on March 13, 2025. In the seizure of 7.5 kg at Silchar, Assam one person has been arrested so far who is resident of Moreh, Manipur. In the seizure of 102.5 kg at Lilong, near Imphal, Manipur, 03 accused have been arrested and 03 vehicles have been seized so far. Further investigations in these matters are also underway to dismantle the trans-national drug trafficking syndicate.

                     

    (Images of seized Methamphetamine Tablets)

    ​NCB, through its newly created 4 Zonal Units at Siliguri, Itanagar, Agartala and Imphal and a Regional Headquarters in Guwahati, has been persistently working against the drug traffickers operating in the region in collaboration with other agencies. A Field Office of NCB in Aizawl, Mizoram has been operationalised with the help of Mizoram police in March 2025 and there was immediate success in seizure of 10.814 Kg Meth on 24.3.2025 in for which 06 accused have been arrested so far, out of which 02 accused are Myanmarese. 04 vehicles have also been seized in this case. Further investigations in this case are also underway to dismantle the trans-national drug trafficking syndicate.

    These 5 seizures of Meth in the North East in the last one month exemplify the NCB’s commitment to successfully disrupt trans-national and interstate drug networks to achieve the vision of DRUG FREE INDIA.

    *****

    VV / RR / PR / PS

    (Release ID: 2120774) Visitor Counter : 73

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Naxalmukt Bharat Abhiyan: From Red Zones to Growth Corridors

    Source: Government of India

    Naxalmukt Bharat Abhiyan: From Red Zones to Growth Corridors

    India’s Decisive Battle Against Left Wing Extremism

    Posted On: 10 APR 2025 7:49PM by PIB Delhi

    “It is true that Maoist violence had stalled the progress of many districts in central and eastern India. That is why in 2015, our government formulated a comprehensive ‘National Policy and Action Plan’ to eradicate Maoist violence. Along with zero tolerance towards violence, we have also focused on a massive push to infrastructure and social empowerment to bring a positive change in the lives of the poor people in these regions.”

    – Prime Minister Narendra Modi

    Introduction

    Left Wing Extremism (LWE), often referred to as Naxalism, is one of India’s most serious internal security challenges. Rooted in socio-economic inequalities and fueled by Maoist ideology, LWE has historically affected some of the most remote, underdeveloped, and tribal-dominated regions of the country. The movement has aimed to undermine the Indian state through armed rebellion and parallel governance structures, particularly targeting security forces, public infrastructure, and democratic institutions. Originating from the Naxalbari movement of 1967 in West Bengal, it spread primarily across the “Red Corridor,” affecting states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The Maoist insurgents claim to fight for the rights of the marginalized, particularly tribal communities, but their methods include armed violence, extortion, destruction of infrastructure, and recruitment of children and civilians.

    However, in recent years, India’s multidimensional counter-LWE strategy – combining security enforcement, inclusive development, and community engagement – has delivered significant success. The movement has been systematically weakened, violence has drastically declined, and many LWE-affected districts are being reintegrated into the national mainstream. The government of India is committed to completely eliminate Naxalism by 31st March 2026, since Naxalism is seen as the biggest obstacle in the development of remote areas and tribal villages, as it prevents education, healthcare, connectivity, banking, and postal services from reaching these villages.

    The number of LWE affected districts reduced from 126 to 90 in April 2018, 70 in July 2021 and further to 38 in April-2024. Out of total Naxalism-affected districts, number of most affected districts has been reduced from 12 to 6, which include four districts from Chhattisgarh (Bijapur, Kanker, Narayanpur, and Sukma), one from Jharkhand (West Singhbhum), and one from Maharashtra (Gadchiroli). Similarly, out of the total 38 affected districts, the number of Districts of Concern, where additional resources need to be intensively provided beyond the severely affected districts, has reduced from 9 to 6. These 6 districts are: Andhra Pradesh (Alluri Sitarama Raju), Madhya Pradesh (Balaghat), Odisha (Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Malkangiri), and Telangana (Bhadradri-Kothagudem). Due to persistent action against Naxalism, number of Other LWE-affected Districts has also decreased from 17 to 6. These include districts from Chhattisgarh (Dantewada, Gariaband, and Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki), Jharkhand (Latehar), Odisha (Nuapada), and Telangana (Mulugu). In the last 10 years, over 8,000 Naxalites have abandoned the path of violence, and consequently, the number of Naxal-affected districts has reduced to fewer than 20.

    The most affected Districts and Districts of Concern are given financial assistance of Rs. 30 crore and Rs. 10 crore, respectively, by the Government of India under a special scheme, Special Central Assistance (SCA), to fill the gaps in public infrastructure. Apart from this, special projects are also provided for these districts as per the need.

    Incidents of violence by LWE which reached its highest level of 1936 in 2010 have reduced to 374 in 2024 i.e. a reduction of 81%. The total number of deaths (civilians + security forces) has also reduced by 85% during this period from 1005 deaths in 2010 to 150 in 2024.

    State-wise details of LWE perpetrated violence (number of deaths recorded) in the last 3 years are as given under:

    State

    2022

    2023

    2024

    Andhra Pradesh

    3

    3

    1

    Bihar

    11

    4

    2

    Chhattisgarh

    246

    305

    267

    Jharkhand

    96

    129

    69

    Kerala

    0

    4

    0

    Madhya Pradesh

    16

    7

    11

    Maharashtra

    16

    19

    10

    Odisha

    16

    12

    6

    Telangana

    9

    3

    8

    West Bengal

    0

    0

    0

    TOTAL

    413

    485

    374

    Government Strategy: National Policy and Action Plan (2015) and other Key Initiatives

    The government of India has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards left-wing extremism and with 100% implementation of government schemes, it seeks to fully develop the LWE-affected areas. The government had laid down two rules of law to fight left wing extremism. First, to establish the rule of law in Naxalism-affected areas and completely stop illegal violent activities. Second, to quickly compensate for the loss in those areas which were deprived of development due to the long Naxalite movement.

    To address the LWE menace holistically, a National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE was approved in 2015. It envisages a multi-pronged strategy involving security related measures, development interventions, ensuring rights and entitlements of local communities etc.

    The Central Government closely monitors the situation and supplements and coordinates their efforts in several ways. These include providing the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs); sanction of India Reserve (IR) battalions, setting up of Counter Insurgency and Anti-Terrorism (CIAT) schools; modernisation and upgradation of the State Police and their Intelligence apparatus; reimbursement of security related expenditure under the Security-related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme; providing helicopters for anti-LWE operations, assistance in training of State Police through the Ministry of Defence, the Central Police Organisations and the Bureau of Police Research and Development; sharing of Intelligence; facilitating inter-State coordination; assistance in community policing and civic action programmes etc. On development side, apart from flagship schemes, Government of India has taken several specific initiatives in LWE affected States, with special thrust on expansion of road network, improving telecommunication connectivity, skilling and financial inclusion.

    • Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme: This Scheme is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’. Under the SRE Scheme, the Central Government reimburses security related expenditure for LWE affected districts and districts earmarked for monitoring. The reimbursement includes the expenditure relating to training and operational needs of security forces, ex-gratia payment to the family of civilians/security forces killed/injured in LWE violence, rehabilitation of surrendered LWE cadres, community policing, village defence committees and publicity materials. The SRE Scheme aims at strengthening of the capacity of the LWE affected States to fight the LWE menace effectively. During 2014-15 to 2024-25, Rs. 3260.37 crore has been released under this Scheme.
    • Special Central Assistance (SCA) for most LWE affected districts: This Scheme was approved in 2017 and is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’. The main objective of the Scheme is to fill the critical gaps in Public Infrastructure and Services in most LWE affected districts, which are of emergent nature. Till now, Rs 3,563 crore have been released since the inception of Scheme in 2017.
    • Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS): This Scheme is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’. Under Special Infrastructure Scheme, funds are provided for strengthening of State Intelligence Branches (SIBs), Special Forces, District Polices and Fortified Police Stations (FPSs). Under the SIS, Rs. 1741 crore have been sanctioned. 221 Fortified Police Stations have been constructed under the Scheme.
    • Scheme of Fortified Police stations: Under the scheme 400 Fortified Police Stations have been constructed in 10 LWE affected States. Put together 612 Fortified Police Stations have been constructed in LWE affected areas in the last 10 years. This is in contrast to 2014, when there were only 66 fortified police stations.
    • Assistance to Central Agencies for LWE management Scheme: This Scheme is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’. Under the Scheme, assistance is provided to Central Agencies (CAPFs/IAF etc.) for strengthening of infrastructure and hiring charges for Helicopters. Rs. 1120.32 crore have been given to Central Agencies during the period 2014-15 to 2024-25.
    • Civic Action Programme (CAP): This Scheme is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’ to bridge the gaps between Security Forces and local people through personal interaction and bring the human face of SFs before the local population. The Scheme has been very successful in achieving its goal. Under the Scheme, funds are released to the CAPFs, deployed in LWE affected areas, for conducting various civic activities for the welfare of the local people. Rs. 196.23 crore has been released to CAPFs since 2014-15.
    • Media Plan: The Maoists have been misguiding and luring the innocent tribals/ local population in LWE affected areas by their so-called poor-friendly revolution through petty incentives or by following their coercive strategy. Their false propaganda is targeted against the security forces and the democratic setup. Therefore, the Government is implementing this Scheme in LWE affected areas. Under the scheme activities like Tribal Youth Exchange programmes, radio jingles, documentaries, pamphlets etc. are being conducted. Rs. 52.52 crore have been released under the scheme since 2017-18.
    • Road Requirement Plan-I (RRP-I) for LWE affected areas and Road Connectivity Project for LWE affected areas (RCPLWE): The RRP-I Scheme is being implemented by Ministry of Road Transport & Highways for improving road connectivity in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh. The RCPLWE scheme was launched in the year 2016 to improve the road connectivity in 44 worst affected LWE districts and some adjoining districts in 9 States, viz. Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. The scheme has twin objectives of enabling smooth and seamless anti-LWE operations by the security forces and also ensuring socio-economic development of the area. 17,589 km of roads have been sanctioned under these two schemes. Of these, 14,618 km have been constructed.
    • Telecom Connectivity: 3 telecom projects, namely, Mobile Connectivity Project Phase-I & Phase-II, Provision of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages of Aspirational Districts and Saturation of 4G mobile services, are being implemented in LWE affected areas to improve telecom connectivity. A total of 10,505 mobile towers have been planned, of which 7,768 towers have been commissioned. The entire Naxal-affected region will be equipped with mobile connectivity by December 1, 2025.
    • Aspirational District: The Ministry of Home Affairs has been tasked with the monitoring of Aspirational districts programme in 35 LWE affected districts.
    • Financial Inclusion: For financial inclusion of the local populace in these areas, 1,007 bank branches and 937 ATMs in 30 Most LWE affected districts and 5,731 new post offices have been opened in LWE affected districts since April 2015. 37,850 Banking Correspondents (BCs) have been made operational in Most LWE affected districts.
    • Skill Development and Education: For Skill development 48 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 61 Skill Development Centres (SDCs) have been made functional in LWE affected districts.  For quality education in tribal blocks of LWE affected districts 178 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) have been made functional in LWE affected districts. The Skill Development Scheme reached all 48 districts, and a strong vertical of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was created. 1,143 tribal youths were recruited into the security forces.

    Since 2019, to fill the security vacuum, 280 new camps have been established, 15 new Joint Task Forces have been created, and 6 CRPF battalions have been deployed to assist state police in various states. Along with this, an offensive strategy has been adopted by activating the National Investigation Agency to choke the financing of Naxalites, which has resulted in a shortage of financial resources for them. Multiple long-duration operations were conducted, ensuring that the Naxalites are surrounded, leaving them with no opportunity to escape.

    October 2, 2024, PM Narendra Modi launched the ‘Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’ from Jharkhand. This campaign will be a milestone in providing personal amenities for achieving full saturation in rural areas in over 15,000 villages, benefiting nearly 1.5 crore people in LWE affected areas. The government is strengthening 3-C i.e., Road connectivity, Mobile connectivity and Financial connectivity in the LWE affected areas.

    Success Stories

    As part of zero-tolerance policy against Naxalism, 90 Naxals have been killed, 104 arrested, and 164 have surrendered in the year, by March 2025. In 2024, 290 Naxalites were neutralized, 1,090 were arrested, and 881 surrendered.

    Recently on 30th March 2025, 50 Naxalites in Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) surrendered. On 29th March 2025, our security agencies neutralised 16 Naxalites and recovered a massive cache of automatic weapons in an operation in Sukma (Chhattisgarh). On 20th March 2025, in two different operations by our security forces in Bijapur and Kanker, Chhattisgarh, 22 Naxals were killed, achieving another major success in the ‘Naxalmukt Bharat Abhiyan’.

    As per the information shared by the honourable Home Minister, for the first time in 30 years, the number of casualties due to LWE was below 100 in 2022, which is a significant achievement. From 2014 to 2024, there has been a substantial decline in Naxal-related incidents. 15 top Naxal leaders have been neutralized, and the government welfare schemes have been better implemented to reach to the last man in the queue. Areas like Buddha Pahad and Chakarbandha have been completely free from the grip of Naxalism. 85% of the LWE cadre strength in Chhattisgarh has been eliminated. Since January 2024, a total of 237 Naxalites have been killed, 812 arrested, and 723 have surrendered in Chhattisgarh. More than 13,000 people from the Northeast, Kashmir, and LWE affected areas have renounced violence and joined the mainstream.

    In 2014, there were 330 police stations where Naxal incidents occurred, but now this number has reduced to 104. Earlier Naxal-affected area was spread in more than 18,000 square kilometers, now only span 4,200 square kilometers. Between 2004 and 2014, there were a total of 16,463 incidents of Naxal violence. However, during 2014 to 2024, the number of violent incidents decreased by 53%, dropping to 7,744. Similarly, the number of causalities of security forces decreased by 73%, from 1,851 to 509. By 2014, there were a total of 66 fortified police stations, but over the past 10 years, their number has increased to 612. In the past 5 years, a total of 302 new security camps and 68 night landing helipads have been established.

    To financially choke the Naxalites and break their financial backbone, National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Enforcement Directorate were used, seizing several crores of rupees from Naxalites. Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), cases were filed, and those who funded the Naxalites were sent behind bars. To bring development to Naxal-affected areas, the budget allocation for these regions was increased by 300%.

    In December 2023, within a single year, 380 Naxalites were killed, 1,194 were arrested, and 1,045 surrendered.

    Conclusion

    India’s multi-pronged strategy against Left Wing Extremism has significantly weakened the insurgency, both territorially and operationally. The government’s focus on a blend of security, development, and rights-based empowerment has transformed the landscape in previously affected areas. With sustained political will, administrative commitment, and people’s participation, the vision of a LWE-free India is closer than ever.

    References

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2062905

    https://www.mha.gov.in/en/divisionofmha/left-wing-extremism-division

    https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2025-01/QuestionFaqEng_16012025.pdf

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2042128

    https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/183/AU3524_Vx5iCE.pdf?source=pqals

    https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/182/AU2378_awyJFP.pdf?source=pqals

    https://www.narendramodi.in/our-prime-role-is-to-ensure-good-governance-harness-aspirations-of-those-who-have-reposed-faith-in-us-pm-540680

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112250

    https://sansad.in/getFile/annex/267/AU2951_bVSJLP.pdf?source=pqars

    https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/184/AU3989_Tr9MsC.pdf?source=pqals

    https://x.com/amitshah/status/1909881269950853260?s=48&t=TYQpZk9GYbxE_Un686FYnA
    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2117140

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113303

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113902

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2042680

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2101652

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2116756

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2116853

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

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2115170 

    See in PDF

    ***

    Santosh Kumar | Sarla Meena | Rishita Aggarwal

    (Release ID: 2120771) Visitor Counter : 74

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The need for an urgent action plan to combat criminal networks and prevent children and young people from being recruited into organised crime – P-000506/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The Commission stepped up actions on crime prevention through the ‘EU Roadmap to fight drug trafficking and organised crime’[1] and is engaging with stakeholders to strengthen cooperation among competent authorities and with Internet companies through the EU Internet Forum[2]. The Commission presented the ProtectEU Internal Security Strategy on 1 April 2025[3] and announced that it will develop an Action Plan on the Protection of Children against Crime, encompassing the online and offline dimensions. In addition, the Commission adopted the ‘BIK+ Strategy’[4] to protect and empower children and young people online, designed ‘A comprehensive approach to mental health’[5] and will carry out an EU-wide inquiry on the impacts of social media on mental health and wellbeing, focusing on young people.

    2. Under the Digital Services Act ( DSA ), online service providers must take appropriate measures to ensure a high level of privacy, safety and security for minors[6], and the Commission is preparing Guidelines. Providers of very large online platforms (VLOPs) and search engines (VLOSEs) must assess the risks that the design and functioning of their services may have on minors, adopt proportionate and effective risk mitigation measures, and submit a risk assessment report yearly.

    3. The Commission has opened formal proceedings to assess whether TikTok, Facebook and Instagram may have breached the DSA in areas related to the protection of minors. The Commission is continuously monitoring compliance of VLOPs and VLOSEs with their obligations under the DSA and remains ready to open additional formal investigations when needed.

    • [1] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the EU roadmap to fight drug trafficking and organised crime, Brussels, 18.10.2023 COM(2023) 641 final.
    • [2] EU Internet Forum Senior Officials Meeting ‘Tackling online harms’, 12 December 2024, 14:00 — 17:30, Brussels and online, and EU Internet Forum Technical Meeting ‘Preventing the online recruitment of minors by criminal networks’, 5 March 2025, 10:30 — 12:30, online. For further information, see https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/networks/european-union-Internet-forum
    • [3] https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/news/commission-presents-protecteu-internal-security-strategy-2025-04-01_en
    • [4] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on A Digital Decade for children and youth: the new European strategy for a better Internet for kids (BIK+), Brussels, 11.5.2022, COM(2022) 212 final.
    • [5] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on a comprehensive approach to mental health, Brussels, 7.6.2023 COM(2023) 298 final. For further information, s ee also https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/promoting-our-european-way-life/european-health-union/comprehensive-approach-mental-health_en; https://health.ec.europa.eu/document/download/6317c605-5f5d-4d4f-9c8a-d5c93e869814_en?filename=ncd_tracking-framework-mh_en.pdf
    • [6] Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market for Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act) (Text with EEA relevance).
    Last updated: 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Secretary Noem Announces Relaunch of VOICE Office Shuttered by Biden

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    The Trump Administration is standing up for Americans who were victims of illegal alien crimes.  

    WASHINGTON – Today, Secretary Noem announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is relaunching the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) office. The VOICE office was shuttered by the previous administration, which left victims of alien crime without access to many key support services and resources. 

    The Trump administration is once again putting Americans first and standing up for law and order by reinstating the VOICE office within Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE). 

    A statement from Secretary Noem is below:  

    “I met with Angel Families who lost a loved one because of an illegal alien who should never have been in our country. The previous administration ignored these families and the other victims of illegal alien crime. With the re-launching of the VOICE Office, we are giving victims and their families access to resources and support services. President Trump and I will continue to remove criminal illegal aliens from our streets and make America safe again.” 

    A statement from ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons is below:  

    “Illegal aliens harming American citizens is unconscionable. But now, thanks to President Trump, we’re able to help people victimized by criminal aliens through the VOICE Office. I’m extremely proud of ICE’s entire workforce — the officers and agents on the ground who are enforcing immigration law fairly, the support staff who pull these operations together and handle logistics, and those who help shine a light on those who have suffered harm at illegal aliens’ hands.”

    The VOICE Office helps victims of crime and their families by: 

    • Helping victims follow and understand the immigration enforcement and removal process. 
    • Signing up victims to receive automated custody status information on criminal aliens in ICE custody. 
    • Providing additional criminal or immigration history about illegal aliens to victims or their families. 
    • Explaining where a victim may have the opportunity to provide a victim impact statement in applicable cases. 
    • Giving access to social service professionals and local contacts who can help connect victims to resources and service providers. 

     The office was first launched in 2017 by the Trump administration as a dedicated resource for those who have been victimized by crime that has a nexus to immigration.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Montgomery Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm Recovered at Scene of Shooting Where 4-Year-Old Was Injured

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

    ?           MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced the sentencing of a Montgomery, Alabama man for illegally possessing a firearm recovered at the scene of a shooting. On April 9, 2025, a judge ordered that 27-year-old Grenden James Jordan serve 174 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Following his 14-and-a-half-year prison sentence, Jordan will be on supervised release for three years. There is no parole in the federal system.

                According to court records and evidence presented at his January 2025 trial, on March 16, 2024, an officer with the Montgomery Police Department responded to the scene of a shooting on Atlanta Highway near the Eastern Boulevard overpass after hearing gun shots. Upon arrival, the officer saw three men walking away from a blue Dodge Challenger that was stopped in one of the lanes of traffic. One of the men, later identified as Grenden James Jordan, was observed by the officer throwing a firearm towards the side of the road. This was also captured on the officer’s dash cam video. The three men fled the scene.

                Witnesses stated that the three men were occupants of the Dodge Challenger and had exchanged gunfire with a red sedan, which left the scene when law enforcement arrived. Numerous bullet holes were found on the Dodge Challenger. There was a third vehicle on the scene that had been caught in the crossfire and had gunshot damage as well. This vehicle was occupied by innocent bystanders including a mother, father, and four-year-old child. The child sustained injuries from broken glass caused by the gunshots and was treated.

                Officers recovered an AR-style pistol from the area where the firearm had been thrown by Jordan, along with a high-capacity drum magazine with ammunition. During the trial, the jury saw a photo taken prior to March 16, 2024, showing Jordan posing with an AR-style pistol matching the one found on the scene of the shooting. Law enforcement found two additional firearms when searching Jordan’s residence in April of 2024. Jordan has previous felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. The jury found Jordan guilty earlier this year for illegally possessing the firearm recovered on March 16, 2024.

                “This significant sentence not only reflects the need to ensure justice is served, but it also reflects the gravity of the danger posed by Grenden Jordan’s reckless behavior,” said Acting United States Attorney Davidson. “Violent crime has an enormous impact on communities and those that work and live within them, including our children. This case is a stark reminder of the harm that can be inflicted when individuals use guns to settle disputes without regard for the wellbeing of others. Montgomery is a safer place with Grenden Jordan off the streets.” 

                “This type of disregard for human life will not be tolerated and most especially by a previously convicted felon,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Rachel Byrd. “FBI Mobile will continue to work alongside our state, local, and federal partners to bring justice to the victims of this senseless gun violence.”

                This case was brought as a 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.

                The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Montgomery Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon W. Bates and Michelle R. Turner prosecuted.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Admits Fraudulently Obtaining Student Visa, Other Documents

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

    T. LOUIS – A man from St. Louis County, Missouri on Wednesday admitted fraudulently obtaining a student visa and admission to the University of Missouri and admitted using the visa to obtain a Social Security card, a driver license, a bank account and an apartment.

    Mercy Ojedeji, 24, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of unlawful use of fraudulent immigration documents and one count of wire fraud.

    Ojedeji admitted using counterfeit academic transcripts, recommendations, a resume and a report about his English language proficiency to obtain a student visa from the University of Missouri and admission to the chemistry PhD program in the fall of 2023. Ojedeji also obtained a stipend and a tuition waiver worth more than $49,000. Ojedeji presented his student visa and other documents to the Social Security Administration to obtain a Social Security card and used the fraudulently-issued Social Security number and other documents to open a bank account. He also used the Social Security number and documents produced by his paramour to rent an apartment. After Ojedeji failed to attend classes, his assistantship or join a research group, the university terminated him from the graduate program in January 2024. This also resulted in the termination of his student visa. On Feb. 26, 2024, Ojedeji used his fraudulently-obtained and now invalid visa and other documents to obtain a Missouri driver license.

    The investigation into Ojedeji began when the U.S. Postal Inspection Service received complaints that romance fraud victims were mailing packages containing cash and gift cards to the home of Ojedeji’s paramour. Between Dec. 19, 2023, and Jan. 4, 2024, 35 Express Mail packages that had been tracked by Nigerian internet protocol addresses were delivered to the paramour’s address. A court-approved search of the home resulted in the discovery of packages sent pursuant to a Nigerian romance fraud scheme. A total of 193 packages were sent to the home through the Postal Services Express Mail, Federal Express, and United Parcel Service during Ojedeji’s relationship with the woman. At sentencing, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will argue that the total intended loss is more than $1 million, based on the $94,150 contained in the 17 packages seized by law enforcement. Ojedeji continues to deny any involvement in romance fraud.

    A judge will ultimately determine the loss amount at Ojedeji’s sentencing hearing, scheduled for July 10. Wire fraud carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and a fine. The immigration charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and the same fine.

    “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to defending the nation’s mail system from criminal activity, preserving the integrity of the U.S. Mail, and protecting United States Postal Service employees. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service values our law enforcement partners for supporting our mission to protect the integrity of the U.S. Mail,” said Ruth M. Mendonça, Inspector in Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which includes the St. Louis Field Office.

    The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case, with the assistance of the FBI and the Town and Country Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry is prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: TOBYHANNA MAN CHARGED WITH WIRE FRAUD FOR HIS MISAPPROPRIATION OF COVID RELIEF FUNDS AND WITH MAKING A FALSE TAX RETURN IN SUPPORT OF WIRE FRAUD

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that William Freeman, IV, age 45, of Tobyhanna, PA, was charged by criminal information with one count of wire fraud and one count of making and subscribing a false tax return. 

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, over a multi-year period between 2020 and 2021, Freeman submitted at least 10 applications seeking pandemic stimulus funds through both the Economic Injury and Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, as well as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) on behalf of several entities under his control, including, Second Haven Services for Youth, Inc., Phoenix Behavioral Health Network, LLC, Pocono Wing Hut, LLC, and Legacy Group Real Estate Company. The applications submitted by Freeman were filed on behalf of corporate entities that did not, in fact, have actual business operations, and that bore false employee headcount information, fabricated gross revenues, and costs of goods sold. Freeman additionally made material misrepresentations on these applications about his criminal history, representing that he had none when, in fact, he did. Freeman obtained over $300,000 dollars in stimulus funds through filing the fraudulent applications, which he spent on unapproved personal expenses and which was never repaid. 

    Additionally, and in support of that fraud, Freeman filed a falsified Form 1040 and a falsified W-3 in 2020 for the 2019 tax year claiming thousands of dollars in taxes that were withheld and paid over to the IRS which never happened. In addition to his failure to pay over those taxes, he also attempted to obtain thousands of dollars of tax refund money. Mr. Freeman did this for the purpose of creating a filed tax return in an attempt to obtain additional stimulus funds.

    The case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Honora Berti. 

    “IRS Criminal Investigation agents will continue to be on the front lines to fight fraud.” Stated Yury Kruty, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Philadelphia Field Office.

    The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is up to 23 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Laurel Lee Introduces Bill to Protect American Broadband Consumers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Laurel Lee – Florida (15th District)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL) and Congressman Marc Veasey (D-TX) introduced the Stopping the Theft and Destruction of Broadband Act. This bill will impose penalties for those who damage or steal broadband lines.

    “American consumers use broadband for a wide range of uses and expect to have uninterrupted service. Broadband providers, in collaboration with government agencies, work tirelessly to defend against a constant barrage of external threats. However, when it comes to the intentional theft or damage of communications facilities, weak and ineffective laws often allow perpetrators to escape justice,” said Rep. Laurel Lee. “To safeguard critical infrastructure and protect consumers, we need stronger, clearer laws and enhanced enforcement, ensuring that those who maliciously harm our networks face severe criminal penalties. That is why I introduced the Stopping the Theft and Destruction of Broadband Act to impose strict penalties on those who seek to damage or steal broadband lines.”

    “I am proud to introduce this bill to address the growing problem of broadband cable theft, which disrupts essential services for communities and businesses across the country. This legislation ensures stronger protections for vital infrastructure and enhances access to reliable internet for all Americans,” said Rep. Veasy.

    “We applaud Reps. Lee and Veasey for introducing the Stopping the Theft and Destruction of Broadband Act, which addresses the growing threat of vandalism to critical communications infrastructure. These networks are essential to public safety, national security, and daily life, yet increasing copper theft and sabotage are disrupting emergency services, damaging key sectors, and resulting in consumers losing service. By strengthening our federal laws to meet this growing threat, we can leverage stronger deterrents and harsher penalties to better protect the networks that keep Americans connected and safe,” said NCTA – The Internet & Television Association.

    Read the bill text here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Holyrood — Arrest warrant issued for Simon Dobbin (UPDATED)

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Update: Simon Dobbin was arrested by Holyrood RCMP on April 3, 2025.

    Holyrood RCMP is looking to arrest wanted man, 34-year-old Simon Dobbin of St. Joseph’s. Dobbin is wanted for charges of assault and two counts of breaching a release order.

    An image of Dobbin is attached.

    Anyone having information about Dobbin’s current location is asked to contact Holyrood RCMP at 709-229-3892. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Cherfilus-McCormick, Bell Introduce CAST Act to Curb U.S.-Carribean Firearms Trafficking

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Florida 20th district))

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) and Wesley Bell (D-MO) introduced the Caribbean Anti-Smuggling of Trafficked Arms (CAST) Act , legislation that would help curb illicit arms trafficking from the United States to the Caribbean by requiring the Department of Defense (DOD) to report on expanding the mandate of Joint Interagency Taskforce South (JIATF-South) to include combatting illicit firearms trafficking. 

    “Weapons trafficking by way of the United States is a major contributor to crime in the Caribbean and Haiti’s growing gang crisis, driving the ongoing instability that plagues the country,” said Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL). “All potential options must be on the table to effectively curtail the flow of arms. Our nation’s national security depends on it.” 

    “As a former prosecutor, I’ve seen how illegal guns can devastate neighborhoods and fuel violence,” said Rep. Wesley Bell (D-MO). “Too many of those weapons are being trafficked out of the U.S. and into the hands of gangs in the Caribbean. This bill strengthens our ability to stop that flow at the source—so fewer families, whether in St. Louis or Port-au-Prince, have to live in fear.”

    JIATF-South’s mandate is to conduct detection and monitoring (D&M) operations to curtail drug trafficking and dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) in the Caribbean region. The CAST Act will require the Department of Defense to evaluate the potential expansion of JIATF-South’s mission to include combating the illegal trafficking of firearms from the United States to the Caribbean.

    Illicit arms trafficking from the United States to the Caribbean is a regional and national security threat. While Caribbean countries do not manufacture firearms or ammunition, nor do they import either on a large scale, they account for half of the world’s top ten highest national murder rates. 

    Last Congress, Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick led the release of a new report from the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) that examines the role of U.S. firearms in Caribbean arms trafficking. The report found that nearly three-quarters of firearms recovered from the Caribbean and traced by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) could be sourced back to the United States, with many originating from U.S. retail sales. 

    The full text of the bill can be found here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dina Titus Joins Legislation to Combat Organized Retail Theft

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

    Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-1) joined Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) today in introducing the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act to target the rise in theft, fraud, and other organized crimes against retail stores and various components of the supply chain across America. This bipartisan, bicameral bill establishes a coordinated multi-agency response and creates new tools to tackle evolving trends in organized retail theft to combat 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 Congresswoman Titus. “This legislation will help law enforcement better pursue and prosecute these bad actors, while protecting businesses and saving consumer dollars.’

    “Businesses throughout my district are facing the burdens of a rise in organized retail crimes and fraud schemes that are sweeping the nation,” said Congressman 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.”

    Congresswoman Titus joined six other members of the House in co-leading the legislation. Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).

    The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act is supported by the National Retail Federation, the Retail Industry Leaders Association, the Major County Sheriffs of America, Home Depot, UPS, the Intermodal Association of North America, the Association of American Railroads, the International Council of Shopping Centers,  the American Trucking Association, 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.

    Background

    The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would establish an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center within Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This Coordination Center will allow increased collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, along with retail crime associations and subject matter experts, to create a cohesive strategy to combat these crimes and share valuable resources.

    According to the National Retail Federation, retail larceny incidents increased by 93 percent from 2019 to 2023, including a 90 percent increase in actual dollar loss. Stores lost $121.6 billion to retail theft in 2023, compared to $93.9 billion in 2021, $61.7 billion in 2019, and $46.8 billion in 2017. In 2023, 84 percent of retailers reported that violence and aggression were a greater concern than in 2022. At the same time, product manufacturers and the supply chain are experiencing a rise in organized cargo theft across rails, roads, and the various distribution points across the United States. CargoNet reported a 27 percent increase in cargo theft incidents in 2024 over 2023. These crimes are often orchestrated by organized groups that resell stolen goods through physical and online marketplaces, further fueling illicit profits and financing additional criminal enterprises. The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act seeks to address these challenges by enhancing legal frameworks, improving enforcement capabilities, and fostering coordination across federal, state, and local agencies. The legislation responds to the limitations of state-level efforts, which struggle with resource constraints and the interstate and international nature of organized retail and supply chain crime, and it aims to safeguard commerce, consumer confidence, and national security.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal, Schakowsky, Espaillat, Panetta Introduce Legislation to Protect Immigrant Survivors of Violence

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) today introduced the Working for Immigrant Safety and Empowerment (WISE) Act to protect immigrant survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and gender-based violence. The bill would ensure that immigrants have access to protections intended by the bipartisan Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Trafficking Victim Protection Act (TVPA), and other federal and state laws. The bill would also move to ensure survivors pursuing relief are not detained or deported before their applications are fully adjudicated.

    “The Trump administration’s mass deportation campaign has sowed immeasurable fear in immigrant communities, driving survivors of crime to hide in fear of deportation. That simply cannot be the case,” said Jayapal. “Immigrant women are significantly more likely to suffer domestic violence, nearly three times the national average. Especially in the current environment, it is critical that we take steps to ensure that survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and gender-based violence are protected. The WISE Act would improve protections for immigrant witnesses and victims of crimes and foster safe communities — the opposite of what Trump is pushing.”

    “Our immigrant communities are under attack by the Trump administration, and immigrant women faced with domestic violence make up one of the most vulnerable populations. These women should not feel forced to stay in violent, life-threatening intimate partner relationships because of their tenuous immigration status,” said Schakowsky. “I am proud to co-lead the WISE Act to help ensure that all victims of domestic violence, regardless of immigration status, have access to the public resources and support they need to escape abuse.”

    “Immigrant families are facing tremendous challenges in light of the Trump administration, and we are working to combat these dangerous anti-American policies daily. Immigrant victims of domestic violence, trafficking, and gender-based assaults are particularly vulnerable and deserve protections regardless of their immigration status,” said Espaillat. “Immigrant survivors are less likely to report a crime in fear of detention and deportation, especially in this political climate, which makes them even more vulnerable to such abuse and exploitation. These crimes are dehumanizing and reprehensible, and we must do all that it takes to ensure protections are in place and victims feel empowered to seek assistance. I am proud to join my colleagues, once again, to introduce legislation this Congress to reaffirm our commitment to victims of violence when they need our help the most.”

    “Our criminal justice system works when victims and witnesses have the will and confidence to come forward and testify to hold criminals accountable,” said Panetta.  “In addition to being scared of retribution by criminals, there also are times when undocumented individuals are fearful of deportation due to their cooperation with law enforcement.  That is why U and T visas are critical to putting away bad guys and giving people faith in our criminal justice system.  I’m proud to be a part of the reintroduction of the WISE Act, which includes my Immigrant Witness and Victim Protection Act to strengthen safeguards and expand the availability of U and T visas.  By ensuring that victims and witnesses have access to the protections of our government in their cooperation with law enforcement, we can hold criminals accountable and strengthen trust in our justice system.”

    This bill introduction comes after President Donald Trump, in a proclamation for National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, blamed sexual violence on undocumented immigrants. However, studies have found zero evidence to support a link between undocumented immigrants and a rise in crime rates.

    Immigrant women and children are particularly vulnerable to domestic violence, and the rate of abuse against immigrant women is nearly 49 percent, three times the national average. While domestic violence is a consistently underreported issue, immigrant survivors are significantly less likely to report these crimes due to fear of deportation. 

    The WISE Act would strengthen protections for immigrant survivors by:

    • Eliminating arbitrary caps on the U Visa and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS).
    • Expanding qualifying crimes for the U Visa to include hate crimes, child abuse, and elder abuse as well as grant protections for abused children, stepchildren, spouses, and parents of immigrant survivors.
    • Granting work authorization to survivors while their applications are pending.
    • Prohibiting detention and deportation of immigrant survivors while their cases are pending.
    • Limiting the use or disclosure of information pertaining to a pending immigrant survivor’s VAWA, T, U, or SIJ applications.
    • Restricting immigration enforcement at certain protected areas including any domestic violence shelter, rape crisis center, supervised visitation center, family justice center, or victim services providers, among other locations.
    • Ensuring survivors have the support necessary to thrive and reduce reliance on abusers by providing access to certain assistance, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Services Block Grant (SSBG), and Medicaid.

    The legislation is sponsored by Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-At Large), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Greg Casar (TX-35), Sean Casten (IL-06), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Grace Meng (NY-06), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), and Nikema Williams (GA-05).

    The WISE Act is also endorsed by Alianza Nacional de Campesinas; Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence; ASISTA Immigration Assistance; Bend the Arc: Jewish Action; Center for Gender & Refugee Studies; Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law; Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP); Church World Service; Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA); Coalition on Human Needs; End SIJS Backlog Coalition; Esperanza United; Esperanza United; Freedom Network USA; Just Detention International; Just Solutions ; Justice for Migrant Women; Justice in Motion; Kids in Need of Defense; Legal Momentum, The Women’s Legal Defense and Education Fund; Make the Road States; Naila Amin Foundation; National Alliance to End Sexual Violence; National Council of Jewish Women; National Immigrant Justice Center; National Immigration Law Center; National LGBTQ Institute on Intimate Partner Violence; National Network To End Domestic Violence; National Partnership for New Americans.org ; National Resource Center on Domestic Violence; Oxfam America; Refugees International ; Sisters of Mercy Justice Team; Tahirih Justice Center; The Advocates for Human Rights; Ujima, The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community; VALOR; We Are All America; Women’s Refugee Commission; Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights; Al Otro Lado; Asian Resources, Inc.; Ayuda; California Partnership to End Domestic Violence; Center for Domestic Peace; Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault; Daya Inc.; DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Domestic Abuse Center; Domestic Violence Project | Urban Justice Center; East Bay Sanctuary Covenant; Equality California; Estrella del Paso; Gray’s Trauma-Informed Care Services Corp; Healthy Alternatives to Violent Environments; Her Justice; IL Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights; Immigrant Children Advocates’ Relief Effort (ICARE); Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef); Immigration Center for Women and Children; Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault; Jane Doe Inc.; Just Neighbors; Los Angeles LGBT Center; Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault; Maitri; Make the Road Connecticut ; Make the Road Nevada ; Make the Road New Jersey ; Make the Road New York ; Make the Road Pennsylvania ; Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence; Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault; National Organization for Women-Nassau County chapter; National Organization for Women-New York State; Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence; Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence; Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation (NMIC); Northwest Workers’ Justice Project; Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence (OAESV); Ohio Domestic Violence Network; Pennsylvania Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Network; Raksha, Inc; Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network; Sanctuary for Families; Silver State Equality; Survivor Justice Center (formerly known as Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice); The Immigration Project; The Women’s Law Center of Maryland, Inc.; Utah Domestic Violence Coalition; Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence; Violence Free Minnesota; Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance; Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault; Womankind; Workers Center of Central New York and; ZeroV.

    If you or a loved one are experiencing domestic violence, help is available at 800-799-7233 or by texting START to 88788. 

    Issues: Immigration, Public Safety & Criminal Justice

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Government Seeks Death Penalty for Federal Inmate Charged with First Degree Murder

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment this week, charging Ishmael Petty, 56, with first degree murder and murder by a federal prisoner serving a life sentence.

    According to court documents, on Sept. 19, 2020, Petty murdered a fellow inmate while the two were housed in the same unit at the U.S. Penitentiary-Florence, Administrative Maximum Facility (ADX) in Florence, Colorado. Petty has been in federal custody since a 1998 conviction for bank robbery. In 2002, Petty was sentenced to life in prison for murdering an inmate at another federal prison. In 2015, Petty was sentenced to 60 years in prison for an assault on two federal officers at ADX.

    For the current charges, the maximum penalty is death, and Attorney General Bondi has authorized the United States Attorney for the District of Colorado to pursue capital punishment in this case. Consistent with that authorization, the U.S. Attorney filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Petty.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Acting U.S. Attorney J. Bishop Grewell for the District of Colorado made the announcement.

    The FBI Denver Field Office investigated the case.

    This case is being prosecuted by the Violent Crime and Immigration Enforcement Section of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado and the Criminal Division’s Capital Case Section.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Shiprock Man Guilty of Assault in Stabbing Case

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

    strong>ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man pleaded guilty as charged in his federal indictment for assault with a dangerous weapon because he intentionally stabbed his ex-girlfriend and struck her with his vehicle during a violent altercation.

    According to court records, on November 2, 2024, Jane Doe, and her sister were stopped at a road construction zone when her ex-boyfriend, Tyrell Lee Johnson, 29, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, approached their vehicle. Johnson physically attacked Jane Doe, striking her head, stabbing her abdomen with a knife, and striking her with his vehicle as he fled the scene. Jane Doe sustained injuries, including an abdominal wound, bruises, abrasions, and a concussion.

    Navajo Police located Johnson’s vehicle in Cudei, New Mexico, identified by its damaged front bumper, and apprehended him after a brief pursuit. Officers recovered a black folding knife from Johnson’s possession and confirmed he had no alcohol in his system during processing.

    At sentencing, Johnson faces up to 10 years in prison followed by three 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 Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two men convicted of manslaughter

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Two men have been convicted of manslaughter following the death of 34-year-old Justin Henry in Croydon.

    Lewis Benjamin, 30 (29.03.1994) of Waddon New Road, Croydon and Jamal Ali-Richards, 29 (20.10.1995) of Thornlaw Road, Norwood appeared at Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday, 10 April 2025, where following an eight-week-trial, they were both convicted of manslaughter. They were found not guilty of murder.

    The court heard that while Justin had been reported missing, Benjamin and Ali-Richards were discarding of his body and attempting to clean up evidence of his death.

    Detective Chief Inspector Craig Magee of the Met’s Specialist Crime Team who led the investigation said:

    “Justin’s disappearance prompted a complex and extensive investigation.

    “Today’s verdict is testament to the painstaking efforts of the investigation team. Benjamin and Ali-Richards went to great lengths to dispose of evidence and cover their tracks, which included significant attempts to dispose of Justin’s body. Despite these efforts, the team worked tirelessly to piece together the evidence and establish the facts.

    “The loss of Justin continues to have a long lasting and devastating impact on his family and friends. Throughout the investigation and trial, the strength and resilience shown by them has been extraordinary. I hope that today’s verdict will provide an opportunity for them to begin rebuilding their lives.”

    Justin was reported missing on Monday, 16 October 2023 as he never returned home after he left his girlfriend’s house the evening before.

    CCTV enquiries showed Justin was last seen alive buying food at McDonald’s drive-thru in Croydon on Sunday, 15 October before driving to Waddon New Road, where Benjamin lived. Justin’s car stayed for over two hours and was then moved to Kingswood Drive a 19 minute drive away, it is believed that Justin had sadly died by this point and someone else had moved his vehicle.

    The location of Justin’s car highlighted Lewis Benjamin, who lived on Waddon New Road, as a suspect. His friend, Jamal Ali-Richards was also determined as a suspect.

    When officers arrived at Lewis Benjamin’s address, it had been cleared of most furniture and the carpet had been ripped up and removed. The flat also appeared to have been recently deep-cleaned. Police declared the flat as a crime scene and forensic officers were called to the property, they located small spatters of blood on the walls.

    Less than 100 metres from the address, officers located black plastic bags which contained a section of heavily blood soaked carpet. When tested, the blood from the address and the carpet was matched to Justin Henry.

    Benjamin was arrested on 24 October 2023. When officers arrived at this address, he ran into the back garden, throwing his phone away before being detained and arrested. When his phone was analysed, it showed that Benjamin had been in contact with Justin Henry prior to his disappearance.

    In interview, he refused to answer any questions. Despite this, he was charged on 25 October 2023 with murder.

    Ali-Richards handed himself into police and was arrested on 27 October 2023. He was subsequently charged with murder on 29 October.

    Officers continued to analyse CCTV footage and other information. On Monday, 6 November officers located one of two cars the defendants had bought in the days following the murder and placed false number plates on. This car was parked off Dale Road in Purley. When forensic officers arrived, Justin’s body was located in the boot.

    On 17 February 2025, Lewis Benjamin pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice following his attempts to disguise his actions and dispose of evidence. On 21 March 2025, during the trial, Jamal Ali-Richards also pleaded guilty to this. Both men pleaded not guilty to murder, but following an eight-week trial which began on 17 February 2025, they were both convicted of manslaughter.

    DCI Craig Magee added: “Today’s verdict sends a clear message that we will work tirelessly to hold those who commit such crimes to account.”

    Ali-Richards and Benjamin will appear at Woolwich Crown Court on Tuesday, 10 June 2025 for sentencing.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Government Seeks Death Penalty for Federal Inmate Charged with First Degree Murder

    Source: United States Attorneys General 3

    A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment this week, charging Ishmael Petty, 56, with first degree murder and murder by a federal prisoner serving a life sentence.

    According to court documents, on Sept. 19, 2020, Petty murdered a fellow inmate while the two were housed in the same unit at the U.S. Penitentiary-Florence, Administrative Maximum Facility (ADX) in Florence, Colorado. Petty has been in federal custody since a 1998 conviction for bank robbery. In 2002, Petty was sentenced to life in prison for murdering an inmate at another federal prison. In 2015, Petty was sentenced to 60 years in prison for an assault on two federal officers at ADX.

    For the current charges, the maximum penalty is death, and Attorney General Bondi has authorized the United States Attorney for the District of Colorado to pursue capital punishment in this case. Consistent with that authorization, the U.S. Attorney filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Petty.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Acting U.S. Attorney J. Bishop Grewell for the District of Colorado made the announcement.

    The FBI Denver Field Office investigated the case.

    This case is being prosecuted by the Violent Crime and Immigration Enforcement Section of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado and the Criminal Division’s Capital Case Section.

    An indictment 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 United Nations: World Court begins hearing Sudan’s ‘complicity in genocide’ case against the United Arab Emirates

    Source: United Nations 2

    By Vibhu Mishra

    Law and Crime Prevention

    The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Thursday began hearing Sudan’s case against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which it accuses of being complicit in acts of genocide against the Masalit community in West Darfur by backing the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

    The hearings in The Hague, focus on Sudan’s request for the court – the UN’s principal judicial organ – to impose provisional measures to prevent further alleged grave human rights violations.

    Brutal civil war

    Sudan’s military Government is alleging that the UAE has been directly supporting the RSF and allied militias, which have embroiled in a brutal civil war with the national army since April 2023.

    The conflict has triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, claiming tens of thousands of lives and displacing over 12.4 million people – more than 3.3 million as refugees in neighbouring countries.

    Hunger has reached catastrophic levels, with famine declared in several regions, and disease outbreaks and the collapse of essential services have left millions, especially children at extreme risk.

    The case, formally titled Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in Sudan (Sudan v. United Arab Emirates), was initiated last month, when Sudan filed an application instituting proceedings against the UAE.

    Sudan’s allegations

    Khartoum claims the RSF and its affiliates are responsible for serious human rights violations including mass killings, rape and the forced displacement of the non-Arab Masalit people in West Darfur.

    The application claims the UAE “is complicit in the genocide on the Masalit through its direction of and provision of extensive financial, political, and military support for the rebel RSF militia.”

    Pending a final judgment in the case, the court is being asked to indicate provisional measures ordering the UAE to “take all measures within its power to prevent the commission of all acts” that could contribute to genocide.

    Additionally, Sudan is asking for the UAE to prevent any allied irregular armed units involved, directly or indirectly, from carrying out further alleged atrocities.

    The Court has the authority under Article 36(1) of the its Statute to hear and decide on disputes under international law – including international treaties and conventions – brought by one State against another, provided both have accepted the Court’s jurisdiction.

    The Convention

    The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 9 December 1948, in the aftermath of the atrocities of World War II. It entered into force on 12 January 1951.

    It defines genocide as any act “committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group”.

    Both Sudan and the UAE are a party to the Convention, making them legally bound by its provisions.

    More to come…

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Questions META Whistleblower In Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    April 09, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned Sarah Wynn-Williams, Facebook’s former Director of Global Public Policy, at the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism hearing entitled “A Time for Truth: Oversight of Meta’s Foreign Relations and Representations to the United States Congress.” Durbin first asked Ms. Wynn-Williams about protecting children online.
    “You made a reference in the book [Ms. Wynn-Williams’s memoir], that a lot of the executives at Facebook protected their own children from what might have been exploitation. So, these [Big Tech] executives at Facebook protected their own kids from that kind of exploitation, correct?” Durbin asked.
    Ms. Wynn-Williams highlighted the hypocrisy of these Big Tech executives—their own children were not allowed to use social media. She said, “These executives—they know the harm that this product does. They don’t allow their own teenagers to use the products that Meta develops.”
    Durbin then asked who is making the executive decisions at Meta regarding privacy and exposing American’s private material and data to the Chinese.
    “Are these decisions being made by [Meta CEO Mark] Zuckerberg himself or by boards or by open discussion? How much sensitivity was there to the fact that the decisions were historic in nature and maybe even criminal?” Durbin asked.
    Ms. Wynn-Williams responded, “you asked me in part about China. To give you just one example, at the governance level, the lead independent director on Meta’s board was also on the payroll for the China project.”
    Durbin asked, “So they had dual loyalty? 
    Ms. Wynn-Williams responded, “I think the question is around accountability and governance of this company and tech companies more generally—there needs to be a lot more accountability. I don’t think the current governance structures are anywhere close to being sufficient.”
    Durbin then asked about the quality of employees at Meta. Ms. Wynn-Williams stated that most were “amazing people” and “there were people who spoke up” but “that was not happening at the executive level. What was striking was the absence of those types of discussions at the top of the company compared to what was happening with your average people working at the company.”
    Durbin concluded by discussing Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. For nearly 30 years, Section 230 has shielded Big Tech from liability for the harms they cause. Only by removing that liability shield will Big Tech finally have to take the steps companies in all other industries have to take to protect their customers.
    “Many of us believe, the Committee has voted accordingly, that if they [Big Tech] could be held accountable for their decisions, in a court of law, and find damages… that this would have more impact than some of the best speeches that we could put together as members of Congress, so we are going to work on that,” Durbin concluded.
    Video of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.
    Durbin has used his role on the Senate Judiciary Committee to prioritize child safety online through hearings, legislation, and oversight efforts. On January 31, 2024, while Durbin was serving as Chair, the Committee held a hearing featuring testimony from the CEOs of social media companies Discord, Meta, Snap, TikTok, and X (formerly known as Twitter). This hearing highlighted the ongoing risk to children and the immediate need for Congress to act on the bipartisan bills reported by the Committee.
    Last Congress, the Committee reported out Durbin and Senator Josh Hawley’s (R-MO) STOP CSAM Act. The bipartisan legislation would crack down on the proliferation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online by allowing victims to sue companies that host this material, among other things. Senators plan to reintroduce it soon. 
    In addition, Durbin’s bipartisan Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act of 2024 (DEFIANCE Act) passed the Senate in July 2024. The legislation would hold accountable those responsible for the proliferation of nonconsensual, sexually-explicit “deepfake” images and videos. The volume of “deepfake” content available online is increasing exponentially as the technology used to create it has become more accessible to the public. The overwhelming majority of this material is sexually explicit and is produced without the consent of the person depicted.
    This Congress, the Judiciary Committee held a hearing entitled “Children’s Safety in the Digital Era: Strengthening Protections and Addressing Legal Gaps.” Durbin’s opening statement from that hearing is available here, and his questions for the witnesses are available here.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Velázquez and Ramirez Press Rubio for Answers on Human Rights Abuses at El Salvador Mega-Prison

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

    WASHINGTON– Today, Congresswomen Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) and Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL) led 21 House Democrats in sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding answers and accountability for the transfer of individuals from U.S. custody to the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) in El Salvador, a prison widely condemned for human rights abuses.
     
    “We write to you with the utmost urgency and grave concern regarding the forced transfer of individuals from United States custody to a state of imprisonment in El Salvador, where they face a well-documented and imminent risk of torture, abuse, and other egregious human rights violations at CECOT,” the lawmakers wrote. “These transfers not only violate fundamental principles of international law, but they also violate U.S. laws and our nation’s commitment to human rights.”
     
    The letter cites serious concerns about violations of the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 and the Convention Against Torture, which prohibit the U.S. from sending individuals to countries where they face a real risk of torture or inhumane treatment.
     
    Velázquez and Ramirez point to extreme overcrowding, the absence of due process, and the systematic use of torture and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment inside CECOT, as reported by human rights organizations and journalists.
     
    They also directly challenge Secretary Rubio’s recent claim that El Salvador complies with all the international requirements for imprisonment. The letter demands written proof from El Salvador that CECOT meets international human rights standards and calls for an immediate halt to additional transfers.
     
    The letter includes a series of detailed questions for the Department, including whether the U.S. has paid El Salvador to imprison people, what legal authority supports such actions, what safeguards exist for those detained in error, and whether the Office of the Legal Adviser reviewed the legality of the transfers.
     
    “The United States has a solemn legal and moral duty to uphold international law and the U.S. Constitution,” the lawmakers continued. “Anything less would constitute an unconscionable abdication of our nation’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law.”
     
    In addition to Velázquez and Ramirez, the letter was also signed by Reps. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Maxine Waters (D-CA), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), John Garamendi (D-CA), Darren Soto (D-FL), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Greg Casar (D-TX), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Robert Garcia (D-CA), Chuy Garcia (D-IL), Lori Trahan (D-MA), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ).
     
    For a full copy of the letter, click here.
     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pittsburgh Resale Businesses Owner Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Operating Extensive Interstate Fencing Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on April 9, 2025, to five years in prison on his conviction of money laundering and conspiracy in connection with the sale and interstate transportation of stolen goods, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Durrell Waters, 41, also ordering him to serve three years of federal supervised release following his imprisonment. A federal jury found Waters guilty on four counts of money laundering and one count of conspiracy in August 2024 (read the verdict news release here).

    Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hornak stated that the evidence presented against Waters was extensive, and that the victims of this crime included people experiencing addiction, retail establishments, and all consumers. Judge Hornak noted that, unlike some crimes that take place in a single event, Waters’s criminal conspiracy took place over the course of years and “required [Waters] to decide every day to keep doing this.” Judge Hornak emphasized the need for members of the public to be deterred from similar conduct and remarked that “a sentence without substantial imprisonment would be insufficient.”

    According to information presented to the Court, Waters was one of the primary owners of a series of Pittsburgh and surrounding area second-hand or resale businesses called Trader Electronics, Last Call Entertainment, and The Outlet. From 2013 through 2016, Waters conspired with others to use these businesses as a front for a criminal fencing operation that sold over the internet a wide variety of health and beauty aids and over-the-counter medications like teeth whiteners, vitamins, hair and skin care products, makeup, and other similar items.

    Waters’s stores and similar stores in the area knowingly engaged in high-volume purchases of stolen brand-new retail health and beauty aids and other products, such as new-release DVDs, from walk-in sellers who had shoplifted, or “boosted”, the items. Store records reflected that Waters and his businesses purchased hundreds of thousands of brand-new items, sometimes for less than 10% of their value, from a group of repeat shoplifters. Waters and his businesses then resold that stolen property online via several Amazon and eBay storefronts, with the proceeds from the stores’s main Amazon account totaling over $4.3 million during the conspiracy.

    Evidence presented at sentencing highlighted the widespread and diverse economic and public health harms caused or aggravated by this conduct. Ripple effects from high-volume retail theft harm consumers by imposing more and more restrictive anti-theft measures in stores and costs every consumer hundreds of dollars per year. Additionally, many of the boosters were people experiencing drug addiction who used the money paid to them by Waters to finance their dependency and feed the drug epidemic.

    Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin C. Dobkin prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

    Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Waters. Police departments from the City of Pittsburgh, Ross Township, and Shaler Township also assisted in the investigation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Pleads Guilty To Possessing A Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Diego Ricardo Murillo-Almanza (25), a Mexican national, has pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. Murillo-Almanza faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

    According to court documents, on February 24, 2025, a deputy from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office observed Murillo-Almanza’s vehicle committing multiple traffic violations, including swerving in and out of the lane of travel. Murillo-Almanza was in the driver’s seat and could not produce a valid driver license. When Murillo-Almanza exited the vehicle, he had flakes of what appeared to be marijuana on his person. Three other undocumented individuals were also in the vehicle. A deputy searched the vehicle and recovered a marijuana cigarette, a small container of marijuana, and a Taurus 9mm pistol loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition near the driver’s seat. Murillo-Almanza admitted to law enforcement that he was in the country illegally and that the pistol was his. He agreed to forfeit the pistol and associated ammunition seized from him on the date of incident. 

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Lasry.

    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: Oklahoma Felon Pleads Guilty To Illegally Possessing A Loaded Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Fort Myers, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Andre Dominique Barnes (35, Lehigh Acres) today pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Barnes faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

    According to court documents, on September 20, 2024, Barnes was stopped in Lee County by the Florida Highway Patrol for speeding. Barnes was identified by his Oklahoma identification card and had a suspended driver license. During a search of his vehicle, troopers located a loaded pistol. Court records show that Barnes was previously convicted of multiple felony offenses in Oklahoma. DNA swabs taken from the pistol and from Barnes linked him to the firearm. As a previously convicted felon, Barnes is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

    This case was investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.

    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: H Block Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A member of the violent Boston-based gang, H-Block, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to drug conspiracy charges.

    Dennis Wilson, a/k/a “Deuce,” 36 of Boston, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for July 8, 2025.

    Wilson was one of 10 H-Block gang members and associates charged in August 2024 following a multi-year investigation of H Block beginning in 2021 in response to an uptick in gang-related drug trafficking, shootings and violence. According to court documents, over 500 grams of cocaine, cocaine base (crack cocaine) and fentanyl, as well as over 20,000 doses of drug-laced paper were seized during the investigation.

    According to the charging documents, the H Block Street Gang is one of the most feared and influential city-wide gangs in Boston. Originally formed in the 1980s as the Humboldt Raiders in the Roxbury section of Boston, the gang re-emerged in the 2000s as H Block. Current members of H Block have a history of violent confrontation with law enforcement, including an incident in 2015 when a member shot a Boston Police officer at point blank range without warning or provocation.

    From 2022 through 2023, Wilson, a long-time H Block gang member, participated in a conspiracy to distribute various controlled substances, including fentanyl, powdered cocaine and cocaine base (crack). On numerus occasions, Wilson accompanied a co-conspirator on various drug deals with undercover officers.

    The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    Wilson is the fourth defendant to plead guilty in the case.
        
    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Andrew Murphy of the U.S. Secret Service Boston Field Office; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. The investigation was supported by the Massachusetts State Police; Massachusetts Department of Corrections; Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office; and the Braintree, Quincy, Randolph and Watertown Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit and Jeremy Franker of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime & Racketeering Section are prosecuting the cases.

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

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Change of Name

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    If you are in any doubt about the course of action to take, you should consult your stockbroker, bank manager, solicitor, accountant or other professional advisor.

    If you have sold or transferred all your shares in WisdomTree Issuer ICAV please forward this document to the purchaser or transferee, or to the stockbroker, bank manager or other agent through whom the sale or transfer was effected.

    10 April 2025

    Dear Shareholder

    WisdomTree Issuer ICAV (the “ICAV”)
    Change of Fund Names and Index Methodology

    The directors of the ICAV (the “Board of Directors”) wish to advise you of a proposed changes to certain sub-funds of the ICAV (the “Funds”) to meet the requirements of EMSA’s guidelines on funds’ names using ESG or sustainability-related terms (the “Guidelines”). The Guidelines are intended to enhance investor protection where funds have names that suggest they meet certain sustainability standards. The Guidlines will apply to the Funds with effect from 21 May 2025.

    A.      The Guidelines requirements for funds’ names.

    For “environmental” related-terms to be used in a fund name, the strategy of the fund must (i) meet an 80% threshold linked to the proportion of investments used to meet the environmental and social characteristics of the fund; and (ii) incorporate the exclusionary criteria for Paris-aligned Benchmarks detailed in Article 12(1)(a) – (g) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1818 (the “PAB Exclusions”).

    For “transition” to be used in a fund name, in addition to (i) and (ii) above funds must ensure that the investments used to meet the threshold in (i) are on a are on a clear and measurable path to social or environmental transition or are made with the objective to generate a positive and measurable social or environmental impact alongside a financial return.

    For “sustainability-related” terms to be used in a fund name it must, in addition to meeting the requirements at (i) and (ii) above, also commit to investing meaningfully (i.e it must invest at least 50% of its assets) in sustainable investments referred to in Article 2(17) of the SFDR (“Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation“).

    B.      Changes to Funds currently using “Transition” and “environmental” terms in their name

    As the below Funds do not not incorporate the PAB exclusions, the Board of Directors have determined it appropriate to rename each Fund (each a “Fund Name Change” and together, the “Fund Name Changes”) to remove “Decarbonisation” and “Energy Transition” where relevant. Accordingly, it is proposed to rename each Fund as follows with effect from 16 April 2025 or such later date as approved by the Central Bank of Ireland (the “Effective Date”).

    Current name New name
    WisdomTree Recycling Decarbonisation UCITS ETF WisdomTree Recycling UCITS ETF        
    WisdomTree Energy Transition Metals and Rare Earths Miners UCITS ETF Wisdomtree Strategic Metals and Rare Earths Miners UCITS ETF

    The Fund Name Changes will be reflected in updated versions of the Supplements for the Funds, as well as the Funds’ KIIDs, PRIIPs KIDs and marketing materials. All other key features of the Funds will remain the same and for the avoidance of doubt, the Funds’ SFDR classifications as Article 8 and investment strategies will be unchanged. Additionally, the amendments will not affect the tracking error between the Funds’ performance and that of their indices.

    WisdomTree, Inc is the index provider in relation to WisdomTree Energy Transition Metals and Rare Earths Miners UCITS ETF. Following consultation, WisdomTree Inc has changed the name of WisdomTree Energy Transition Metals and Rare Earths Miners Index to align with the Fund Name Change described above. The Index name change will take effect on 16 April 2025.

    C.      Index methodology changes

    As “WisdomTree Global Sustainable Equity UCITS ETF” references the term “Sustainability” in its name, the Index used by the Fund has been updated to incorporate the PAB Exclusions (the “Index Methodology Change”). We will be updating the “Index Description” section of the Supplement to reflect these additional exclusions required under the PAB Exclusions which have not resulted in any material change to the Fund. The Index Methodology Change will only cause a change in the underlying components of the Index on its rebalance date, being 16 May 2025. All other key features of the Fund will remain the same and for the avoidance of doubt, the Fund’s SFDR classification as Article 9 will not change and the Fund’s investment strategy and minimum sustainable investment commitment will be unchanged. For more information, please see the updated Index methodology at Solactive Methodology Change | Solactive WisdomTree Global Sustainable Equity UCITS Index

    All capitalised terms used in this notice shall bear the same meaning as the capitalised and defined terms used in the Prospectus.

    Should you have any questions in relation to the above, please do not hesitate to contact WisdomTree UK Limited at Europesupport@wisdomtree.com

    Yours faithfully

    Director
    WisdomTree Issuer ICAV

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: HSE summed up the results of work to improve financial literacy of schoolchildren

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    © Higher School of Economics

    Over the nine years of work of the HSE structural division “Federal Methodological Center for Financial Literacy in the General and Secondary Vocational Education System” more than one and a half million schoolchildren received knowledge in the financial sphere. This was stated by the director of the center, HSE professor Nikolai Berzon, at the All-Russian scientific and practical conference “Formation of financial culture in the context of digitalization: meanings, practices, results”, which was held on April 10 at the HSE.

    According to him, more than 100 thousand teachers have completed training under the teacher training program. “We have separate training programs for teaching in elementary, middle and high schools. This year we also made a separate program for students,” said Nikolai Berzon.

    To encourage schoolchildren to study the basics of financial literacy, the Financial Literacy Olympiad was created. The winners receive certain preferences when entering universities. “When we held the first Olympiad, about 2.5 thousand people took part in it, in the last one – 42 thousand,” shared Nikolai Berzon.

    The conference included an award ceremony for this year’s winner, 11th-grade student Timofey Matsnev. He set a record by scoring 100 points. According to Timofey, we face problems in the area of financial literacy every day, so today everyone needs to be able to protect themselves from fraudsters. “We face financial issues and problems in the area of financial literacy every day. Every day we need to make some decisions related to this, we need to be able to protect ourselves from fraudsters. Therefore, the relevance of studying financial literacy is not decreasing, but, on the contrary, is increasing every day,” he said.

    Today, young people are much more advanced than the older generation, and this is evident when comparing the general financial literacy index and the financial literacy of young people, noted Lyudmila Presnyakova, Advisor to the Head of the Service for the Protection of Consumer Rights and Ensuring the Availability of Financial Services of the Bank of Russia.

    “Firstly, the financial literacy index of young people is higher than that of the rest of the population, and secondly, it is growing at a faster rate than that of adults. If among adults it increased from 53 to 55 points from 2017 to 2024, which is actually a good growth, which means that the financial literacy of the population as a whole is really changing little by little, then among young people the growth was from 55 to 62 points. Young people not only know technologies better, not only are they quicker to navigate, they demonstrate the very basics of proper financial literacy that we are all working to develop,” she said. Young people behave more consciously in relation to their finances – in particular, they use savings practices more often than adults. And this is a certain challenge for teaching financial literacy. Young people are a complex audience that needs modern examples, “well-pumped teachers,” so the work on training teachers is very important, concluded Lyudmila Presnyakova.

    Alexey Yakovlev, Director of the Finance Ministry’s Department of Financial Policy, is convinced that financial literacy needs to be taught “from school.” Children are a more open audience, and many of them are “much better versed” in modern tools than older Russians, he noted.

    The conference also announced the ceremonial signing of a cooperation agreement between the Federal Methodological Center for Financial Literacy in the General and Secondary Vocational Education System and the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Institute of Correctional Pedagogics”. The agreement was signed by Nikolai Berzon and Deputy Director for General Issues of the ICP Anastasia Belikova.

    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 USA: Labor Leaders Introduce Bill to Raise Minimum Wage

    Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

    Headline: Labor Leaders Introduce Bill to Raise Minimum Wage

    The Raise the Wage Act of 2025 would gradually raise the minimum wage to $17 by 2030 and give roughly 22 million Americans a long-overdue raise.

    As originally released by the Committee on Education and Workforce, Democrats

    WASHINGTON – Today, Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce, and Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, introduced the Raise the Wage Act of 2025.  According to the Economic Policy Institute, the Raise the Wage Act would gradually raise the minimum wage to $17 by 2030 and give roughly 22 million Americans a long-overdue raise.

    After more than fifteen years with no increase in the federal minimum wage—the longest period in U.S. history—millions of our nation’s workers are working full-time jobs but are still struggling to make ends meet.  The Raise the Wage Act is good for workers, good for business, and good for the economy.  When we put money in the pockets of workers, they will spend that money at local businesses. 

    “No person working full-time in America should be living in poverty.  The Raise the Wage Act will increase the pay and standard of living for nearly 22 million workers across this country.  Raising the minimum wage is good for workers, good for business, and good for the economy.  When we put money in the pockets of American workers, they will spend that money in their communities,”said Scott.

    “The $7.25 an hour minimum wage is a starvation wage. It must be raised to a living wage – at least $17 an hour,” Sanders said. “In the year 2025, a job should lift you out of poverty, not keep you in it. At a time of massive income and wealth inequality, we can no longer tolerate millions of workers trying to survive on just $10 or $12 an hour. Congress can no longer ignore the needs of the working class of this country. The time to act is now,”said Sanders.

    TheRaise the Wage Act of 2025would:

    • Gradually raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $17 by 2030.
    • Index future increases in the federal minimum wage to median wage growth to ensure the value of minimum wage does not once again erode over time.
    • Guarantee tipped workers are paid at least the full federal minimum wage by phasing out the subminimum wage for tipped workers, which will ensure decent, consistent pay without eliminating tips.
    • Guarantee teen workers are paid at least the full federal minimum wage by phasing out the rarely used subminimum wage for youth workers.
    • End subminimum wage certificates for workers with disabilities to provide opportunities for workers with disabilities to be competitively employed and participate more fully in their communities.

    The Raise the Wage Act of 2025 has 142 original House co-sponsors, including Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Greg Casar (TX-35), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Alma S. Adams (NC-12), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-00), Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Donald S. Beyer (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Shontel M. Brown (OH-11), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Salud O. Carbajal (CA-24), André Carson (IN-07), Sean Casten (IL-06), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Herbert Conaway (NJ-03), Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jason Crow (CO-06), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-03), Suzan K. DelBene (WA-01), Christopher R. Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Bill Foster (IL-11), Valerie P. Foushee (NC-04), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Al Green (TX-09),  Steven Horsford (NV-04), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Val T. Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Bill Keating (MA-09), Robin L. Kelly (IL-02), Timothy M. Kennedy (NY-26), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Summer Lee (PA-12), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), John W. Mannion (NY-22), Doris O. Matsui (CA-07), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Sarah McBride (DE-At Large), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Grace Meng (NY-06), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Joseph D. Morelle (NY-25), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Frank J. Mrvan (IN-01), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Frank Pallone Jr. (NJ-06), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19),Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Deborah K. Ross (NC-02), Patrick Ryan (NY-18), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Janice D. Schakowsky (IL-09), Bradley Scott Schneider (IL-10), Terri A. Sewell (AL-07), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Darren Soto (FL-09), Melanie A. Stansbury (NM-01), Haley M. Stevens (MI-11), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Thomas R. Suozzi (NY-03), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).

    The Raise the Wage Act of 2025 has been endorsed by 85 organizations including, AFL-CIO, American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), American Council of the Blind, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), American Friends Service Committee, American Public Health Association, Americans for Democratic Action (ADA), Autistic People of Color Fund, Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), Business for a Fair Minimum Wage, California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network, Care in Action, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Center for LGBTQ Economic Advancement & Research (CLEAR), Clearinghouse on Women’s Issues, Coalition on Human Needs, Communications Workers of America (CWA), Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd U.S. Provinces, the Council for Global Equality, Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR), Demos, Economic Policy Institute (EPI), Equal Pay Today, Family Values @ Work, Feminist Majority Foundation, First Focus Campaign for Children, Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), The General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church, Gig Workers Rising, Indivisible, Institute for Policy Studies’ Poverty Project, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), Justice for Migrant Women, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Legal Momentum, Milwaukee Area Service & Hospitality Workers Union, MomsRising, Movement Advancement Project (MAP), National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, National Association of Social Workers, National Black Worker Center, National Center for Law and Economic Justice (NCLEJ), National Coalition for the Homeless, National Council of Jewish Women, National Disability Institute, National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA),  National Education Association (NEA), National Employment Law Project (NELP), National Employment Lawyers Association, National Immigration Law Center (NILC), The National Partnership for Women & Families, National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, New Disabled South, Oasis Legal Services, One Fair Wage, Oxfam America, Patriotic Millionaires, People Power United, Popular Democracy in Action, Pride at Work AFL-CIO, Public Advocacy for Kids, Public Justice Center, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Southern Poverty Law Center, Union for Reform Judaism, UNITE HERE, United Autoworkers (UAW), United Church of Christ, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), United for Respect, United Steelworkers (USW), Voices for Progress,  Worker Justice Center of New York, Workers’ Injury Law & Advocacy Group, Working Partnerships USA, Workplace Fairness, Workplace Justice Lab, and Worksafe.

    To read the bill text for the Raise the Wage Act of 2025, click here.

    To read the fact sheet on the Raise the Wage Act of 2025, click here.

    To read the section-by-section Raise the Wage Act of 2025, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Republicans Attack Public Education, Rep. Omar Joins Rep. Pressley in Reintroduces Bills to Invest in Safe, Nurturing Learning Environments for All Students

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

    Pair of Bills Would Address Pushout of Black Girls, Invest in Counselors and End Over-Policing of Public K-12 Schools

    Ending PUSHOUT Act | Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act

    WASHINGTON – As Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Republicans attack public education, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (MN-05) and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) reintroduced a pair of bills, the Ending PUSHOUT Act and Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act, which would collectively end the discriminatory treatment of Black and brown students, LGBTQIA+ students, and students with disabilities in schools, and invest in safe, nurturing learning environments for all students.

    “Classrooms should be a place for students to learn, grow, and thrive – not be overpoliced and criminalized. With Republicans gutting public education and attacking vulnerable students, our bills would help protect our students by promoting trauma-informed policies and investing in counselors, nurses, social workers, and other trained professionals who actually make our schools safer,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “I’m grateful to my House and Senate colleagues for their ongoing partnership and for the coalition of individuals and organizations from across the country who joined us in support of these bills. We must affirm the right for every student to learn in a setting free from fear.”

    Reps Ilhan Omar (MN-05) and Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) are joined by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) in reintroducing the Ending PUSHOUT Act, which would end the punitive pushout of girls of color from schools. 

    “Over the last 25 years, more than $1 billion in federal funds have been used to put police officers in our nation’s schools without any evidence that this funding has improved school safety or student outcomes,” said Senator Booker. “Additionally, research shows that students of color, particularly girls, are often subjected to harsher and more frequent disciplinary action compared to their white counterparts. The Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act and Ending PUSHOUT Act are critical bills that invest federal dollars in counselors, social workers, and other trauma-informed personnel to support students so we can keep create safer academic environments for all students to thrive.”

    “I want my granddaughter to learn, grow, and receive an education in an environment where she is loved and valued,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “But we know, both from the data and our own experience, that this is not always the case for Black girls. They are disproportionately likely to face severe punishment for similar behaviors compared to their white peers and we must take action to dismantle this systemic discrimination. The school-to-prison pipeline is real, and it has specifically harmed and targeted Black girls. I’m proud to support Rep. Pressley’s End PUSHOUT Act to put an end to this injustice, and foster a learning environment where every student, regardless of race, gender, or ZIP code, has the opportunity to thrive.”

    “It’s heartbreaking but not surprising that across the country, Black girls and Indigenous girls are still being pushed out of classrooms at staggering rates. Black students in Minnesota are eight times more likely to be suspended than white students. For Indigenous students, it’s ten times,” said Rep. Omar. “The Ending PUSHOUT Act is about creating school environments where girls of color feel safe, supported, and free to learn. I’m proud to stand with Congresswoman Pressley and Congresswoman Watson Coleman to say our girls deserve better and we’re going to fight for them.”

    Rep. Pressley is joined by Congresswoman Omar (MN-05), Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12), and Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) in introducing the Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act, which would invest in safe and nurturing school climates that support all students and end over-policing in our nation’s public K-12 schools.

    “Every kid deserves to feel secure and supported in their classroom. But too often students, especially kids of color and students with disabilities, are arrested at school instead of getting the help that would actually address the root causes of their behavioral issues. While a number of school districts across the country have made progress by taking police out of classrooms and giving our kids the kind of support that we know leads to better results, other schools have gone back to old rules that just punish kids but don’t help them get back on track. This legislation would put more counselors and social workers in schools and make sure school districts have the resources they need to make classrooms safe for all students,” said Senator Murphy.

    “Our children deserve to feel safe, supported, and seen in their schools, not criminalized for simply being kids. Schools have increasingly relied on policing to manage behavior in our classrooms, a practice that has disproportionately harmed Black, brown, LGBTQ+, and disabled students,” said Rep. Omar. “This bill moves us toward justice by directing resources toward counselors, social workers, and the support systems our students actually need to thrive. I’m proud to join my colleagues in fighting for a future where every child has the freedom to learn in an environment that uplifts their potential instead of policing their existence.”

    “Schools should be a place our students feel safe and supported without fear of surveillance or punishment,” said Rep. Summer Lee. “Rather than increasing police presence in schools, the Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act would invest in trauma-informed counselors and social workers to create more positive learning environments. We should be bringing students in, not pushing them out—especially marginalized students disproportionately criminalized for normal childhood and adolescent behavior.”

    Across the country, the education of Black and brown students is often disrupted as a result of discriminatory and punitive discipline policies that criminalize and push them out of school. In particular, Black girls are suspended, expelled, referred to law enforcement, and arrested on school campuses at disproportionately higher rates than white girls due to unfair dress code and hair policies and a lack of understanding of the historical, social, and economic inequities such as poverty, trauma, hunger, and violence that often impact student behavior. Overall, Black girls, girls of color, LGBTQ+ students, and students with disabilities are disproportionately subjected to exclusionary school discipline policies such as suspension and expulsion, which can have long-term effects on the safety, wellbeing, and academic success of all students.

    Additionally, research shows that the presence of mental and behavioral health personnel in schools, like counselors, social workers, and psychologists, improves educational outcomes for kids, specifically by improving attendance and graduation rates while lowering the rates of suspension, expulsion and other disciplinary incidents. Meanwhile, the presence of police in schools leads to an increase in arrests of students — disproportionately students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and students with disabilities — often for common misbehavior that a school could address without the involvement of law enforcement. 

    The Ending PUSHOUT Act will work to disrupt the school-to-confinement pathway by investing in safe and nurturing school environments for all students, especially girls of color.  Specifically, the bill would:

    • Establish new federal grants to support states and schools that commit to ban unfair and discriminatory school discipline practices and improve school climate.
    • Protect Civil Rights Data Collection and strengthen the Department of Education’s (ED) Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
    • Establish a federal interagency taskforce to end school pushout and examine its disproportionate impact on girls of color.

    The Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act would:

    • Prohibit the use of federal funds for maintaining police in schools: Since 1999, the federal government has spent more than $1 billion to increase the number of police in schools. However, evidence does not show this funding has improved student outcomes and school safety. This legislation would prohibit federal funds from being used to hire or maintain police in K-12 schools, diverting that funding toward other uses related to school safety within applicable grant programs.
    • Invest billions to help schools hire counselors, social workers, and other trauma-informed support personnel necessary to create safe, supportive learning environments for all students: This legislation helps schools build safe and positive learning cultures by establishing a new $5 billion grant program to support the hiring of counselors, social workers, school psychologists, and other personnel. The grant would also help schools implement programs to improve school climate, such as school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports, as well as invest in trauma-informed services and professional development. As more schools move away from policies that criminalize students and push them out of school, this historic investment will ensure districts have the resources to provide students with the support they need to feel safe in school and thrive.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Stewiacke — Colchester County District RCMP charge three people after executing search warrant

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Colchester Country District RCMP has charged three people following the execution of a search warrant at a home in Stewiacke.

    On April 4, the Colchester Community Action Team (CCAT) learned through an ongoing investigation that a firearm had been discharged inside a residence on Rockwell Dr. No injuries were reported.

    On April 7, CCAT, with assistance from RCMP Police Dog Services, executed a search warrant at the home after safely arresting three people at the property, including a man who tried to flee on foot when officers arrived at the scene.

    As a result of the search, officers found evidence that a gun had been fired inside the home and investigators seized quantities of suspected cocaine, cannabis, and other substances.

    Alicia Marie Tanner, 27, of Bible Hill, and Madison Amanda Tanner, 24, of Stewiacke, have both been charged with:

    • Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
    • Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
    • Careless Use of a Firearm
    • Possession of Cocaine

    Alicia Tanner is also charged with Possession of a Firearm Contrary to Order.

    The man, 42-year-old Robert Joseph Isaac Chestnut, was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, Dilaudid, cocaine, and a quantity of cash. He has been charged with:

    • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (three counts)
    • Fail to Comply with Release Order

    The seized drugs will be analyzed, and the investigation is ongoing.

    Alicia Tanner and Madison Tanner were released on conditions and are due in Truro Provincial Court on June 11. Chestnut appeared in Truro Provincial Court on April 8 and was released on conditions.

    MIL Security OSI –