Category: Crime

  • MIL-OSI Economics: handelsfusion.com: BaFin warns of website and points to suspected identity fraud

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) is warning about the website handelsfusion.com. According to its findings, financial and investment services as well as crypto-security services are offered there without authorisation.

    The website operators listed are Handels Fusion UK Limited, Handels Fusion Ltd. and Handels Fusion Management Ltd. The alleged registrations with the UK and Cypriot financial market authorities (FCA – Financial Conduct Authority and CySEC – Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission) cannot be confirmed. In addition, the website refers to a licence granted by CySEC to Fusion Markets EU Ltd. BaFin has no information indicating that Fusion Markets EU Ltd is in any way connected to the offers made on the website handelsfusion.com or the operator of the website. It can be assumed that Fusion Markets EU Ltd is the victim of identity fraud.

    Anyone offering financial or investment services or crypto-currency services in Germany requires a licence from BaFin. However, some companies offer such services without the necessary authorisation. You can find information on whether a particular company is authorised by BaFin in the company database.

    The information provided by BaFin is based on Section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (KWG) and Section 10 (7) of the German Crypto Markets Supervision Act (KMAG).

    Please be aware:

    BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BundeskriminalamtBKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Strengthening Transparency: OSCE workshop on Removing Administrative Barriers Contributing to Corruption

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

    Headline: Strengthening Transparency: OSCE workshop on Removing Administrative Barriers Contributing to Corruption

    Anti-corruption expert Dr. Raimundas Kalesnykas, Director of the Institute of Professional Development of Law Enforcement Academy Marat Abdrakhmanov, and Senior Economic and Environmental Officer at the OSCE Programme Office in Astana Nuraddin Murshudlu at the opening of the workshop “Removing Administrative Barriers Contributing to Corruption” held on 8–9 April 2025 in Kosshy. (OSCE/Assylbek Assylkhanov) Photo details

    On 8–9 April 2025, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, in collaboration with the Law Enforcement Academy under the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan, organized a training workshop “Removing Administrative Barriers Contributing to Corruption” for law enforcement agencies. The training event focused on removing administrative barriers that contribute to corruption and enhancing institutional transparency.
    The workshop convened 21 participants, including 9 women and 12 men, from the Anti-Corruption Agency, the Financial Monitoring Agency, and the Prosecutor General’s Office of Kazakhstan. It provided a platform for open discussion and knowledge sharing, emphasizing international best practices, case studies, and tools to develop national anti-corruption strategies.
    Dr. Raimundas Kalesnykas, an international expert and head of the Lithuanian National Anti-Corruption Association, led the two-day training event, which covered topics such as corruption risk identification, regulatory reforms, optimization of administrative procedures, and digitalization of public services. Participants actively engaged in group works aimed at developing corruption prevention programmes tailored to the national context.
    The sessions explored how systemic transparency and accountability mechanisms, together with strong institutional leadership, are essential for eliminating opportunities for corruption in public administration. The organizers placed special attention on the use of global indices and data-driven tools to assess the effectiveness of anti-corruption policies.
    Group exercises resulted in the presentation of practical recommendations on how to reduce corruption risks by removing administrative obstacles in licensing, procurement, and public service delivery.
    Ms. Arailym Rashitova, Senior Officer, Department for Co-ordination of Analytical and Methodological Support, Prevention Service of the Anti-Corruption Agency, emphasized the value of the event: “This training offered an opportunity to deepen our understanding of how administrative practices can inadvertently enable corruption. By learning from international experience and tailoring solutions to Kazakhstan’s context, we are better equipped to pursue sustainable institutional reforms”.
    The event reaffirmed the OSCE Programme Office in Astana’s commitment to strengthening Kazakhstan’s capacity in good governance and the rule of law by fostering professional development and strategic dialogue that contribute to a more robust and transparent public administration landscape.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FORT WAYNE – Yesterday, Jorge Luis Jaramillo, 20 years old, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly Brady after pleading guilty to one count of distributing methamphetamine, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

    Jaramillo was sentenced to 60 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release.

    According to documents in the case, in May 2023, Jaramillo knowingly distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.  At the time of the drug delivery, Jaramillo was 18 years old, and he transported almost two kilograms of methamphetamine from Indianapolis for distribution in Fort Wayne, Indiana. 

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Indiana State Police; the Fort Wayne Police Department; the Allen County Sheriff’s Department; and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

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

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

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Arrest Honduran Illegal Wanted for Double Stabbing

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Philadelphia, PA – Members of the U.S. Marshals Eastern Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force arrested in Upper Darby today a man wanted by the Upper Darby Police Department on charges of aggravated assault in relation to a violent double stabbing Nov. 28, 2024, in the unit block of Garrett Road in Upper Darby.

    Orvin Alexis Lopez Torres, 27, was taken into custody without incident at a residence in the 7200 block of Spruce Street where Marshals Service investigators learned April 8 Torres was hiding.  

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers serving on the U.S. Marshals Eastern Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force officers determined Torres, a Honduran national, was in the United States unlawfully and immediately placed an ICE detainer on him.  ICE expects to arrest Torres through the detainer upon his release from Delaware County Prison.  

    “The Marshals Service is committed to ensuring public safety,” said Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Clark, “and violent fugitives must be held accountable regardless of their nationality.” 

    The Eastern Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force is a team of law enforcement officers led by U.S. Marshals in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. The task force’s objective is to seek out and arrest violent crime fugitives. Membership agencies include the Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania State Parole Officers, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Attorney General Agents, Immigration Customs Enforcement, Chester Police Department, Bucks County Sheriffs, and Delaware County Sheriffs.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Stephen Hitchen

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Stephen Hitchen

    Mr Stephen Hitchen has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    Mr Stephen Hitchen has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in succession to Mr Neil Crompton. Mr Hitchen will take up his appointment during August 2025.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Stephen Charles Hitchen

    Year Role
    2023 to 2025 Baghdad, His Majesty’s Ambassador
    2019 to 2023 FCO, Director, Counter Terrorism Department
    2016 to 2019 FCO, Director, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2013 to 2016 Amman, Counsellor Regional Affairs
    2012 to 2013 FCO, Head of Middle East Reporting, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2009 to 2012 FCO, Head of Iran Political Team, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2006 to 2009 Kuwait, Head of Regional Affairs
    2004 to 2006 Cairo, First Secretary, Political
    2004 Joined FCO
    1996 to 2004 Ministry of Defence, including 18 months full time Arabic Language Training

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Admits to Role in Drug Trafficking Operation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jose Alberto Camarena Rocha, age 31, of Mexico, has admitted to his role in a drug trafficking organization that sold cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. 

    Rocha has pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and illegal reentry. According to court documents and statements made in court, Rocha, living in California, used his connections with the Sinaloa Drug Cartel in Mexico to supply controlled substances to the drug trafficking operation. Others then would sell cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.

    Rocha is facing at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison for the drug charge and faces up to two years for the reentry charge.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

    The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force was the lead investigative unit. Other investigative agencies that assisted include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, including the Pittsburgh, San Francisco, San Juan, and Philadelphia Field Offices; United States Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; United States Postal Service; Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisville and Chicago Divisions; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; West Virginia State Police; Martinsburg Police Department; Ranson Police Department; Charles Town Police Department; Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office; Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; West Virginia Air National Guard; Mineral County Sheriff’s Office; Grant County Sheriff’s Office; Hampshire County Sheriff’s Department; Keyser Police Department; Northwest Regional Drug Task Force, Virginia; Pennsylvania State Police; Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania; Winchester Police Department, Virginia; Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia; Virginia State Police; Sunnyvale Police Department, California.

    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).

    U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

    Find the related press release here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/twenty-five-charged-drug-trafficking-eastern-panhandle

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Zscaler ThreatLabz 2025 VPN Risk Report: Over Half of Organizations Say Security and Compliance Risks Make VPNs Obsolete

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Key Findings:

    • 92% of organizations are concerned about ransomware attacks due to VPN vulnerabilities
    • 93% of organizations fear backdoor vulnerabilities from third-party VPN connections
    • 81% of organizations are adopting or planning to adopt zero trust within the next year

    SAN JOSE, Calif., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Zscaler, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZS), the leader in cloud security, today published the Zscaler ThreatLabz 2025 VPN Risk Report, commissioned by Cybersecurity Insiders, which highlights the widespread security, user experience and operational challenges posed by VPN services. The findings are based on insights from a survey of 600+ IT and security professionals. The results are stark: maintaining security and compliance is the single largest challenge (56%) facing enterprises using VPNs today. Meanwhile, the risks of supply chain attacks and ransomware are top of mind for these companies with 92% of respondents concerned that persistent VPN vulnerabilities will lead to ransomware attacks. These combined risks have culminated in a profound shift in thinking around enterprise VPNs with 65% of organizations planning to replace their VPNs within the year — while 81% plan to implement a zero trust everywhere strategy.

    Initially built for remote access, VPNs have become a liability for corporate networks, exposing IT assets and sensitive data due to over-privileged access, vulnerabilities, and an ever-growing attack surface. VPN, both physical and virtual, is opposite of Zero Trust as by architecture it brings the remote users as well as attackers on the network. Additionally, VPNs hinder operational efficiency with slow performance, frequent connection issues, and complex maintenance, burdening IT teams and disrupting employee productivity. The report aims to shed light on these concerns with trusted insights from industry peers, while arming enterprises with guidance to enable secure access across today’s hybrid work environments.

    Security and usability concerns
    Security and compliance risks ranked as the top VPN challenges at 54%, highlighting growing concerns that VPNs are inadequate and obsolete for defending against today’s evolving cyber threats. Cybercriminals are now leveraging AI to pinpoint vulnerabilities by using GPT models to run queries focused on identifying weaknesses in VPNs — for instance, performing reconnaissance by simply asking a generative AI chatbot to return all current CVEs for VPN products in use by an enterprise. Tasks that once required weeks or even months can now be accomplished in just minutes.

    Recently, a foreign cyberespionage group exploited vulnerabilities in a popular VPN, gaining unauthorized access to corporate networks. This incident, one of several in recent months, reinforces how VPN vulnerabilities continue to be a key target in cyberattacks, underscoring the urgent need to transition from legacy security models to a Zero Trust architecture. A staggering 92% of survey respondents said they are concerned about being targeted by ransomware attacks due to unpatched VPN vulnerabilities.

    “Attackers will increasingly leverage AI for automated reconnaissance, intelligent password spraying, and rapid exploit development, allowing them to compromise VPNs at scale,” said Deepen Desai, CSO at Zscaler. “To address these risks, organizations should shift to a Zero Trust everywhere approach. This approach eliminates the need for internet-exposed assets like VPNs (physical and virtual), while drastically reducing the attack surface and potential impact of breaches. It’s encouraging to see that 81% of organizations are planning to implement Zero Trust within the next year—a critical step in mitigating the security risks posed by legacy technologies like VPNs.”

    The rise of critical, scannable VPN vulnerabilities
    To understand how attackers exploit vulnerabilities in internet-connected VPN infrastructure, ThreatLabz also analyzed VPN Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) from 2020-2025, based on data from the MITRE CVE Program. In general, vulnerability reporting is a good thing, as rapid vulnerability disclosure and patching helps the entire ecosystem improve cyber hygiene, foster community collaboration, and quickly respond to new vectors of attack. No type of software is immune from vulnerabilities, nor should it be expected to be.

    Figure 1: The impact type of VPN CVEs from 2020-2024, covering remote code execution (RCE), privilege escalation, DoS, sensitive information leakage, and authentication bypass.

    Over the sample period, VPN CVEs grew by 82.5% (note that early 2025 data has been removed for this portion of the analysis). In the past year, roughly 60% of the vulnerabilities indicated a high or critical CVSS score — indicating a potentially serious risk to impacted organizations. Moreover, ThreatLabz found that vulnerabilities enabling remote code execution (RCE) were the most prevalent kind, in terms of the impact or capabilities they can grant to attackers. These types of vulnerabilities are typically serious, as they can grant attackers the ability to execute arbitrary code on the system. Put another way, far from being innocuous, the bulk of VPN CVEs are leaving their customers vulnerable to critical exploits that attackers can, and often do, exploit.

    Unwelcome party guests
    VPNs provide broad access following authentication, extending user access to contractors, external partners and vendors. While great in theory connectivity tools, attackers can easily exploit weak or stolen credentials, misconfigurations, and unpatched vulnerabilities to compromise these trusted connections. The report shows, 93% of organizations now worry about backdoor vulnerabilities stemming from third-party access. In February 2024, a financial services company suffered a data breach exposing nearly 20,000 clients’ personal information, caused by vulnerabilities in their VPN. This incident highlights how VPNs create exploitable entry points into corporate networks.

    Out with the old, in with the new – Zero Trust Everywhere
    Legacy or traditional vendors are attempting to adapt to the evolving landscape by deploying virtual machines in the cloud and labeling them as Zero Trust solutions. Unfortunately, a VPN hosted in the cloud remains, at its core, a VPN and does not adhere to true Zero Trust principles. Illustrating this point, the industry has recently witnessed massive spikes in scanning activity targeting tens of thousands of publicly searchable VPN IP addresses hosted by at least one of the largest security vendors. Historically, this kind of activity has indicated some likelihood that attackers may be preparing to exploit yet-to-be-disclosed vulnerabilities in targeted VPN assets. Case in point: if you are reachable, you are breachable — which is why, from an architectural perspective, cloud-based VPN technology can never achieve true zero trust principles, no matter the branding.

    The switch to a holistic Zero Trust architecture is rapidly gaining momentum and replacing outdated legacy security tools due to the proven security benefits and efficiency gains for adopting organizations. The report found 81% of organizations are adopting, or planning to adopt, a Zero Trust architecture within the next year and by extending this architecture to users, applications and workloads, enterprises are ensuring that Zero Trust is truly everywhere enabling VPN-free resilient security that:

    1. Minimizes the Attack Surface: Replaces network-based access with Zero Trust policies and identity-based controls to secure users and third parties.
    2. Blocks Threats: Prevents initial compromise through robust authentication, identity security, and least-privileged Zero Trust Access.
    3. Prevents Lateral Movement: Uses Zero Trust segmentation to contain threats and stop unauthorized spread within networks.
    4. Enhances Data Security: Enforces context-aware, integrated Zero Trust policies to protect sensitive information.
    5. Simplifies Operations: Replaces VPNs with AI-driven security, continuous monitoring, and automated policy enforcement, in addition to uninterrupted access with business continuity.

    By adopting these best practices, organizations can replace VPN security risks with a robust Zero Trust framework, enabling continuous verification, least-privileged access, and proactive threat prevention.

    The Zscaler ThreatLabz 2025 VPN Risk Report provides additional insights and best practices to help organizations effectively prevent attacks and ransomware. Download your copy here.

    Research Methodology
    This report is based on a comprehensive survey of 632 IT and cybersecurity professionals conducted by Cybersecurity Insiders. The study examines VPN security risks, enterprise access trends, and the adoption of zero trust architectures. Respondents include executives, IT security practitioners, and network infrastructure leaders across various industries. The findings provide a data-driven perspective on the decline of VPNs and the shift to zero trust, offering critical insights for organizations modernizing their access security strategies.

    About ThreatLabz
    ThreatLabz is the security research arm of Zscaler. This world-class team is responsible for hunting new threats and ensuring that the thousands of organizations using the global Zscaler platform are always protected. In addition to malware research and behavioral analysis, team members are involved in the research and development of new prototype modules for advanced threat protection on the Zscaler platform, and regularly conduct internal security audits to ensure that Zscaler products and infrastructure meet security compliance standards. ThreatLabz regularly publishes in-depth analyses of new and emerging threats on its portal, research.zscaler.com.

    About Zscaler
    Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS) accelerates digital transformation so customers can be more agile, efficient, resilient, and secure. The Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange™ platform protects thousands of customers from cyberattacks and data loss by securely connecting users, devices, and applications in any location. Distributed across more than 150 data centers globally, the SASE-based Zero Trust Exchange is the world’s largest in-line cloud security platform.

    Media Contact
    Natalia Wodecki
    press@zscaler.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6c9af7e7-b67b-46d5-bfeb-c62a453b507a

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    Mr Stephen Hitchen has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    Mr Stephen Hitchen has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in succession to Mr Neil Crompton. Mr Hitchen will take up his appointment during August 2025.

    Curriculum Vitae

    Full name: Stephen Charles Hitchen

    Year Role
    2023 to 2025 Baghdad, His Majesty’s Ambassador
    2019 to 2023 FCO, Director, Counter Terrorism Department
    2016 to 2019 FCO, Director, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2013 to 2016 Amman, Counsellor Regional Affairs
    2012 to 2013 FCO, Head of Middle East Reporting, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2009 to 2012 FCO, Head of Iran Political Team, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2006 to 2009 Kuwait, Head of Regional Affairs
    2004 to 2006 Cairo, First Secretary, Political
    2004 Joined FCO
    1996 to 2004 Ministry of Defence, including 18 months full time Arabic Language Training

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 04/10/2025, 11:51 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for security RU000A101590 (DOM 1P-7R) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    04/10/2025

    11:51

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 10.04.2025, 11-51 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 103.17) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1118.7 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 7.5%) of the security RU000A101590 (DOM 1P-7R) were changed.

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

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

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.MO/N89390

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 04/10/2025, 10-03 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the MAGN (MMK) security were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    04/10/2025

    10:03

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on 10.04.2025, 10-03 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 34.155) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 36.696 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 21.25%) of the MAGN (MMK) security were changed.

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

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

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 04/10/2025, 10:03 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the RUAL (RUSAL ao) security were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    04/10/2025

    10:03

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on 10.04.2025, 10-03 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 35.395) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 38.034 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 21.25%) of the RUAL (RUSAL JSC) security were changed.

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

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

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.MO/N89352

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 04/10/2025, 10:03 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the RASP (Raspadskaya) security were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    04/10/2025

    10:03

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on 10.04.2025, 10-03 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 257.0) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 276.134 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 21.25%) of the RASP (Raspadskaya) security were changed.

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

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

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 04/10/2025, 10:03 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment of the RNFT security (RussNft JSC) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    04/10/2025

    10:03

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on 10.04.2025, 10-03 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 124.3) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 137.27 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 31.25%) of the RNFT security (RussNft JSC) were changed.

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

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

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.MO/N89343

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 04/10/2025, 10:03 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment of the UPRO security (Unipro ao) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    04/10/2025

    10:03

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on 10.04.2025, 10-03 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 1.801) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1.9565 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 25.0%) of the UPRO security (Unipro JSC) were changed.

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

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

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.MO/N89344

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI USA: As a global economic leader, California remains a stable, trusted partner for international trade and investment. Here’s why.

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 9, 2025

    What you need to know: As Washington, D.C. keeps changing the rules, California is standing strong as a steady and reliable international economic partner.

    SACRAMENTO – As President Trump’s economic agenda disrupts the national economy, sends markets spiraling, and creates trade wars with trusted partners, Governor Newsom announced last week that California is open for business. California’s economy remains the fifth largest in the world and will continue to push forward as a proven leader in global trade and investment. 

    “California knows the importance of trust and dependability, and unlike some folks in Washington D.C., we don’t change the rules with every presidential mood swing. California is a trusted, reliable partner for international trade and investments. We urge countries around the globe to continue to work with us — we’re open for business.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    California is a stable, predictable partner for global trade and investment. Here’s why the world should do business with the Golden State: 

    Global partnerships and open markets

    California has already established partnerships with countries around the world, strengthening the state’s world-leading economy and helping to ensure it maintains its position as the nation’s economic leader.
     

    California is a global powerhouse in international trade, with more than $675 billion in trade flowing in and out of the state annually — the equivalent to more than 16% of the state’s total GDP. While the state’s abundant agricultural products are sold in markets across the world, manufactured goods also dominate California exports, including computers (over $16 billion), aerospace parts and products (more than $8.3 billion), and semiconductor chips and equipment (nearly $6.5 billion). California is the nation’s top exporter in 25 sectors.
     

    The Golden State is also consistently the top state in jobs supported by foreign direct investment (FDI). The United Kingdom and Japan, the state’s number one and two sources of investment, respectively, collectively support more than 257,000 jobs. What’s more, California’s international allies also have a sizable impact on the state’s economy through significant institutional investments that support California jobs. For example, the 8 largest pension funds in Canada have more than $100 billion invested in California.

    Over the past few years, California has stepped up with partnerships on clean energy, technology, and climate with the European Union, as well as China and Canada — creating jobs, boosting local economies, and helping prepare the state for the future. 

    California currently has trade-focused partnerships with the following countries: Armenia, China, Japan, Norway, New Zealand, Netherlands, Australia, Sweden, Republic of Korea, Brazil, Mexico, and Norway. Many other climate-focused partnerships include expanding commercial ties with strategic allies, recognizing the importance of private sector action.
     

    Economic stability and predictability 

    California continues to establish industry partnerships and develop long-term economic strategies, building the infrastructure to give businesses confidence and consistency. 

    Earlier this year, Governor Newsom unveiled California’s statewide Economic Blueprint, a statewide plan built with input from 13 regional plans to drive sustainable economic growth, innovation, and access to good-paying jobs over the next decade.
     

    Proven economic growth and resilience

    California has rebounded from economic downturns faster than most, with diverse industries driving growth, from agriculture to AI. 

    And California’s economy shows no sign of slowing, based on the estimated growth of the 2,400 companies in the Bloomberg World Large & Mid Cap Index. The 101 companies based in California that are members of the index are poised to see revenue increasing 27% on average in 2024, while the 42 German companies will see 4.6% growth and the 156 Japanese firms 7%.

    While Washington, D.C. keeps changing the rules, the international community should know California will continue standing strong as a steady and reliable international economic partner for decades to come. 

    Recent news

    News What you need to know: Ridership is up over 40% on the Bay Area’s recently electrified Caltrain, made possible by local, state, and federal investments supporting Governor Newsom’s goal to connect more Californians through sustainable public transportation….

    News What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom recognizes California’s resources and support for victims of crime during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Sacramento, California – Showing support for survivors and victims of crime and highlighting the resources…

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement responding to President Trump’s executive order targeting state-level climate and clean energy efforts. This is the world the Trump Administration wants your kids to live in. California’s…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ridership for this critical train line is surging thanks to California’s investments in rail

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 9, 2025

    What you need to know: Ridership is up over 40% on the Bay Area’s recently electrified Caltrain, made possible by local, state, and federal investments supporting Governor Newsom’s goal to connect more Californians through sustainable public transportation.

    SACRAMENTO – Ridership on California’s first fully electric rail system has surged to pre-pandemic levels since launching electric service in September 2024, backed by state dollars.

    Caltrain, the oldest continuously operated railroad in California, saw ridership grow by more than half a million passengers in December 2024 – a 41% increase year-over-year. This trend continued into 2025 with significant ridership growth in January and February. 

    “California’s commitment to building sustainable transportation corridors is already paying dividends as more travelers in the Bay Area are choosing electric trains to arrive at their destinations faster and cleaner. Caltrain is providing our state with a proof-of-concept in real time — demonstrating that efficient, affordable, and convenient mobility can be achieved as we clean our air and move away from fossil fuels.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Governor Gavin Newsom and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi on the newly electrified Caltrain at the agency’s ribbon cutting event in August 2024.

    In August, Governor Newsom helped celebrate the debut of Caltrain’s new electrified train fleet, which will eventually integrate with the state’s high speed rail system. Caltrain’s electrification and high-speed rail are key projects as part of Governor Newsom’s build more, faster infrastructure agenda.   

    Caltrain’s electrification was made possible by successful state and local partnerships, combining $714 million from the High-Speed Rail Authority with $1.7 billion from local, federal, and other state sources, including $387 million from the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP). The successful launch has already demonstrated substantial benefits and exemplifies the impact and long-term value of transit investments.

    Caltrain’s first year of electric service will have lower fuel costs than the previous diesel service. Additionally, the agency announced the electric fleet is outperforming expectations by generating and sending back 23% more energy to the electric grid than anticipated, saving millions of dollars in electricity costs. 

    “Nearly two-thirds of this project was funded from state investments,” said Secretary of Transportation Toks Omishakin. “This is how we build a modern, all-electric transportation network that connects communities, reduces emissions and creates good jobs across the state.”

    Caltrain electrification helps to reduce travel times, increase sustainability, and stimulate economic development on the San Francisco Peninsula. Guided by Governor Newsom’s “Build More, Faster – for All” infrastructure agenda, California’s long-range vision is to build a zero-emission rail network that connects seamlessly with other transportation modes – including intercity, regional, and local transit systems.

    “Our $714 million investment in Caltrain’s Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project underscores the Authority’s leadership and commitment to delivering real results for Californians,” said Ian Choudri, CEO of the California High-Speed Rail Authority. “By contributing nearly 40% of the total project cost, we’re not only accelerating cleaner, more efficient rail service on the Peninsula — we’re also laying the groundwork for future high-speed rail along this corridor.”

    California’s high-speed rail project, the largest infrastructure endeavor in the nation, will link the Caltrain system to the Central Valley and Southern California to improve mobility across the state, particularly in communities that have historically had limited transportation options. 

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    News What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom recognizes California’s resources and support for victims of crime during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Sacramento, California – Showing support for survivors and victims of crime and highlighting the resources…

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement responding to President Trump’s executive order targeting state-level climate and clean energy efforts. This is the world the Trump Administration wants your kids to live in. California’s…

    News What you need to know: A state grant of $14 million has secured safe drinking water for the severely disadvantaged community of Needles. NEEDLES – After years of struggling with poor water quality and aging facilities, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal money mule network grinds to a halt with Eurojust support

    Source: Eurojust

    By sending fake emails from legitimate enterprises, the scammers managed to defraud both individual customers and entire companies. This was mainly done by sending them genuine-looking emails with falsified invoiced that led the victims to pay into the perpetrators’ accounts. Currently there are 113 victims identified from several European countries, in particular from the United Kingdom.

    To launder the profits of this fraudulent scheme, the Romanian-based criminal group recruited hundreds of money mules. The recruits were sent to the United Kingdom to open bank accounts and further launder money by transferring the proceeds of the online fraud to the newly opened accounts. Some of the proceeds were also laundered remotely from Romania through the use of UK SIM cards, VPN connections and forged UK residence documents.

    From the UK accounts, the illegal proceeds were transferred to accounts in other countries or used for fake payments to UK companies. The money was also used to buy jewellery and other luxury items.

    Romanian authorities began investigating the criminal group in 2020, after noticing the online fraud, which dated back to 2018. Given the criminals’ connection to the United Kingdom, collaboration with the UK authorities was necessary.

    Through Eurojust, a cross-border investigation was initiated and a joint investigation team was set up. By organising coordination meetings with the authorities and providing financial support, Eurojust ensured that the cross-border investigation progressed smoothly. Europol provided extensive analytical, organisational and financial support in hosting several operational meetings at Europol’s headquarters. Experts from the European Financial and Economic Crime Centre (EFECC) also facilitated the exchange of information and participated in the JIT at Eurojust.

    The Romanian, British and French authorities, together with Eurojust and Europol, started planning the action day to take down the criminal group. The action day took place on 9 April. Authorities took preventative measures against 13 suspects, searched 31 places and took freezing measures on several properties in Romania. In the United Kingdom, seven suspects were arrested and five houses were searched. The investigation into the criminal group continues. On the action day, a Europol analyst was deployed on the spot in Romania to provide forensic and analytical support.

    The actions were carried out at the request of and by the following authorities:

    • Romania: Prosecutor’s Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice; Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism; Buzau Territorial Service; Police Service of Combating Organised Crime Buzau
    • France: Regional Financial Crime Unit Court of Nanterre – Gendarmerie Nationale (SR Pau)
    • United Kingdom: Crown Prosecution Service; National Crime Agency

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Phishing instant messages related to Mox Bank Limited

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

    The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Mox Bank Limited relating to phishing instant messages, which have been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.
     
    The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
     
    Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the instant messages concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Hungary’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute – P-001396/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001396/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Valérie Hayer, Sandro Gozi
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    On 3 April 2025, the Hungarian Government announced its withdrawal from the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the International Criminal Court (ICC). All Member States have signed and ratified the Statute. Adherence to the values of the Statute, which are fully in line with the principles and objectives of the EU, and ratification of the Statute are also part of the EU acquis, to be fulfilled prior to becoming an EU member. Furthermore, since 2006, a cooperation agreement has obliged the EU and its Member States to assist the ICC[1].

    In the light of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission share the view that withdrawal from the Rome Statute constitutes a violation of the EU acquis?
    • 2.Which tools, including infringement procedures or budgetary measures, is the Commission willing to apply and committed to using in response to the withdrawal?
    • 3.Which other concrete actions is the Commission planning to take as regards, for example, its general assessment on the basis of Article 2 and 7 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and the possible initiation of the procedure under Article 7(2) TEU?

    Submitted: 4.4.2025

    • [1] Council Decision 2006/313/CFSP of 10 April 2006 concerning the conclusion of the Agreement between the International Criminal Court and the European Union on cooperation and assistance (OJ L 115, 28.4.2006, p. 49, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2006/313(1)/oj).
    Last updated: 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Champion line-up of finalists confirmed for 2025 Leeds Sports Awards

    Source: City of Leeds

    Stars of the Olympics and Paralympics are set to be saluted alongside local coaching stalwarts and a whole host of other unsung heroes at the 2025 Leeds Sports Awards.

    Nominations opened in February for the 22nd edition of the event, held each year to celebrate the achievements of individual athletes – of all ages and levels – as well as community-based teams and volunteers.

    And the chosen finalists in a total of 13 different categories have now been announced as the countdown continues to next month’s awards ceremony.

    Paralympic champions Hannah Cockroft and Kadeena Cox are shortlisted for the Disability Sportsperson Award, while Olympic gold medallists Katy Marchant, Tom Pidcock and Georgie Brayshaw are in contention for the Sportsperson Award.

    Diving coach Adam Smallwood, gymnastics coach Dave Murray, wheelchair racing coach Paul Moseley and triathlon coach Rhys Davey are all finalists in the Performance Coach Award category.

    Taking place on Thursday, May 15, this year’s ceremony will be held for the first time at Leeds’s Carriageworks Theatre and is being hosted by sports broadcaster Tanya Arnold and Leeds Rhinos great Jamie Jones-Buchanan.

    The recipient of 2025’s Sporting Pride of Leeds Award – previously won by legendary names such as Jonny and Alistair Brownlee, Eddie Gray and Rob Burrow – will be announced on the evening.

    The awards are once again being delivered by Sport Leeds with support from Leeds City Council.

    Rob Wadsworth, chair of Sport Leeds, said:

    “The long-awaited finalists announcement has been made and, as you would expect from this great sporting city, we will be celebrating the global success of athletes and their coaches, but equally as important, the unsung heroes of community sport.”

    Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said:

    “From a very large number of nominations, the judges have produced an exceptional list of finalists representing every level of sport across the city, from inspirational community champions to Olympic and Paralympic gold medal winners. We look forward to showcasing their sporting achievements at the wonderful Carriageworks Theatre.”

    2025 LEEDS SPORTS AWARDS FINALISTS

    Young Disability Sportsperson (Sponsored by Technogym)

    Lucas Town

    Oliver Porter

    Disability Sportsperson (Sponsored by Technogym)

    Hannah Cockroft

    Kadeena Cox

    Young Sportsperson (Sponsored by Technogym)

    Amy Wright

    Matilda Potter

    Yaried Alem

    Sportsperson (Sponsored by Technogym)

    Georgie Brayshaw

    Katy Marchant

    Tom Pidcock

    School Achievement (Sponsored by YPO)

    Dave Curtis

    St Theresa’s Catholic Primary School

    Outstanding Sports Volunteer (Sponsored by Rosterfy)

    Fiona Croft and Becky Simmonds

    Dr Ian Richards

    Community Coach (Sponsored by Evans Homes)

    Charlotte Williams

    Elaine Brown & Pete Makowski

    Community Team/Club (Sponsored by Evans Homes)

    Crossgates Harriers

    Methley United AFC

    Student Sport Champion (Sponsored by Leeds Trinity University)

    Luke Whitehouse

    Max Burgin

    Inspirational Community Champion (Sponsored by University of Leeds)

    Anthony Hall

    Come Outside – Jovanni & Rob

    Performance Coach (Sponsored by Yorkshire Sport Foundation)

    Adam Smallwood

    Dave Murray

    Paul Moseley

    Rhys Davey

    Performance Team/Club (Sponsored by Weetwood Hall Estate)

    City of Leeds Diving Club

    Leeds Gymnastics Club

    Sustainability Champion (Sponsored by Zoggs)

    K.E.E.P.

    Yorkshire Cricket Foundation

    Sporting Pride of Leeds (Sponsored by first direct arena)

    Winner to be announced during May 15’s ceremony

    Note to editors:

    Sport Leeds was established in 2002 and has since become a dynamic sports network with a strong reputation in the city and region. It serves as the strategic partnership for organisations involved in promoting and developing sports and active recreation in Leeds.

    The network includes professional and amateur sports clubs, universities, colleges, school clusters and other important sporting organisations from within the city, region and beyond.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: SIA grants funds to preventing violence against women and girls

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    SIA grants funds to preventing violence against women and girls

    The SIA has awarded its grant for good causes to 3 organisations preventing violence against women and girls.

    Today (10 April 2025) the Security Industry Authority (SIA) announced the award of its 2024 to 2025 grant for good causes.

    The SIA’s grant for good causes is funded from proceeds of crime confiscated from individuals convicted of criminal offences within the private security industry. Grants are used to benefit the private security industry and improve public protection.

    The beneficiaries of this year’s grants have distinct roles but share a common goal: preventing violence against women and girls. This includes working with victims and survivors of sexual violence, child sexual abuse, and domestic abuse.

    Paul Cartlidge, Chair of the grants panel, and Investigations and Enforcement Head of Operational Support at the SIA, said:

    We believe that crime should not pay, so it’s fitting that illegally acquired money should be taken from criminals and used for the benefit of society and especially for the protection of the public. The organisations we have awarded to this year are actively preventing violence against women and girls, and their applications resonated with the panel and stood out from many other worthy applicants.

    The grants for 2024 to 2025 have been awarded to:

    • Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse in Essex (CARA): £10,000
    • The Haven Refuge Wolverhampton: £2,661.50
    • Rising Sun: £3,283.50

    The SIA is proud to support organisations in their vital work in creating safer, more supportive communities.

    Organisations are eligible to apply if they are a registered charity or a not-for-profit organisation and are able to clearly demonstrate the positive impact of the grant to public protection.

    More information about the fund is on the SIA grant for good causes pages on GOV.UK.

    Background

    About the Proceeds of Crime Act

    The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) enables the SIA to investigate the financial activity of people who have committed a criminal offence and confiscate the proceeds of crime through a court-issued confiscation order. The SIA has been a designated body under POCA since 2015.

    The SIA receives a portion of the money it recovers through confiscation orders under the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS). This money can only be used to fund its financial investigation capability or distributed to good causes.

    Confiscating ill-gotten cash helps to deter others from committing crime, makes sure that people do not financially benefit from criminal acts, and makes it harder for convicted criminals to come back into the private security industry.

    About the SIA grant for good causes fund

    Since 2019, the SIA has awarded £273,086.09 through the grants for good causes fund. Information about funding awarded in previous years is on GOV.UK.

    For information about when the fund is next open for applications, sign up to the SIA mailing list.

    About the SIA

    The SIA is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the UK, reporting to the home secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA’s main duties are the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities and managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS). 

    For media enquiries only, please contact  media.enquiries@sia.gov.uk.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI USA: Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Press Conference

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    Headline: Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Press Conference

    Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Press Conference
    felicia.brown
    Wed, 04/09/2025 – 09:01

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    DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons and Deputy Director Madison Sheahan announce the relaunch of the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office during a press conference April 9 at 1:30 p.m. Families who have lost loved ones at the hands of criminal aliens will also speak during the event.

    Watch on YouTube

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Cash and tobacco seized in Operation Eclipse raids

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Police have seized $1,572,000 worth of illegal tobacco and $444,000 in cash in raids on 31 premises in the Mid-North and Eyre Peninsula.

    Serious and Organised Crime Branch, members of the Local Service Areas with support of Consumer and Business Services searched 31 premises at Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Whyalla and Port Lincoln between 1 April and 3 April as part of Operation Eclipse.

    The locations searched included tobacconists, barber shops, gift shops, mini-marts, commercial storage facilities and residential premises.

    The searches resulted in the arrest of a man, 51, of Whyalla Playford for unlawful possession of $225,655 cash.

    Investigation is ongoing in relation to other seizures of cash and illicit tobacco.

    Operation Eclipse commander Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby said the regional seizures had significantly disrupted the activities of syndicates operating in those regional areas and enhanced our knowledge or their business model.

    “Organised crime syndicates operating in regional areas will be subject to a whole of SAPOL response to disrupt their criminal activity and financial operations,’’ he said.

    “SAPOL will pursue criminal charges when sufficient evidence exists and that includes those who are supporting and enabling that activity and take every opportunity to enforce the full extent of the confiscations legislation to seize assets of those involved.’’

    Operation Eclipse has so far resulted in 33 arrests for offences including blackmail, arson, money laundering and serious criminal trespass.

    There have been 179 premises searched – 47 residential, 119 businesses and 13 storage facilities – more than $2 million in cash, three firearms and almost $16.2 million in tobacco seized. 
    Significantly, there have been 366 calls to Crime Stoppers since October 2 that have resulted in information being provided to police.

    Commissioner for Consumer Affairs Brett Humphrey said the partnership between CBS and SAPOL had made a significant impact on the illicit tobacco and vape trade in South Australia.

    “Together, we are making inroads into the sale of illicit tobacco and vapes and we are taking this very seriously.

    “CBS will continue to work with other agencies focussed on reducing the illicit tobacco trade in South Australia.”

    Anyone with any information on criminal activities surrounding the sale of illicit tobacco is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Hosts Facebook Whistleblower, Exposes Company’s Stunning Complicity with China

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Wednesday, April 09, 2025

    Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) chaired a hearing in the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism featuring Facebook corporate whistleblower Sarah Wynn-Williams.

    Wynn-Williams was Facebook’s first director of public policy, leading the company’s outreach efforts around the world. She became a whistleblower when she exposed explosive details of her company’s long-term collusion with the Chinese Communist Party.

    Hawley said the company went “scorched earth” to keep her from telling what she knows, including suing her, slapping her with a gag order, and forcing courts to order her tell-all memoir, Careless People, removed from shelves.

    “This is a hearing that Facebook has tried desperately to prevent,” Hawley said.“Facebook is one of the most powerful companies in the world and they have stopped at absolutely nothing to prevent today’s testimony.”

    Senator Hawley asked Wynn-Williams to detail Meta’s relationship with the Chinese Communist Party and how they planned to store American user data in China, giving the CCP access to American data. 

    “This is exactly contrary to what Facebook has represented for years. [And] here they’re willing to build data centers [to] store data in China. They’re willing explicitly to give the Chinese government access to it,” Hawley said. “And if that means that American user data is also compromised, they’re willing to do that, too. All for profits in China. There was virtually nothing they weren’t willing to do.”

    Senator Hawley is a leading voice on the dangers of Big Tech and the need for accountability. He has called for Americans’ right to protect themselves from companies’ exploitive use of artificial intelligence, advocated for citizens’ ability to sue Big Tech, and exposed Big Tech as willing collaborators in censorship. Last year during a hearing, Senator Hawley forced Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to apologize to families of child exploitation victims.  

    Watch today’s full subcommittee hearing here. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-Evening Report: A damning study of online abuse of female MPs shows urgent legal reform is needed

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cassandra Mudgway, Senior Lecturer in Law, University of Canterbury

    Media Whale Stock/Shutterstock

    Women MPs are increasingly targets of misogynistic, racist and sexual online abuse, but New Zealand’s legal framework to protect them is simply not fit for purpose.

    Recently released research found online threats of physical and sexual violence have caused those MPs to feel fearful, anxious and distressed. Some included in the study said the harassment led to them self-censoring, using social media less often, and considering leaving politics early.

    But the current legal framework is not well equipped to address the nature or volume of the online harassment aimed at MPs.

    Serious online threats made by identifiable individuals can be criminal offences under the Crimes Act 1961. Similarly, the new stalking law, expected to pass later this year, will create some protection for women MPs from online harassers – as long as the stalker can be identified.

    Under the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015), victims of online harassment can ask the court for protection from the person harassing them, which can include orders to stop all contact. But once again, police need to be able to identify the perpetrator.

    And that is the sticking point. Online abuse is usually committed anonymously and often by perpetrators using a VPN service that encrypts internet traffic and protects your online identity.

    Also, the Harmful Digital Communications Act was not drafted to deal with volumetric harassment – a coordinated effort designed to overwhelm and intimidate a target through a deluge online interactions.

    These campaigns typically involve a large number of participants who collectively flood someone with abusive, threatening or harmful messages. Reporting and attempting to take action on every single message or comment is simply not practical.

    Some women MPs told researchers the harassment led to them self-censoring, using social media less often and considering leaving politics early.
    Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

    The way forward

    Despite the challenges, there are some steps the government can take to improve the law to better protect MPs.

    Firstly, any new law needs to be fit for purpose. The technological landscape is very different now to when the Harmful Digital Communications Act was introduced in 2015.

    New Zealand should consider following the European Union’s example and criminalise inciting, aiding and participating in mob-style or mass online harassment campaigns. In the EU, the penalty for this can include imprisonment.

    Much of the online abuse originates on social media platforms. But unlike the United Kingdom and Australia, New Zealand does not currently regulate social media.

    In the UK, for example, the Online Safety Act 2023 makes social media companies legally responsible for user safety. Companies must minimise risk of harm (including online violence) when designing, implementing and using any technology on their platforms. Failing these legal duties will incur significant financial penalties.

    The UK’s framework shifts the burden of online safety off the shoulders of individual victims and places it on social media companies which are better positioned to remove harmful content and users swiftly. The rules also alter how new technology is implemented to better protect user safety.

    Dust off past proposals

    Under the previous Labour government, the Ministry of Internal Affairs proposed a new, independent regulatory body to promote online safety, with industry standards and codes of practice. The current coalition government scrapped the proposal last year, leaving New Zealand without a clear plan to address online harm.

    Political leaders should urgently reconsider the Internal Affairs proposal for social media regulation. But they should also go further.

    My research evaluating responses to online abuse in New Zealand, Australia and the UK has highlighted the importance of addressing underlying social and cultural causes of online gender-based violence.

    To effectively prevent online violence against women MPs, a new regulatory framework should require social media platforms to actively challenge and modify harmful gender stereotypes embedded in their services.

    This includes conducting comprehensive risk assessments during the design, development, deployment and use of their platforms.

    While the recent revelations about online abuse directed at women MPs makes for grim reading, it’s clear there are steps the government can take to ensure all MPs feel safe to participate in the political process.

    Cassandra Mudgway is a member of the NZ Labour Party.

    ref. A damning study of online abuse of female MPs shows urgent legal reform is needed – https://theconversation.com/a-damning-study-of-online-abuse-of-female-mps-shows-urgent-legal-reform-is-needed-254184

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Further appeal for information, Frankton fire

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Attributable to Detective Sergeant Matt Lee:

    Police investigating a fire at a mechanical workshop in Frankton are seeking further information from the public.

    Police were called to the fire on Ellis Street just after 11:20am on Monday 10 March.

    The investigation has progressed well in recent days and Police are asking the public for any sightings of a Grey Honda Civic with the registration KWJ191.

    This vehicle was last seen in the Frankton area on 9 March before it was recovered on Winstone Ave, Chartwell on 17 March.

    We would like to speak to anyone who saw the vehicle, or has any information about its movements between 9 March and 17 March.

    Additionally, we would like to hear from anyone with information relating to the 10 March fire. This includes any photos, videos or CCTV footage on Ellis Street prior to any emergency services arriving.

    Anyone with information that could assist Police is asked to make contact via 105, either over the phone or online.

    Please reference the file number 250310/3418.

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-Evening Report: Location-sharing apps are enabling domestic violence. But young people aren’t aware of the danger

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Maria Atienzar-Prieto, PhD Candidate, School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University

    The Conversation/Snapchat

    Location-sharing apps are shaping how we connect and communicate – especially among younger people. Snap Map, a popular feature within Snapchat, is widely used by teens and young adults to stay in the loop and facilitate real-time meet-ups with friends and partners.

    Meanwhile, Life360 markets itself as “Australia’s number one family safety app”. It offers parents peace of mind through continuous, sophisticated location tracking.

    These apps determine a person’s real-time location primarily with GPS technology that’s already in a phone. The convenience and sense of security they provide might be appealing to many people. But they can also enable stalking and other forms of coercive control.

    The recent inquest into the murder of Lilie James starkly highlighted these risks. However, our research on young people’s perceptions of technology-facilitated abuse has shown many of them are not aware of the danger.

    A meticulously planned murder

    In October 2023, James, a 21-year-old water polo coach, was killed by her 24-year-old ex-boyfriend, Paul Thijssen, in a bathroom at St Andrew’s Cathedral School in Sydney.

    James had been in a brief relationship with Thijssen. But she ended it when he became obsessed.

    The coronial inquest revealed Thijssen had meticulously planned the murder. He had also used a range of coercively controlling behaviours in the lead up to his crime. For example, he physically stalked James by driving past her home on multiple occasions.

    He also tracked James’s location on Snapchat to monitor her whereabouts and asked a mutual friend to keep “an eye on her” during a party she attended.

    The court also heard about Thijssen’s use of abusive digital behaviours as a pattern of coercive control across his previous relationships.

    Not a sign of love and care

    A friend of James and Thijssen misinterpreted his tracking of her location as a sign of love and care. Young people are generally at risk of making similar mistakes, as our recent research highlights.

    As part of Maria’s PhD thesis, the research included surveys with more than 1,000 respondents and follow-up focus groups with 28 young people (aged 16–25). We asked these young people about their perceptions of technology-facilitated coercive control in dating relationships.

    Every young person who participated in the focus groups had either used location-sharing apps in their own relationships or knew someone who had. This reflected a high level of normalisation regarding the use of location sharing between dating partners.

    Many participants underestimated the risks associated with these behaviours.

    In fact, most young people in our study misinterpreted tracking a partner via Snapchat, the “Find My” app and Life360 as a protective behaviour and a sign of care and trust.

    There is a high level of normalisation regarding the use of location sharing between dating partners.
    Tom Wang/Shutterstock

    It starts at home

    According to the young people in our study, initial experiences with location tracking often start in the family home.

    In an attempt to ensure their children’s safety, parents are increasingly adopting tracking apps to monitor their children’s movements.

    Our findings suggest the widespread use of location sharing within families normalises its adoption outside the home. This can lead to a greater acceptance of surveillance among young people in friendships and romantic relationships.

    This observation is unsurprising when considering research from November 2024 by the eSafety Commissioner on broader community attitudes towards location sharing. It found one in ten Australians believe it is “reasonable to expect to track a partner using location-sharing apps”.

    Young people in our research were able to identify common red flags of harmful location tracking – for example, obsessively monitoring a partner’s whereabouts. But they described how the normalisation of location sharing makes it challenging for them to “opt out” of sharing their location with friends and partners.

    Location sharing is perceived as a demonstration of commitment in young relationships. Therefore, when someone in a relationship decides to stop sharing their location, it is seen as a sign of distrust or a breach of shared dating norms. And it may lead to displays of anger, as seen in the example of Thijssen’s earlier controlling relationships.

    Apps such as Snapchat include location-sharing features.
    Diego Thomazini/Shutterstock

    Negotiating digital boundaries early on

    Location sharing is often normalised in the family context without informed conversations about the associated risks in other relationships. But opting out of location sharing with friends or partners requires the skills and confidence to have such conversations.

    The Australian Government is investing A$77.6 million in respectful relationships education. This will be delivered in partnership with states, territories and non-government school sectors.

    However, for this initiative to be successful, both parents and young people should be educated about digital behaviours. These behaviours include location sharing in various contexts, such as with family members, partners and friends.

    Parents need to be informed about the potential risks associated with location sharing and its normalisation. Beyond learning how to use parental controls to ensure their children’s online safety, it is equally important that parents are equipped with skills to have informed conversations with their children about the risks associated with these features.

    Young people also require skills to navigate difficult conversations about their own digital boundaries.

    Solely relying on more education around the risks and protective measures related to location sharing, such as online stalking or increasing awareness of privacy controls, will not achieve this. We must equip young people with crucial knowledge and skills to recognise the need for, and negotiate, digital boundaries early on in their relationships.

    Setting boundaries in response to experiences of technology-facilitated coercive control may require additional safeguards, including the awareness and support of family and friends.

    Where technology-facilitated coercive control behaviours persist or escalate, national helplines and local domestic violence services can offer vital support, information and referral pathways.


    The National Sexual Assault, Family and Domestic Violence Counselling Line – 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

    Silke Meyer receives funding from Australia’s Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS) and state government funding for research into domestic, family and sexual violence.

    Maria Atienzar-Prieto does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. Location-sharing apps are enabling domestic violence. But young people aren’t aware of the danger – https://theconversation.com/location-sharing-apps-are-enabling-domestic-violence-but-young-people-arent-aware-of-the-danger-253932

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Off ‘ya bike: Driver gets ride impounded

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    A man on a moped who failed to stop for Police will have to find another way of getting around town after his scooter was impounded.

    Just after 1am, Police on patrol in Wesley noticed a suspicious moped driving around the area and signalled for it to stop.

    Auckland City West Area Commander, Inspector Alisse Robertson, says the driver didn’t stop, and instead fled on the moped around the Sandringham and Mount Roskill areas using the walkways.

    “The rider used alleyways and parks to avoid detection, however the Police Eagle helicopter was able to provide commentary as the moped driver eventually abandoned the bike in Stoddard Road and ran off on foot.

    “Cordons were put in place and the Police dog unit has tracked the alleged offender to where he was hiding behind a property on Glenarm Avenue.”

    Inspector Robertson says the driver was quickly taken into custody without incident.

    “His moped has been impounded for six months and enquiries are ongoing.

    “Police are committed to ensuring the community is safe, especially on our roads.

    “We ask anybody who witnesses antisocial road behaviour to contact Police, on 111 if it is happening currently, or 105 if it is after the fact.”

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Security: High Volume Central Oregon Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced to More than 11 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EUGENE, Ore.—A known, high-volume Central Oregon drug trafficker was sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison today following a multi-agency investigation led by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

    Ricky Fontaine, 32, of Bend, Oregon, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release.

    “This case is the result of excellent collaboration among the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit, the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon,” said William M. Narus, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “We thank the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office for partnering with us to prosecute this case in federal court.”

    According to court documents, on April 1, 2023, after obtaining information that Fontaine was actively selling drugs—including fentanyl—in Deschutes County, detectives from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Fontaine. Fontaine, who at the time of the stop had an unrelated active felony arrest warrant, attempted to walk away from the traffic stop on foot, but was quickly apprehended by the detectives.

    The detectives searched Fontaine’s vehicle and found more than 1,000 grams of fentanyl, a .22 caliber handgun, scales and drug packaging materials. The detectives also found several photographs of Fontaine posing with large quantities of packaged fentanyl pills. A few hours later, the detectives executed a second search warrant on Fontaine’s residence and found additional fentanyl pills, scales and packaging materials.

    On January 18, 2024, Fontaine was charged by superseding indictment with possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. On December 4, 2024, he pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl.

    This case was investigated by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit with assistance from the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team (CODE) and Redmond Police Department. It was prosecuted by Andrew R. Doyle, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

    Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 3-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.

    If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

    If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Live phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

    MIL Security OSI