President Trump has been clear that securing the Southwestern Border of the United States is a priority of the absolute highest level. To that end, the Department of Justice is playing a critical role in Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve total elimination of cartels and transitional criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from 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).
Last week, the U.S. Attorneys for Arizona, Western Texas, Southern Texas, New Mexico, Southern California, and Central California charged more than 840 defendants with criminal violations of U.S. immigration laws.
The District of Arizona has brought immigration-related criminal charges against 217 defendants. Specifically, the United States filed 91 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 103 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States also filed 15 cases against 23 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona.
The Central District of California filed charges against 17 defendants who allegedly illegally re-entered the United States after being removed. Many of the defendants charged were previously convicted of felony offenses before they were removed from the United States, offenses that include assault with bodily injury. One of the defendants is suspected of murder while another was arrested on suspicion of committing assault with intent to rape. The crime of being found in the United States following removal carries a base penalty of up to two years in federal prison. Defendants who were removed after being convicted of a felony face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and defendants removed after being convicted of an aggravated felony face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
The Southern District of California filed more than 90 border-related cases this week, including charges of transportation of illegal aliens, bringing in aliens for financial gain, reentering the U.S. after deportation, deported alien found in the United States, and importation of controlled substances.
The District of New Mexico brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico: 46 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Reentry After Deportation, four individuals were charged this week with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324), and 27 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325).
The Southern District of Texas filed a total of 246 cases related to immigration and border security. Of those, 91 face allegations of illegally re-entering the country with the majority having felony convictions such as narcotics, violent and/or sexual crimes and prior immigration offenses, among others. A total of 145 face charges of illegally entering the country, eight cases involve various instances of human smuggling, and the remainder relate to other immigration matters and making false statements.
The Western District of Texas announced today, that federal prosecutors in the district filed 210 immigration and immigration-related criminal cases.
We are grateful for the hard work of our border prosecutors in bringing these cases and helping to make our border safe again.
MINNEAPOLIS – Abdihakim Ali Ahmed, a Minneapolis man, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering for his role in the $250 million fraud scheme that exploited a federally funded child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.
According to court documents, from September 2020 through January 2022, Abdihakim Ali Ahmed, 40, claimed to be operating a child nutrition site in St. Paul, Minnesota. As part of the scheme, on or about September 4, 2020, Ahmed registered ASA Limited LLC with the Minnesota Secretary of State. Four days later, Ahmed applied for ASA Limited to operate a purported food site in the Federal Children Nutrition Program under the sponsorship of Feeding Our Future at the Gurey Deli, a small market located in a St. Paul strip mall. Ahmed submitted his application together with Aimee Bock, Feeding Our Future’s executive director. Within just three weeks of creating the ASA Limited site, Ahmed and his co-conspirators falsely claimed to be serving meals to 2,000 or 3,000 children each day, seven days a week. During the one-year period from September 2020 to September 2021, Ahmed his co-conspirators fraudulently claimed to have served more than 1.6 million meals at the ASA Limited site.
To accomplish his scheme, Ahmed submitted multiple fake attendance rosters that purported to identify both the names and ages of approximately 2,000 children who attended the ASA Limited site’s “after-school program” in September through December 2021. The lists of names and ages were fake, and Ahmed’s roster spreadsheets contained a formula that inserted a random number between 7 and 17 in the age column for each “child” on the list.
According to court documents, rather than use fraudulently obtained money to serve meals or feed children, Ahmed and his co-conspirators misappropriated much of it. Ahmed transferred hundreds of thousands of dollars to himself and other co-conspirators, which included transferring fraud proceeds to a shell company he created called 1130 Holdings Inc. He and his co-conspirators also created another shell company called Five A’s Projects LLC, where they transferred more than $1 million in Federal Child Nutrition Program funds. Ahmed used these proceeds to purchase the former location of Kelly’s 19th Hole, a bar and restaurant in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, which will be now forfeited to the United States. Ahmed used more fraudulent proceeds to purchase a 2022 Mini Cooper vehicle, which has been seized and will be forfeited to the United States.
According to court documents, Ahmed paid more than $49,000 in bribes and kickbacks to Abdikerm Eidleh, a Feeding Our Future employee, in exchange for sponsoring and facilitating ASA Limited’s fraudulent participation in the Federal Child Nutrition Program. In exchange, Feeding Our Future received nearly $400,000 in administrative fees for sponsoring ASA Limited’s participation in the program.
In total, Ahmed and his co-conspirators caused a loss of $7.3 million to Federal Child Nutrition Programs based on fraudulent claims submitted through Feeding Our Future.
“I am proud of the unrelenting efforts of our prosecution team to hold the defendants—who engaged in a massive pay-to-play fraud scheme that exploited Minnesota and the Federal Child Nutrition Program—accountable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.
Ahmed pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court before Judge Nancy E. Brasel. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.
The case is the result of an investigation by the FBI, IRS – Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph H. Thompson, Matthew S. Ebert, Harry M. Jacobs, and Daniel W. Bobier are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Baune is handling the seizure and forfeiture of assets.
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Danbury Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour today announced that JAMES SCHWAB, 22, of Peachtree Corners, Georgia, has been federally charged for his alleged involvement in a kidnapping in Danbury in August 2024.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on August 25, 2024, Danbury Police arrested six Florida men who were involved in a violent carjacking of a Lamborghini Urus and the kidnapping of two occupants of the vehicle on that date. The investigation revealed that the kidnapping victims are the parents of an individual who is suspected of participating in the theft of hundreds of millions of dollars in cryptocurrency. Schwab, who had an altercation with the victims’ son in a Miami nightclub in July 2024, was in regular communication with certain of the kidnappers in the days before the crime, provided funding for it, and helped arrange the participants’ transportation and lodging.
Schwab was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on January 29, 2025, at Los Angeles International Airport after he returned to the U.S. from a trip to Bali. On February 25, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Schwab with one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of life. Schwab appeared in Bridgeport federal court on March 12, 2025, and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.
Schwab has been detained since his arrest.
Five of the six individuals charged with offenses related to the carjacking and kidnapping have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI New Haven Violent Crimes Task Force and the Danbury Police Department. The Task Force includes members from the Connecticut State Police and several local police departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck.
Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Danbury for its close cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.
San Antonio, TX – The U.S. Marshals-led Lone Star Fugitive Task Force apprehended a fugitive sought by the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office on 11 charges of possession of child pornography. Gregory Roth, 67, was apprehended in Belize after fleeing the United States to evade criminal prosecution.
The arrest followed a coordinated international operation led by the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force (LSFTF), in partnership with the U.S. Marshals Service Office of International Operations (OIO), the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, and law enforcement partners in Belize.
In 2022, the Texas Attorney General’s Office (TXAGO) conducted a series of residential search warrants as part of a criminal investigation involving Dr. Gregory Scott Roth, who was suspected of possessing child pornography. At the time, Roth held multiple positions within the healthcare sector, including Regional Medical Director for Envision Healthcare, part-time physician at Christus Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital, and Regional Health Authority and Medical Director for La Salle County.
Roth was arrested in November 2022 and indicted in 2023 by the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office on 11 counts of possession of child pornography. He was scheduled to appear for sentencing in December 2024. However, he failed to appear before the court as ordered and a bench warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest.
In January 2025, following Roth’s failure to appear, the TXAGO requested the assistance of the LSFTF to aid in locating and apprehending the fugitive. The investigation revealed that Roth had fled the country in a rented motorhome, traveling through areas near the southern borders of Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala.
Through a collaborative, multi-agency effort involving the LSFTF, OIO, and Belizean law enforcement, authorities confirmed Roth’s presence in Placencia, Belize. Following extensive intelligence operations and sustained surveillance, Roth was apprehended March 21, 2025, without incident.
Roth was removed from Belize and brought back to the United States, on March 22, 2025.
“This operation’s success is a testament to the strength and effectiveness of international cooperation between the United States and foreign law enforcement agencies,” said Susan Pamerleau, U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Texas. “It clearly demonstrates how cross-border partnerships strengthen our ability to apprehend fugitives, no matter where they attempt to hide.”
The LSFTF acknowledges the critical support of the USMS Office of International Operations (OIO), the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security, and the Belize Police Department in the successful apprehension and return of a fugitive to the Alamo City.
The U.S. Marshals Service encourages the community to continue to collaborate with our deputies on tips that help find the whereabouts of a fugitive by contacting our local office at (210) 657-8500 or calling the U.S. Marshals Service Communication Center at 1 (800) 336-0102. You can also submit tips online via the USMS Tips App.
Members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force – San Antonio:
Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) Texas Attorney General’s Office (TXAGO) Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) New Braunfels Police Department (NBPD) Texas Board of Criminal Justice OIG (TBCJ) Bexar County District Attorney’s Office (BCDA) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) U.S. Marshal Service (USMS)
strong>Salem, OR—As Oregon communities grapple with the aftermath of devastating flooding and landslides, that Governor Kotek declared a state of emergency, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is urging residents to remain cautious and informed to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes, particularly those involving online fundraising platforms like GoFundMe.
As communities come together to support those affected, scammers may exploit the generosity of Oregonians by creating fake fundraising campaigns or misrepresenting their intentions. Scam attempts can come via phone calls, mail, email, text, or in-person visits. To help protect yourself and your donations, OEM shares these tips:
Double Check Your Charitable Donations
Verify the campaign’s authenticity: Only donate to fundraisers created by individuals or organizations you know and trust. Look for detailed and transparent information about how the funds will be used. Verify fundraisers’ legitimacy on the Oregon Department of Justice Charitable Activities page of registered organizations.
Check for secure websites: Ensure the fundraising platform uses a secure connection (look for “https://” and a padlock icon in the browser). Avoid clicking on suspicious links shared via email or social media.
Be cautious about personal information: Do not share sensitive details like Social Security numbers or financial information with unverified individuals or groups.
Monitor for identity theft: Regularly check your credit report for any accounts or changes you do not recognize. If you suspect identity theft, file a complaint at IdentityTheft.gov. If you think your identity has been compromised, freeze your credit accounts.
Report suspicious activity or fraud: If you suspect fraudulent activity, report it to the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-877-877-9392 or visit www.oregonconsumer.gov
Protect your donations from charity scams: Avoid cash donations; use checks or credit cards for security. Look for transparent fund usage plans. Sign up for scam alerts from the Oregon Department of Justice Scam Alert Network.
Avoid Contractor Scams for Cleanup and Repairs
As residents begin recovery efforts, fraudulent contractors may target those needing home repairs or cleanup services. Keep these tips in mind:
Research contractors thoroughly: Verify that the contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured. Check for reviews, references, and ratings through trusted sources such as the Oregon Construction Contractors Board.
Get written estimates: Obtain multiple estimates for the work and ensure they’re detailed and in writing. Be cautious of contractors who demand large upfront payments or offer unusually low prices.
Avoid high-pressure sales tactics: Don’t rush into signing contracts or agreeing to services. Take your time to make informed decisions.
Never pay in cash: Use checks or credit cards, as these payment methods provide a paper trail and added security.
Beware of door-to-door solicitors: Scammers often approach residents with unsolicited offers. Always verify their legitimacy and credentials before proceeding.
Key Fraud Prevention Reminders
Public aid is free: There are no costs to apply for assistance or participate in inspections.
Verify government workers: Government workers always carry identification badges and never ask for or accept money.
If something feels off, trust your instincts: Contact law enforcement to confirm the validity of claims.
Follow trusted Information sources: Stay tuned to local media and official social media for reliable updates on the disaster and fraud prevention tips.
OEM is committed to supporting disaster survivors and preventing fraudulent activities that hinder recovery efforts. Let’s work together to protect our communities, ensure donations reach those in need, and safeguard survivors from fraud and identity theft.
For more information on disaster recovery in your area contact your local Office of Emergency Management. If you have questions or concerns about any donation requests you have received, contact your local law enforcement.
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It is the mission of Oregon Emergency Management to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visitoregon.gov/oem.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced an Oglala, South Dakota, man following his conviction for two counts of Receipt of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on March 17, 2025.
Johnathan Morrison, 34, was sentenced to eight years and nine months in federal prison on each count for a total of 210 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release on each count with the time to run concurrently, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count. Morrison was also ordered to pay $95 in restitution to the South Dakota Internet Crimes Investigation Fund and to forfeit his interest in a smartphone. He will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
A federal grand jury indicted Morrison in February of 2024. He pleaded guilty on January 8, 2025.
In August 2023, Morrison solicited a 10-year old female to engage in sexually explicit conduct over social media. Shortly thereafter, an adult learned that Morrison had enticed the child and reported Morrison’s criminal actions to the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Morrison was immediately apprehended and arrested. His smartphone was seized as evidence. An extraction of his smartphone revealed that prior to August 2023, Morrison downloaded and installed multiple social media platforms, including KIK, Telegram, and Snapchat onto his cellular device. Through these platforms, Morrison solicited, sent, and received images and videos containing child pornography. Some of the images recovered involved prepubescent females engaged in sexual acts. Through his chats, investigators learned that Morrison had an interest in 10-14 year old females. The search also revealed that Morrison had made sexual advances to his girlfriend’s teenage daughter and that he had covertly photographed her over 130 times with his smartphone.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, and the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Morrison was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
The houses are the final phase of a development that has seen the inclusion of 41 brand new Council homes in total.
The latest properties to be handed over are a mix of two and three-bedroom semi-detached mid-terrace homes. Previously, a mix of semi-detached, terraced homes and flats were handed over to the Council at the development, providing high-quality accommodation for a wide range of tenants.
The homes at Hayfield Brae have been built to the highest standard by the Council’s construction partner GS Brown and include energy efficiency measures such as air source heat pumps, solar panels, quality insulation and high levels of air tightness to make sure tenants’ bills are kept as low as possible and the development’s carbon footprint is minimised.
Safety features such as sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, and electrical surge protection devices have also been included as standard.
The five homes cost almost £1.1m to build. The Council invested £440,000, with the Scottish Government contributing the rest.
The houses were visited by the Council’s Housing and Social Wellbeing Convener, Councillor Tom McEwan, who said: “This development has been underway for a few years now and it is fantastic to see it completed. This significant number of new Council homes will help to address the housing needs of different types of tenants in a rural location where there is high demand for accommodation.
“I’m particularly pleased to see the high level of energy efficiency that has been built into the homes, with air source heat pumps fitted instead of traditional boilers. As a Council and as a Housing Service, we are committed to minimising the environmental impact of everything we do. The efficient heating systems, top-grade insulation and solar panels included in the homes will help tenants reduce their energy use.
“As well as providing high-quality, energy-efficient homes, this new development will add vibrancy to life in the village of Methven, supporting the local community and economy.”
The Methven project is part of Perth & Kinross Council’s ongoing multi-million-pound new build housing programme, which has seen over 500 new Council homes built for tenants since 2012.
The Council’s house building programme has delivered new homes for affordable social rent in towns and settlements right across the region, including Methven, Scone, Abernethy, Alyth, Inchture, Stanley, Blairgowrie, Meigle, Auchterarder, Balbeggie, Rattray and in many sites in Perth.
Ferryland RCMP is looking to conduct a wellness check on an unknown man and woman who were walking in Mobile on Saturday evening.
At approximately 6:40 p.m., police received a report of the two individuals, who were walking in the area of Riverhead Road and Route 10 in Mobile. The woman, who was described as being approximately 5 feet, 5 inches tall with shoulder-length straight hair and wearing a blue shirt, was possibly injured and appeared to have difficulty walking unassisted. The man, who was described as being tall, of a medium build with wavy blonde hair, was wearing dark-colored clothing.
Ferryland RCMP is looking to identify and speak to both individuals to confirm their wellbeing.
Anyone having information that could assist in identifying the two individuals, including surveillance or dash cam footage, is asked to contact Ferryland RCMP at 709-432-2440. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
Kendall Joseph Moss III, 35, of Arapahoe Wyoming, was convicted by a federal jury on March 20, of abusive sexual contact with a minor. The trial lasted four days and was held before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl in Casper.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, an investigation began in connection with a minor witness’s disclosure to a student advocate and school resource officer at her elementary school of sexual abuse by the defendant in 2021. Dr. Gail S. Goodman, PH.D., a Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Davis testified at trial on the dynamics of child sexual abuse, including that victims often delay disclosing the sexual abuse or make piecemeal disclosures of the abuse over time. The victim was interviewed twice over two years and provided more details of the sexual abuse in her second interview. The defendant made statements to law enforcement indicating the victim was not lying in her allegations against him. The jury’s verdict found the defendant guilty of touching the minor victim in her genital area over her clothing with the intent of sexual gratification.
Sentencing has been set for June 10, 2025. Moss faces a term of any number of years up to life in prison with no less than five years and no more than life of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs Wind River Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerry J. Jacobson prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)
The Defendants Deposited Approximately $50 Million Using Stolen and Fake Identities During Their Years-Long Check Fraud Scheme
Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Leslie R. Backschies, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”); and Harry T. Chavez, Jr., the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (“IRS-CI”), announced the unsealing of a four-count criminal Indictment charging SHAN ANAND, NOSAKHARE NOBORE, NICHOLAS PAPPAS, LEONARD UJKIC, SOLOMON ALUKO, a/k/a “D1 ReallyRich,” and JORGE GONZALEZ with a scheme to fraudulently obtain checks and launder the proceeds. Many of the checks were funds provided by the government for COVID-19 relief that the defendants stole before depositing into bank accounts opened using sham businesses or stolen or fake identities. In total, the defendants attempted to steal approximately $80 million and succeeded in depositing approximately $50 million.
Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “We allege that the defendants stole tens of millions of dollars in COVID-19 relief and other checks, and even used a ‘Fraud Bible’ containing instructions for committing fraud. This Office will not tolerate the exploitation of programs designed to support the public in times of crisis, and we and our law enforcement partners will hold those responsible to full account.”
FBI Acting Assistant Director Leslie R. Backschies said: “These six defendants allegedly used sham businesses, stolen, and fake identities to operate a multi-year check fraud scheme, resulting in $50 million in illicit funds being deposited into their accounts. The defendants brazenly attempted to exploit multiple United States government programs in their attempts to illegally enrich themselves. The FBI will continue to ensure fraudsters attempting to lie, cheat, and steal from the Government answer for their crimes in the criminal justice system.”
IRS Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr. said: “This group of suspects openly communicated about their fraud, taking pride in the multiple schemes that stole nearly $50 million from the American public. They lied and cheated a benefits system meant to help struggling businesses that need it, all while stealing checks from agencies who assist the elderly and veterans. This gang of ‘bag hunters’ will now face justice for multiple charges. This time, the U.S. government were the hunters, and the arrests in this massive fraud case are ‘in the bag.’”
From 2021 to 2025, the six defendants worked together to steal money from the U.S. government, banks, and individuals. The defendants opened bank accounts using fake or stolen identity information for individuals or businesses, and were assisted in doing so by one of the defendants who was a teller at a major bank. From the inside, he worked to open or alter bank accounts to advance the defendants’ fraud.
The defendants then deposited fraudulently obtained or counterfeit checks into the accounts. Many of the checks were issued by the U.S. Treasury (the “Treasury”) based on false and fraudulent filings with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) in connection with the Employee Retention Credit (“ERC”) and Qualified Sick Leave Wages (“QSLW”) credit. The ERC is a refundable tax credit for businesses and tax-exempt organizations that had employees during and were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Employers must have paid qualified wages to claim the credit. The QSLW credit is a related credit that was also established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The defendants did not operate businesses that would have qualified for these credits. The businesses they used to open bank accounts and apply for the credits were fake or sham businesses.
Other Treasury checks passed as part of the defendants’ scheme were payments for different tax refunds, including personal and corporate income tax refunds. Still other Treasury checks were associated with programs at other government agencies such as the Department of Veterans of Affairs and the Social Security Administration. Some of the checks involved in the scheme—both Treasury checks and other business or individual checks—were stolen from the mail or elsewhere. Other checks were partially or completely forged.
Once the checks were deposited, the defendants withdrew the fraudulently obtained funds in cash or transferred them to other banks accounts under their control. Over the course of their scheme, the defendants attempted to obtain approximately $80 million in total. They succeeded in depositing approximately $50 million.
The defendants communicated openly about their fraud. One defendant sent another a video of a screen recording of a document or documents titled “✅ 2021 Fraud Bible ✅”, shown in the following image:
This “Fraud Bible” contained instructions on how to engage in various forms of fraud, including credit card fraud, ATM fraud, and mobile cash transfer fraud.
Since at least 2021, some members of the conspiracy have worn clothing items bearing a logo depicting a sack of money running along with the phrase “Bag Hunter.”
Certain members of the conspiracy wore this logo while engaging in criminal conduct. For example, the following image shows NOBORE withdrawing fraudulently obtained funds while prominently displaying the Bag Hunters logo:
* * *
ANAND, 34, of Queens, New York; NOBORE, 29, of Edgewater, New Jersey; PAPPAS, 28, of Miami, Florida; UJKIC, 44, of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; ALUKO, 29, of Hackensack, New Jersey; and GONZALEZ, 28, of North Bergen, New Jersey, are each charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; conspiracy to commit money laundering and engaging in a monetary transaction in property derived from specific unlawful activity, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to defraud the government, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; and aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding work of the FBI and IRS-CI. Mr. Podolsky also thanked the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the New York City Police Department for their assistance.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime and Illicit Finance and Money Laundering Units. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maggie Lynaugh, Steven J. Kochevar, and Qais Ghafary are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitutes only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation.
Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, continues to push the boundaries of AI democratisation with the launch of Galaxy A26 5G, its most affordable smartphone with the power of AI. Crafted for a seamless experience, Galaxy A26 5G delivers a balance of style, durability, performance, and innovation, making it a perfect choice for everyday use.
AWESOME INTELLIGENCE
Samsung brings Awesome Intelligence to Galaxy A26 5G, making everyday tasks smarter and easier. The Intelligent AI Suite enhances user experience with features like Circle to Search with Google, AI Select, Object Eraser, My Filters and more.
Circle to Search with Google – a fan-favourite on Galaxy A series devices last year – now goes beyond just images, allowing users to identify songs, discover information, and take instant actions with minimal effort. With the latest upgrades, users can now get even more done on their phone. Circle to Search with Google will quickly recognize phone numbers, email addresses and URLs on the screen, so that users can take actions with minimal effort.
Galaxy A26 5G also comes with the Object Eraser which allows users to remove unwanted objects from photos. Users can manually or automatically select objects to erase, achieving a cleaner, more polished final image with just a few taps.
AI Select intuitively understands the context by enabling instant search and extraction of information with a single click. My Filters enables users to create their personalised filters. This innovative function allows users to capture the look and feel of their preferred photos by mimicking their colours and styles and instantly applying them to new images. Each custom filter is conveniently saved in the Camera app for easy access in future projects, allowing for a more personalized and creative photography experience.
AWESOME DESIGN AND DISPLAY
Galaxy A26 5G stands out with its premium glass back appearance in four stylish colours—Peach, Mint, White, and Black—allowing users to express their personality through its expressive design. The larger 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display enhances viewing experiences with a 120Hz refresh rate. The device is also thinner than its predecessor, measuring just 7.7mm in thickness, making it sleek and easy to hold.
AWESOME PERFORMANCE
At the heart of Galaxy A26 5G is the Exynos 1380 processor, ensuring seamless multitasking, enhanced gaming, and smooth everyday performance. The vapour chamber is now 3.7 times larger as compared to the last generation, which keeps the device running efficiently even during intense gameplay. Backed by a 5000mAh battery with 25W fast charge support, Galaxy A26 5G provides all-day power to keep up with your lifestyle.
AWESOME CAMERA
Photography enthusiasts will love the flagship 50MP OIS Main Camera, which captures crisp, blur-free images. The 8MP Ultra-Wide Camera is perfect for expansive landscapes, while the 2MP Macro Camera enables detailed close-up shots. A 13MP Front Camera ensures high-quality selfies, and helps capture sharp, steady images.
AWESOME DURABILITY
Galaxy A26 5G sets a new benchmark for durability in its segment, and is designed to withstand everyday challenges while ensuring long-term reliability. The Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ offers superior scratch and drop resistance, providing enhanced protection against accidental bumps and falls. The IP67 water and dust resistance rating ensures added peace of mind, making Galaxy A26 5G resilient against spills, splashes, and dust exposure.
The Galaxy A26 5G is built to last with segment-leading 6 years of OS upgrades and 6 years of security updates, ensuring users benefit from the latest software advancements and robust security protections for years to come. By combining a durable build with future-ready software support, Samsung reinforces its position as a brand that prioritizes long-term value and reliability for consumers.
AWESOME SECURITY AND PRIVACY
Samsung is also taking security and privacy to the next level with the integration of One UI 7.0 on Galaxy A series for the first time. The Samsung Knox Vault adds an extra, fortified layer of protection, ensuring users have complete control over their data with enhanced transparency and security settings. With features like Theft Detection and Knox Matrix, users can manage and customize their security preferences effortlessly.
AWESOME PROPOSITION
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Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)
Eleven defendants were charged in connection with a drug trafficking organization that transported suitcases stuffed with illegal drugs from California to Ohio.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson announced today that Amy Elizabeth Curry, 48, Waynesville, N.C., was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for embezzling at least $1.5 million from a senior assisted living facility. In addition to the prison term imposed, Curry was ordered to pay the facility $1,469,407.24 in restitution.
Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in North Carolina, and Sheriff William Wilke of the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office, join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.
According to court records and proceedings, Curry worked as an office manager and bookkeeper at Silver Bluff, LLC (Silver Bluff), a senior living and care facility in Canton, N.C. As part of her duties, Curry had access to and control over Silver Bluff’s bank accounts and accounting records. From December 2022 to April 2023, Curry made at least 154 unauthorized bank transfers totaling over $1.5 million from the facility’s bank accounts to bank accounts controlled by Curry and her then-boyfriend, J.C. To avoid detection, Curry deleted the wire transfer history from Senior Bluff’s bank accounts and altered the notification settings to prevent Silver Bluff employees and management from receiving alerts. Curry also made handwritten notes on Senior Bluff’s bank statements, falsely noting that the fraudulent transfers were for payroll. Court records show that Curry used the embezzled funds to pay for personal expenses, including to purchase a pick-up truck. Curry and J.C. also spent over $700,000 of the embezzled funds gambling at casinos.
On December 11, 2023, Curry pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Curry will be ordered to report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons to begin serving her sentence upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the FBI and the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation of the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)
Dorian Trevor Sykes, 41, of Detroit, was arrested on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, and charged with bank robbery and incidental crimes in Sterling Heights, Michigan, and Lathrup Village, Michigan, announced Cheyvoryea Gibson, special agent in charge of the FBI in Michigan.
Joining Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson in the announcement is Sterling Heights Police Department Captain Mario Bastianelli and Lathrup Village Police Department Chief Scott Mckee.
“Bank robberies are serious federal violent crimes that endanger and often traumatize the patrons and the employees of the bank,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, special agent in charge of the FBI in Michigan. “Mr. Sykes allegedly threatened force against employees if his demands were not met, and it goes without saying that the FBI will not tolerate this level of violence in our community. With the help of our law enforcement partners, we hope that Mr. Sykes will face the appropriate consequences for his actions.”
According to court records, on March 6, 2025, at approximately 11:50 A.M., Sykes allegedly entered Credit Union One in Sterling Heights, Michigan, approached the teller counter and retrieved a piece of paper from a folder and handed it to the teller. After the teller was not able to read the note, the subject stated, “This is a robbery,” and demanded that the teller give him “big bills”. The teller handed the robber approximately $10,169.00. The robber grabbed the money and the note and fled the bank.
On March 12, 2025, at approximately 4:40 p.m. Sykes allegedly entered the Chase Bank in Lathrup Village, Michigan. He approached the teller and provided her a withdrawal slip, which stated, “Give me all the money… I have a gun… I will kill everyone in here.” The robber also pointed to his right side, implying that he had a weapon. The teller handed the robber approximately $3,400. The robber took the money and left the bank.
Witness statements and surveillance camera footage suggest the March 12 robber’s physical description matches that of the March 6.
“This arrest is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of our law enforcement partners,” said Sterling Heights Police Department, Captain Mario Bastianelli. “Through diligent investigative work and coordinated intelligence sharing, we were able to bring this suspect to justice and prevent further criminal activity.”
Sykes is on federal supervised release since February 2024, arising out of a conviction associated with a bank robbery in 2020. Sykes appeared in federal court on March 18, 2025. If convicted, Sykes faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for bank robbery.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This investigation is part of the collaborative efforts of the FBI Macomb County Gang and Violent Crime Task Force, Sterling Heights PD, Clinton Township PD, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Border Patrol, Utica PD, Eastpointe PD, Michigan State Police, Livonia PD, Detroit PD, Redford PD, and Lathrup Village PD.
This case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army launched a pilot ride-share access program to improve installation access for over 600,000 military members, their families, retirees and civilians living at six Army installations. Over the next two months, ride-share access will be re-envisioned at Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington; Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; Fort Shafter, Hawaii; and Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii.
“This program demonstrates our commitment to addressing the challenges faced by our military communities,” said Dan Driscoll, Secretary of the Army. “Through collaboration with the ride-share industry, we’re able to provide our Soldiers and their families with safe, reliable and convenient transportation options that support their unique needs and enhance their overall quality of life.”
The ride-share access pilot will standardize access procedures and requirements to safely increase ridership and promote additional transportation options. If successful, the Army plans to expand the program to additional installations across the country.
In accordance with the Army’s strict security standards, all visitors, including taxi and ride-sharing vehicle drivers, will undergo identity proofing and vetting through the FBI’s National Crime Information Center and Terrorist Screening Database. In addition to this credential vetting, drivers will also be required to establish their purpose for each visit by showing the ride-sharing hail on their smartphones and/or identifying the person and building for the pickup.
“This pilot is our response to see if we can safely collaborate with the ride-share industry to simplify transportation options for everyone living on, working on or even visiting our camps, posts and installations,” said Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Weimer. “We heard you and agree, it shouldn’t be so hard to coordinate transportation onto our installations, but also in and around some of our larger ones.”
For more information, please contact U.S. Army Public Affairs at usarmy.pentagon.hqda-ocpa.mbx.mrd-press-desk@army.mil.
U.S. Soldiers assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade; join 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, 51st Troop Command, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Massachusetts National Guard; the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF); Somalia Danab; Tanzania People’s Defence Forces; and 3rd Rifles, 11th Infantry Brigade, 1st (United Kingdom) Division, pose for a group photo while a KDF F5, assigned to the 15th Fighter Wing flies over at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations center during Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) in Nanyuki, Kenya, Feb. 20, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kylejian Francia) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Kylejian Francia) VIEW ORIGINAL
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U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa
NAIROBI, Kenya – 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the enduring partnership between the Massachusetts Army National Guard (MANG) and the Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) under the auspices of the State Partnership Program (SPP). Established in 2015, this collaboration exemplifies the power of sustained military-to-military engagement in fostering global security, stability and combined warfighting capacity.
The SPP, overseen by the National Guard Bureau, strategically pairs American states with partner nations worldwide, facilitating a tailored approach to capacity building and strengthened lethality. For Massachusetts and Kenya, this has translated into a dynamic exchange of knowledge, skills and experience across a diverse range of military and civilian domains. These include, but are not limited to, cybersecurity, aviation, disaster response, medical readiness and counterterrorism strategies.
Kenya Defence Force (KDF) medics joined the medics with 8th Medical Brigade and 1st Battalion 182nd Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts National Guard, to conduct a casualty evacuation rehearsal during exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations Center in Nanyuki, Kenya, Feb. 12, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Brown) VIEW ORIGINAL
“Anytime you can create relationships with other countries, you are making integration easier when you need to deploy together,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Eamon Beach, a squad leader assigned to Bravo Company, 1st. Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment (Americal), MANG.
This was Beach’s first time in Kenya, taking part in Justified Accord 2025 (JA25).
The cornerstone of this partnership lies in its collaborative training exercises, often conducted within the framework of larger multinational initiatives like JA25, a U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM)-directed, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF)-managed exercise.
These exercises provide invaluable opportunities for both MANG and KDF Soldiers to enhance interoperability, refine tactical skills and build camaraderie in simulated scenarios.
Beach also noted that training side-by-side in Kenya allowed both MANG and KDF Soldiers to learn several similarities in the way they train on specific tasks. From urban operations training and room clearance procedures, tactics were shared and honed together throughout the exercise.
U.S. Army Spc. Sonny Farfan, an infantryman assigned to 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, 51st Troop Command, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Massachusetts National Guard, fires an M4 carbine behind a barrier at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations center during exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) in Nanyuki, Kenya, Feb. 18, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kylejian Francia) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Kylejian Francia) VIEW ORIGINAL
Along with JA25, the SPP fosters enduring personal relationships between Soldiers, transcending cultural differences, building mutual understanding and trust. These personal connections prove critical to facilitating seamless communication and cooperation, highlighting the adaptability and agility of both forces.
The impact of the Massachusetts-Kenya partnership extends beyond the military sphere. Collaborative efforts in disaster preparedness and response have been particularly noteworthy. In previous exchanges, MANG provided much-needed assistance to Kenya in the wake of natural disasters, leveraging its experience and resources to support relief efforts and strengthen resilience.
1 / 2Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Franklin Tejada, an infantryman assigned to 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, 51st Troop Command, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Massachusetts National Guard, fires an M4 carbine at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations center during Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) in Nanyuki, Kenya, Feb. 18, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kylejian Francia) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Kylejian Francia) VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 2Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Army Spc. Sonny Farfan, an infantryman assigned to 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, 51st Troop Command, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Massachusetts National Guard, fires an M4 carbine at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations center during Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) in Nanyuki, Kenya, Feb. 18, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kylejian Francia) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Kylejian Francia) VIEW ORIGINAL
As the Massachusetts-Kenya partnership celebrates its 10th anniversary, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of collaboration and shared commitment to a safer and more secure world. The conclusion of the exercise highlighted this fact.
JA25’s culminating event saw combined forces working together to defeat a violent extremist organization (VEO) which had taken over a simulated village. The multinational contingent put their newly refined urban tactics and lethality on full display.
“The Massachusetts-Kenya partnership builds capacity, strengthens the alliance, supports regional stability and exercises our expeditionary capabilities,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. David Dicrescenzo, commander of Task Force Minuteman and senior responsible officer for MANG forces in Kenya at JA25. “That’s the significance of this exercise and partnership.”
As the global security landscape continues to evolve, multinational partnerships will likely become even more important. The enduring bond between the MANG and KDF, forged over a decade of collaboration and shared experiences, serves as an example of what partnership can mean for shared lethality, strength and stability.
About SETAF-AF
SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis-response options in Africa and Europe.
Though she’s in her last semester at UConn, Kayvona Brown (‘25 CLAS) isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Her research is just too important.
Brown, who is from Stamford, is a truly interdisciplinary scholar: a psychological sciences major with minors in sociology and women’s, gender, and sexuality studies (WGSS). Over her four years at UConn, she found a way to braid together her interests in psychology and supporting the health and development of women and children of color, especially Black mothers and children.
Now, she is poised to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical or developmental psychology and “continue to make a difference in my community, with the people around me who don’t often get their voices heard.”
On Trauma, Pain, and Healing
Brown’s current research revolves around pain and post-traumatic stress – and ultimately, healing — among sexual assault survivors.
“Typically, when we study PTSD, we are looking at veterans, survivors of natural disasters; those types of traumas, not necessarily sexual assault,” she says. “For people who do not have this experience, it can be a really taboo topic, and we don’t necessarily do a lot of that research within psychology.”
She adds, “As a survivor myself, I really wanted to understand the biopsychosocial effects on my whole body.”
Brown’s research has been supported by the nationalMcNair Scholarsprogram, a prestigious initiative designed to prepare undergraduate students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities.
The first research project Brown helped complete investigated how people of various gender identities experienced pain, as well as how they described this pain to male or female clinicians. She worked with Teresa Graziano ’24 Ph.D., andNatalie J. Shook, a professor in the School of Nursing.
“When it comes to reporting pain, there’s a lack of research on transgender and nonbinary individuals,” Brown says. This project sought to fill this gap, exploring the complex gender dynamics between patients and clinicians, as well as how hormone replacement therapy can affect patients’ physiological experiences of pain.
In November 2024, Brown was one of just eight students nationwide selected to share her research with the National Science Foundation and the Board of the US Department of Education at the annual McNair conference, hosted at the University of Maryland – Baltimore County.
The more we learn about these symptom clusters, the more we can make better and improved treatments that are personalized for specific clusters.
She presented her poster “Relations between PTSD Symptoms Clusters and Pain within Recent Sexual Assault Survivors: An Examination of Racial Differences,” which she had previously shared at theFall Frontiers in Undergraduate Researchexhibition at UConn Storrs.
This work explored how PTSD symptoms impact the experience of pain for sexual assault survivors. Overall, she found that women sexual assault survivors with greater PTSD symptoms tend to have greater reported pain severity and pain interference (the degree to which pain interferes with daily life). Brown also found a significant difference in the experience of pain between white and nonwhite survivors, with survivors of color reporting higher pain levels.
“Pain and PTSD are highly comorbid – they go hand in hand,” Brown says.
Brown is specifically intrigued by the way that PTSD symptoms tend to manifest in what are called “symptom clusters.” The DSM-5 defines four distinct clusters: intrusion (intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and flashbacks), avoidance (avoidance of potentially triggering situations), negative alterations in cognition or mood, and hyperarousal (reactivity, hypervigilance, and difficulty relaxing). Each individual with PTSD will experience different symptoms across these categories.
“The more we learn about these symptom clusters, the more we can make better and improved treatments that are personalized for specific clusters,” Brown says.
Brown’s research is part of a growing tradition in the field of psychology that recognizes the interplay between people’s everyday experiences and their psychological and physiological symptoms. For instance, research has shown thatexperiencing racism can lead to heightened levels of chronic stress, which in turn can cause and exacerbate adverse health outcomes.
Bringing it Home
Brown presents her research at UConn’s Undergraduate Fall Frontiers in Research symposium. (Courtesy of Kayvona Brown)
For Brown, just exploring this link through research wasn’t enough – she also wanted to try to help stop the cycle at its source. So she joined the UConn Women’s CenterViolence Against Women Prevention Program(VAWPP) and started doing direct outreach in her community.
With the VAWPP and its associated One Love program, Brown has spoken with students in First-Year Experience (FYE) classrooms and student athletes. She leads presentations on gender-based violence and how it can manifest in different environments, as well as intimate partner violence prevention and healthy relationships.
Presenting her research on this subject to the Board of Education was a full-circle moment, Brown recalls.
“We were able to really connect, and I was able to share my story and share the stories of millions of other women,” she says. “And I remember people coming up to me and saying, that was really impactful. I realized that was something that I really wanted to continue to pursue.”
Currently, Brown is working on a research project entitled “The Impact of Self-Blame on PTSD Symptom Clusters in Interpersonal Trauma-Exposed Violence.” This work is taking with Board of Trustees Distinguished ProfessorCrystal Park, in her Spirituality, Meaning, and Health Lab.
She is also working in the lab ofMarketa Burnett, an assistant professor of Human Development & Family Sciences and Africana Studies. With Burnett, she’s supporting a one-of-a-kind research initiative dedicated to exploring the hopes and dreams African American parents have for their daughters, as well as how these hopes show up in their parenting styles. The project’s title is “‘Getting her to see herself the way I see her’: Exploring Black Caregivers’ Hopes and Dreams for their Daughters.”
One variable the research team is investigating is how Black parents are supporting their daughters in dreaming big by encouraging both creative expression and STEM ambitions.
“A lot of parents don’t teach [girls] that STEM is an option for them,” Brown says, “and if they do, they’re teaching them to do nursing or become a doctor. But there are other types of STEM, like getting your Ph.D. and being a scientist.”
Soon enough, Brown will be taking the next step in her academic journey to do just that.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to two ram raids in the Greater Darwin Region overnight.
About 1:55am this morning, police received reports of a burglary at a licensed premises on Winnellie Road. It is alleged two males used a vehicle to ram the front doors of the premises before they entered and attempted to steal multiple items.
A short time later at 2:35am, police received further reports that a ram raid occurred at a licenced premises in Humpty Doo where a quantity of alcohol was stolen.
Strike Force Trident detectives reviewed CCTV and identified that the vehicle used in both ram raids was allegedly stolen from a residence in Roseberry. Police have since recovered the vehicle abandoned in Palmerston.
Investigations remain ongoing to locate the offenders and police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to make contact on 131 444.
You can anonymously report on Crimestoppers via 1800 333 000 or online at https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/. Please quote reference number P25080487.
*This media release has been updated since initial release to clarify that two ram raids occurred*
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has charged a 17-year-old male in relation to multiple property offences in Karama on Saturday morning.
About 8:10am, police received reports of a robbery at a service station on the corner of Kalymnos Drive and Koolinda Crescent. It is alleged the male entered the premises armed with an edged weapon and stole food before fleeing.
A short time later, police received further reports that the alleged offender went on to damage a residence with the edged weapon on Dorrigo Crescent.
General duties located and arrested the male nearby without issue. Strike Force Trident took carriage of the investigation and has since charged him with:
Since August, 2019, Government of India is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in partnership with States to make provision of potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on regular & long-term basis to every rural household in the country.
Water being a state subject, the responsibility of planning, approval, implementation, operation, and maintenance of drinking water supply schemes/ works, including those under the Jal Jeevan Mission, lies with State/UT Governments. The Government of India supports the States by providing technical and financial assistance.
As reported by State Government of Andhra Pradesh, the details of the water sources utilized for water supply under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), source type, State and district-wise in Andhra Pradesh, including those in Konaseema district, are at below.
The number of tap connections receiving water supply from the above-mentioned sources in Konaseema district, water source-wise, are as under:
Name of the District
No.of Tap connections receiving water
Ground Water Based
Surface Water Based
Ground Water & Surface Water both
Konaseema
1,28,558
84,856
72,537
The details of Ground Water levels in meters (Below Ground level) in Konaseema district during last 5 years is enclosed at below.
As reported by Government of Andhra Pradesh, assessment of variation of water levels of 1524 Summer Storage tanks in the state and 42 Summer Storage tanks in Konaseema District, fed from canals is being carried out through a mobile application developed for capturing photo and Geotagging of Summer Storage tanks and the supply is planned accordingly.
Also, assessment of variation in Ground water levels is being done as per the data received Ground Water department and the supply is planned accordingly.
Ministry of Jal Shakti does not monitor water levels for JJM sources. However, development of reliable drinking water sources and/ or augmentation of existing sources to provide long-term sustainability of water supply system in villages, is an integral part of JJM. To achieve this objective, following provisions have been made in operational guidelines for the implementation of JJM:
i.) Any water supply scheme undertaken under JJM is approved only after the recommendation of a Source Finding Committee of the respective state government, to the effect that the identified water source through which the scheme is planned, has sufficient yield for sustaining water supply as per required norm, for the scheme design period.
ii.) Development/ strengthening/ augmentation of drinking water sources and infrastructure for bulk transfer of water, treatment, and distribution systems in water deficit drought-prone and desert areas without dependable ground water sources apart from creation of in-village water supply infrastructure.
iii.) Strengthening of drinking water sources in convergence with other schemes such as MGNREGS, Finance Commission grants to rural local bodies/ PRIs, MP & MLA’s Local Area Development Fund, District Mineral Development Fund, CSR fund, etc.
Besides, National Water Mission (NWM) has developed a guidance document titled “Simple and Practical Methods of Artificial Recharge of Groundwater Augmentation” in the form of FAQs to provide technical support. Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities have also been undertaken to spread awareness about the initiative. A monitoring and evaluation framework has also been established through the Jal Sanchay Dashboard, which tracks progress with geo-tagged locations of recharge structures. CWC and CGWB also provide technical assistance for the creation and renovation of recharge structures to improve groundwater augmentation efforts.
In so far as Government of Andhra Pradesh is concerned, State has taken number of steps towards monitoring of drinking water sources viz. Geo-tagging of sources and summer tanks, tracking water levels of summer storage tanks, feeding from canals through mobile application for capturing photo.
Also, State is constructing Ground Water Recharge Structures under MGNREGS programme to rejuvenate/improve ground water levels in villages near JJM sources. All the summer storage tanks are filled well before the canal closure period to ensure uninterrupted water supply to Households during summer.
This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
World news story
UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement for Albania’s UPR
UK Statement for Albania’s Universal Periodic Review Outcomes Session Statement. Delivered at the 58th HRC in Geneva.
The United Kingdom welcomes the significant progress since Albania’s last UPR.
We support Albania’s progression on justice reform to improve the integrity of its judiciary, combat corruption, and tackle the influence of organised crime following the adoption of legal reforms in 2016.
We welcome our bilateral judicial partnership with Albania, establishing educational exchange between our judiciaries. Further, we commend Albania for its cooperation on criminal justice in pursuit of the protection of the state and citizens from criminal interests.
We welcome the establishment of the Special Structure against Corruption and Organised Crime (SPAK) in 2019, which has made progress in addressing serious cases of corruption. We urge Albania to remain steadfast on anti-corruption: strengthening the independence of its judicial authorities, including SPAK, to operate without undue interference or political oversight.
The approval of a National Strategy for Gender Equality 2021-2030 to strengthen its gender equality framework is encouraging; we urge full implementation. We also welcome the creation of national shelters for survivors of domestic abuse, and a Reception Centre for victims of human trafficking.
In the year of Albania’s parliamentary elections, we urge Albania to put into practice all outstanding OSCE recommendations for improving the conduct of elections.
LYON, France — Authorities in seven African countries have arrested 306 suspects and seized 1,842 devices in an international operation targeting cyber attacks and cyber-enabled scams.
The arrests were made as part of Operation Red Card (November 2024 – February 2025) which aims to disrupt and dismantle cross-border criminal networks which cause significant harm to individuals and businesses. In particular, the operation targeted mobile banking, investment and messaging app scams. The cases uncovered during the operation involved more than 5,000 victims.
As part of the crackdown, Nigerian police arrested 130 people, including 113 foreign nationals, for their alleged involvement in cyber-enabled scams such as online casino and investment fraud. The suspects, who converted proceeds to digital assets to conceal their tracks, were recruited from different countries to run the illegal schemes in as many languages as possible. Nigerian authorities have established that some of the people working in the scam centres may also be victims of human trafficking, forced or coerced into criminal activities. Overall, the investigation led to the seizure of 26 vehicles, 16 houses, 39 plots of land and 685 devices.
In a significant case from South Africa, authorities arrested 40 individuals and seized more than 1,000 SIM cards, along with 53 desktops and towers linked to a sophisticated SIM box fraud scheme. This setup, which reroutes international calls as local ones, is commonly used by criminals to carry out large-scale SMS phishing attacks.
In Zambia, officers apprehended 14 suspected members of a criminal syndicate that hacked into victims’ phones. The scam involved sending a message containing a malicious link which, when clicked, installed malware to the device. This allowed hackers to take control of the messaging account, and ultimately the phone, giving them access to banking apps. The hackers were also able to use the victim’s messaging apps to share the malicious link within conversations and groups, enabling the scam to spread.
During the operation, Rwandan authorities arrested 45 members of a criminal network for their involvement in social engineering scams that defrauded victims of over USD 305,000 in 2024 alone. Their tactics included posing as telecommunications employees and claiming fake ‘jackpot’ wins to extract sensitive information and gain access to victims’ mobile banking accounts. Another method involved impersonating an injured family member to ask relatives for financial assistance towards hospital bills. Overall, USD 103,043 was recovered and 292 devices were seized.
Neal Jetton, INTERPOL’s Director of the Cybercrime Directorate, said:
“The success of Operation Red Card demonstrates the power of international cooperation in combating cybercrime, which knows no borders and can have devastating effects on individuals and communities. The recovery of significant assets and devices, as well as the arrest of key suspects, sends a strong message to cybercriminals that their activities will not go unpunished.”
Ahead of the operation, countries exchanged criminal intelligence on key targets. This intelligence was enriched by INTERPOL with insights into criminal modus operandi using data from its private sector partners—Group-IB, Kaspersky and Trend Micro.
The seven participating countries were Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Togo and Zambia.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Scottish Anti-Illicit Trade Group relaunches to combat counterfeit crime
The Scottish Anti-Illicit Trade Group (SAITG) has relaunched this month, with the aim of combating counterfeiting and intellectual property crime in Scotland.
Supported by the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO), the group brings together law enforcement, government and businesses to strengthen Scotland’s fight against this illicit trade.
According to IPO research, almost one in three of those asked (29%) across the UK have purchased counterfeit goods in the past. Almost one in five (19%) said they purchase them often, sometimes or on an occasional basis. For 2021, the overall estimated value of imported counterfeit goods into the United Kingdom was over £7 billion.
The group will focus on developing best practice and enhancing collective strategies to tackle the supply of counterfeit goods across Scotland. They will form a coordinated response to protect Scottish products, businesses and consumers from the threat of IP crime.
It brings together members including the Scotch Whisky Association, Police Scotland, Trading Standards, The Wine & Spirit Trade Association and The Anti-Counterfeiting Group.
Together, they will create a forum for distinct industry areas to share insight, intelligence and provide training and support for law enforcement agencies.
The group’s work will also help build a greater understanding among the wider public of the harms this trade causes, emphasising that counterfeiting is anything but a victimless crime.
The IPO’s Deputy Director of Enforcement Miles Rees stressed the importance of collaboration:
We are pleased to support the re-launch of the Scottish Anti-Illicit Trade Group, which marks an important moment in tackling this significant threat to businesses and consumers in Scotland. Counterfeit goods not only harm those using them, but also cause wider harms to society, our economy and communities. Government, industry and law enforcement all have a crucial role to play in working together to combat counterfeiting and piracy, and the group represents a vital forum, helping drive action together.
Rachel Jones, newly appointed Chair of the Scottish Anti-Illicit Trade Group and founder of Snapdragon, said:
Counterfeiting is not a victimless crime. It is the second largest source of criminal income in the world, after drugs. I’m very honoured to chair this group as we bring together key partners to protect Scotland’s heritage brands and consumers.
Fiona Richardson, Chief Officer for Trading Standards Scotland, said:
Illicit trade is a priority for Trading Standards Scotland and the team regularly looks to undertake actions against those selling counterfeit goods. These actions are aimed at protecting consumers and legitimate businesses by preventing the sale of counterfeit products throughout Scotland.
Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry of Police Scotland emphasised the serious nature of illicit trade:
People may believe this type of criminality to be victimless. The reality is that illicit trade funds serious organised crime, undermines legitimate businesses, puts jobs at risk and causes harm in our communities as the profits fund other illegal activities.
Alan Park, Director of Legal Affairs at the Scotch Whisky Association, highlighted the importance of protecting Scotland’s premium products:
Food and drink products strongly associated with their origin, like Scotch Whisky, carry a significant reputation based on their quality, authenticity and generations of investment. Those who attempt to take fraudulent advantage of that reputation will always face strong action, and the formation of this group is a significant step to help serve a strong message that this illegal activity won’t be tolerated.
Members of the public can report suspected counterfeit goods to Police Scotland by calling 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Case study
Scheduling and listing: using technology to co-ordinate resources more effectively
While judges decide when to schedule and list court and tribunal hearings, HMCTS puts the administrative and logistical arrangements in place to facilitate them.
Under judicial direction, careful consideration is given to parties’ needs, judicial availability and wider resources such as the availability of staff, buildings and technology.
Before the introduction of our online Scheduling and Listing tool, courts were struggling with outdated methods of planning and organising court time – they often used paper diaries, disconnected spreadsheets and basic calendars. This meant:
staff spent excessive time on administrative tasks rather than supporting complex cases and working with judges
courtroom space was under utilised
no reliable data on how resources such as courtrooms, staff and judicial time were being used
very little flexibility for local courts to manage their own schedules to suit their needs
There was a clear opportunity and need to offer local courts the flexibility to manage their own courtroom space and diaries, to understand future needs and effectively plan accordingly, save time and reduce the financial cost to the taxpayer through better courtroom utilisation.
Benefits of the digital service
Our digital Scheduling and Listing tool has delivered substantial improvements for court users, staff and the justice system, resulting in:
reduced administrative burden through automated listing of procedural hearings
enhanced visibility of room availability across multiple court buildings
improved planning capability with comprehensive data insights
better experience for listing officers with more reliable hearing information
improved access to justice for court users due to better use of valuable judicial time and courtroom space
stronger data security and business resilience with a standardised approach across jurisdictions and no reliance on paper-based system
long-term planning capabilities beyond 6 months
simplified process for legal professionals to manage their court commitments
reduced risk of errors in scheduling
Our digital transformation
Since 2016, we’ve implemented two major digital solutions that are transforming how we organise the use of courtrooms and and resources.
In Civil and Family Courts and Tribunals we’ve designed and implemented ListAssist, a digital platform for listing hearings in England and Wales.
In criminal courts, instead of introducing a completely new system for scheduling and listing, we are adding a number of functions to Common Platform. This is already used to list most criminal hearings through its basic scheduling and listing capabilities, so we can deliver improvements quicker and more smoothly.
At every step, extensive user research and feedback from the people testing and using the service has been essential to overcome challenges and get new changes right before we introduced them in full.
ListAssist (Civil and Family Courts and Tribunals)
ListAssist is now live in all Civil and Family Courts and Tribunals in England and Wales. It has enabled listing officers to:
provide automatic listing for routine hearings
view resource availability across multiple locations
deliver actionable insights on hearing durations and patterns
integrate with the Court and Tribunal Hearings Service for improved public access
Common Platform enhancements (Criminal Courts)
Following successful testing by early adopters in Mold, Kent, Essex and Redditch in Autumn 2024, access to the first version of the scheduling tool went live in early 2025 for all Magistrates’ Courts in Wales and the South East, with positive results.
Users have told us the tool is easy to use and useful and we have incorporated enhancements suggested by our early adopters into the next phase of the tool’s development. We’re now rolling out across all magistrates’ courts across all regions following feedback from early adopters.
By creating a digital platform under the Reform Programme we’ve already:
improved accuracy of booked sessions and removed duplicate recordings
given users the ability to view, edit and create new sessions, allowing them to make real time changes to their schedule
extended scheduling beyond 6-month limitation
Future enhancements will improve the scheduling and listing process by allowing staff to:
see how much space is available in one glance, saving time in cross-referencing with different systems – delivering smoother justice for users
view a two-week calendar, rather than one day allowing for better future planning
have bulk editing capabilities for multiple hearings, ensuring optimum use of courtroom space, helping legal professionals manage their time effectively and increasing efficiency of cases
reduce waiting times due to greater visibility of hearing room and judge availability
Better use of resources
The scheduling and listing tools will increase the quality of service offered to the public and legal professionals. It will support better use of hearing spaces; reduce administrative tasks so that skilled listing officers an focus on the more complex areas of hearing management; and provide greater confidence that hearings will proceed when scheduled.
The ability to allow for long-term vision and planning rather than just being able to view and schedule hearings on that day is making a huge difference to court users, helping legal professionals manage their time more effectively and ensuring optimum use of courtroom space.
Better information sharing
In turn, increased efficiency of the scheduling and listing of cases will improve the experience of our users’ visiting courts and tribunals, reducing the opportunity for errors to be made and, cutting down the time it takes listing officersto complete administrative tasks.
By having a consistent approach to how we list hearings on one universal platform, we will improve the accuracy of our data. Data providing accurate hearing durations and start times will increase our knowledge and reduce delays as we understand better how resources are used, in turn improving business resilience.
Working together
We work closely with:
local listing officers and courts on rollout and delivery – we have carried out extensive user research in our Crown and magistrates’ courts and implemented pilots before full rollout.
Courts and Tribunals Service Centres to offer best support and advice for stakeholders
Magistrates, legal advisers and judiciary as a vital partner at all levels to deliver a more streamlined system
Getting support
We’ve implemented a comprehensive support strategy along the way, including:
early adopter programme in key locations
phased rollout allowing for feedback and system improvements
dedicated training for staff transitioning from legacy systems
ongoing support through local champions and digital support teams
regular user feedback sessions to identify and address challenges
Feedback and insights
Users across the justice system feedback how the service has improved ways of working:
The transition has been surprisingly straightforward, with staff adapting quickly to the new process. The Programme team has been responsive to our feedback and concerns.
The ability to view and create sessions has been invaluable… the system is intuitive and user-friendly.
ListAssist was introduced to us quite slowly, which was helpful to let us adapt. So far, it’s worked well. The search is quick, and scheduling works well for us. Working with the project however has been good. In particular, it’s been really good to work with Barry Sutton, the Deputy Service Manager. He’s from a listing background so he understands the way we work and what we need.
Future plans
We’re continuing to improve the service for the people who need to use it. Our plans include:
further integration of ListAssist with case management systems
enhanced data analytics capabilities for better resource planning
potential expansion of tools to Crown Court scheduling
continuous improvement based on user feedback
development of additional automated features
enhanced reporting capabilities for better resource management
Stay updated
To keep informed about the latest developments visit:
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Case study
Common Platform: a modern digital case management system for the criminal justice system
Common Platform is a bespoke digital case management system, designed and developed by HMCTS, for the Crown and magistrates’ courts in England and Wales.
It has brought together a range of different ‘legacy’ case management systems used in the criminal justice system under a single, unified platform.
Before Common Platform, our people and partners faced significant daily challenges:
High volumes of physical documents using hours of court time to manually handle
Significant cost to the taxpayer of printing and transporting paper between agencies, causing delays and inefficiencies throughout the justice system.
Need for legal advisers and court clerks to manually record and process actions after the hearing, slowing access to justice down further for victims, defendants and witnesses
Delays and inefficiencies in completing daily tasks like booking interpreters, requesting screens, or processing court orders required multiple manual steps across different systems, causing delay and inefficiency
Benefits
Over 2.3 million criminal cases have been managed on Common Platform as of February 2025 (source Reformed Services Management Information, March 2025), meaning a number of benefits for the people and parties involved
The right people involved in a case can access the right, up to date information at any time of day or night
Users and agencies receive notifications and real time updates to the case instantly
Automation of manual processes mean quicker progress, reduced chance of error and better use of expertise
Information and data is kept and shared safely through controls over who can see what based on their role
Greater resilience as HMCTS teams and external parties can access cases from any location, ensuring service continuity even if even if they cannot physically be on site at a court
Quicker processing and uploading through automated case management, particularly for Single Justice Procedure cases
Greater efficiency by eliminating some paper-based processes
Better data collection to inform improvements
By developing the system in-house, we have strengthened our expertise and have greater flexibility to adapt the system to changing needs and technological developments.
Case Management Evolution
The implementation of Common Platform into all Crown and magistrates’ courts has transformed how cases are managed in criminal courts: over 2.3 million cases managed through the system (source Reformed Services Management Information, March 2025), demonstrates its robust capability , demonstrates its robust capability
single system replacing multiple outdated platforms, reduces complexity and training needs
real-time case updates across all agencies, significantly reduces delays in information sharing
Our Digital Transformation
The journey to modernise our criminal courts began in 2011, with Common Platform representing the most significant technological transformation in the justice system’s history. Under the Reform Programme from 2016, we faced the challenge of replacing multiple outdated systems that weren’t communicating with each other.
It has been very challenging to introduce such a significant change:
Teams across HMCTS had to adapt to new roles and ways of working while managing existing caseloads
The pandemic was especially challenging, as court personnel managed dual systems in live courtrooms
We did not always get it right, initially focusing too heavily on technical solutions rather than user experience
We did not deliver everything we set out to – for example Crown Prosecution Service case management systems interface with Common Platform, rather than being a direct part of it as originally planned
This has been valuable learning and helped shape our approach. By placing users at the heart of development and using their feedback to directly inform plans, we have still achieved a lot.
Digital Documentation
The move to digital processes has transformed how documents are handled and shared:
Defence advocates can complete crucial forms digitally in real-time, saving court time and reducing errors
Self-service access for case materials, allowing users more control
Automatic generation of notices, orders and warrants, speeding up justice delivery
Digital submission of documents, cutting costs and environmental impact
Seamless transfer of materials between magistrates’ and Crown Courts, reducing delays
Automated Processing
Reform has introduced significant automation to streamline court processes:
Automated Track Case Management (ATCM) for Single Justice Procedure (SJP) cases, increasing efficiency
Instant case creation and updates, eliminating manual data entry
Automatic notifications to relevant parties, improving communication flow
Electronic monitoring forms processed immediately, reducing processing time from hours to minutes
The digital system has revolutionised information sharing between justice partners:
Instant result notifications to police forces, enabling swift action
Direct updates to the Legal Aid Agency, speeding up payments to advocates
Immediate sharing of sentencing information with prisons and probation, improving offender management
Role-based access ensuring secure information sharing, maintaining data protection
Single point of contact through Courts and Tribunals Service Centres (CTSC), providing consistent support
System Performance
The platform has demonstrated significant improvements in efficiency and user satisfaction:
Criminal courts across England and Wales now fully digital since August 2023, modernising justice delivery
Defence practitioners can access case information instantly, improving preparation time
Court personnel report significant time savings through automated processes
positive feedback from judiciary, legal professionals and court personnel (January 2025)
This transformation represents a fundamental, technological change in the criminal courts moving all information digitally onto a shared system that all stakeholders can access, creating a more efficient, accessible and resilient justice system for all.
Working Together
We worked closely with:
local police forces on rollout and delivery – police prosecutors are now able to upload direct to the system and self-serve
CPS, who were a founding partner on setting up the system, improving their access to digital forms and requests
All criminal justice system partners
non police prosecutors (NPPs) – NPPs are now able to upload direct on to the system and self-serve
Legal Aid Agency – ensuring defence advocates are paid swiftly for legal aid cases
Courts and Tribunals Service Centres to offer best support and advice with ongoing cases to all stakeholders
HM Prisons and Probation Service improving offender management, as they previously did not have access to the Libra legacy system
Magistrates, legal advisers and judiciary as a vital partner at all levels to deliver a more streamlined system
Getting Support
We’ve established comprehensive support systems:
dedicated Courts and Tribunals Service Centre (CTSC) providing customer support
specialised training programmes for court personnel and system users
regular system updates based on user feedback
technical support available for all professional users
service boards to monitor live performance and system changes
permanent change function to prioritise and resource future improvements
Feedback and Insights
Users across the justice system have praised the new platform:
We have better oversight of cases, the triage process ensures that cases are listed appropriately and in the correct court, which means we are saving court time.
Sharon Kostanjsek, Criminal Justice Unit Manager, Avon and Somerset Police
Dealing with a case on a single system, rather than at least 3 different systems as we did previously, is more practical and efficient.
Jon Sugden, legal adviser
I like that producing orders is far simpler, now they are created directly from the result. There is no need to produce orders manually and email them or complete a lengthy electronic monitoring form.
Mark Whiteley, formerly Wales transformation implementer
Future Plans
As we continue to develop the platform, we’re focusing on:
enhanced data analytics capabilities, enabling evidence-based improvements
further automation opportunities to continue increasing efficiency
maintaining system flexibility to adapt to future needs
continue developing new features based on user feedback
transfer of system responsibility to HMCTS live service teams by March 2025
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Case study
ATCM: Over 1 million Single Justice Procedure cases moved from paper to digital
The Single Justice Procedure (SJP) was introduced by the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015.
It allows prosecutors – who decide whether a case should be taken through the procedure – to deal with cases involving adult defendants accused of lesser offences that cannot result in a prison sentence, including:
speeding
driving without insurance
TV license evasion
evading train fares
It enables defendants, prosecutors and courts to reach a resolution to minor offences without having to attend court (unless they choose to do so).
A single magistrate, advised by a professional lawyer, deals with cases under SJP away from a courtroom. There’s no prosecutor or defendant present and they can deal with the case swiftly without tying up valuable court time.
Before 2017, SJP cases relied on paper-based processes and outdated technology meaning:
court staff and magistrates manually handling lots of paper
hours spent manually entering data which also increased the risk of human error
inefficient sharing of information over email causing delays
cost to the taxpayer associated with printing and transporting files from building to building
The system needed modernisation to handle summary, non-imprisonable offences more efficiently.
Benefits
By introducing Automated Track Case Management (ATCM), a digital service created to help process SJP cases on the Common Platform criminal case management system, we’ve transformed the process. This modernised, streamlined service now provides courts, prosecutors, and the public with a more efficient service.
Over 1.1 million SJP cases have been completed digitally between April 2017 and 31 December 2024, each benefiting through:
faster justice giving prosecutors more capacity and enabling for defendants to move on more quickly with their lives
quicker information sharing between court, prosecutor and defendant
the ability to interact with cases more accessibly at any time and keep informed of progress
greater flexibility to magistrates and court staff, enabling a more efficient running of the work coming into court
better consistency of service being provided to all stakeholders, with Courts and Tribunals Service Centres dealing with day-to-day enquiries, rather than individual courts
more effective use of physical court capacity providing better value for money to the taxpayer
case lists published online and additional information made available to journalists, to support open justice
significant reduction in the financial cost of printing and transporting paper files
Our digital transformation
ATCM represents a transformation of the SJP system. The digital platform now manages cases from initial receipt through to the magistrate’s decision, while providing transparent access to case outcomes, referrals, and costs awarded to all stakeholders in the process, as well as journalists.
By creating a digital platform under the Reform Programme we’ve enabled:
end-to-end digital case management from beginning of the process to decision, allowing all stakeholders to access the information they need in real time
direct digital case uploading by prosecutors including DVLA, TV Licensing, TfL and local police forces
online plea submissions, where defendants can upload supporting information
real-time tracking of the progress made by a case
automated notification system for case decisions to all stakeholders involved in the process, and also to journalists
journalists can obtain detailed information (prosecution facts and defence mitigation) digitally
digital access for magistrates to enter decisions directly into the system
integrated support from Courts and Tribunals Service Centre (CTSC)
This benefits a range of people involved in the process:
Prosecutors including the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, TV Licensing, and police forces can now upload cases directly to the system
Defendants can submit pleas and access supporting information online
Magistrates and legal advisers can access case details, record decisions, generate orders and notices, and update driver records all through one unified platform
Journalists receive more information and do not have to travel to courts in person in order to report on cases
Better information sharing
The system’s role-based access ensures users only see information relevant to their needs, eliminating the need for paper documentation and reducing manual data entry.
Transparency is maintained through online publication of court lists, while journalists can access both upcoming hearing lists and court records, enabling scrutiny and reporting of outcomes to the public.
Take up of the digital service has been strong, with the volume of digital cases between April 2019 and March 2023 more than doubling.
Since April 2022, 80% of people going through the single justice service are satisfied with the service they received.
Working together
We have consulted and collaborated with a number of justice partners to design, test and implement Automated Track Case Management, the digital system developed to administer Single Justice Procedure cases online:
local police forces on rollout and delivery – police prosecutors are now able to upload direct to the system and self-serve
all criminal justice system partners
non police prosecutors (NPPs) – these are now digital by default and onboarding for NPPs will accelerate in 2025/2026
Courts and Tribunals Service Centres to offer best support and advice with ongoing cases to all stakeholders
magistrates, legal advisers and judiciary as a vital partner to deliver a more streamlined system
Getting support
The Courts and Tribunals Service Centres (CTSC) provide comprehensive assistance to all users. Key improvements include:
dedicated support for defendants, prosecutors, and journalists
consistent service levels across all interactions
reduced wait times from over an hour to 15 minutes for phone queries
new online self-endorsement system for driving licence details
Feedback and insights
Andrew Morris, Acting Head of Legal Operations for Wales, reflected:
“It increases flexibility, is time efficient, more eco-friendly, and saves courtroom space for dealing with more serious offences.”
West Yorkshire Police Unit Operations Manager, Debbie Taylor, emphasised the impact:
“Before ATCM and Common Platform, we did 600 SJP cases a week. In October 2024, it’s now gone up to 650 cases a week – and we are on track to increase to a thousand by June or July 2025.”
Future plans
We plan to continue to evolve the system including:
completing the digital service rollout to all police forces nationwide engaging new non–police prosecutors including the Environment Agency and transport companies
holding a comprehensive evaluation of the system’s sustainability and effectiveness
improving media access and transparency measures – publishing more data than ever before, as well as inviting journalists to observe SJP sessions
developing enhanced self-service options for users
Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –
On March 20, 2025, at the 31st International Exhibition of Tourism and Hospitality Industry MITT, the Award Ceremony for the winners of the III International Competition “Tourism Code of My Country, City, Town, Region – PRO-tourism” took place.
A total of 770 participants and scientific supervisors from 85 regions of Russia and foreign countries came to Moscow for the in-person stage. Contestants from Serbia, Bulgaria, Belarus, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan participated for the first time and presented their works in a foreign language, where they considered tourism within the framework of their cultural, ethnographic, and national values.
The day before, within the walls of the State University of Management, more than 400 participants of the competition defended their works before an expert jury, and 200 scientific supervisors completed the educational program “Methods and technologies for developing the tourism potential of municipalities of the Russian Federation.”
The children presented their works in 4 age categories and 47 different nominations. The most popular nominations in 2025 were: “History of the country, history of peoples – ethnographic tourism”, “Excursion tourism”, “PRO-tourism video”.
The winners and prize-winners were 350 participants of the competition, including the winner in the age category of 14-17 years old, the team from Bulgaria, and the second place in the category of 36 years and older was taken by a representative of Serbia. Five winners of the competition in the category of 14-17 years old were awarded vouchers to the International Children’s Center “ARTEK” for the thematic shift “Territory of Development – Urban Environment – Home of Your Dreams”.
On behalf of the State University of Management, awards and gifts with the university emblem were presented by Associate Professor of the Department of Public and Municipal Administration of the State University of Management, General Director of the ANO “Institute for Local Communities Development” Sergey Kochnev, Associate Professor of the Department of Management in International Business and Tourism Industry, Deputy Director of the Institute for Local Communities Development for Educational Work, Chairperson of the Expert Council of the Competition Svetlana Grishaeva and Head of the Project and Educational Laboratory of Urban Development, Associate Professor of the Department of Public and Municipal Administration Irina Milkina.
Associate professors of the Department of Public and Municipal Administration of the State University of Management Yulia Lebedeva, Olga Petrina, Mikhail Stadolin, Tatyana Shushunova also acted as experts of the competition, and students of the State University of Management of the first to fourth years helped in organizing and holding the competition.
Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03/24/2025
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.
In 2024, the police registered a total of 563 633 offences under the Swiss Criminal Code (SCC). This represents an increase of about 8% over the previous year. Broken down by type of crime, the figures show a continuation of the strong upward trend in digital crime seen in recent years. There were 8% more offences against property than in 2023. Serious violent offences increased for the third year in a row (+19%). These are some of the findings of the Police Crime Statistics of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and the deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by NCO NCC (JSC), on March 21, 2025, 18-16 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the price corridor (up to 76.29) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 739.57 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 7.5%) of the security RU000A1035Y6 (BMBankP08) 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
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Tatyana Golikova took part in an extended meeting of the board of Rospotrebnadzor
March 21, 2025
Tatyana Golikova took part in an extended meeting of the board of Rospotrebnadzor
March 21, 2025
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Tatyana Golikova took part in an extended meeting of the board of Rospotrebnadzor
An extended board meeting was held at Rospotrebnadzor, dedicated to the results of the agency’s activities in 2024 and tasks for 2025. Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, head of Rospotrebnadzor Anna Popova, and Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko took part in the work of the board.
The meeting was opened by Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova. She emphasized that Rospotrebnadzor regularly faces new challenges and threats, but coordinated work and accumulated experience allow preventing the import and spread of dangerous infections. Based on the century-long history of its existence, the service is constantly developing. Participation in the state programs “Development of Healthcare”, “Ensuring Chemical and Biological Safety of the Russian Federation” and “Scientific and Technological Development of the Russian Federation”, the Federal Scientific and Technical Program for the Development of Genetic Technologies, the implementation of the “Sanitary Shield of the Country” initiative gave the service the opportunity to reach a new technological level.
According to Tatyana Golikova, the key area of the service’s work is the country’s biological safety. “Over three years, a network of 54 sequencing centers, 153 PCR centers has been formed, 20 mobile rapid response laboratories and 14 mobile sanitary and quarantine points operate in the regions. Of the 80 biological safety reference centers existing in the country, 46 operate in Rospotrebnadzor institutions,” she noted.
What was introduced as pilot approaches and innovations during the COVID-19 pandemic has become routine today. “First of all, this is genomic surveillance and population immunological monitoring. Sequencing capacity in the country has increased fivefold since 2021 – up to 10 thousand sequences per week, which makes Russia one of the world leaders in genomic surveillance,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.
The second block of tasks of the service is hygiene. The issues of healthy nutrition, clean water, safe environment are becoming increasingly relevant, as they directly affect the health of each person.
“As part of the national project “Demography” completed in 2024, a large-scale information and communication campaign on healthy eating was conducted with an audience reach of more than 2 billion views. It was possible to achieve a reduction of almost three times the rate of growth of primary obesity incidence in 2019-2024,” said Tatyana Golikova.
Rospotrebnadzor will continue activities to implement individual healthy nutrition programs within the framework of the federal project “Health for Everyone”, which is part of the national project “Long and Active Life”, which was launched on January 1 of this year.
An important area of activity is quality control and food safety. The Service has conducted more than 1 million studies of food products for vitamin and macro- and micronutrient content and surveyed more than 675 thousand students in more than 15 thousand schools. A large-scale in-depth assessment of the actual nutrition of schoolchildren made it possible to identify problems in each region and develop recommendations for each of them on the consumption of food products that meet the requirements of healthy nutrition.
The product traceability system is gradually expanding the list of products for assessing their compliance with mandatory requirements through the Honest Sign application. In September 2024, the procedure for licensing disinfection activities came into force. A lot of work has been done to change the methodological framework, and amendments to the sanitary rules have been prepared.
The third important block of the service’s work is consumer rights protection.
At the end of last year, amendments to the legislation aimed at protecting citizens from the imposition of goods or services on them were adopted in the first reading. “We expect that the proposed amendments will strengthen control in this area and, as a result, will increase the effectiveness of protecting the rights of consumers, as well as bona fide entrepreneurs who avoid such tricks in their activities,” noted Tatyana Golikova.
In addition, in December of last year, amendments were made to the Code of Administrative Offences, which increased the amount of administrative fines for failure by entrepreneurs to submit notification of the commencement of activities and increased the statute of limitations for bringing to administrative responsibility from three to six months.
An equally important block is science. The service has a unique scientific base, its infrastructure is constantly being modernized.
Breakthrough research for biological safety is carried out by Rospotrebnadzor scientific institutions, including within the framework of the Federal Scientific and Technical Program for the Development of Genetic Technologies. The latest candidate vaccines against especially dangerous infections have been developed. Plague and tularemia vaccines are already undergoing preclinical trials.
“49 new rapid tests for diagnosing infections have been created, and the range should be expanded to effectively identify biological threats. The indisputable merit of the service’s scientific organizations is technological independence in the development and production of diagnostic test systems. Today, 100% import substitution of test system production has been ensured, with the release of up to 1 million kits per year,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.
The work of the World-Class Genomic Research Center based at the service’s scientific institutions will continue in 2025–2030.
An equally important block of tasks is international cooperation. The Service monitors and controls infections at near and far approaches. Today, the Service interacts with 30 countries, constantly works in joint centers in Southeast Asia and Latin America. 41 mobile laboratories have been transferred to 16 countries to ensure biological safety. In 2024, the warning and response system in the single epidemiological space of the CIS was strengthened. Fulfilling the initiative of the President of Russia, announced at the Russia-Africa summit in 2023, the geography of the presence of Rospotrebnadzor specialists in Africa has been expanded to 15 countries.
Tatyana Golikova thanked her colleagues for their success in defending Russia’s position at the WHO and preventing changes to international health regulations.
All achievements are impossible without the main thing – professional staff. Today, the service employs about 15 thousand young specialists under 35 years of age – this is almost a quarter of all employees. Tatyana Golikova thanked the employees of Rospotrebnadzor for their work and wished them new successes.
In his speech, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko spoke about the joint work of Rospotrebnadzor and the Ministry of Health, aimed at reducing the total duration of temporary disability among unemployed citizens. By 2030, it is planned to reduce this figure by 15%.
In turn, the head of Rospotrebnadzor Anna Popova announced the results of the department’s activities in 2024 and tasks for 2025. Thus, the unified information system of Rospotrebnadzor allows informing the population and authorities about the quality of drinking water and air within the framework of the Clean Water and Clean Air projects. The interactive water quality control map, which has been in operation since 2022, contains more than 19 million research results.
An alternative method for determining the contamination of drinking water and reservoirs has been introduced – the “toxicity index”. Methods have been developed for determining eight antibiotics in drinking water.
Anna Popova emphasized that Rospotrebnadzor actively protects consumer rights in court, which ensures a high level of legal protection in the consumer market. In 2024, 94–98% of claims were made in favor of consumers, the amount of awarded payments amounted to 4.2 billion rubles.
As part of the federal project “Sanitary Shield of the Country”, a unique fleet of mobile laboratories has been created, which allows for a prompt response to risks: anywhere in the country within 24 hours and in the world – within 48 hours. Since 2023, the AIS “Perimeter” has been operating at 241 checkpoints to assess epidemiological risks in real time. Remote thermometry and testing at the border have also been introduced, and mobile sanitary and quarantine complexes with laboratory support have been installed in 14 constituent entities of the Russian Federation.
Territorial bodies of Rospotrebnadzor and hygiene and epidemiology centers operate in the Donetsk People’s Republic, Luhansk People’s Republic, Zaporizhia Oblast and Kherson Oblast. Since the summer of 2022, mobile complexes of anti-epidemic teams have been operating in the regions. Mobile laboratories for rapid response have been delivered to four entities, the work of which is integrated into the Rospotrebnadzor network, ensuring readiness to detect infectious diseases.
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