NewzIntel.com

Category: Crime

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Man Indicted in Relation to Sex Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ROANOKE, Va. – A federal grand jury here returned an indictment last week charging a Daytona Beach, Florida man with federal charges related to sex trafficking.

    Frank Smith, 27, is charged with one count of knowingly transporting an individual in interstate commerce with the intent for that individual to engage in prostitution and one count of using a facility of interstate commerce (an iPhone) to engage in the promotion of prostitution.

    “Human trafficking is a crime that often occurs in plain sight. All across the Commonwealth, in big cities and small towns, individuals are forced into this form of modern day slavery. The Justice Department is committed to ending it and holding those responsible accountable,” Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee said today. “These charges demonstrate the commitment of the Virginia State Police and our federal and local partners to rooting out human trafficking in our Commonwealth. I am grateful for their continued efforts.”

    “The Virginia State Police is committed to bringing traffickers to justice, and stopping human trafficking is a primary focus of our agency,” said Colonel Matthew D. Hanley, Superintendent of Virginia State Police. “Our special agents work tirelessly with our federal and local partners every day to make Virginia a safer place to live.”

    According to court documents, Smith traveled with Victim 1 across multiple states, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia for the purpose of prostitution. In September 2024, Smith allegedly transported Victim 1 across state lines into Roanoke, Virginia with the intent that Victim 1 engage in prostitution.

    On October 8, 2024, agents with the Virginia State Police Human Trafficking Unit, with assistance from several local law enforcement agencies, contacted Victim 1 at a hotel in Radford, Virginia after seeing an ad for her “services” posted on a website used to advertise illicit sex.

    Agents set up a “date” with Victim 1 for the purpose of performing a “knock-and-talk.” When they arrived at the hotel, they explained who they were and that she was not in trouble. Agents ultimately learned that Victim 1 had been trafficked by a male later identified as Frank Smith.

    Homeland Security Investigations and the Virginia State Police Human Trafficking Unit are investigating the case. Valuable investigative assistance was provided by the Radford Police Department, the Blacksburg Police Department, the Christiansburg Police Department, and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Brett is prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Naval Reservist Charged With Paying Bribe To Obtain Department Of Defense Identification Cards For Unauthorized Individuals, Including A Chinese National

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces that Raymond Andres Zumba (27, Staten Island, NY) has been arrested and charged by indictment with bribery of a public official. If convicted, Zumba faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. Zumba has been ordered detained pending trial.

    According to court documents, in January 2025, a confidential source reported to law enforcement that Zumba serves in the U.S. Navy Reserve and was aware that the source’s spouse worked at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville in the personnel office that issues Department of Defense identification cards. The source reported that Zumba asked whether the spouse would be willing to issue real, but unauthorized identification cards for an under-the-table payment. Acting at the direction of federal agents, the source proceeded to engaged in a series of communications with Zumba during which they discussed Zumba’s plan to obtain unauthorized ID cards in exchange for cash.

    After driving from New York, Zumba arrived in Jacksonville on February 13, 2025, with three individuals, including a Chinese national. Zumba brought these individuals to NAS Jacksonville where the source’s spouse let them into the personnel office after business hours and initiated the process for two of them to receive ID cards. The following day, Zumba met with the source, who gave him two cards in exchange for $3,500. Zumba was promptly arrested, and the cards were recovered. 

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

    This case was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and Homeland Security Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David Mesrobian and Michael J. Coolican. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: European Day for Victims of Terrorism event – speakers announced

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Every year since the Madrid bombings in 2004 across Europe one day in March has been set aside as a Memorial Day to the victims of terrorist attacks. Following his election to the Assembly Jim Allister hosted events at Stormont to mark the occasion. His successor as TUV MLA for North Antrim, Timothy Gaston, is continuing the tradition.

    Over the years, there have been highly successful events attended by victims of Republican and Loyalist terrorism from across Northern Ireland, Great Britain, the Republic and continental Europe.

    This year’s event to mark European Day for Victims of Terrorism will be held in the Senate Chamber in Parliament Buildings at 11am on Monday 10th March with refreshments available from 10:30am.

    The press are very welcome to attend.

    Timothy Gaston explained:

    “The event will take the form of a minute of silence in memory of murdered victims, followed by three victims telling their stories so that we might hear some of the untold accounts of the consequences of terrorism, both republican and loyalist.

    “I believe this will be a worthwhile effort and in previous years I received very positive feedback from those who attended. It is but right that one of the regions of Europe most savagely ravaged by terrorism should mark this important day. I am pleased that we will hear from a cousin of Dougald McCaughey, one of the three Scottish soldiers murdered in particularly brutal circumstances in on 10th March 1971 meaning the event will take place on the anniversary of these brutal murders.

    “I am thankful for the South East Fermanagh Foundation and Ulster Human Rights Watch for making this event possible and for Assembly colleagues Mike Nesbitt and Patsy McGlone without whose co-sponsorship this event would not be taking place”.

    This year’s event will include contributions from four speakers. Their details are provided by SEFF and UHRW.

    1. Caroline D’Eath
    Daughter of Gerald D’Eath
    22nd May 1975

    Gerald was a 31-year-old Roman Catholic civilian murdered by a UVF bomb. He was married with four children and a machine operator who was from, Braeside in Dungannon.

    Gerald had been working on the building site of a new Christian Brothers school for several months and died on the site when a UVF bomb exploded. He was working as a bricklayer at the time.

    Pics provided by the family:

    Gerald D’Eath with his daughters before his death.

    Second picture is with his loving late wife Margaret.

    2. David McCaughey

    Cousin of Dougald McCaughey who was murdered by Provisional IRA terrorists alongside John and Joseph McCaig

    Three Scottish soldiers – 10th March 1971

    The soldiers were unarmed members of the 1st Battalion, Royal Highland Fusiliers.
    Dougald McCaughey, 23, was murdered along with brothers John, 17 and Joseph McCaig, 18 respectively. All three men were from Scotland.

    They were murdered when off-duty and in civilian clothes, having been lured from a city-centre bar in Belfast, driven to a remote location, and shot.

    Family, former colleagues, and friends of the three Scottish soldiers continue to fight for justice for three young men, who were much loved by many, David is a key driver in The Three Scottish Soldiers campaign group.

    3. Pamela Wilson
    Daughter of Const. David Dorsett RUC GC
    14th January 1973

    David Dorsett and Mervyn Wilson who were murdered by Provisional IRA terrorists.

    David was 37-years-old and originally from Wolverhampton and had served in the Royal Navy and the Bristol Constabulary.

    In 1967, he joined the RUC. His wife was from Londonderry. It was his son’s 8th birthday on the day he was murdered. He also had a 10-year-old daughter and an 8-month old baby girl.

    A bomb exploded beneath their car on Harbour Square.

    Both officers were serving with the force’s Traffic Branch and had been stationed at the nearby Victoria RUC station.

    Two other police officers who were in the car were also injured.

    4. Colette Murray

    Colette Murray was aged 47 years when her brother Cyril was shot dead by Loyalist terrorists on the 8th of July 1992 in the family home where they both had lived for 29 years. Their late parents and two other siblings had lived there with the latter both moving out on getting married. Cyril and Colette had put the house up for sale and were in the process of moving to a new bungalow in Randalstown which they were having built and which was ready for occupation ten days after the incident.

    Cyril Murray was a law-abiding citizen who had taught in a primary school in Belfast. He was well regarded in educational circles as an inspirational teacher and many past pupils had fond memories of him.

    The terrorists later stated it was a case of mistaken identity.

    Two individuals were later convicted and sentenced. As a result of the 1998 Belfast Agreement these individuals would only have served a minimum of 4 years and a maximum of 8 years for their heinous crimes.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: NANO Nuclear Energy to Support Advanced Engineering Solutions and City University of New York on DOE SBIR Phase I Project Application for Microreactor Cooling and Smart Monitoring Technologies

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Project Would Investigate Advanced Decay Heat Removal Methods and a Smart Alarming System for Microreactor Transportation

    New York, N.Y., March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) (“NANO Nuclear” or “the Company”), a leading advanced nuclear energy and technology company focused on developing clean energy solutions, today announced its support of a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I application for a project in collaboration with the City University of New York – City College (CCNY) and Advanced Engineering Solutions LLC of Jersey City, New Jersey (AES). AES is headed by Dinesh Kalaga, Ph.D., a chemical engineer with experience on DOE funded projects, who would serve as the principal investigator of the project.

    The project, titled “Investigation of Microreactor Cooling and Development of a Smart Alarming System for Reactor Pressure Vessel Surface Temperature Monitoring,” is part of DOE’s Funding Opportunity Announcement and aims to develop advanced cooling techniques and monitoring systems for microreactor transport safety.

    Assuming SBIR Phase I approval and funding, the project will evaluate advanced Heat Pipes (HPs), Thermoelectric Cooling Modules, and Smart Alarming Systems as innovative solutions for managing decay heat during nuclear microreactor transportation. These technologies have the potential to evolve into a Type B-certified transport container with an integrated cooling system, ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of nuclear microreactors (including NANO Nuclear’s ZEUS microreactor in development) in compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

    Figure 1 – NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. supports City University of New York and Advanced Engineering Solutions on for Microreactor Cooling and Smart Monitoring Technologies Supports For DOE SBIR Phase I Project

    “Our support of AES and CCNY represents an important step forward in addressing one of the most significant challenges facing microreactor deployment—the safe and efficient removal of decay heat during transport,” said James Walker, Chief Executive Officer and Head of Reactor Development of NANO Nuclear Energy. “By leveraging advanced heat pipe technologies and smart monitoring systems, we aim to develop a first-of-its-kind transport system that will significantly enhance microreactor safety and regulatory compliance. As the microreactor industry continues to grow, solving transportation challenges is crucial to ensuring ultimate widespread deployment. NANO Nuclear’s involvement in this potential DOE-funded initiative reflects our dedication to advancing safe, efficient, and scalable microreactor technologies.”

    If funding from DOE is approved, the SBIR Phase I project will focus on:

    • Developing a Thermal Management System for microreactor transport containers using advanced Heat Pipes (HPs) and Thermoelectric Cooling Modules to remove decay heat passively and actively.
    • Creating a Smart Alarming System utilizing real-time monitoring sensors and computer vision technology to detect anomalies in temperature and pressure, enabling operators to take immediate corrective action.
    • Designing and testing a scaled-down prototype system at CCNY’s Thermal-Hydraulics Laboratory to validate performance and regulatory compliance.

    “This project aligns perfectly with our mission to pioneer the next generation of nuclear energy solutions, including those related to reactor transportation,” said Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear Energy. “A robust and regulatory-compliant transport system is essential for unlocking the full potential of microreactors. By working with AES and CCNY, we are taking proactive steps to ensure microreactors can be safely delivered to locations where they are needed most.”

    Microreactors are represent the cutting edge of innovation in nuclear energy, designed to provide clean, resilient power in remote locations, military bases, disaster relief operations, data centers and other industrial applications. However, once shut down, microreactors continue to generate decay heat, necessitating an advanced cooling system to prevent overheating during transport. By advancing the thermal management and monitoring technologies needed for microreactor transportation, the project will contribute to overcoming key deployment barriers, helping to accelerate the commercialization of microreactors. The successful completion of Phase I will pave the way for a Phase II expansion, where NANO Nuclear may actively collaborate with AES and CCNY in further development, including a full-scale prototype and real-world testing.

    “This collaboration with NANO Nuclear, CCNY and AES brings together leading research and industry expertise to tackle one of the most pressing issues in microreactor deployment,” said Dr. Carlos O. Maidana, Ph.D., NANO Nuclear’s Head of Thermal Hydraulics and Space Program. “Our approach integrates passive and active cooling technologies, ensuring that microreactors meet strict transportation safety requirements while maintaining operational reliability.”

    NANO Nuclear Energy’s suite of energy systems includes several next-generation microreactors in development. To support these technologies, NANO Nuclear is also leading efforts in domestic HALEU (High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium) fuel development through its subsidiary, HALEU Energy Fuel Inc., ensuring a secure and sustainable fuel supply for microreactors. NANO Nuclear will continue to engage with government agencies, national laboratories, and industry leaders to drive innovation in nuclear energy solutions and is committed to developing innovative reactor technologies and infrastructure that support the necessary transition to clean nuclear energy solutions.

    About NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.

    NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) is an advanced technology-driven nuclear energy company seeking to become a commercially focused, diversified, and vertically integrated company across five business lines: (i) cutting edge portable and other microreactor technologies, (ii) nuclear fuel fabrication, (iii) nuclear fuel transportation, (iv) nuclear applications for space and (v) nuclear industry consulting services. NANO Nuclear believes it is the first portable nuclear microreactor company to be listed publicly in the U.S.

    Led by a world-class nuclear engineering team, NANO Nuclear’s reactor products in development include “ZEUS”, a solid core battery reactor, and “ODIN”, a low-pressure coolant reactor, each representing advanced developments in clean energy solutions that are portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors. NANO Nuclear is also developing patented stationary KRONOS MMR™ Energy System and space focused, portable LOKI MMR™.

    Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (AFT), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is led by former executives from the largest transportation company in the world aiming to build a North American transportation company that will provide commercial quantities of HALEU fuel to small modular reactors, microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs. Through NANO Nuclear, AFT is the exclusive licensee of a patented high-capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket developed by three major U.S. national nuclear laboratories and funded by the Department of Energy. Assuming development and commercialization, AFT is expected to form part of the only vertically integrated nuclear fuel business of its kind in North America.

    HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. (HEF), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is focusing on the future development of a domestic source for a High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication pipeline for NANO Nuclear’s own microreactors as well as the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry.

    NANO Nuclear Space Inc. (NNS), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is exploring the potential commercial applications of NANO Nuclear’s developing micronuclear reactor technology in space. NNS is focusing on applications such as the LOKI MMR™ system and other power systems for extraterrestrial projects and human sustaining environments, and potentially propulsion technology for long haul space missions. NNS’ initial focus will be on cis-lunar applications, referring to uses in the space region extending from Earth to the area surrounding the Moon’s surface.

    For more corporate information please visit: https://NanoNuclearEnergy.com/

    For further NANO Nuclear information, please contact:

    Email: IR@NANONuclearEnergy.com
    Business Tel: (212) 634-9206

    PLEASE FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES HERE:

    NANO Nuclear Energy LINKEDIN
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    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

    This news release and statements of NANO Nuclear’s management in connection with this news release contain or may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “potential”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. In this press release, forward-looking statements include those related to the SBIR application addressed herein and the anticipated benefits to NANO Nuclear of the research project described herein. These and other forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For NANO Nuclear, particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following: (i) risks related to our U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) or related state or non-U.S. nuclear fuel licensing submissions, (ii) risks related the development of new or advanced technology and the acquisition of complimentary technology or businesses, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, regulatory delays, integration issues and the development of competitive technology, (iii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations or fund research (including SBIR applications and other government funding, which might not receive DOE approval), (iv) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to technologically develop and commercially deploy a competitive advanced nuclear reactor or other technology in the timelines we anticipate, if ever, (v) risks related to the impact of U.S. and non-U.S. government regulation, policies and licensing requirements, including by the DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, including those associated with the recently enacted ADVANCE Act, and (vi) similar risks and uncertainties associated with the operating an early stage business a highly regulated and rapidly evolving industry. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement, and NANO Nuclear therefore encourages investors to review other factors that may affect future results in its filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov and at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/financial-information/sec-filings. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What is Tren de Aragua? How the Venezuelan gang started − and why US policies may only make it stronger

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Verónica Zubillaga, Mellon Visiting Professor, University of Illinois Chicago

    A viral surveillance video allegedly shows armed members of the Tren de Aragua gang at an apartment building in Aurora, Colo. RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images

    When the U.S. government deported 177 Venezuelans on Feb. 20, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security alleged that 80 of the deportees were members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.

    U.S. news outlets report that members have set up shop in at least 16 states and are “wreaking havoc on communities across the nation.”

    According to Fox News, in February 2025 there was an “infestation” of Tren de Aragua members in an apartment building in Aurora, Colorado.

    Suspected Tren de Aragua members have been arrested in Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, California, Texas and other states.

    The U.S. State Department went so far as to designate Tren de Aragua a foreign terrorist organization in an effort to stop “the campaigns of violence and terror committed by international cartels and transnational organizations.”

    There is little reliable information about Tren de Aragua – but no shortage of sensationalist news reports and Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids claiming to target them.

    We are sociologists who have spent a combined 37 years researching gangs, crime and policing in Venezuela. Our research in Venezuela, and our colleagues’ research in other countries, suggests that incarceration and mass deportations of Venezuelans living in the U.S., whether they have ties to the group or not, will likely strengthen Tren de Aragua rather than cripple it.

    Indeed, we have already seen how these strategies contributed to the expansion of street gangs in El Salvador and Honduras by creating new opportunities for members to network and become more organized.

    What is Tren de Aragua?

    According to investigative journalists and a handful of academic studies, Tren de Aragua was initially founded by Hector “El Niño” Guerrero and two other men in 2014. The three men were imprisoned in Tocorón prison in the state of Aragua.

    By 2017, Tren de Aragua began to be known as a “megabanda,” a category the local press in Venezuela use to refer to large organized criminal groups. The term arose to highlight the size of some street gangs, which at the time was unprecedented in Venezuela.

    Since its beginning, the gang has depended heavily on extortion. It also sells street drugs, but that has been a much less important source of revenue for it.

    Tren de Aragua’s growth surged as a result of mass incarceration policies that began under Venezuela’s former President Hugo Chávez and expanded under current President Nicolás Maduro. Incarceration rates began to increase in 2009 and were exacerbated by police raids deployed in 2010 in marginalized neighborhoods across the country. Venezuela’s prisons became filled with young, poor men.

    Crowded together in inhumane conditions, the men began to organize into prison gangs with clear hierarchies. They accumulated vast profits by charging prisoners fees for food, use of space and protection from inmate violence. They also opened and ran businesses, including a club, inside Tocorón prison.

    Members of different gangs in and outside the prison also began to communicate and share information about criminal activities such as kidnapping and extortion. This strengthened social networks and expanded their illegal enterprises.

    Tren de Aragua eventually took control of Tocorón prison as the government became unable to manage daily life inside its walls. It had become one of the largest and best organized gangs in Venezuela.

    A view inside the notoriously dangerous and violent Tocorón prison in 2011.
    Franklin Suarez via Getty Images

    Criminal enterprise grows

    Since 2014, an economic and humanitarian crisis has devastated Venezuela, causing many Venezuelans to migrate.

    Venezuela had one of the highest displacement rates in the world between 2014 and 2018, when at least 3 million people left the country.

    Tren de Aragua, still based in the Tocorón prison at that time, took advantage of this mass migration. It expanded the group’s business portfolio to include human trafficking and sexual exploitation of Venezuelan female migrants in Chile, Colombia and Peru.

    It’s unclear how far beyond Venezuela Tren de Aragua has spread. While the group has certainly expanded operations into the Latin American countries mentioned above, research shows common criminals have posed as Tren de Aragua members in both Colombia and Chile.

    Moreover, the arrest of alleged Tren de Aragua members for committing crimes in the U.S. and other countries does not mean that the gang has set up shop in those places. Gang members, same as non-gang members, migrate during crises. They may continue to commit crimes in new places after they arrive. However, it’s important to note that immigration in the U.S. is consistently linked with decreases – not increases – in both violent crime and property crime.

    Even some local police departments have questioned the gang’s expansion into the U.S.

    In Aurora, police refuted both the mayor’s and President Donald Trump’s claims about the apartment complex being taken over by the gang. And the New York Police Department recently reported that suspected Tren de Aragua members there are largely focused on snatching mobile phones and robbing department stores – hardly the crimes of a transnational criminal empire or terrorist organization.

    Venezuelan security forces wrested control of Tocorón prison from the Tren de Aragua gang in 2023.
    Yuri Cortez/AFP via Getty Images

    Making matters worse

    Deportations do not address the urgent situation faced by many migrants who leave their homelands in search of a better, safer future.

    When governments prioritize the spectacle of deportations to deal with migration, they contribute to the expansion of even more resilient networks of criminal enterprises.

    Recent history bears this out.

    In El Salvador in the 1990s and early 2000s, incarceration, deportations and repressive policing policies contributed to the evolution of youth street gangs such as the Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, into transnational extortion rackets that spread across Central America.

    These same policies could also contribute to the growth of Tren de Aragua within Latin America.

    Prison isolates large groups of excluded and marginalized people and constrains them to brutal conditions. This enables and encourages the social networks that fuel illegal markets and criminal activity beyond the walls of prisons.

    Rising xenophobia

    Another harmful outcome of the policies we have discussed here is that they may fuel xenophobia toward and criminalization of Venezuelan immigrants living in the U.S.

    This closes off opportunities and harms people already devastated by economic, political and humanitarian crises in their home country.

    Venezuelans have responded with their characteristically incisive and biting humor.

    Many have used social media to parody news outlets and political speeches, and Venezuelans regularly post memes and videos that mock the automatic association made between them and Tren de Aragua.

    The satiric news site El Chigüire Bipolar posted stories titled “The United States confirms that Venezuelans are Tren de Aragua members from birth” and “ICE agents detain newborn that might be Tren de Aragua leader in the future.”

    Meanwhile, recent cuts in U.S. foreign aid to countries with large Venezuelan populations, such as Colombia and Peru, will likely exacerbate the migration crisis by constraining opportunities for Venezuelans.

    Future waves of migrants will be easy prey for criminal organizations like Tren de Aragua, which has turned human trafficking into a lucrative business. And with current policies of cutbacks, incarceration and repression, Tren de Aragua will likely continue to grow and fill its coffers.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. What is Tren de Aragua? How the Venezuelan gang started − and why US policies may only make it stronger – https://theconversation.com/what-is-tren-de-aragua-how-the-venezuelan-gang-started-and-why-us-policies-may-only-make-it-stronger-250007

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung India Launches Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G Featuring Awesome Intelligence, All-New Design and Enhanced Durability

    Source: Samsung

    Akshay Rao, General Manager, and Aditya Babbar, Vice President, MX Business, Samsung India at the launch of Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G
     
    Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced the launch of Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G with Awesome Intelligence, featuring amazing search and visual experiences to reimagine creativity. Sporting an all-new design language, the new Galaxy A series smartphones also feature enhanced durability and performance, along with robust security and privacy protection.
     
    Awesome Intelligence
    Awesome Intelligence is available on Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G, enabling democratization of AI for Indian consumers. Awesome Intelligence, a comprehensive mobile AI suite, brings advanced AI features including Galaxy’s fan-favourite AI features. Google’s enhanced Circle to Search makes it easier than ever to search and discover from the phone’s screen. With the recent enhancements to Circle to Search, users can also instantly search the songs they hear without switching apps. Whether it’s a song playing on social media from their phone or music that’s playing from speakers near them, just long press the navigation bar to activate Circle to Search, then tap the music button to identify the song name and artist.
     
    Awesome Intelligence also features a range of intelligent Visual editing features like Auto Trim, Best Face, Instant Slo-mo and many others. Auto-Trim and Best face are flagship-level AI features that are now getting democratized with Galaxy A56 5G. The new smartphones also come with Object Eraser, allowing users to remove unwanted distractions from photos. Moreover, Filters enables custom filter creation by extracting colours and styles from existing photos for users to apply for a unique and personalized effect depending on mood and taste.
     
    Awesome Design
    Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G come with an all-new design language which now forms the benchmark for Galaxy A series. The new design language features a Linear Floating Camera Module and a ‘Radiance’ inspired colour theme. Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G are the slimmest ever Galaxy A series devices with just 7.4mm thickness.
     
    Awesome Display
    Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G feature a larger display created for a high-quality, immersive viewing experience. Both devices feature a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with brightness levels reaching up to 1200 nits. New stereo speakers further enhance the experience with rich, balanced sound.
     
    Awesome Camera
    Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G smartphones take the camera experience to a new level with a powerful triple-camera system featuring a 50MP main lens and 10-bit HDR front lens recording on Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G for bright and crisp selfies. Galaxy A56 5G comes with a 12MP ultra-wide lens and brings enhancements to Nightography, with Low Noise Mode making its way to the 12MP selfie camera along with additional wide camera support to capture stunning content in low-light settings.
     
    Awesome Performance
    Both models also deliver enhanced performance for seamless multi-tasking. Galaxy A56 5G is powered by the Exynos 1580 chipset and Galaxy A36 5G runs on the Snapdragon® 6 Gen 3 Mobile Platform. A larger vapor chamber in both devices helps sustain performance, ensuring smooth gameplay and video playback.
     
    Awesome Battery
    With a 5,000mAh battery, Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G are designed to keep up with users’ daily routines. Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G support 45W charging power and Super-Fast Charge 2.0 technology, delivering faster charging for extended use.
     
    Awesome Durability
     
    Galaxy A36 5G and Galaxy A56 5G feature an IP67 dust and water resistance rating. Additionally, an advanced Corning® Gorilla Victus+ Glass adds a layer of durability against scratches and cracks. Moreover, with six generations of Android OS and six years of security updates, the new Galaxy A series reinforces its focus on software longevity. These updates add additional support towards optimizing the devices’ lifecycle, ensuring users can enjoy a smooth and reliable experience for years to come.
     
    Awesome Security and Privacy
    Thanks to the integration of One UI 7 on the Galaxy A series for the first time, Samsung is further supporting robust security and privacy. With Samsung Knox Vault, the Galaxy A series provides an extra, fortified layer of device safety, transparency and user choice – ensuring sensitive data always stays protected. Equipped with the latest One UI 7 security and privacy features, Galaxy A series users benefit from holistic protection — including enhancements in Theft Detection, More Security Settings and other features.
     
    Variants, Price, Colours and Offers
    As part of the launch offers, customers purchasing Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G will get a free storage upgrade worth INR 3000, making it an awesome deal. Customers will get the 12GB 256GB variant at the price of the 8GB 256GB variant and the 8GB 256 GB variant at the price of the 8GB 128GB variant at no extra cost.
     

    Galaxy A56 5G

    Memory
    Price
    Net Effective Price
    Launch Offer
    Colours
    12GB 256GB
    INR 47,999
    INR 44,999
    Get 12GB 256GB variant at the price of 8GB 256GB variant
    Awesome Olive, Awesome Lightgray, Awesome Graphite
    8GB 256GB
    INR 44,999
    INR 41,999
    Get 8GB 256GB variant at the price of 8GB 128GB variant
    8GB 128GB
    INR 41,999
    INR 41,999
    NA
     

    Galaxy A36 5G

    Memory
    Price
    Net Effective Price
    Launch Offer
    Colours
    12GB 256GB
    INR 38,999
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    Get 12GB 256GB variant at the price of 8GB 256GB variant
    Awesome Black, Awesome Lavender, Awesome White
    8GB 256GB
    INR 35,999
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    Get 8GB 256GB variant at the price of 8GB 128GB variant
    8GB 128GB
    INR 32,999
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    Galaxy A56 5G will be available in Awesome Olive, Awesome Lightgray and Awesome Graphite colours while Galaxy A36 5G will be available in Awesome Lavender, Awesome Black and Awesome White.
     
    Additional Offers
    Apart from the primary storage upgrade offer, consumers can also get Samsung Care+ one-year screen protection at just INR 999, against the original price of INR 2,999. Customers can also avail up to 18 months no cost EMI on Galaxy A56 5G and up to 16 months no cost EMI on Galaxy A36 5G. Additionally, customers will get an Amazon voucher up to INR 400 on using Samsung Wallet for select transactions.
     
    Availability
    Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36 are now available for purchase via Samsung.com, across Samsung exclusive and partner stores, and other online platforms.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Public help sought to identify Summer 2024 disorder suspects

    Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

    Police are working with Crimewatch Live to help identify those suspected of taking part in last year’s summer disorder.

    Two episodes of the famous BBC produced programme will feature videos and images of suspects committing the most serious offences, with the first airing today (Monday 3 March).

    Members of the public can also visit a new website to look through the images themselves, and submit information that they may have to the relevant police force: https://www.police.uk/disorder-appeal

    As always, those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111or give information online.

    Police forces across the country remain committed to delivering swift justice to those involved in the summer disorder, and as of 22 January 2025, 1,804 arrests have been made, and with the Crown Prosecution Service, 1,072 charges brought so far, with the highest volume occurring in the north and centre of England, primarily for serious public order offences.

    This work has seen criminal justice outcomes delivered across all types of criminality, including arson, riot and assault, with prison sentences for some of the most serious cases, some as long as nine years.

    Suspects who have not yet been identified have not escaped justice; we are not stopping in our pursuit of them, and forces are consistently finding new ways to ascertain who they are, and to bring them in for questioning.

    If you were at any of these incidents and recognise yourself in any of the images, it is in your interest to do the right thing and contact the police. 

    ACC Ian Drummond-Smith of Operation Navette, the national policing response to the summer disorder, said:

    “I’m grateful for the support shown by everyone at BBC Crimewatch Live in seeing this appeal come to fruition. We have selected the most violent and serious offences to feature in the program, alongside a larger gallery of wanted people published today on our website. Partnership work like this is a great example of how the public can help us to progress investigations and ensure that offenders face justice.

    “I would urge everyone to watch these episodes of Crimewatch Live, and to carefully explore our website to see if you recognise any of the suspects.  We know some people travelled great distances to take part in the disorder, so I’d urge you to review the images even if there was no disorder in your area.

    “Working with the CPS, and others in the criminal justice system, we are committed to bringing these offenders to justice keep our communities kept safe”.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Investigators help ensure jail time for former Brookside actor

    Source: City of York

    A total of 23 years in prison for a former Brookside actor and his associates has been awarded this afternoon.

    Former Brookside actor Philip Foster and 8 associates have today (28 February 2025) been sentenced for their part in a £13.6 million fraud that ran for over 8 years.

    The sentences handed down at Sheffield Crown Court today are the result of an over 6-year investigation by National Trading Standards, whose work uncovered an extensive network of sham modelling agencies that cruelly exploited the dreams of aspiring young models and their parents.

    Foster was the ringleader of the operation. He orchestrated the fraud from Spain, using a network of associates based in England who operated a string of sham modelling agencies and photography studios in cities across the country, including London, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Coventry, and Nottingham.

    More than 6,000 victims were deceived by the group – mainly young people and mothers – who ended up parting with substantial amounts of money under the false promise of securing paid modelling work.

    The fraud worked by setting up a photographic studio in the area and running a social media advertising campaign. People who responded were given the false impression that a model agency was interested in them, with emails telling them they had potential. Victims were then invited to a ‘free’ test shoot at the photographic studio, which turned out to be a ruse to try to extort money out of them.

    At the test shoot, victims were given a studio experience, handed glossy brochures and told how successful other people had been. They would then be told that they passed their studio test and that modelling agencies were interested, but they needed to purchase their portfolio photographs from the studio in order to join an agency and become an agency model.

    Victims were duped by the group who, between them, gave a good impression of running successful model businesses and lied to them about their potential. Millions of pounds were taken from aspiring models, with some coerced into financing the upfront payment through credit deals arranged by the fraudsters or taking out expensive payday loans.

    Instead, victims received poor quality digital photographs that stood no real chance of landing them professional jobs. Virtually none of the victims received any paid modelling work.

    The sham agencies were often dissolved after short periods, rebranded repeatedly to avoid detection, and paid no tax. Money from the scam was laundered through UK bank accounts before being transferred to Spain or carried in cash on commercial flights by co-conspirators.

    The investigation traced substantial sums to Foster, who lived in luxury abroad and purchased high-end watches and cars with the proceeds of the fraud. The investigation heard how many victims, left financially and emotionally devastated, described feeling humiliated and betrayed. Some experienced lasting distress that affected their confidence, wellbeing and their ability to trust others.

    The sentences, which were handed down today in the absence of Philip Foster, who is currently living in Spain, are as follows:

    • Philip Foster, aged 49, Edificio Marina Mariola, Marbella, Spain, sentenced to 8.5 years for conspiracies to defraud
    • Michael Foster, aged 27, Snowdon Lane, Liverpool, sentenced to 3.5 years for conspiracy to defraud
    • Paul Evans, aged 39, no known address, sentenced to 3.5 years for offences related to money laundering
    • Jamie Peters, aged 52, Pentland Place, Warrington, sentenced to 24 months, suspended for 2 years, for conspiracy to defraud
    • Lisa Foster, aged 42, Manchester Road, Astley, sentenced to 18 months, suspended for 12 months, for conspiracy to defraud
    • Emily Newall, aged 29, Bolton Road, Kearsley, Greater Manchester, sentenced to 10 months, suspended for 12 months, for conspiracy to defraud
    • Atif Qadar, aged 44, Larkswood Drive, Crowthorne, sentenced to 12 months, suspended for 12 months, for conspiracy to defraud
    • Paul Fleury, aged 57, Manchester Road, Swinton, Manchester, sentenced to 18 months, suspended for 12 months, for conspiracy to defraud
    • Aslihan Foster aged 39, Tredington Road, Coventry, sentenced to 18 months, suspended for 12 months, for an offence related to money laundering

    Today’s sentencing follows over 6 years of investigative work by the National Trading Standards eCrime Team, hosted by North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council, including forensic analysis of financial transactions, thousands of consumer complaints, and witness testimony from victims. The team was supported by the National Trading Standards South West Regional Investigations Team, hosted by Bristol City Council.

    Judge Dixon, said: 

    The business worked on the basis of greed taking what they could where they could. Some people were so convinced by the level of deception that they took out payday loans, which gives a clear indication as to how manipulative and cynical the fraud was. It was horrible, despicable, dishonest behaviour and every single one of you deserves to go to prison. 

    “The officers have carried out an exceptional job to bring these defendants to justice. It was not straightforward or easy. This investigation was conducted with particular skill.  A commendation should be made on the basis of the skill deployed.”

    Lord Bichard, Chair of the National Trading Standards, said:

    Foster’s cruel exploits left thousands of victims in serious debt, causing lasting emotional distress and significant financial pressures.

    “Today’s sentences are an important reminder to would-be criminals that Trading Standards officers across the country are determined to clamp down on fraud, protecting victims and bringing criminals to justice.

    “I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of similar scams to report it to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.”

    Councillor Jenny Kent, Executive Member with responsibility for Trading Standards at City of York Council, said:

    Today’s sentencing follows years of highly effective trading standards investigative work. Mr Foster and his associates made millions by exploiting the hopes of young people, leaving a trail of broken dreams and financial hardship. I urge everyone to question any modelling contract which demands money up front, and hope that the young people and families affected can now move on to a brighter future, whichever path they choose.”

    North Yorkshire Council’s executive member Councillor Greg White, whose responsibilities include Trading Standards, said:

    Foster and his fellow scammers cruelly exploited young hopefuls trying to break into one of the most competitive industries. In some cases, parents borrowed money or sacrificed savings, believing they were investing in their children’s futures.

    “I urge anyone searching online for modelling opportunities to remember that legitimate agencies don’t ask for money upfront, it’s often only scam agencies who push expensive photoshoots as a pre-requisite to getting work.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Potentially life-saving bleed kits installed in the Coalfield Area

    Source: City of Sunderland

    Ten new potentially lifesaving bleed kits have been installed across Copt Hill, Hetton, Houghton and Shiney Row

    Sunderland City Council’s Coalfield Area Committee has funded the bleed kits in partnership with the Connor Brown Trust set up by the parents of 18-year-old Connor Brown following his tragic death in 2019.

    Tanya and Simon Brown are actively supporting the community to prevent knife crime and raising awareness of its impact. The kits were installed six years on from the fatal knife attack on Connor Brown in the city. 

    The Coalfield Area Committee allocated £5,400 from its neighbourhood fund budget towards the kits.

    Bleed kits could be used to give vital care and attention to a patient in those first few minutes before the emergency services arrive, potentially saving their life. These kits are part of the wider fight against knife crime across the city with over 50 installed so far by the Connor Brown Trust.

    Councillor Mel Speding, Chair of Sunderland City Council’s Coalfield Area Committee, said: “As a group, the Coalfield Committee aims to support and improve our communities in Houghton, Hetton, Shiney Row and Copt Hill. We were keen to provide funding for these kits which could make a big difference in an emergency.

    “We appreciated the opportunity to partner with the Connor Brown Trust which does such fantastic work across Sunderland. While we hope these kits are never needed, it is reassuring to know that they are there for our residents. We are taking the necessary steps to keep our communities safe.”

    The Coalfield Area Committee is one of five area committees across Sunderland. Made up of local councillors, area committees provide residents with a greater say by working closely with their communities and drawing on local knowledge to identify priorities for their area. They also create Area Plans to support the City Plan, focusing on local needs. These plans help fund and deliver projects in partnership with local voluntary and community sector organisations.

    This is one of 11 grants awarded by the Coalfield Area Committee since April 2024 to support community groups and voluntary organisations with various projects. These include social inclusion and wellbeing activities, Clean It, Green It, and holiday activities for children and young people. 

    Tanya Brown from The Connor Brown Trust said: “If there is an incident, doing nothing means a patient has less chance of survival, but using the kit gives anyone a better chance, before paramedics get to the scene. It’s important to have these bleed kits in as many places as possible simply because they could save lives.

    “The kits have been designed so that little to no training is needed and they can be used by the public or a first responder to any accident where there is a catastrophic bleed. The cabinets contain easy to read instructions and illustrations for each part of equipment showing where and how to use it.”

    In the event of the bleed kits being needed, the 999 operators will direct the caller to the nearest mobile kit or fixed unit and give them the combination code to unlock the unit. The kits are designed for catastrophic bleeding and the caller will be guided on how to use the equipment.

    The kits are now registered and ready to use if needed at:

    • Colliery Inn, Hetton, DH5 9JQ
    • Easington Lane Workmens Club, DH5 0JR
    • Houghton Sports and Wellness Centre, DH4 5AF
    • New Herrington Bowling Club, DH4 4UG
    • Penshaw Community Centre, DH4 7HU
    • Queensway Pharmacy, Houghton, DH5 8EL
    • Shiney Resource and Advice Centre (ShARP), Shiney Row, DH4 4QW
    • Springboard Adventure, Hetton Lyons Country Park, DH5 0RH
    • St John’s Methodist Church, Fencehouses, DH4 6HN
    • St Matthews Youth and Community Centre, Newbottle, DH5 8EL

    For more information about other kits across the city, visit: Connor Brown Trust

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tender for re-opening of 5-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on March 6

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Tender for re-opening of 5-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on March 6
    Tender for re-opening of 5-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on March 6
    ******************************************************************************************

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:      The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced today (3 March) that a tender of 5-year RMB Government Bonds (Bonds) through the re-opening of existing 5-year Government Bond issue 05GB2912002 under the Infrastructure Bond Programme will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025, for settlement on Monday, March 10, 2025.           An additional amount of RMB1.5 billion of the outstanding 5-year Bonds (issue no. 05GB2912002) will be on offer. The Bonds will mature on December 10, 2029 and will carry interest at the rate of 2.37 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear. The Indicative Pricings of the Bonds on March 3, 2025 are 100.46 with a semi-annualised yield of 2.267 per cent.           Tender is open only to Primary Dealers appointed under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Anyone wishing to apply for the Bonds on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the latest published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk. Each tender must be for an amount of RMB50,000 or integral multiples thereof.           Tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, Bloomberg (GBHK ) and Refinitiv (IBPGSBPINDEX). The publication time is expected to be no later than 3pm on the tender day.HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Information     Tender information of re-opening of 5-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds: 

    Issue Number
    :
    05GB2912002

    Stock Code
    :
    84596 (HKGB2.37 2912-R)

    Tender Date and Time
    :
    Thursday, March 6, 20259.30 am to 10.30 am

    Issue and Settlement Date
    :
    Monday, March 10, 2025

    Amount on Offer
    :
    RMB1.5 billion

    Maturity
    :
    5 years

    Remaining maturity
    :
    Approximately 4.76 years

    Maturity Date
    :
    Monday, December 10, 2029

    Interest Rate
    :
    2.37% p.a. payable semi-annually in arrear

    Interest Payment Dates
    :
    June 9 and December 9 in each year, commencing on the Issue Date up to and including the Maturity Date, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Institutional Issuances Information Memorandum of the Infrastructure Bond Programme and Government Sustainable Bond Programme (Information Memorandum) published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.

    Method of Tender
    :
    Competitive tender

    Tender Amount
    :
    Each competitive tender must be for an amount of RMB50,000 or integral multiples thereof. Any tender applications for the Bonds must be submitted through a Primary Dealer on the latest published list.The accrued interest to be paid by successful bidders on the issue date (March 10, 2025) for the tender amount is RMB295.44 per minimum denomination of RMB50,000.(The accrued interest to be paid for tender amount exceeding RMB50,000 may not be exactly equal to the figures calculated from the accrued interest per minimum denomination of RMB50,000 due to rounding).

    Other Details
    :
    Please see the Information Memorandum available on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website or approach Primary Dealers.

    Expected commencement date of dealing onthe Stock Exchangeof Hong Kong Limited
    :
    The tender amount is fully fungible with the existing 05GB2912002 (Stock code: 84596) listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong.

    Use of Proceeds
    :
    The Bonds will be issued under the institutional part of the Infrastructure Bond Programme.  Proceeds will be invested in infrastructure projects in accordance with the Infrastructure Bond Framework published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.

     
    Ends/Monday, March 3, 2025Issued at HKT 17:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah says, the Modi government is unsparing in punishing drug traffickers who drag our youth into the dark abyss of addiction for the greed of money

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah says, the Modi government is unsparing in punishing drug traffickers who drag our youth into the dark abyss of addiction for the greed of money

    As a result of a foolproof investigation with a bottom-to-top and top-to-bottom strategy, 29 drug traffickers have been convicted by the court in 12 different cases across India

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government pledges to continue combating the drug menace with ruthless and meticulous investigations to build a drug-free Bharat

    In pursuit to Modi government’s Zero Tolerance policy against drugs, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has achieved this significant success

    Posted On: 02 MAR 2025 11:33AM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that the Modi Government is unsparing in punishing drug traffickers who drag our youth into the dark abyss of addiction for the greed of money.

    In a post on X platform, Shri Amit Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government pledges to continue combating the drug menace with ruthless and meticulous investigations to build a drug-free Bharat.

    Home Minister said that as a result of a foolproof investigation with a bottom-to-top and top-to-bottom strategy, 29 drug traffickers have been convicted by the court in 12 different cases across India.

    This success is a testament to the ‘Bottom to Top’ and ‘Top to Bottom’ approach adopted under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah. In pursuit to Modi government’s Zero Tolerance policy against drugs, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has achieved this significant success.

    The details of 12 cases are:

    Ahmedabad Zone

    1.     On 27.07.2019, NCB Ahmedabad Zonal Unit seized 23.859 Kg of Charas at Sabarmati Railway Station, Ahmedabad Gujarat from the possession of Mohd. Rizwan and Mohd. Jishan and a case was registered vide NCB Ahmedabad Crime No 05/2019 and above mentioned two persons were arrested. During the course of investigation, one Sahidul Rehman was arrested. After completion of investigation, a complaint was filed against the above three persons under NDPS Act before the learned Judge at City Civil and Sessions Court Ahmedabad. After completion of trial of the case, the judgment was pronounced by the Court on 29.01.2025 and all the 03 accused persons were convicted for Rigorous Imprisonment for 14 years and a fine of Rs. 01 lakh each.

     

    Bhopal Zone (Mandsaur)

    2.     In July 2022, NCB Mandsaur, intercepted, a Harrier and a Verna on National Highway 43, at Dhruwar Toll Plaza in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh and seized 123.080 kgs Ganja. Shivam Singh (owner of the seized vehicles), Sant Kumar Yadav, Balmukund Mishra & Uttam Singh (all carrier) were arrested in the case. The consignment was sourced from Koraput (Odisha) and was destined for Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The Investigation team further arrested the receiver of contraband named Suresh Kumar Bind. On 24.02.2025, the Special NDPS Court, Shahdol convicted the four accused Shivam Singh, Sant Kumar Yadav, Balmukund Mishra & Uttam Singh and sentenced them to 12 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 2 lakh each.

    Chandigarh Zone

    3.     A parcel containing two hockey sticks packed with 438 grams of opium was intercepted at DHL Express, Ludhiana, by the officers of NCB Chandigarh. The parcel was booked by accused Nasib Singh, with Gobind Singh accompanying him during the booking. A case NCB Crime No. 06/2024 was registered, and a complaint was filed after investigation. The Special Court, Ludhiana on 31.01.25, has pronounced its verdict and convicted Nasib Singh and Gobind Singh (Head munshi Punjab Police) under Sections 18(c), 23, 28, and 29 of the NDPS Act, 1985, sentencing them accordingly for their role in attempting to transport opium to Canada. The Court sentenced both the convicts with 3 years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹10,000 (in default, one additional month of imprisonment) under NDPS Act.

    4.     On 30.12.2021, NCB Chandigarh Zonal Unit intercepted Bhim Lama at Chandigarh Railway Station, before he could board Paschim Express to Mumbai in possession of 390 grams of Charas. The accused was formally arrested, and upon completion of the investigation, the case was presented before the Special Court. The accused voluntarily confessed to his guilt, leading to his conviction. On 08.01.2025, The Special Court, Chandigarh, convicted Bhim Lama under Section 20 of the NDPS Act, 1985 for possession of 390 grams of Charas. The court, considering the remorse shown by the convict and the non-commercial quantity of the contraband, awarded 6 months of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹5,000 (one additional month of imprisonment in case of default on fine payment) under NDPS Act.

    Cochin Zone

    5.     On 19.06.2021 NCB Cochin intercepted a Zimbabwean lady named Sharon Chigwaza on her arrival at the Cochin International Airport. Sharon Chigwaza was travelling from Johannesburg to Kochi via Doha by Qatar Airways. Further examination of her checked-in luggage led to the recovery and seizure of 2.910kg Heroin. Accordingly, the said lady was arrested and a case OR No. 04/2021 was registered by the NCB Cochin Zonal Unit. On completion of investigation, a complaint bearing SC No. 554/2022 was filed before the District & Sessions Court, Ernakulam.  The trial was conducted before the VII Additional District & Sessions Court, Ernakulam and on completion of the trial, the Court has found Sharon Chigwaza to be guilty of the offences under Sec 8(c) read with 21(c) and 23(c) of NDPS Act, 1985 for possession and illegal import of the seized contraband. In the detailed judgment pronounced on 29.01.2025, the Court has punished the accused with 11 years rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs.3,00,000/-.

    Dehradun Zone

    6.     On 05.01.2018, NCB Dehradun seized 450 grams of Charas, leading to the arrest of Naman Bansal. Further investigation in the case led to the arrest of one more co-accused person namely of Ashutosh Uniyal, a resident of Dehradun, on  19.02.2018. After completion of trial proceedings, the NDPS Court, Dehradun (UKD) convicted accused Naman Bansal with 01-year RI and with fine of Rs. 20,000/- on 18.01.2025.

    Delhi Zone

    7.     On 19.03,2021, NCB Delhi Zonal Unit seized 1.950 kg of Charas from the possession of two accused persons namely Sahi Ram and Satywan @ Pandit, and arrested them for trafficking of the seized substance. After a thorough investigation, a complaint was filed in the NDPS Court, Jind (Haryana) under NDPS Case No. 11/2021. The Court convicted both the accused to 10 years RI and with fine of Rs. 01 lakh each on 10.01.2025.

     

    Hyderabad Zone

    8.     On 24.02.2021, officers of NCB Hyderabad Zone seized 681.8 Kg Ganja at Pedda Amberpet Toll Plaza on Nehru Outer Ring Road, Hayathnagar Mandal, Ranga Reddy District. The contraband was being transported in three vehicles: Mahindra Bolero Pick-Up, Honda City, and Swift Dezire from Sileru, Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) to Pune and Osmanabad via Hyderabad. Eight accused namely Suresh Shyamrao Pawar, Vishal Ramesh Pawar,  Balaji Ramdas Ware,  Manoj Vilas Dhotre,  Dhyaneshwar Lalasaheb Deshmukh , Ramraje Chaturbhuj Gunjale ,  Akshay Anant Gandhi  and  Sachin Dagadu Sanap ,  were arrested and charged for drug trafficking. the Additional District & Sessions Court, Ranga Reddy, convicted all eight accused and sentenced them to 10 years of Rigorous Imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh under the NDPS Act, 1985.

    Indore Zone

    9.     In September 2021, NCB Indore intercepted a truck on National Highway 07 at Alonia Toll Plaza in Seoni, Madhya Pradesh and seized 152.665 kgs Ganja. Mahendra Singh Yadav & Sohail Daud Khan Pathan were arrested in the case. The consignment was sourced from Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and was destined for Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh.  Investigation team further arrested the receiver Suresh Gupta & Co-receiver as well as owner of seized truck Ram Babu Yadav. On 22.02.2025, the Special NDPS Court, Seoni convicted all the four accused and sentenced them to 15 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1 lakh each.

    Kolkata Zone

    10.    On 11.07.2020, officers of NCB Kolkata Zone seized 1301 Kgs of Ganja from a TATA 709 Light Goods Vehicle (LGV) bearing Regn No. WB 15 A 3873 at NH12 between Plassey and Krishnanagar near Paglachandi, as per NCB Cr. No. 15/2020. Two accused namely Sahajan Tarafdar and Uttam Debnath were arrested and charged for drug trafficking. The trial continued for over 04 years. On 21.02.2025, the NDPS Spl. Court, Nadia at Krishnanagar convicted the accused Shajahan Tarafdar for 15 years rigorous imprisonment with Rs 1 lakh fine under the NDPS Act, 1985.

    Lucknow Zone

    11.    On 14.02.2022, NCB Lucknow seized 3.1 kilograms of Charas/Hashish from the possession of the accused, Dashrath, son of Devdutt, residing in Chiripur, PS Sirsiya, District Shrawasti, Uttar Pradesh. He was arrested and after investigation a Complaint was filed u/s 8, 20, and 29 of the NDPS Act, 1985. The Additional District Court Shravasti found the accused, Dashrath, ‘Guilty’ of illicit drug trafficking and sentenced him to 15 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of 150,000 rupees on 02.01.2025.

    12.    On 04.01.2024, NCB Lucknow seized 08 kilograms of Opium from the possession of the accused, Dheeraj Kr. Dangi, son of Late Baijnath Dangi, residing in Villlage, Post, &  Police Station- Gidhour, District- Chatra, Jharkhand. He was arrested, and after investigation a Complaint was filed u/s 8, 18, and 29 of the NDPS Act, 1985. The Additional District Court Bareilly found the accused, Dheeraj Kr. Dangi, ‘Guilty’ of illicit drug trafficking and sentenced him to 11 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of 1,00,000 rupees on 21.02.2025.

    These convictions exemplify the NCB’s dedication to ensure successful prosecution of its cases filed before courts. Under the guidance of Union Home Minister and Minister of Coordination, Shri Amit Shah NCB is working relentlessly to realise Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision of Nasha Mukt Bharat by 2047. NCB seeks support of people in the fight against drugs. Information about drug trafficking can be provided confidentially at NCB’s MANAS Helpline Number 1933.

    *****

    RK/VV/ASH/RR/PS

    (Release ID: 2107483) Visitor Counter : 17

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tender of 1-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on March 6

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Tender of 1-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on March 6
    Tender of 1-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on March 6
    *******************************************************************************

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:      The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced today (March 3) that a tender of 1-year RMB Institutional Government Bonds (Bonds) under the Infrastructure Bond Programme will be held on March 6, 2025 (Thursday), for settlement on March 10, 2025 (Monday).           A total of RMB2.0 billion 1-year RMB Bonds will be tendered. The Bonds will mature on 10 March, 2026 and will carry interest at the rate of 2.12 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear.           Tender is open only to Primary Dealers appointed under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Anyone wishing to apply for the Bonds on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the latest published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk. Each tender must be for an amount of RMB50,000 or integral multiples thereof.           Tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, Bloomberg (GBHK ) and Refinitiv (IBPGSBPINDEX). The publication time is expected to be no later than 3pm on the tender day.HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Information     Tender information of 1-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds: 

    Issue Number
    :
    01GB2603001

    Stock Code
    :
    85007 (HKGB2.12 2603-R)

    Tender Date and Time
    :
    March 6, 2025 (Thursday)9.30am to 10.30am

    Issue and Settlement Date
    :
    March 10, 2025 (Monday)

    Amount on Offer
    :
    RMB2.0 billion

    Maturity
    :
    1 year

    Maturity Date
    :
    March 10, 2026 (Tuesday)

    Interest Rate
    :
    2.12 per cent p.a. payable semi-annually in arrear

    Interest Payment Dates
    :
    March 10 and September 10 in each year, commencing on the Issue Date up to and including the Maturity Date, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Institutional Issuances Information Memorandum of the Infrastructure Bond Programme and Government Sustainable Bond Programme (Information Memorandum) published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.

    Method of Tender
    :
    Competitive tender

    Tender Amount
    :
    Each competitive tender must be for an amount of RMB50,000 or integral multiples thereof. Any tender applications for the Bonds must be submitted through a Primary Dealer on the latest published list.

    Other Details
    :
    Please see the Information Memorandum available on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website or approach Primary Dealers.

    Expected commencement date of dealing onthe Stock Exchangeof Hong Kong Limited
    :
    March 11, 2025 (Tuesday)

    Use of Proceeds
    :
    The Bonds will be issued under the institutional part of the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Proceeds will be invested in infrastructure projects in accordance with the Infrastructure Bond Framework published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.

     
    Ends/Monday, March 3, 2025Issued at HKT 17:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tender of 20-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on March 5

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Tender of 20-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on March 5
    Tender of 20-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on March 5
    ********************************************************************************

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:      The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced today (March 3) that a tender of 20-year HKD Institutional Government Bonds (Bonds) under the Infrastructure Bond Programme will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, for settlement on Thursday, March 6, 2025.           A total of HK$0.5 billion 20-year HKD Bonds will be tendered. The Bonds will mature on March 6, 2045, and will carry interest at the rate of 3.99 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear.     Tender is open only to Primary Dealers appointed under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Anyone wishing to apply for the Bonds on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the latest published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk. Each tender must be for an amount of HK$50,000 or integral multiples thereof.      Tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, Bloomberg (GBHK ) and Refinitiv (IBPGSBPINDEX). The publication time is expected to be no later than 3pm on the tender day. HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Information     Tender information of 20-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds: 

    Issue Number
    :
    20GB4503001

    Stock Code
    :
    4290 (HKGB 3.99 4503)

    Tender Date and Time
    :
    Wednesday, 5 March 20259:30 am to 10:30 am

    Issue and Settlement Date
    :
    Thursday, 6 March 2025

    Amount on Offer
    :
    HK$0.5 billion

    Maturity
    :
    20 years

    Maturity Date
    :
    Monday, 6 March 2045

    Interest Rate
    :
    3.99% p.a. payable semi-annually in arrear

    Interest Payment Dates
    :
    6 March and 6 September in each year, commencing on the Issue Date up to and including the Maturity Date, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Institutional Issuances Information Memorandum of the Infrastructure Bond Programme and Government Sustainable Bond Programme (Information Memorandum) published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.

    Method of Tender
    :
    Competitive tender

    Tender Amount
    :
    Each competitive tender must be for an amount of HK$50,000 or integral multiples thereof. Any tender applications for the Bonds must be submitted through a Primary Dealer on the latest published list.

    Other Details
    :
    Please see the Information Memorandum available on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website or approach Primary Dealers.

    Expected commencement date of dealing onthe Stock Exchangeof Hong Kong Limited
    :
    Friday, 7 March 2025

    Use of Proceeds
    :
    The Bonds will be issued under the institutional part of the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Proceeds will be invested in infrastructure projects in accordance with the Infrastructure Bond Framework published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.

     
    Ends/Monday, March 3, 2025Issued at HKT 17:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tender for re-opening of 5-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on March 5

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Tender for re-opening of 5-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on March 5
    Tender for re-opening of 5-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on March 5
    ******************************************************************************************

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:      The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced today (March 3) that a tender of 5-year HKD Government Bonds (Bonds) through the re-opening of existing 5-year Government Bond issue 05GB2912001 under the Infrastructure Bond Programme will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, for settlement on Thursday, March 6, 2025.           An additional amount of HKD1.5 billion of the outstanding 5-year Bonds (issue no. 05GB2912001) will be on offer. The Bonds will mature on December 5, 2029 and will carry interest at the rate of 3.23 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear. The Indicative Pricings of the Bonds on March 3, 2025 are 99.59 with an annualised yield of 3.352 per cent.           Tender is open only to Primary Dealers appointed under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Anyone wishing to apply for the Bonds on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the latest published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk. Each tender must be for an amount of HKD50,000 or integral multiples thereof.           Tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, Bloomberg (GBHK ) and Refinitiv (IBPGSBPINDEX). The publication time is expected to be no later than 3pm on the tender day.HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Information     Tender information of re-opening of 5-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds: 

    Issue Number
    :
    05GB2912001

    Stock Code
    :
    4284 (HKGB 3.23 2912)

    Tender Date and Time
    :
    Wednesday, March 5, 20259.30 am to 10.30 am

    Issue and Settlement Date
    :
    Thursday, March 6, 2025

    Amount on Offer
    :
    HKD1.5 billion

    Maturity
    :
    5 years

    Remaining maturity
    :
    Approximately 4.75 years

    Maturity Date
    :
    Wednesday, December 5, 2029

    Interest Rate
    :
    3.23 per cent p.a. payable semi-annually in arrear

    Interest Payment Dates
    :
    June 5 and December 5 in each year, commencing on the Issue Date up to and including the Maturity Date, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Institutional Issuances Information Memorandum of the Infrastructure Bond Programme and Government Sustainable Bond Programme (Information Memorandum) published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.

    Method of Tender
    :
    Competitive tender

    Tender Amount
    :
    Each competitive tender must be for an amount of HKD50,000 or integral multiples thereof. Any tender applications for the Bonds must be submitted through a Primary Dealer on the latest published list.The accrued interest to be paid by successful bidders on the issue date (March 6, 2025) for the tender amount is 402.64 per minimum denomination of HKD50,000.(The accrued interest to be paid for tender amount exceeding HKD50,000 may not be exactly equal to the figures calculated from the accrued interest per minimum denomination of HKD50,000 due to rounding).

    Other Details
    :
    Please see the Information Memorandum available on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website or approach Primary Dealers.

    Expected commencement date of dealing onthe Stock Exchangeof Hong Kong Limited
    :
    The tender amount is fully fungible with the existing 05GB2912001 (Stock code: 4284) listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong.

    Use of Proceeds
    :
    The Bonds will be issued under the institutional part of the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Proceeds will be invested in infrastructure projects in accordance with the Infrastructure Bond Framework published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.

     
    Ends/Monday, March 3, 2025Issued at HKT 17:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens and social media accounts related to Nanyang Commercial Bank, Limited

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens and social media accounts related to Nanyang Commercial Bank, Limited
    Fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens and social media accounts related to Nanyang Commercial Bank, Limited
    ******************************************************************************************

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

     
    Ends/Monday, March 3, 2025Issued at HKT 14:35

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Seven in ten businesses want simplified customer experience from telecom providers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press contact:
    Florence Lievre
    Tel: + 33 1 47 54 50 71
    Email: florence.lievre@capgemini.com

    Seven in ten businesses want simplified customer experience from telecom providers

    Businesses expect customized, seamless, flexible, and secure experience when purchasing telecom services

    Paris, March 3, 2025 – The first edition of the Capgemini Research Institute’s new annual study ‘The B2B pulse: Top six expectations of telecoms’ business customers’, published today, reveals a significant shift in business customer expectations. Most organizations across sectors expect telecom companies to go beyond connectivity services. The convergence of AI, Cloud, and 5G marks a pivotal moment, requiring operators to transition from product-focused connectivity providers to being comprehensive and client-centric.
      
    The top expectations: industry-tailored solutions, simplification and ecosystem orchestration
    Two in three business customers (67%) expect their telecom partners to demonstrate a deep understanding of specific industry challenges and provide flexible and tailored solutions that fit their needs, rather than generic services.

    Business customers now seek solutions that operate across hybrid networks, edge computing, and cloud environments: around three in five organizations rely on their telecom providers to orchestrate a comprehensive ecosystem that seamlessly integrates IT, support systems, and industry-specific expertise, while seven out of ten expect simpler processes, along with more flexible purchasing and servicing experiences. However, only one in three organizations are currently satisfied with Service Level Agreement (SLA) compliance and network performance/reliability.

    Most organizations (61%) are keen for their telecom provider to act as a source of innovation. Early access to cutting-edge technologies and joint efforts on pilots and prototypes is a top expectation (62%) while organizations are exploring advanced communications services to support a variety of use cases such as autonomous vehicles, smart city applications, cloud connectivity, and real-time industrial automation.

    “In today’s hyperconnected world, telcos are the backbone of the digital economy. Businesses expect telecom providers to move beyond connectivity services, and offer tailored, end-to-end and flexible solutions that power digitalization, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth,” said Praveen Shankar, Global Telecom Leader at Capgemini. “By forging strong partnerships with customers and industry peers, orchestrating an innovation ecosystem and prioritizing seamless customer experience, telecom organizations can enhance trust, simplify offerings, and differentiate themselves in a fast-moving landscape.”

    Customer experience, an untapped opportunity for telco provider growth
    While telcos’ customers are keen to access services beyond the core offerings, only 28% of organizations currently say that they purchase these services, from their provider. In their urgency to set up these value-added services only 27% of organizations say their telco providers currently deliver exceptional CX, while half are ready to pay a premium to improve it, highlighting that customer experience is still an untapped opportunity to accelerate growth and boost loyalty and innovation for telco providers.

    Businesses rely on telecom providers for robust and reliable security safeguards
    Among the various facets of telecom services, cybersecurity is a priority area for more than 70% of the organizations surveyed. With technological advancements, such as AI and Gen AI, cloudification, and wireless/5G networks, the threat landscape for organizations is evolving rapidly and businesses are increasingly concerned about protecting their data and systems. The report highlights that enterprises are looking for comprehensive security solutions from their telecom providers, with more than half of organizations (53%) willing to invest in telecom tech services, such as implementation of advanced cybersecurity solutions, in the next 1–2 years.

    For more information or to download the report, visit: Link

    Methodology

    The Capgemini Research Institute surveyed 1,000 executives, at director level or above from telecoms’ business customers across 11 sectors and 13 countries in Asia–Pacific, Europe, and North America. To complement the survey findings, twenty in-depth discussions were conducted with executives from the telecom industry and customer industries. The global survey was carried out in December 2024 and January 2025.

    About Capgemini
    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.
    Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

    About the Capgemini Research Institute
    The Capgemini Research Institute is Capgemini’s in-house think-tank on all things digital. The Institute publishes research on the impact of digital technologies on large traditional businesses. The team draws on the worldwide network of Capgemini experts and works closely with academic and technology partners. The Institute has dedicated research centers in India, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States. It was ranked #1 in the world for the quality of its research by independent analysts for six consecutive times – an industry first. Visit us at https://www.capgemini.com/researchinstitute/

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr Mayank Sharma takes charge as Controller General of Defence Accounts

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 01 MAR 2025 5:08PM by PIB Delhi

    Dr Mayank Sharma assumed the office of Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) on March 01, 2025. He is a 1989-batch officer of the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS) and has had a distinguished career in the government spanning more than three decades. 

    Dr Mayank Sharma has served in various capacities within the Government of India, including the Defence Accounts Department. He has also held key positions in the Cabinet Secretariat and represented India as the Alternate Permanent Representative at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, and the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law.

    Additionally, the IDAS officer has represented India at the International Anti-Corruption Academy and the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna. As the Head of the Consular Division at the Indian Embassy in Vienna, he was responsible for all consular affairs and handled high-level Indian delegations at UNODC.

    ******

    SR/Savvy

    (Release ID: 2107296) Visitor Counter : 61

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Nine more arrested in PNG for brutal kidnap, rape and murder of woman

    By Scott Waide, RNZ Pacific PNG correspondent

    Content warning: This story discusses rape and violence.

    Police in Papua New Guinea have arrested nine more men in connection with the rape and murder of a Port Moresby woman.

    The arrests, announced by Police Commissioner David Manning, follow a two-week investigation supported by forensic experts from the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

    Margaret Gabriel, 32, was abducted from her home at Port Moresby’s Watermark Estate by more than 20 armed men. She was was later raped and murdered.

    The attack sparked nationwide outrage, with calls for stronger protections for women and faster justice in gender-based violence cases.

    Commissioner Manning confirmed the suspects were apprehended on February 27 and subjected to DNA and fingerprint testing.

    “DNA evidence and fingerprints are conclusive forensic evidence and afford irrefutable evidence to ensure convictions in a court of law,” he said.

    The nine men join three others already in custody, though police have not clarified their specific roles in the crime.

    Forensic analysis
    AFP forensic specialists from Canberra assisted PNG’s Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) in analysing evidence.

    Manning praised the collaboration, saying it underscored the integration of these advanced investigative techniques into PNG’s investigations is strengthening the cases put before the court.

    Gender-based violence remains pervasive in PNG, with a 2023 UN report noting that more than two-thirds of women experience physical or sexual abuse in their lifetimes.

    Limited forensic resources and slow judicial processes have historically hampered prosecutions.

    Police increasingly rely on international partnerships, including a longstanding forensics programme with Australia, to address these gaps.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Domestic violence – Gillen

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 27-year-old male in relation to a domestic violence incident that occurred in Alice Springs overnight.

    Around 10pm, police received a report that a female had been stabbed by her male partner at a residence in Gillen. Police attended and located the victim with non-life-threatening injuries to her head, arms and lower back. She was conveyed to the Alice Springs Hospital in a stable condition.

    The offender fled the scene prior to police arrival and investigations commenced.

    Police subsequently identified and located the 27-year-old male offender at the base of West Gap, where he was arrested.

    The offender was charged with Aggravated Assault and Engage in conduct that contravenes domestic violence order. He remains in police custody and will appear in the Alice Springs Local Court at a later date.

    Investigations are ongoing and police urge anyone with information to call 131 444 and quote reference NTP2500022523. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: I’m a medical forensic examiner. Here’s what people can expect from a health response after a sexual assault

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mary Louise Stewart, Senior Career Medical Officer, Northern Sydney Local Health District; PhD Candidate, University of Sydney

    fizkes/Shutterstock

    An estimated one in five women and one in 16 men in Australia have experienced sexual violence.

    After such a traumatic experience, it’s understandable many are unsure if they want to report it to the police. In fact, less than 10% of Australian women who experience sexual assault ever make a police report.

    In Australia there is no time limit on reporting sexual assault to police. However, there are tight time frames for collecting forensic evidence, which can sometimes be an important part of the police investigation, whether it’s commenced at the time or later.

    This means the decision of whether or not to undergo a medical forensic examination needs to be made quite quickly after an assault.

    I work as a medical forensic examiner. Here’s what you can expect if you present for a medical forensic examination after a sexual assault.

    A team of specialists

    There are about 100 sexual assault services throughout Australia providing 24-hour care. As with other areas of health care, there are extra challenges in regional and rural areas, where there are often further distances to travel and staff shortages.

    Sexual assault services in Australia are free regardless of Medicare status. To find your nearest service you can call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Full Stop Australia (1800 385 578) who can also provide immediate telephone counselling support.

    It’s important to call the local sexual assault service before turning up. They can provide the victim-survivor with information and advice to prevent delays and make the process as helpful as possible.

    The consultation usually occurs in a hospital emergency department which has a designated forensic suite, or in a specialised forensic service.

    The victim-survivor is seen by a doctor or nurse trained in medical and forensic care. There’s a sexual assault counsellor, crisis worker or social worker present to support the patient and offer counselling advice. This is called an “integrated response” with medical and psychosocial staff working together.

    In most cases the victim-survivor can have their own support person present too.

    Depending on what the victim-survivor wants, the doctor or nurse will take a history of the assault to guide any medical care which may be needed (such as emergency contraception) and to guide the examination.

    Sexual assault services are always very aware of giving victim-survivors a choice about having a medical forensic examination. If a person presents to a sexual assault service, they can receive counselling and medical care without undergoing a forensic examination if they do not wish to.

    Sexual assault services are inclusive of all genders.

    Collecting forensic samples

    Samples collected during a medical forensic examination can sometimes identify the perpetrator’s DNA or intoxicating substances (alcohol or drugs that might be relevant to the investigation). The window of opportunity to collect these samples can be as short as 12 hours, or up to 5–7 days, depending on the nature of the sexual assault.

    In most of Australia, an adult who has experienced a recent sexual assault can be offered a medical forensic examination without making a report to police.

    Depending on the state or territory, the forensic samples can usually be stored for 3 to 12 months (up to 100 years in Tasmania). This allows the victim-survivor time to decide if they want to release them to police for processing.

    The doctor or nurse will collect the samples using a sexual assault investigation kit, or a “rape kit”.

    Collecting these samples might involve taking swabs to try to detect DNA from external and internal genital areas and anywhere there may have been DNA transfer. This can be from skin cells, where the perpetrator touched the victim-survivor, or from bodily fluids including semen or saliva.

    The doctor or nurse carrying out the examination do their best to minimise re-traumatisation, by providing the victim-survivor information, choices and control at every step of the process.

    The victim-survivor can usually have a support person with them.
    Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

    How about STIs and pregnancy?

    During the consultation, the doctor or nurse will address any concerns about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy, if applicable.

    In most cases the risk of STIs is small. But follow-up testing at 1–2 weeks for infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, and at 6–12 weeks for infections such as syphilis and HIV, is usually recommended.

    Emergency contraception (sometimes called the “morning after pill”) can be provided to prevent pregnancy. It can be taken up to five days after sexual assault (but the sooner the better) with follow-up pregnancy testing recommended at 2–3 weeks.

    Things have improved over time

    When I was a junior doctor in the late 90s, taking forensic swabs was usually the responsibility of the busy obstetrics and gynaecology trainee in the emergency department, who was often managing multiple patients and had little training in forensics. There was also usually no supportive counsellor.

    Anecdotally, both the doctor and the patient were traumatised by this experience. Research shows that when specialised, integrated services are not provided, victim-survivors’ feelings of powerlessness are magnified.

    But the way we carry out medical forensic examinations after sexual assault in Australia has improved over the years.

    With patient-centred practices, and designated forensic and counselling staff, the experience for the patient is thought to be empowering rather than re-traumatising.

    Our research

    In new research published in the Australian Journal of General Practice, my colleagues and I explored the experience of the medical forensic examination from the victim-survivor’s perspective.

    We surveyed 291 patients presenting to a sexual assault service in New South Wales (where I work) over four years.

    Some 75% of patients reported the examination was reassuring and another 20% reported it was OK. Only 2% reported that it was traumatising. The majority (98%) said they would recommend a friend present to a sexual assault service if they were in a similar situation.

    While patients spoke positively about the care they received, many commented that the sexual assault service was not visible enough. They didn’t know how to find it or even that it existed.

    We know many victim-survivors don’t present to a sexual assault service or undergo a medical forensic examination after a sexual assault. So we need to do more to increase the visibility of these services.

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

    Mary Louise Stewart receives funding from the Ramsay Research and Education Grant and from the University of Sydney via the Postgraduate Research Support Scheme. Mary Louise Stewart works as a medical forensic examiner where her research is being undertaken.

    – ref. I’m a medical forensic examiner. Here’s what people can expect from a health response after a sexual assault – https://theconversation.com/im-a-medical-forensic-examiner-heres-what-people-can-expect-from-a-health-response-after-a-sexual-assault-244404

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Group arrested following Ōrākei aggravated robbery

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police have arrested four people following an aggravated robbery in Ōrākei this morning.

    Just before 9am, a group of offenders entered a dairy on Kepa Road.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend, of Auckland City Crime Squad, says the group ran into the store armed with a machete and two hammers making threats towards the attendant working.

    “The attendant was chased out of the store,” he says.

    “These offenders have taken the store’s cash register as well as other products from the store.

    “Following this, the group fled in a stolen vehicle.”

    Police were conducting enquiries in the nearby area, when suspicious activity reports were made by local residents.

    “A group of offenders were seen abandoning a vehicle and stealing a small van, and this detail was relayed to Police.”

    The van was later sighted in the Panmure area, when it fled from staff from an address.

    Police did not pursue the vehicle, but the Police Eagle helicopter had deployed and took over monitoring the van.

    “It was observed by Eagle travelling at speed south towards Weymouth,” Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says.

    “Eagle has observed the van drop off various occupants at different locations around the area.

    “Ground staff have since located all of those occupants, who are young people.

    “The driver eventually stopped the van in the Clendon Park and was arrested by Police.”

    Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says Police have since recovered the cash register and some items stolen this morning.

    Those arrested this morning were aged between 12 and 17. Charges are still to be confirmed.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Operation eclipse searches leads to biggest find yet

    Source: South Australia Police

    Police have seized over $2.38 million worth of illicit tobacco and $391,000 in cash in raids last week on premises in regional and metropolitan South Australia.

    Members from Serious and Organised Crime Branch, Financial and Cybercrime Investigation Branch and Whyalla searched fourteen premises in metropolitan and regional areas between 24 and 27 February as part of Operation Eclipse investigations.

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

    In searches of commercial storage facilities at Burton and Parafield Gardens, four large shipping containers containing illicit tobacco was located. The value of the tobacco located at these properties was approximately $2 million dollars. Police are aware that these storage facilities are being used to store tobacco, which is then used to supply illicit retail outlets.

    Two vehicle stops were also conducted at Port Wakefield and Salisbury resulting in illegal tobacco and cash being seized. These searches resulted in the largest seizure of illicit tobacco to date in South Australia. Investigations into the seizures are ongoing.

    Operation Eclipse commander Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby said the cash seizures demonstrates the significant amount of money being generated from the illicit tobacco market.

    “We seek to continue to disrupt their financial operations and criminal activity and pursue criminal charges where evidence exists”

    “SA Police will continue to investigate organised crime syndicates operating statewide through a whole of SA Police response. We will also target people supporting them as they evolve to prevent and suppress serious criminal activity and ensure community safety”

    Operations Eclipse has now searched a total of 136 premises and seized approximately $12.5 million in illicit tobacco products.

    Anyone with any information on criminal activities surrounding the sale of illicit tobacco is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimstopperssa.com.au, you can remain anonymous.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Taskforce Raven seizes firearms, drugs, stolen property during first month of operation

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Taskforce Raven seizes firearms, drugs, stolen property during first month of operation

    Monday, 3 March 2025 – 1:21 pm.

    Taskforce Raven has arrested 28 people, with more than 116 charges laid, 5 firearms seized and approximately $12,000 worth of stolen property recovered during its first month of operation.
    Since February 3, taskforce members have conducted searches at a number of properties – with firearms, drugs or stolen property found at each search.
    Of the 28 people arrested, charges included firearms-related offences, stealing, breaching bail, burglary, aggravated burglary and driving offences.
    Most recently, during a targeted search at George Town on Monday 24 February, taskforce members arrested a 29 year old George Town man in relation to firearms possession and family violence offences.
    Police also located drug paraphernalia and cannabis at that address and a 30 year old George Town woman will be proceeded against for minor drug charges.
    A subsequent search of a second George Town residence resulted in the seizure an air soft gas-powered handgun stored in a plastic bag in a bedroom, an M4 gel baster, a taser, and small quantities of illicit substances.
    A 32 year old George Town woman will be proceeded against in relation to the seized firearms.
    The George Town man was detained to appear in court.
    Two youths have also faced court over two alleged armed robberies in Launceston.
    A 14 year old boy was charged after he allegedly entered a business on Paterson Street about 7.30pm Saturday 22 February while in possession of a knife.
    The youth allegedly stole alcohol, before fleeing the business on foot.
    Nobody was physically injured.
    The 14 year old has also been charged in relation to a second armed robbery, during which he and another 14 year old boy allegedly entered a business on Invermay Road about 10am Sunday 23 February while in possession of a knife.
    The pair allegedly stole alcohol before they fled the store on foot.
    Nobody was physically injured.
    Both youths were charged by members of Taskforce Raven and detained to appear in court.
    Detective Inspector Nathan Johnston said these results showed the taskforce was working.
    “Everyone deserves to feel safe in our community, and we know that there is a small number of people who are responsible for the majority of crime committed,” he said.
    “We know there have been concerns in the community about anti-social and unlawful behaviour, particularly within the CBD.
    “Taskforce Raven is just one of a number of strategies and our members will continue to proactively target known offenders to make our community safer for everyone.”
    “While our taskforce members have been delivering great results, we also need the community’s help. If you have information about repeat offending, we urge you to contact the taskforce on 131 444.”
    Anyone with information about recidivist offending or anti-social behaviour in the Northern District can contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The only ‘winner’ here is Putin: Ukraine unites in response to Trump-Zelenskyy spat and resigns itself to new reality

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Lena Surzhko Harned, Associate Teaching Professor of Political Science, Penn State

    A trap or a misstep? Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sit-down with Donald Trump and JD Vance heads south. AP Photo/ Mystyslav Chernov

    “A president just disrespected America in the Oval Office. It wasn’t Zelenskyy.”

    That was the verdict of the editorial team at the Kyiv Independent, one of Ukraine’s leading media outlets, on a remarkable spat in the Oval Office that played out on Feb. 28, 2025.

    The online newspaper European Pravda characterized the “quarrel at the highest level” as a diplomatic failure, but added that it was “not yet a catastrophe.”

    Some Ukrainians I have spoken to since the fractious encounter, during which Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy was repeatedly hectored by U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, have indeed characterized it as disastrous for the country. But for others, the incident has been calmly accepted as the new reality in U.S.-Ukraine relations.

    There have been some questions directed at Zelenskyy – did he allow himself to be baited into an an argument that could have real consequences? Should he have remained silent? But for the most part, the treatment of Ukraine’s president by Trump and Vance has produced a presumably unintended consequence: It has unified a war-weary Ukrainian people.

    As one friend who has been displaced by war from the now occupied city of Nova Kakhovka told me, there has not been this level of mobilization and patriotism in three years.

    ‘The country needs unity’

    This unity is seen in the response across Ukraine’s political divide.
    Petro Poroshenko, an often outspoken opponent of Zelenskyy and leader of the opposition party European Solidarity, said on March 1 that, to the surprise of many, he will not criticize Zelenskyy’s performance at the White House. “The country does not need criticism, the country needs unity,” he said in the video posted on X.

    Anecdotally, even those Ukrainians who did not vote for Zelenskyy have told me that events in the Oval Office made them feel more supportive of Zelenskyy.

    However, a sense of realism is sinking in over the shifting stance of the U.S. administration. Trump’s stated trust in Vladimir Putin and his conciliatory comments over Russian aggression – including a refusal to acknowledge Russian war crimes – have, for many Ukrainians, set low expectations that the White House can help achieve a quick and lasting peace. Yet, as Inna Sovsun of the opposition party Holos noted, “It was difficult to watch a president who’s been a victim of Russian aggression being attacked by the leader of the free world.”

    Setting the record straight

    The Feb. 28 meeting between the U.S. and Ukrainian leaders followed weeks of increasingly harsh Trump rhetoric toward Zelenskyy. Since being inaugurated on Jan. 20, Trump has called the Ukrainian leader a “dictator without elections,” claiming – incorrectly – that Zelenksyy had 4% approval ratings. He also indicted that the invasion by Russian troops in February 2022 was Ukraine’s fault.

    Such comments had already made Ukrainians rally around Zelenskyy, who has a healthy 63% approval rating, according to the latest polls.

    The ugly scenes in the Oval Office could see a further rallying around Zelenskyy, especially if he can successfully characterize his role in the dispute as that of defender of his people. Doing so would tap into growing popular resentment over the new U.S. administration’s apparent unwillingness to acknowledge Russian war crimes.

    Large U.S. and Ukrainian flags hang on the Kyiv River Port building on March 2, 2025 in Kyiv, Ukraine.
    Photo by Pierre Crom/Getty Images

    In the days leading up to the Zelenskyy-Trump meeting, the U.S. voted with Russia against a United Nations resolution condemning Russian aggression and opposed the wording of a draft G7 statement marking the third anniversary of the war, which depicted Russia as the aggressor.

    Letting Putin off the hook

    The angry exchanges in the Oval Office seemed to have been sparked by Zelenskyy’s objection to Trump’s assertion that Russian President Vladimir Putin is a man of his word.

    That refusal to call out Putin – who faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court – angers Ukrainians who have suffered Russian aggression for three years. To hammer that point home, Zekenskyy showed Trump and others in the Oval Office photos of Ukrainian prisoners of war who return from Russian captivity tortured and abused.

    As Ukrainian human rights lawyer and Nobel Prize winner Oleksandra Matviichuk noted in a Feb. 17 speech, 65% of Ukrainians polled early in the conflict said their main disappointment in ending the war would be “impunity for Russian crimes.” Three years of conflict will have only hardened that sentiment – yet the U.S., under Trump’s leadership, looks increasingly willing to let Putin off the hook.

    Defender of the nation – and truth

    A large section of Ukrainian media – both traditionally pro- and anti-Zelenskyy alike – have since Feb. 28 portrayed the president in the role of a defender of both his nation and the truth.

    He was, this framing has it, forced into the difficult position of having to set the record straight and challenge untrue statements in real time, and in front of the seemingly antagonistic leader of the world’s largest economy, whose support has been crucial in Ukraine’s attempt to repel the invading Russian army.

    To some, keeping silent would have been tantamount to capitulation, but others have questioned Zelenskyy’s approach.

    While still maintaining that Zelenskyy’s key message was correct, some Ukrainians have suggested that his emotional tone in the Oval Office was not constructive.

    Opposition lawmaker Oleskiy Goncharenko suggested in an interview on CNN that Zelenskyy should have been more “diplomatic” and more “calm” given that the stakes were so high.

    Meanwhile, there were also those who questioned the decision to hold such an important conversation in front of the press, especially without the use of professional translators who potentially could have tamped down the rhetoric and slowed the pace of the exchange. Thus, as Tymofiy Mylovanov, the adviser to the office of the president and head of the Kyiv School of Economics put it, some things could “have been lost in translation.”

    ‘Zelensky is our democratic leader’

    So where does the Oval Office dispute leave both Zelenskyy and U.S.-Ukrainian relations?

    In the aftermath of the dispute, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham – who has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine – suggested that Zelenskyy should resign, the implications being that his relationship with Trump was so broken that his presence is now counterproductive for Ukraine’s priorities.

    It is a line that hasn’t gone down well in Ukraine. Kira Rudyk, the leader of opposition party Holos, retorted that it was up to the Ukrainian people alone to decide on their leadership and future.

    Moreover, to many Ukrainians the barrier to harmonious Ukraine-U.S. relations is not Zelenskyy, but Trump.

    Mustafa Nayyem, who served in Zelesnkyy’s government, summed up the view of many Ukrainians by claiming in a social media post that the Trump administration “does not just dislike Ukraine. They despise us.” The “contempt is deeper than indifference, and more dangerous than outright hostility,” he added in the Feb. 28 post.

    Intentional provocation

    Serhii Sternenko, a Ukrainian activist lawyer and blogger, described the Oval Office spat as an intentional provocation on behalf of Trump to discredit Ukraine as an unreliable partner in the peace negotiations.

    Sternenko is not alone in his assessment. Journalist and blogger Vitaly Portnikov argued that the spat was the result of Trump’s unrealistic promise of ending the war quickly being confronted with the reality that perhaps Russia does not want to make any concessions. The thinking here is Putin has shown no indication that he will bend on his war goals, so for Trump, framing Zelenskyy as “not ready for peace” allows the U.S. president to walk away from his campaign promise without accepting defeat.

    Among friends: Zelenskyy with Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer and France’s President Emmanuel Macron on March 2, 2025.
    Justin Tallis – WPA Pool/Getty Images

    A new reality

    Beyond the headlines and initial reactions from Ukrainian politicians, journalists and civilians, there is also another sentiment that is emerging: resignation to the new reality.

    Most Ukrainians want an end to war, but in a way that preserves their sovereignty and guarantees future security. Until recently, that was shared by the occupants of the White House. It is becoming increasingly clear to many Ukrainians that, in regards the war in Ukraine, the U.S. will play a different role under Trump – meaning Ukraine will increasingly look to European leaders as primary partners.

    Perhaps Goncharenko, the opposition member of Ukraine’s Parliament, best summed up the consequences of the Oval Office spat: “It was not Ukraine, it was not the United States who won … it was Putin.”

    Lena Surzhko Harned does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. The only ‘winner’ here is Putin: Ukraine unites in response to Trump-Zelenskyy spat and resigns itself to new reality – https://theconversation.com/the-only-winner-here-is-putin-ukraine-unites-in-response-to-trump-zelenskyy-spat-and-resigns-itself-to-new-reality-251228

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Edinburgh — Missing Person: Help the RCMP find Keith Bromley

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Meteghan RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 94-year-old Keith Bromley, who was last seen March 2 at 1:30 p.m. on Riverside Road in New Edinburgh.

    Bromley is described as 5 foot 7 inches and a slight build. He has white and green eyes. He was last seen wearing a black sweater and red/black checkered jacket. He is driving a grey coloured 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe, Nova Scotia license plate FHH-902.

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

    Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Keith Bromley is asked to contact the Meteghan RCMP at 902-645-2326. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    Note: A photo of Keith Bromley is attached.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Police Staff Week of Celebration and Recognition 2025

    Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

    Policing once again comes together to celebrate the vital role of police staff

    This year’s event follows the very successful inaugural week of celebration held in 2024, and will again coincide with the National Senior Police Staff Network (SPSN) summit held at the College of Policing, which this year also plays host to the first ever National Police Staff Awards.

    ACO Gemma Stannard, Head of the NPCC’s Strategic Hub and co-founder of the SPSN said:

    “I am extremely pleased that NPCC and the College of Policing are again able to coordinate this wonderful celebration of all things police staff. We saw an outstanding response to last year’s event, with hundreds of our colleagues being recognised and praised, and their work highlighted by peers across the country. 

    “I’m excited that this year’s celebration will also see the introduction of the first National Police Staff Awards. We received an incredible number of nominations, detailing the amazing work staff are doing every day across policing, and we can’t wait to share these stories with you all.

    “It is so important that the work of police staff is recognised as they play a critical role in keeping our communities safe, bringing offenders to justice, supporting victims, investigating crime and enabling policing.

    “I sincerely thank everyone who is involved in making this week and these events possible, and I look forward to hearing more wonderful stories and case studies from colleagues across the country this week.”

    ACO Alexis Poole of Devon and Cornwall Police and co-founder of the SPSN said:

    “Our inaugural week of celebration and recognition held last year significantly helped to install a sense of pride in the police staff workforce by highlighting examples of individuals and teams who have truly gone above and beyond in the course of their duties, and in service to their communities.

    “I know this year we again will help to raise the profile of police staff, and it is our intent that this recognition will also help to inform the workforce of the future about the incredibly rewarding career opportunities available to those who want to work in policing.

    “The fact that this year also sees the first ever national awards for police staff is such a positive step for us all. We created these awards to demonstrate the breadth and complexity of the work police staff are undertaking to enable and support the policing mission, and we know that people will feel humbled after hearing these stories.

    “Congratulations to all award winners, as well as those who were highly commended!”

    NPCC Chair Chief Constable Gavin Stephens said:

    “I am delighted to once again see this week of celebration take place. As we saw last year, taking the time across policing to collectively recognise the work and achievements of police staff really does help to promote the incredible breadth of work that they do.

    “Police staff do not always get the profile and recognition that they deserve, and I know all police chiefs would agree with me and say that this is something that we must continue to champion.

    “For those less familiar with policing, I would urge them to explore the range of roles that are open to police staff: from those conducting analytical, research and scientific support, to forensics and investigations, and neighbourhood policing, these truly are vitally important roles that policing simply could not exist without.

    “I’d personally like to thank each and every staff member and volunteer for the huge role they play.”

    PCC Emily Spurrell, Chair of the APCC said:

    “Keeping the public safe is not achieved by police officers alone, and I’m delighted that the many skilled and dedicated staff whose work may be less visible but is no less vital in preventing crime are being recognised this week.

    “Crime is changing, and it is often those who work behind the scenes who are at the forefront of dealing with emerging types of crime. Whether they work in forensics, as a crime analyst, in IT support or as a call handler, police staff are instrumental to protecting communities across the country. I’d like to thank them for their commitment and to congratulate those being recognised in this week’s inaugural National Police Staff Awards.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 02/27/2025 Blackburn, Kelly Push for More Federal Resources to Combat Fentanyl Crisis in Tennessee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    “This is an example of the long-lasting solutions that Republicans and Democrats can work on together to secure our border and prevent the flow of drugs into our communities.”
    Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) introduced bipartisan legislation to more forcefully go after criminals trafficking drugs and stop fentanyl from ravaging Tennesse communities. This bill would reauthorize the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program—which brings together federal and local law enforcement to stop drug trafficking—and provide them with greater resources to cover more activities to enhance fentanyl prevention and seizures. 
    Cosponsors of the HIDTA Enhancement Act include Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). Kelly, Capito, Blackburn, and Cortez Masto introduced this bill last year. 
    “Communities in Tennessee are suffering because of the increased presence of fentanyl,” said Senator Blackburn.“The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program assists law enforcement in combating fentanyl trafficking and targeting these criminals, and I fully support reauthorizing and expanding it.” 
    “Law enforcement agencies in Arizona are doing their best every single day to keep families safe from lethal drugs like fentanyl. We’re supporting them by boosting collaboration between federal and local law enforcement to crack down on drug trafficking,” said Senator Kelly. “This is an example of the long-lasting solutions that Republicans and Democrats can work on together to secure our border and prevent the flow of drugs into our communities.” 
    “Every West Virginian has been impacted by the opioid crisis, and fentanyl being trafficked into our communities has made the problem exponentially worse,” said Senator Capito. “The brave law enforcement officers of HIDTA are working every day to stop illicit fentanyl and other illegal drugs in their tracks. I am proud to introduce this legislation that will continue to support the HIDTA program’s mission, provide additional resources to stop the trafficking of fentanyl, and save lives across the country.” 
    “The HIDTA program has been an incredible tool to help law enforcement agencies nationwide to combat drug trafficking and the fentanyl crisis,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I will continue working with my colleagues across the aisle to expand funding and support for HIDTA. We must ensure our communities have the resources they need to keep drugs off our streets and protect Nevada families.”   
    “The opioid epidemic is taking lives and tearing families apart. We need to continue to provide law enforcement with the tools they need to fight drug trafficking and the violent crime that comes along with it,” said Senator Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan bill will increase coordination among all levels of law enforcement across the country, including in Minnesota and at the border, so they can more effectively take fentanyl and other dangerous drugs off the street.”
    Background:
    The bipartisan HIDTA Enhancement Act specifically reauthorizes the program at $333,000,000 annually through 2030; increases authorization for competitive grants to $14,224,000 and expands use of funds to include enhanced fentanyl seizure and interdiction activities; directs collaboration between the Attorney General and the Executive Boards of each designated HIDTA; and requires ONDCP to provide a report within the annual National Drug Control Strategy describing the use of HIDTA funds to investigate fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances. 
    Arizona HIDTA was established in 1990 and includes the designated counties of Cochise, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, and Yuma. The program coordinates and supports the efforts of 704 full-time and 33 part-time participants from 88 federal, state, local, and tribal agencies. It also employs a balanced approach between supply reduction and demand reduction with regard to enforcement, prevention, and treatment. 
    In 2023, Arizona law enforcement agencies seized 123,666,772 fentanyl pills and 2,001 kilograms of fentanyl powder as a result of HIDTA initiatives and other counter drug efforts. 
    Cosponsors:
    Cosponsors of the HIDTA Enhancement Act include Senators Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). Kelly, Capito, Blackburn, and Cortez Masto introduced this bill last year.  
    Click here to see bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 02/28/2025 Blackburn, Cassidy, Colleagues Applaud Senate Committee Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Fentanyl Crisis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) joined Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) and their colleagues in applauding the passage of their Halt Lethal Trafficking (HALT) Fentanyl Act by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The HALT Fentanyl Act would make permanent the temporary classification of fentanyl-related substances as a Schedule I drug of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The drug’s Schedule I classification is set to expire on March 31, 2025. This legislation builds on the momentum of the Stopping Overdoses of Fentanyl Analogues (SOFA) Act introduced by Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.).
    “Border Patrol officers have caught more fentanyl nationwide over the last two years than ever before in history, and Tennessee communities are paying the tragic price,” said Senator Blackburn. “The HALT Fentanyl Act would help law enforcement crack down on fentanyl trafficking, and I’m pleased it is one step closer to becoming law.”
    “Chinese fentanyl was pouring into the U.S. under President Biden’s open border. Law enforcement needs every tool possible to combat this,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I am grateful for Chairman Grassley’s quick work to move this through the Judiciary Committee. Let’s make it law.”
    BACKGROUND
    Drug overdoses, largely driven by fentanyl, are the leading cause of death among young adults 18 to 45 years old. Synthetic opioids like fentanyl account for 66 percent of U.S. overdose deaths.
    According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were an estimated 107,543 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2023. This was primarily fueled by synthetic opioids, including illegal fentanyl, which are largely manufactured in Mexico from raw materials supplied by China. 
    In 2022, there were over 50.6 million fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills seized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), more than double the amount seized in 2021.
    In 2017, Senator Johnson introduced the SOFA Act following the Wisconsin legislature’s unanimous adoption of a bill that mirrors the HALT Fentanyl Act. 
    CO-SPONSORS
    The HALT Fentanyl Act is also co-sponsored by Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Chuck Grassley(R-Iowa), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Ruben Gallego(D-Ariz.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Angus King (I-Maine), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Ashley Moody (R-Fla.). 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Hamas accuses Israel of ‘blackmail’ over aid, demands end of US support for Netanyahu

    Asia Pacific Report

    The Palestinian resistance group Hamas has accused Israel of “blackmail” over aid and urged the US government to act more like a neutral mediator in the ceasefire process.

    “We call on the US administration to stop its bias and alignment with the fascist plans of the war criminal Netanyahu, which target our people and their existence on their land,” Hamas said in a statement.

    “We affirm that all projects and plans that bypass our people and their established rights on their land, self-determination, and liberation from occupation are destined for failure and defeat.

    “We reaffirm our commitment to implementing the signed agreement in its three stages, and we have repeatedly announced our readiness to start negotiations on the second stage of the agreement,” it said.

    Al Jazeera Arabic reports that Israel sought a dramatic change to the terms of the ceasefire agreement with a demand that Hamas release five living captives and 10 bodies of dead captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and increased aid to the Gaza Strip.

    It also sought to extend the first phase of the ceasefire by a week.

    Hamas informed the mediators that it rejected the Israeli proposal and considered it a violation of what was agreed upon in the ceasefire.

    Israel suspends humanitarian aid
    In response, Israel suspended the entry of humanitarian aid until further notice and Hamas claimed Tel Aviv “bears responsibility” for the fate of the 59 Israelis still held in the Gaza Strip.

    Reports said Israeli attacks in Gaza on Sunday have killed at least four people and injured five people, according to medical sources.

    “The occupation [Israel] bears responsibility for the consequences of its decision on the population of the Strip and for the fate of its prisoners,” Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said in a statement.

    Hamas denounces blackmail headline on Al Jazeera news. Image: AJ screenshot APR

    Under the agreed ceasefire, the second phase of the truce was intended to see the release of the remaining captives, the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and a final end to the war.

    However, the talks on how to carry out the second phase never began, and Israel said all its captives must be returned for fighting to stop.

    In an interview with Al Jazeera, an analyst said that although the fragile ceasefire seemed on the brink of collapse, it was unlikely that US President Donald Trump would allow it to fail.

    “I think the larger picture here is Trump is not interested in the resumption of war,” said Sami al-Arian, professor of public affairs at Istanbul Zaim University.

    “He has a very long agenda domestically and internationally and if it is going to be dragged by Netanyahu and his fascist partners into another war of genocide with no strategic end, he knows this is going to be a no-win for him.

    “And for one thing, Trump hates to lose.”

    No game plan
    In another interview, Israeli political commentator Ori Goldberg told Al Jazeera that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was caught between seeing the Gaza ceasefire through and resorting to a costly all-out war that may prove unpopular at home.

    “I’m not sure Netanyahu has a game plan,” Goldberg said.

    “The reason he hasn’t made a decision is because . . . Israel is not equipped to go to war right now. Resilience is at an all-time low. Resources are at an all-time low.”

    War crimes . . . a poster at a New Zealand pro-Palestinian rally in Auckland on Saturday. Image: Asia Pacific Report

    In December, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees reported that more than 19,000 children had been hospitalised for acute malnutrition in four months.

    In the first full year of the war — ending in October 2024 — 37 children died from malnutrition or dehydration.

    Last September 21, The International Criminal Court (ICC) said there was reason to believe Israel was using “starvation as a method of warfare” when it issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

    United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said all efforts must be made to prevent a return to hostilities, which would be catastrophic.

    He urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and find a way forward on the next phase.

    Guterres also called for an urgent de-escalation of the violence in the occupied West Bank.

    Almost 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli war on Gaza since 7 October 2023.

    New Zealand protesters warn against a “nuclear winter” in a pro-Palestinian rally in Auckland on Saturday. Image: Asia Pacific Report

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Murder arrest following death of a man in Lewisham

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Met officers have made an arrest following the death of a man in Lewisham.

    We were called at 20:39hrs on Saturday, 1 March to reports of an assault in Lewisham High Street.

    Officers responded with paramedics and found a 63-year-old man with life-threatening injuries.

    He was taken to hospital where he later died. His family have been informed.

    It’s believed the man was assaulted following a disturbance at The Watch House pub.

    A 42-year-old man was arrested nearby on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody at a south London police station.

    Detective Chief Inspector Craig Magee, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “This tragic incident happened in a busy part of south-east London. We would like to hear from anyone who was in Lewisham High Street or at The Watch House pub and has information about what happened.

    “We have spent the night at the scene and there will be an increased police presence in the area today while we continue to gather evidence.

    “I recognise the concern a crime of this nature causes. We have a suspect in custody, and based on the enquiries carried out so far, we do not believe there to be any risk to the wider community.”

    Anyone with information that could assist the investigation team is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 6267/01Mar. To remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

    MIL Security OSI –