NewzIntel.com

Category: Crime

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Sexual assault – Alawa

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information after an alleged sexual assault occurred in Alawa overnight.

    Around 9:30pm, it is alleged a female was sexually assaulted by an unknown male in bushland along Lakeside Drive. The victim was physically assaulted before the offender sexually assaulted her and fled the scene.

    She was later found by a passerby with injuries to her face and legs.

    The alleged offender is described as being of Aboriginal appearance, around 40 years of age, with a thin build, and dishevelled hair and beard. He was wearing long pants and a dark navy or black-coloured top.

    Police urge anyone with information or who has CCTV in the area to make contact on 131 44. Please quote reference number P25058851. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police investigation damage to cars in Launceston

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Police investigation damage to cars in Launceston

    Sunday, 2 March 2025 – 10:53 am.

    Tasmania Police is investigating after several parked cars were damaged overnight in the vicinity of York Street and Margaret Street in Launceston. Some vehicles appear to have had fuel stolen from them.
    Police are urging anyone who may have been parked in the area overnight to check their vehicles for potential damage.
    Anyone who may have seen people acting suspiciously in the area is asked to call Launceston Police on 131444 or you can report the information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperstas.com.au.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Taskforce Reprisal update

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Taskforce Reprisal update

    Sunday, 2 March 2025 – 10:56 am.

    Tasmania Police’s Taskforce Reprisal continues to target those offenders causing the most harm to the community.
    Acting Sergeant Katie Swift said “yesterday, two youths were arrested in relation to an extensive number of shoplifting matters which had occurred in Hobart since October 2024.”
    “A 15-year-old boy will appear in court today charged with 32 counts of stealing, 16 counts of trespass, 4 counts of breaching bail, 2 counts of mark graffiti, 1 count of Injure property, 1 count of possess graffiti equipment in a public place and 1 count of unlawfully possess dangerous article in a public place.”
    “The second youth, a 15-year-old boy was arrested and charged with 8 counts of stealing, 7 counts of trespass, 1 count of mark graffiti, 1 count of possess thing used for administration of a controlled drug, 1 count of unlawfully possess dangerous article in a public place, and 1 count of possess graffiti equipment in a public place. The boy will appear in court at a later date.”
    “The youths targeted fragrances, clothing and food items, valued at over $3000.”
    “Tasmania Police will continue to prioritise the safety and security of our community and where appropriate, necessary and authorised by law, we will be charging those who offend and putting them before a Magistrate.”
    “Our community deserves to feel safe at home, out in public and in their workplaces,” she said.
    Anyone who witnesses illegal or anti-social behaviour should report it to police on 131 444, or triple-zero (000) in an emergency. Information can also be provided to Crime Stoppers at crimestopperstas.com.au, and you can stay anonymous.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Aggravated assault – Roper Gulf Region

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested 29-year-old male in relation to an aggravated assault that occurred overnight in a community in the Roper Gulf Region.

    Around 9:10pm, police received a report that a 20-year-old female had been assaulted multiple times with an edged weapon in Beswick community. The victim was presented at the local clinic with stab wounds to the abdomen, back and legs.

    It is alleged the victim was assaulted by her partner at their residential address before he drove her to the local clinic for medical assistance. 

    The victim was stabilised by Care Flight at the clinic before being conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital for treatment where she remains in a critical condition.

    Following the incident, family members from both parties allegedly began creating disturbances outside the health clinic.

    Katherine and Mataranka police were deployed to the community to manage the unrest and investigate.

    A 29-year-old male was arrested at the scene and remains in police custody.

    Katherine Criminal Investigations Branch has carriage and investigations are ongoing.

    Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25058832.

      Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Marks a Step Forward With AI for Everyone with New Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today unveiled Galaxy A56 5G1, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G, the latest Galaxy A series smartphones. For the first time, the Galaxy A series is integrating Awesome Intelligence — including some of Galaxy’s fan-favorite, AI-powered features to reimagine creativity — while bringing enhanced durability and longevity, as well as robust security and privacy protections to provide a safe and long-lasting mobile experience.
    “The new Galaxy A series marks an important step in our mission of AI for all, by opening Galaxy’s incredible mobile AI experiences to even more people around the world,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics. “With these awesome new features and capabilities, we are excited to unlock limitless creativity on the Galaxy A series while ensuring a safe, reliable and fun mobile experience.”
    Awesome Intelligence for Advanced Search and Creativity
    Awesome Intelligence is the first comprehensive mobile AI experience available on Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A35 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G and brings users powerful, fun, and easy-to-use AI tools. Powered by One UI 7, the new Awesome Intelligence features offer amazing search and visual experiences to Galaxy A series users.
    A fan-favorite on Galaxy A series devices last year, Google’s enhanced Circle to Search2 makes it easier than ever to search and discover from the phone’s screen. With the latest upgrades, users can now get even more done on their phone. Circle to Search will quickly recognize phone numbers, email addresses and URLs on the screen so users can take action with minimal actions.
    With the recent enhancements to Circle to Search, users can also instantly search their favorite 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 effortlessly identify the song name and artist.

    The Galaxy A series also takes the camera experience to a new level with creator-focused tools, starting with a powerful triple-camera system featuring a 50MP main lens on all devices and 10-bit HDR front lens recording on Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G for bright and crisp selfies. Galaxy A56 5G features a new 12MP ultra-wide lens, while the entire Galaxy A series empowers creativity in new and exciting ways through intelligent visual editing.
    Exclusively available on Galaxy A56 5G, Best Face3 makes it easier than ever to capture the perfect group shot by selecting and combining the best expressions or features for up to five people from a motion photo. Whether someone blinked or looked away, Best Face ensures everyone looks their best in a single, seamless shot. Galaxy A56 5G also brings enhancements to Nightography, with Low Noise Mode making its way to the 12MP selfie camera and additional wide camera support to capture stunning content in low-light settings.

    Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G all bring refined Object Eraser4, allowing users to remove unwanted distractions from photos. Users can manually or automatically select objects to erase, achieving a cleaner, more polished final image with just a few taps. Moreover, Filters5enables custom filter creation by extracting colors and styles from existing photos for users to apply for a unique and personalized effect depending on mood and taste. With these intelligent tools, users can refine and enhance their photos effortlessly, bringing a new level of creativity to every shot.

    Built To Last with Upgraded Displays and Software Longevity
    Now with up to six generations of Android OS and One UI upgrades and six years of security updates, the Galaxy A series reinforces its software longevity even more. These updates add additional support toward optimizing the device’s lifecycle, ensuring users can enjoy a smooth and reliable experience for years to come.
    Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G also come with larger displays designed for a high-quality, immersive viewing experience. Both devices feature a 6.7-inch6 FHD+ Super AMOLED display with brightness levels reaching up to 1200 nits7, allowing for a more vibrant and immersive entertainment experience. Frontline workers can also take advantage of the bright screens when working outside — allowing them to easily work from anywhere. New stereo speakers further enhance the experience with rich, balanced sound.
    A 5,000mAh battery included with every device in the lineup enables the new Galaxy A series’ design to keep up with users’ daily routines. Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G support 45W charging power8 and Super Fast Charge 2.0 technology, delivering even faster charging. Both models also deliver enhanced performance, as Galaxy A56 5G is powered by the Exynos 1580 chipset and Galaxy A36 5G features the Snapdragon® 6 Gen 3 Mobile Platform. A larger vapor chamber in both devices helps sustain performance, ensuring smooth gameplay, video playback, and effortless multitasking. For B2B customers, Super Fast charging optimizes battery life to allow workers to stay connected to their device during their shift.

    Beyond performance, the new Galaxy A series is built to withstand life’s unpredictable moments. For the first time, Galaxy A26 5G features an IP67 dust and water resistance rating for strong protection against the elements such as dust and water, matching the IP67 rating on Galaxy A36 5G and Galaxy A56 5G.9 Additionally, an advanced Corning® Glass cover material adds a layer of durability against scratches and cracks.10
    Expanded Protections for Enhanced Security and Privacy
    Thanks to the integration of One UI 7.0 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. 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.
    To maintain freedom of choice, accessibility, and transparency, Galaxy A series users can easily select their desired security features through the Knox Matrix dashboard, and can also be deployed and managed in the enterprise through the Knox suite of cloud solutions.

    Pricing and Availability
    Galaxy A26 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A56 5G join A16 5G as the newest devices in the A series portfolio. Galaxy A36 5G starts at $399.99, available in Awesome Black and Awesome Lavender, with Awesome Lime exclusively available at Best Buy beginning March 26. Galaxy A26 5G starts at $299.99, available in Black beginning March 28. Galaxy A56 5G will be available later this year starting at $499.99.
    Upon release, Digital Key will be available on Galaxy A56 5G11 and Galaxy A36 5G devices12 in select markets including Asia, Europe, and North America with more to follow.
    To find out more about Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, Galaxy A26 5G, Galaxy A16 5G, and other Galaxy smartphones, please visit: Samsung Newsroom, Samsung Mobile Press, Samsung.com, and Samsung.com/business.

    Galaxy A56 5GGalaxy A36 5GGalaxy A26 5G
    Display6.7-inch FHD+
    Super AMOLED Display
    120Hz refresh rate
    Vision Booster
    *Measured diagonally, the screen size is 6.7-inch in the full rectangle and 6.5-inch with accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole.
    Dimensions & Weight162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4mm, 198g162.9 x 78.2 x 7.4mm, 195g164.0 x 77.5 x 7.7mm, 200g
    *Device weight may vary by market.
    Camera12MP Ultra-Wide Camera
    • F2.2
    50MP Main Camera
    • F1.8, AF, OIS
    5MP Macro Camera
    • F2.4
    12MP Front Camera
    • F2.28MP Ultra-Wide Camera
    • F2.2
    50MP Main Camera
    • F1.8, AF, OIS
    5MP Macro Camera
    • F2.4
    12MP Front Camera
    • F2.28MP Ultra-Wide Camera
    • F2.2
    50MP Main Camera
    • F1.8, AF, OIS
    2MP Macro Camera
    • F2.4
    13MP Front Camera
    • F2.2
    Memory & Storage8GB + 128GB6GB + 128GB6GB + 128GB
    *Storage options and availability may vary by carrier, market or region. Actual storage availability may vary depending on pre-installed software.
    Battery5,000mAh (typical)
    *Typical value tested under third-party laboratory conditions. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 4,905mAh. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.
    OSAndroid 15
    One UI 7.0
    SecuritySamsung Knox, Samsung Knox Suite Management, six generations of Android OS and One UI upgrades, six years of security updates
    Water & Dust ResistanceIP67
    1 5G speeds vary and require optimal network and connection (factors include frequency, bandwidth, congestion); see carrier for availability.
    2 Works with compatible apps. Requires internet connection; results may vary by uniqueness, clarity and framing of circled image and related factors. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Google is a trademark of Google LLC.
    3 Best Face feature is available exclusively on the Galaxy A56 5G device from the Galaxy A series.
    Best Face is only available for photos taken with Motion Photo turned on. The feature does not generate new facial expressions but selects from frames within the Motion Photo video clip. Resulting image up to 12MP.
    4 Results may vary based on the images and the object you’re trying to remove.
    5 Filter availability may vary based on resolution and aspect ratio settings.
    6 Measured diagonally, the screen size is 6.7″ in the full rectangle and 6.5″ accounting for the rounded corners. Actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and the camera hole.
    7 1,200 nits at HBM (High Brightness Mode).
    8 Charger and compatible 45W cable sold separately.
    9 IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. Water resistance based on laboratory test conditions for submersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for beach or pool use. Dust resistance based on laboratory test conditions for airflow of up to 8 hours.
    10 Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®+ is applied to the front and rear of Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G and Galaxy A26 5G. Frame does not include volume and side keys or SIM tray.
    11Digital Key rollout for Galaxy A56 5G begins in Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy. Features may vary depending on each country or region.
    12Digital Key rollout for Galaxy A36 5G begins in Korea, UAE, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the United States. Features may vary depending on each country or region.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man charged with murder in Perivale

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating the death of a woman in Perivale have charged a man with her murder.

    Mugurel Nica, 50 (10.03.74) of Perivale was charged on Saturday, 1 March.

    He will appear in custody at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 3 March.

    On Friday, 28 February, police were called to a property on Jubilee Road following reports of a disturbance.

    Officers attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service who worked hard to save 45-year-old Ana Maria Murariu but despite their best efforts she was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

    A special post-mortem examination will be held in due course.

    Detective Inspector Richard Kempshall, from Specialist Crime, said: “We are continuing to support Ana Maria’s family at this difficult time and our thoughts remain with them. We are not actively seeking anyone else in connection with this investigation.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three teenagers charged with manslaughter

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating the death of a man in Seven Sisters Road, have charged three teenage girls with manslaughter.

    The teenagers aged 14, 16 and 17, who cannot be named because of their age, will appear at Highbury Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 3 March.

    The victim’s family continue to be supported by specialist officers.

    Fredi Reviro, aged 75, was attacked on Seven Sisters Road, N7 at around 23:35hrs on Thursday, 27 February. Officers provided first aid before paramedics arrived, but despite the efforts of emergency services, Fredi sadly died in hospital on Friday, 28 February.

    A special post-mortem examination will be held in due course.

    Anyone who has information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or contact @MetCC on X, quoting CAD 8184/27Feb. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hardin County, Kentucky, Man Sentenced to Four Years in Federal Prison for Mailing Threats to Kill and Extort

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

    Louisville, KY – A Hardin County, Kentucky man was sentenced yesterday to 4 years in prison for mailing letters with threats to kill and extort.

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, and Chief Jeremy Thompson of the Elizabethtown Police Department made the announcement.

    According to court documents, Kyle Miller, 21, was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years supervised release, for mailing threatening communications with threats to kill and extort. On July 6, 2023, August 28, 2023, and October 16, 2023, Miller mailed letters to a victim containing threats to kill. On January 28, 2024, Miller mailed letters to a victim containing threats to kill and extort. On October 13, 2023, Miller mailed a letter to a victim containing a threat to kill.

    There is no parole in the federal system.   

    This case was investigated by the FBI, KSP and Elizabethtown Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Erwin Roberts prosecuted the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Fort Campbell Soldier Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation Offenses

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

    Paducah, KY – A former Fort Campbell soldier was sentenced last week to 5 years and 4 months in federal prison for receiving and distributing child pornography.     

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Louisville Field Office made the announcement.

    According to court documents, Brett Nicolas Ellison, 24, was sentenced to 5 years and 4 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Between November 2019 and June 2022, Ellison received and possessed child sexual abuse material while he was a soldier stationed at the Fort Campbell Army Post, possessing over 90 images and 70 videos containing child sexual abuse material.

    Ellison was also ordered to pay $57,000 in restitution to victims.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Hopkinsville Satellite Office and Army CID.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond McGee, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Grand Jury in Louisville Indicts Three Illegal Aliens

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

    Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky, returned indictments on February 19, 2025, charging 3 illegal aliens with federal criminal offenses.   

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations, Nashville, Police Chief Mike Canon of the Calvert City Police Department, and Sam Olson, Field Office Director for Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Chicago, U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement made the announcement.

    According to the indictments:

    Juan Baltazar Felipe-Pedro, age 26, a citizen of Guatemala, was charged with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about January 23, 2025, Felipe-Pedro was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about April 25, 2019. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison. This case is being investigated by HSI and ICE/ERO.

    Jhoandiris Jimenez-Barrio, age 26, and Yirvel Yonaker Rios-Castro, age 20, citizens of Venezuela, were indicted for conspiracy to commit bank larceny and attempted bank larceny. On or about January 31, 2025, they conspired with each other and others to break into and steal money from an automated teller machine (ATM). They traveled to a bank in Calvert City, Kentucky and attempted to open an ATM to steal money. Homeland Security Investigations verified that Jimenez-Barrio and Rios-Castro are Venezuelan and entered the United States illegally. If convicted, the men face a maximum sentence of 50 years in prison. The case is being investigated by the FBI, Calvert City Police Department, and HSI.

    A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys A. Spencer McKiness, Seth Hancock, and Raymond McGee are prosecuting the cases.

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kansas Man Sentenced for Crimes Related to Child Sexual Abuse

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

    KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man received a combined sentence of 87 months in prison after pleading guilty in two separate cases related to criminal misconduct involving minors.

    According to court documents, Daniel Paul Prekopa, 46, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of attempted travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. In a separate case, Prekopa pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child sexual abuse materials.

    In September 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) notified the Wichita Police Department about a cybertip concerning child sexual abuse materials uploaded to a Dropbox account. Law enforcement confirmed through investigation that the account to belonged to Prekopa.  The materials depicted children under the age of 12 years old engaged in sexual conduct. 

    In a separate investigation in September 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Child Exploitation Task Force engaged in covert chat sessions on platforms known to be frequented by adults attempting to lure children into sexual acts. An undercover agent posing as a minor received a direct message from a user later to be confirmed as Daniel Prekopa. Prekopa sent provocative photos of himself and made sexually illicit comments during multiple exchanges with whom he thought to be a minor, at one point writing, “I could get in major trouble since you’re under 16. But idc either” and “And you have damn cops online trying to catfish people to get them in trouble”.

    FBI agents arrested Prekopa after he traveled from Kansas City, Missouri, to Overland Park, Kansas, for the intended purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a person under the age of 18.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC),  and the Wichita Police Department investigated the cases.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Faiza Alhambra prosecuted the cases.

    Project Safe Childhood
    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. 
    ###
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Dangerous Driving Incident – Bridport

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Dangerous Driving Incident – Bridport

    Saturday, 1 March 2025 – 9:01 pm.

    Police will be proceeding against a 25-year-old Bridport man with traffic offences after he was observed hooning and driving dangerously in Bridport on Friday night.
    About 10.10pm, a grey Mazda 3 sedan was witnessed travelling north on Main Street, Bridport when it reportedly overtook another vehicle at high speed in a 50km/h zone before proceeding through a roundabout and travelling on the incorrect side of the road at speed. At the time there were pedestrians in the area.
    The vehicle was intercepted by police and the vehicle was clamped for 90 days.
    Anyone with information about this incident or who has dash cam footage of a grey Mazda 3 sedan travelling on Main Street at this time is urged to contact Scottsdale Police Station on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania anonymously on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Palestine asks ICJ for advisory opinion on illegal occupier Israel’s obligations

    More than 180 remained in detention without a clear indication of when or if they would be released, the physicians’ report said.

    “Detainees endure physical, psychological and sexual abuse as well as starvation and medical neglect amounting to torture,” the report said, denouncing a “deeply ingrained policy”.

    Healthcare workers were beaten, threatened, and forced to sign documents in Hebrew during their detention, according to the report based on 20 testimonies collected in prison.

    “Medical personnel were primarily questioned about the Israeli hostages, tunnels, hospital structures and Hamas’s activity,” it said.

    “They were rarely asked questions linking them to any criminal activity, nor were they presented with substantive charges.”

    New Zealand protesters calling for the continuation of the Gaza ceasefire and for peace and justice in Palestine in a march along the Auckland waterfront today. Image: Asia Pacific Report

    Where does Trump stand on the Gaza ceasefire?
     With phase one of the ceasefire due to end today and negotiations barely started on phase two, serious fears are being raised over  the viability of the ceasefire.

    President Donald Trump took credit for the truce that his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff helped push across the finish line after a year of negotiations led by the Biden administration, Egypt and Qatar, reports Al Jazeera.

    Advocate Maher Nazzal at today’s New Zealand rally for Gaza in Auckland . . . he was elected co-leader of the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa last weekend. Image: Asia Pacific Report

    However, Trump has since sent mixed signals about the deal.

    Earlier last month, he set a firm deadline for Hamas to release all the captives, warning “all hell is going to break out” if it didn’t.

    But he said it was ultimately up to Israel, and the deadline came and went.

    Trump sowed further confusion by proposing that Gaza’s population of about 2.3 million be relocated to other countries and for the US to take over the territory and develop it.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the idea, but it was universally rejected by Palestinians and Arab countries, including close US allies. Human rights groups said it could violate international law.

    Trump stood by the plan in a Fox News interview over the weekend but said he was “not forcing it”.


    ‘Finally’ an effort to hold the US accountable, says Al-Haq director
    Palestinian human rights activist Shawan Jabarin has welcomed a plea by the US-based rights group DAWN for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate Joe Biden and senior US officials for aiding Israeli war crimes in Gaza.

    In a video posted by DAWN, Jabarin, director of the Palestinian rights group Al-Haq, said the effort was long overdue.

    “For decades we have called on the international community to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law, but time and again, the US has used its power and influence to block that accountability, to shield Israel from consequences and to ensure that it can continue its crimes with impunity,” Jabarin said.

    “Now, finally, we see an effort to hold not just Israeli officials accountable but also those who have made these crimes possible: US officials who have armed, financed, and politically defended Israeli atrocities.”

    A father piggybacks his sleepy child during the New Zealand solidarity protest for Palestine in Auckland’s Viaduct today. Image: Asia Pacific Report

    Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Serious domestic violence assault – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 24-year-old male in relation to a serious assault that occurred in Alice Springs early this morning.

    Around 12:30am, police received a report that a male had flagged down a vehicle travelling on Larapinta Drive to assistance his female partner that was injured and unconscious.

    The male allegedly nominated himself as the offender to the vehicle occupant before leaving the scene.

    Police and St John Ambulance attended and conveyed the 20-year-old female victim to Alice Springs Hospital for treatment where she remains in a stable condition.

    A 24-year-old male has since been arrested and remains in police custody.

    Investigations are ongoing.    

    Police urge anyone who may have been in the area at the time or who can assist with information relating to the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2500021950.

    If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, please reach out on 131 444 or in an emergency call 000. You can also anonymously report through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: UN chief: US foreign aid cuts to ‘run counter to’ Washington’s global interests

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The consequences of severe cuts in U.S. foreign aid will be especially devastating for vulnerable people across the world, and the move will “run counter to” Washington’s global interests, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Friday.

    Guterres said at a press conference that he is deeply concerned about information received in the last 48 hours by UN agencies and aid NGOs regarding severe cuts in U.S. funding.

    “These cuts impact a wide range of critical programmes. From lifesaving humanitarian aid, to support for vulnerable communities recovering from war or natural disaster. From development, to the fight against terrorism and illicit drug trafficking,” he said. “The consequences will be especially devastating for vulnerable people around the world.”

    Besides those hit-hardest countries, including Afghanistan, Syria, South Sudan, and Ukraine, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime will be forced to stop many of its counter-narcotics programmes, including the one fighting the fentanyl crisis, and dramatically reduce activities against human trafficking, Guterres told reporters.

    “Now going through with these cuts will make the world less healthy, less safe and less prosperous,” the UN chief said, warning that the reduction of U.S. humanitarian role and influence “will run counter to American interests globally.”

    Guterres expressed his hope that Washington can reverse these decisions based on more careful reviews.

    The U.S. Department of State announced Wednesday that it had slashed almost all of multi-year aid contracts after a sweeping pause on existing foreign aid last month.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Whitehorse — Crime Reduction Unit arrests British Columbia man on warrants, locate drugs and a firearm

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On February 27, 2025 police officers of the Yukon Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) arrested 48-year-old British Columbia resident, Christopher Munch, as he was wanted on warrants of arrest issued in the province of British Columbia. As a result of their investigation, CRU also seized drugs, cash, trafficking paraphernalia and a firearm.

    On February 27 at approximately 5:30 pm, a member of the Crime Reduction Unit observed Mr. Munch exit a vehicle and enter a business in the Whitehorse downtown area; it was known to the officer that Mr. Munch was wanted on two warrants. Mr. Munch was arrested without incident, along with another male and female who were in the same vehicle. The vehicle was subsequently searched as part of the ongoing investigation and officers discovered a quantity of what is believed to be cocaine and methamphetamine along with money and other items known to be used in the trafficking of illegal drugs such as scales and cell phones. A prohibited firearm was also found inside the vehicle.

    Mr. Munch, along with 37-year-old Robert Suffesick and 45-year-old Nadine Handel, both of Watson Lake, were charged with the following offences:

    Three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine, codeine and methamphetamine);

    Possess a loaded prohibited firearm;

    Possession of property obtained by crime.

    Additionally, Mr. Munch was charged with two counts of fail to comply with a release order.

    Mr. Suffesick and Ms. Handel appeared in court on February 28 and were released on conditions, while Mr. Munch was held in custody and his next court appearance is March 5 in Whitehorse.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Owner of Oahu Physical Therapy Clinic Sentenced to 9 Months in Federal Prison for Health Care Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson announced that Stephen Timothy Wells, 41, of Waialua, was sentenced yesterday in federal court by U.S. District Judge Jill A. Otake to 9 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release for health care fraud. Wells, the owner of Oahu Spine and Rehab, a physical therapy clinic with locations in Kailua and Aiea, pleaded guilty to the charge on September 27, 2024. As part of his sentence, Wells was also ordered to pay restitution to TRICARE, a healthcare program for United States military service members and their families, and Medicare totaling $392,157.20.

    In his plea agreement, Wells admitted that from July 2013 through early 2020, he submitted false claims for payment for physical therapy services to TRICARE and Medicare. Wells used individuals not trained in physical therapy, including massage therapists, athletic trainers, personal trainers, and an individual who had no professional licenses or certifications whatsoever, to provide physical therapy services to patients. Wells admitted that he knew these individuals were not authorized providers and that he could not legitimately bill TRICARE and Medicare for physical therapy services rendered by them, even under supervision. Nevertheless, Wells billed the programs as though the services had been provided by licensed practitioners.

    “Tens of billions of dollars are lost to health care fraud each year, robbing Americans of vitally needed quality health services,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “Over a nearly seven-year period, the defendant endeavored to bilk our nation’s taxpayer-funded TRICARE and Medicare programs out of as much money as possible. He diverted scarce program dollars from military service members and their families, as well as elderly and disabled Americans—some the most deserving and physically and financially vulnerable members of our society. Today’s sentence should serve as a warning to those who attempt to cheat our taxpayer funded insurance programs: you will be caught and when you are, a prison sentence awaits.”

    This case was investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Office of Inspector General.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mohammad Khatib and Rebecca Perlmutter prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Workshop on the utilisation and integration of new data sources for the Consumer Price Index

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Report PDF
    Agenda PDF
    Session 1. New data sources and collection methods for CPI  
    From survey to multiple source-based CPI, Carsten Boldsen, UNECE PDF
    Development of the CPI in Norway, Randi Johannessen, Norway PDF
    Practices and experiences from the development of the CPI in Switzerland (data sources), Corinne Becker, Switzerland PDF
    Session 2. Scanner data  
    Scanner data, Corinne Becker, Switzerland PDF
    Country practices scanner data, Randi Johannessen, Norway PDF
    Ways of using scanner data for CPI, Randi Johannessen, Norway PDF
    Scanner data: challenges, Corinne Becker, Federal Statistical Office of Switzerland PDF
    Alternative data sources used in Türkiye’s CPI, Hasan ÇİĞ, Turkstat PDF
    Product relaunches, shrinkflation and quality adjustment in scanner data, Ken van Loon, Belgium PDF
    Multilateral Methods in the HICP, Vanda Guerreiro, Eurostat PDF
    Session 3. Web prices and web scraping  
    Web scraping for the CPI: ways of implementation and challenges, Corinne Becker, Switzerland PDF
    Session 4. Administrative data sources  
    Results of the survey on country practices on administrative data sources for CPI, Randi Johannessen, Norway PDF
    Practices and challenges in using administrative data sources for CPI, Randi Johannessen, Norway PDF
    Administrative data source, Corinne Becker, Switzerland PDF
    Session 5. Methodological issues  
    Treatment of seasonal products, Randi Johannessen, Norway PDF
    Aggregation of higher-level price indice, Carsten Boldsen, UNECE PDF
    Session 6. Classification of goods and services in the CPI – changeover to COICOP-18  
    Implementation of ECOICOP ver. 2 in the HICP, Vanda Guerreiro, Eurostat PDF
    Changes in the classification of goods and services in the CPI. Carsten Boldsen, UNECE PDF
    Classification of goods and services in the CPI. Practical part, Corinne Becker, Switzerland PDF
    Session 7. Communication of CPI  
    Disseminating the Consumer Price Index in Georgia, Giorgi Tetrauli, Georgia PDF
    Communication of the CPI in Kazakhstan, Tokbayeva Zhairan, Kazakhstan PDF
    Communication of the CPI, Randi Johannessen, Norway PDF

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Death – Domestic violence – Alawa

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 31-year-old female in relation to a death that occurred in Alawa overnight.

    Around 9:40pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that a male and a female had been stabbed at an address on Alawa Crescent. The male was reported to be unconscious.

    Police and St. John Ambulance attended and located the 33-year-old male victim with stab wounds to his legs in a critical condition, and a 51-year-old female with stab wounds to her leg.

    Both victims were conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital for treatment.

    Paramedics commenced CPR on the 33-year-old male victim who was later pronounced deceased in hospital.

    The 31-year-old female alleged offender was arrested at the scene.

    She is believed to be the male victim’s partner and known to the female victim.

    A crime scene has been declared, and investigations are ongoing.

    The offender remains in police custody with charges expected to be laid at a later date.

    Police urge anyone with information in relation to the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25057858.

    You can report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jamestown drug ring leader going to prison for 25 years

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Joel Louis Violanti announced today that Rocco A. Beardsley, 39, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of narcotic conspiracy and distribution of fentanyl causing death, was sentenced to serve 300 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti, Evan K. Glaberson, and Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who handled the case, stated that between late 2018 and March 2020, Beardsley conspired with seven others sell methamphetamine, fentanyl, and other controlled substances in the Jamestown area. On April 9, 2019, Beardsley sold acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl, which resulted in the death of an individual identified as J.A. After learning of J.A.’s death, Beardsley took steps to conceal his involvement in the drug overdose, including by directing others to destroy evidence from the death scene.

    Beardsley bought and sold fentanyl, and methamphetamine for profit and for his own use, utilizing social media to conduct his drug trafficking activities. Beardsley also utilized residences on Sampson Street and Cowden Place in Jamestown for his drug trafficking activities. During the investigation, law enforcement conducted five controlled purchases from Beardsley. In addition, Beardsley and his co-conspirators also participated in a series of money transfers in furtherance of the narcotics conspiracy.

    During the investigation, search warrants were executed at residences associated with the drug conspiracy, during which law enforcement seized approximately 100 grams of methamphetamine, 66 grams of fentanyl, 28 grams of cocaine, 4 grams of crack cocaine, a 12-gauge shotgun, and drug paraphernalia.

    Beardsley was previously convicted in Federal Court in 2007 of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and sentenced to serve 57 months in prison. In 2017, he was convicted in New York State Court of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Narcotic Drug Intent To Sell.

    A total of seven defendants were charged and convicted in this case.

    This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarantino, III, New York Field Division, the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie P. Feroleto, and the Town of Ellicott Police Department, under the direction of Chief William Ohnmeiss Jr.

    # # # # 

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Announces Eight FBI Subjects from Mexico in U.S. Custody

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

    he FBI is announcing eight men, including two former FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, who were transferred into U.S. custody from Mexico this week. All are key subjects of FBI investigations spanning several states.

    Rafael Caro Quintero is a former FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive wanted for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping and murder of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique Camarena Salazar in 1985. Caro‐Quintero is widely regarded as one of the Mexican godfathers of drug trafficking and helped to form the Guadalajara Cartel in the late 1970s. Allegedly, he became one of the primary suppliers of heroin, cocaine, and marijuana to the U.S., and oversaw the cartel in Costa Rica and the U.S. and Mexico border. Quintero will face charges in the Eastern District of New York. This case was investigated by the FBI San Antonio Field Office.

    Alder Marin Sotelo faces homicide charges related to the killing of law enforcement officer. On August 23, 2022, Marin-Sotelo was indicted on a charge of first-degree murder following the August 11, 2022, death of Deputy Ned Byrd of the Wake County, North Carolina, Sheriff’s Office. Sotelo will face federal weapons charges in the Middle District of North Carolina and state murder charges in the North Carolina State Court. This case was investigated by the FBI Charlotte Field Office.

    Jose Rodolfo Villareal-Hernández, also known as “El Gato,” is a former FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive allegedly responsible for stalking and orchestrating the murder-for-hire of a 43-year-old male victim on May 22, 2013, in Southlake, Texas. Villarreal-Hernandez previously held a high-level position in the Beltran-Leyva Organization (BLO) Drug Cartel. He is believed to have overseen the importation of large quantities of cocaine into the United States as well as committing violent acts within the Republic of Mexico and the United States to maintain his organization’s power and status. He was arrested on January 7, 2023, in Atizapán de Zaragoza, Mexico and will face charges in the Northern District of Texas for interstate stalking and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire. This case was investigated by the FBI Dallas Field Office.

    Jose Angel Canobbio-Inzunza, also known as “Guerito,” was a key leader and the finance manager of the Sinaloa Cartel’s Los Chapitos faction. He allegedly trafficked narcotics, controlled an armed enforcement group, and managed corrupt relationships on the cartel’s behalf. He will face narcotrafficking charges out of the Northern District of Illinois. The subject was arrested last week in Sinaloa by the Mexican Army. This case was investigated by the FBI Washington and San Diego Field Offices.

    Rodolfo Lopez Ibarra is facing drug-trafficking charges with up to life imprisonment out of the District of Columbia. This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office.

    Andrew Clark, a Canadian citizen residing in Mexico, allegedly ran and participated in a transnational drug trafficking operation that routinely shipped hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Colombia—through Mexico and Southern California—to Canada and other locations in the United States. Clark is being prosecuted for four murders and one attempted murder, and will face charges in the Central District of California. This case was investigated by the FBI Los Angeles Field Office.

    Luis Geraldo Méndez Estevane is facing several federal charges, including murder, racketeering, and drug conspiracy in the Western District of Texas. Mendez was a high-ranking Barrio Azteca lieutenant and responsible for the March 13, 2010, murder of two U.S. consulate employees in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and an El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Detention Officer. Mendez was indicted in the Western District of Texas. This case was investigated by the FBI El Paso Field Office.

    Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, the former leader of the Juarez Cartel, faces narcotrafficking charges in the Eastern District of New York. Fuentes is responsible for the trafficking of narcotics into the United States. He also assisted in perpetrating significant violence throughout Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and El Paso, Texas, area. The case was investigated by the FBI El Paso Field Office.

    “The FBI and our partners will scour the ends of the earth to bring terrorists and cartel members to justice,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The era of harming Americans and walking free is over.”

    Significant and vital assistance was provided by the FBI’s valued international, federal, state, and local law enforcement partners across the country.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican Cartel Leader Jesus Mendez-Vargas In U.S. Custody On Drug Importation Charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jesus Mendez-Vargas Was a Leader of the Ruthless La Familia Michoacana Cartel’s Narcotics Trafficking Enterprise, Responsible for Importing Vast Quantities of Methamphetamine and Cocaine into the United States

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Frank A. Tarentino, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging JESUS MENDEZ-VARGAS, a/k/a “Chango,” with conspiring to import cocaine and methamphetamine into the U.S.  MENDEZ-VARGAS was taken into U.S. custody from Mexico and was presented on the charge contained in the Indictment today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry J. Ricardo. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl. 

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “As alleged, Jesus Mendez-Vargas was a leader of the violent drug trafficking organization, La Familia Michoacana, based in Mexico, with primary responsibility for the organization’s drug trafficking activities from approximately 2006 to 2011.  La Familia imported vast quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States from Mexico and engaged in extensive violence in furtherance of its drug trafficking activities, including against those Mexican law enforcement officials who stood in its way.  This Office and our law enforcement partners will not stop working to see that those who lead violent drug trafficking organizations are met with the consequences of their actions. Mendez-Vargas will now face justice in an American courtroom.”

    DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino said: “The indictment against Jesus Mendez-Vargas, leader of La Familia Michoacana cartel is another example of the DEA’s determination to identify, target and eliminate drug traffickers poisoning our communities with fentanyl and methamphetamine. This removal demonstrates the New York Division’s relentless pursuit and unwavering commitment to hold accountable those who endanger our communities and traffic violence and drugs across our borders.”

    According to the allegations contained in the Indictment:1

    MENDEZ-VARGAS was a leader in La Familia Michoacana (“LFM”), a powerful, violent drug trafficking organization based in the state of Michoacan, in southwestern Mexico.  LFM controlled drug manufacturing and distribution within and around the state of Michoacan, as well as the port of Lazaro Cardenas, a key drug transshipment point.  LFM imported vast quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine into the U.S. from Mexico. LFM leadership forbade the sale or use of methamphetamine in the areas under its control in Mexico, and instructed LFM members that its methamphetamine was solely for export to the U.S.  From approximately 2006 to 2011, MENDEZ-VARGAS was a leader of LFM, with primary responsibility for LFM’s drug trafficking activities.

    LFM engaged in violence, including assault, murder, and kidnapping to support its narcotics trafficking activities.  LFM also used heavy weaponry, including military-grade weapons, assault weapons, and ammunition smuggled from the U.S. to Mexico by LFM’s associates for use by LFM.  On or about July 14, 2009, approximately two days after the arrest of a high-level LFM leader, the bodies of 12 Mexican federal police officers believed to have been murdered were discovered in Michoacan.  Days later, another member of LFM contacted a local television station in Michoacan and, among other things, claimed that LFM was in a battle against the Mexican federal police and prosecutors, and that LFM kidnaps people who owed LFM money and those whose family members worked in state and federal governments.

    *               *                *

    MENDEZ-VARGAS, 51, of Mexico, is charged with conspiring to import cocaine and methamphetamine into the U.S., which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.

    The mandatory minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

    Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA’s New York Field Division, as well as the assistance of the Office of International Affairs of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and the U.S. Marshals Service.

    This prosecution is part of an OCDETF operation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles criminal organizations using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.  The OCDETF New York Strike Force provides for the establishment of permanent, multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location.  This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.  The specific mission of the New York Strike Force is to target, disrupt, and dismantle drug trafficking and money laundering organizations, reduce the illegal drug supply in the United States, and bring criminals to justice.

    This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas S. Bradley, Jane Y. Chong, Sarah L. Kushner, Alexander N. Li, Daniel G. Nessim, David J. Robles, and Kyle A. Wirshba are in charge of the prosecution.

    The charge contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
     

    1 As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemalan citizen charged for failing to register as a sex offender and illegally returning after deportation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TACOMA – A 25-year-old Guatemalan man will make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Tacoma today for failing to register or update his sex offender registration and re-entering the U.S. following deportation, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Juan Hernandez Zacharias was arrested in Mason County this morning by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigation agents.

    Zackarias is charged by criminal complaint with two felonies. The first, failure to register or update his sex offender registration, relates to his sentencing in October 2022 for first degree child molestation. The sentencing documents advise Zackarias that should he leave the state, he must register as a sex offender within three days of returning. Zackarias allegedly did not register as required.

    The second charge, reentry of a removed alien, relates to Zackarias’ return following deportation. On January 2, 2024, Zackarias had a removal hearing in Immigration Court. He was ordered removed and on February 4, 2024, he was removed from the United States and transported to Guatemala.

    However, on May 16, 2024, Zackarias registered a white van with Washington State plates in his name – indicating that he had returned to Washington.

    On December 6, 2024, Zackarias was arrested by Mason County Sheriff’s deputies for failing to register as a sex offender. The arrest was logged in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). The NCIC system alerted ICE Homeland Security Investigations that Zackarias has an order of removal in place. The federal criminal complaint was sworn and filed with Magistrate Judge David W. Christal on February 21, 2025.

    Failure to register or update sex offender registration is punishable by up to ten years in prison. Reentry of a removed alien is punishable by up to two years in prison.

    The charges contained in the criminal complaint are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    The case is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean Waite and Special Assistant United States Attorney Katherine Collins. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two brothers from India arraigned on indictment for selling counterfeit cancer drugs and adulterated medications

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Men are extradited from Singapore following their 2023 arrest after FDA and ICE undercover probe

    Seattle – Two brothers from India appeared in court today on a 2022 indictment for multiple counts related to their scheme to sell counterfeit and adulterated drugs in the United States, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Avanish Kumar Jha, 38, and Rajnish Kumar Jha, 35, were arrested in Singapore on April 20, 2023, based on a request from the United States. In January 2025, a judge in Singapore ruled the men could be extradited to the U.S. to face 28 felony charges and the Minister for Law ordered their surrender on February 24, 2025. Both defendants entered pleas of not guilty and trial was scheduled for May 5, 2025, in front of U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez.

    “The defendants in this case allegedly made hundreds of thousands of dollars while defrauding people who were clinging to hope that a late-stage cancer medication could save their life. Because of this fraud, victims received counterfeit medication that contained none of the cancer-fighting substance they thought they were ordering,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Miller. “This fraud scheme didn’t just steal money; it stole the prospect of more time with loved ones for those battling cancer.”

    The investigation of the Jha brothers began in 2019, when investigators reviewed internet postings and other evidence indicating that the Jha brothers and their company, Dhrishti Pharma International, were offering to sell prescription drugs to buyers in the United States and elsewhere. Undercover agents with the Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) began communicating with the Jha brothers and ordered some of their products.  Of particular concern was a “medication” labeled as “Keytruda,” a Merck drug for late-stage cancer. An analysis revealed that the Jha brothers were selling counterfeit Keytruda that contained none of active ingredient that made the authentic product effective. Other products contained contaminants.

    The brothers allegedly shipped the counterfeit and adulterated drugs from India. They accepted various means of payment including wire transfers and direct money exchanges. In some cases, they used intermediaries in the United States to pick up cash payments. The drugs were packaged in such a way to avoid detection by international customs or other regulators.

    Both men had been detained in Singapore since their arrest in April 2023 based on a provisional arrest request from the United States. The United States submitted a formal extradition request to Singapore in June 2023.

    “This case highlights ICE HSI’s commitment to protecting the public from dangerous and fraudulent practices that put vulnerable individuals at risk,” said acting Special Agent in Charge of ICE HSI Seattle Matthew Murphy. “The company in question preyed on those in desperate need of lifesaving treatments by offering counterfeit medications that provided nothing but false hope. Thanks to the diligent work of our special agents and our law enforcement partners, we are taking swift action to ensure those responsible are held accountable.”

    The case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations and ICE HSI.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip Kopczynski. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance with securing the extradition. Significant assistance was provided by law enforcement partners at the U.S. Embassy in Singapore, including the ICE HSI Attaché and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service Office of Overseas Criminal Investigations, and Singaporean authorities, particularly the Singapore Police Force and Attorney-General’s Chambers.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Stoneham Police Officer Sentenced to More Than Two Years in Prison for Bribery Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant defrauded a company to obtain tens of millions of dollars of Mass Save funds through paying bribes and kickbacks to company employees

    BOSTON – A former Stoneham Police Officer has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for a bribery and kickback scheme that netted millions of dollars in Mass Save contracts.  

    Joseph Ponzo, 51, of Stoneham, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 27 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. Joseph Ponzo was also ordered to pay $115,528 in restitution and a $100,000 fine. In November 2024, Joseph Ponzo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud; 24 counts of honest services wire fraud; one count of making false statements to government officials; and four counts of causing false tax returns to be filed with the Internal Revenue Service from 2016 to 2019. Joseph Ponzo was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2023 along with his brother Christopher Ponzo.

    “Joseph Ponzo was a sworn officer, who pledged an oath to uphold the law, not violate it. However, he chose greed over integrity,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Joseph Ponzo’s greed came at the cost of consumers who were left paying the bill. A prison sentence is the price he will now pay for taking bribes and kickbacks.”

    “When an officer shrugs off his sworn oath and breaks the law to pad his paycheck like Joseph Ponzo did, he betrays the people of his community – and all of us who wear a badge,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “Every year, Massachusetts homeowners spend millions of dollars to fund energy conservation projects for consumers. Joseph Ponzo and his brother cheated them by shelling out hundreds of thousands of dollars in a steady stream of bribes and kickbacks to an insider who steered contracts their way, ignoring all ethical boundaries. Know that the FBI will continue to tenaciously investigate such corruption, and bring those involved to justice.”

    “Today’s sentencing of Joseph Ponzo demonstrates IRS-CI’s commitment to routing out corruption from all levels of the government.” said Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office. “Ponzo orchestrated an elaborate kickback scheme to improperly obtain contracts from a government backed program designed to aid the citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Programs like Mass Save are designed to help all citizens of Massachusetts, especially the less fortunate, who otherwise would not be able to afford these upgrades to their homes.”

    Joseph Ponzo, along with his brother and co-conspirator Christopher Ponzo, conspired to pay, and did pay, tens of thousands of dollars in cash bribes, kickbacks, and other in-kind benefits, including a John Deere tractor, a computer, home bathroom fixtures and free electrical work, among other things, to Company A employees (Associates 1 and 2) in exchange for the Associates’ assistance in getting the defendants millions of dollars in Mass Save contracts.

    Massachusetts law requires utility companies to collect an energy efficiency surcharge on all Massachusetts energy consumers. These funds, which amount to hundreds of millions of dollars each year, are to be disbursed by the utility companies to fund energy efficiency programs and initiatives in Massachusetts. Under the Mass Save program, the utility companies select lead vendors, like Company A, to approve and select contractors to perform energy improvement work for residential customers. This contracting work – performed by contractors at no-cost or reduced cost to the customer – is then paid for by Company A with Mass Save funds.

    On a weekly basis, from 2013 to 2017, Christopher Ponzo paid Associate 1 $1,000 in cash. At times, Christopher Ponzo paid Associate 1 $5,000 to $10,000 in cash, telling Associate 1 that the extra money was from Joseph Ponzo for his part in the bribery scheme. In return for these payments, Associate 1, among other things, helped Joseph Ponzo set up a shell company, Air Tight, to do insulation work and get approved as a Company A contractor under the Mass Save program. Joseph Ponzo put his spouse’s name on Air Tight incorporation documents and contracting licenses in order to conceal his involvement in his corrupt side business. Despite having no professional experience in residential insulation work, Joseph Ponzo collected over $7 million under the Mass Save program.    

    After Associate 1 left Company A in 2017, Christopher Ponzo and Joseph Ponzo recruited Associate 2 to the bribery-kickback scheme from approximately 2018 to 2022, paying Associate 2 thousands of dollars in cash and hiring a relative of Associate 2 as part of the ongoing scheme.

    During the course of the bribery-kickback scheme, Joseph Ponzo aided in the filing of false tax returns from 2016 to 2019 by claiming hundreds of thousands of dollars in false business deductions. To disguise personal expenses as business deductions, Joseph Ponzo used his company credit card to make hundreds of thousands of dollars in purchases at The Home Depot, Lowes and Staples, claiming to his tax preparers that charges at those establishments were business-related. In reality, Joseph Ponzo used the company credit card at those stores to purchase gift cards that he and his spouse then used to make thousands of dollars in personal expenditures.  

    In April 2022, both Joseph Ponzo and Christopher Ponzo falsely denied making bribe payments to any Company A employees when interviewed by federal agents.

    In February 2025, Christopher Ponzo was sentenced to 27 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. Christopher Ponzo was also ordered to pay a $300,000 fine.

    U.S. Attorney Foley; FBI SAC Cohen; and IRS Acting SAC Demeo made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Maynard and Dustin Chao of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bonita Drug Dealer Sentenced to More Than 21 Years for Supplying Fentanyl that Resulted in Death of 15-Year-Old Girl

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Marcus Ray Chavez was sentenced in federal court today to 262 months in prison for providing the fentanyl pills that resulted in the fatal overdose of a 15-year-old girl in 2022.

    According to court documents, on at least four occasions between September and November 2022, Chavez provided the girl with “M30” pills he knew were counterfeit and contained fentanyl, in exchange for sex with the girl. Chavez also admitted to knowing the girl was underage. On November 12, 2022, she fatally overdosed from pills that Chavez provided.

    According to the government’s sentencing memo, the victim was in the ninth grade at the time of her death. Family and friends described her as an energetic girl who “brightened any room she entered” and who hoped to one day own her own hair salon.

    “Any loss of life is tragic,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden. “The loss of a child is particularly devastating. While nothing can bring this lost child back, we are committed to holding this dealer and others like him accountable.”

    “Mr. Chavez traded fake fentanyl pills for sex with a vulnerable child,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian Clark. “Fentanyl’s grip tightens the chains of exploitation. As her family grieves and we honor her memory, Mr. Chavez now has over 20 years to remember his actions stole an innocent life.”

    “The San Diego Police Department mourns with the family and friends of the victim in this case,” said San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl. “We must stop the senseless loss of life due to fentanyl overdoses and stand together to hold dealers accountable for the destruction they cause.”

    Fentanyl remains a serious threat. The latest DEA laboratory testing, announced last fall, indicated that five out of 10 pills tested contained a potentially deadly dose of fentanyl.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine McGrath. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Owen Roth provided substantial assistance in this case.

    DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 23cr1354                                               

    Marcus Ray Chavez                                       Age: 30                                   Bonita, CA

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Sex Trafficking of a Minor – Title 18, U.S.C., Sections 1591(a)(1), (b)(2)

    Maximum penalty: Mandatory minimum 10 years in prison, maximum life in prison and $250,000 fine

    Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 841(a), 841(b)(1)(C)

    Maximum penalty: Mandatory minimum 20 years in prison, maximum life in prison and $1 million fine

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Drug Enforcement Administration’s Overdose Response Team (formerly known as Team 10)

    San Diego Police Department

    San Diego County District Attorney’s Office

    Homeland Security Investigations

    La Mesa Police Department

    National Guard Counterdrug Task Force

    California Department of Health Care Services

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Rapid City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for 11 Years and Three Months for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Possession of a Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

    Frank Cotto, age 38, was sentenced on February 28, 2025, to 11 years and three months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.

    Cotto was indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2024, and pleaded guilty on December 11, 2024.

    On November 30, 2023, Cotto was involved in a traffic stop following a trip to Colorado to obtain drugs. During the search of the vehicle law enforcement found over 2,000 fentanyl pills and six pounds of methamphetamine that was intended to be distributed in the Rapid City area. Officers also located a handgun in the door of the vehicle. Cotto is a prohibited person due to his use of methamphetamine and marijuana.

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

    This case was investigated by the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Meghan N. Dilges and Edward Tarbay prosecuted the case.

    Cotto was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following his sentencing. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Acting United States Attorney Fondren Announces Federal Indictment Against Gynecologist for Sexually Abusing Patients, Adulterating Medical Devices for Reuse on Patients, and Healthcare Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Memphis, TN – Reagan Fondren, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced today that Sanjeev Kumar, 44, was arrested this morning and charged with enticing and inducing four victims to travel interstate to engage in illegal sexual activity, adulteration of medical devices, misbranding of medical devices, and healthcare fraud.

    The indictment unsealed today alleges that from at least in or about September 2019 and up to and including at least in or about June 2024, Kumar enticed and induced four victims to travel interstate to his medical offices in Memphis, Tennessee, at least in part for the purpose of subjecting them to a sexual activity for which he could be charged with a criminal offense in violation of Tennessee Code Annotated Section 39-13-503.

    According to the Indictment, between 2019 and 2024, Kumar sexually abused women by conducting medically unnecessary gynecologic procedures with medical devices that he held under insanitary conditions and reused on patients when they were required to be disposed of or properly reprocessed. Kumar did not inform patients that he was reusing “single use” or improperly reprocessed devices before he inserted the devices into their vaginas. He also billed Medicare and Medicaid as if the procedures were medically necessary and as if he had used a new or properly reprocessed device for each procedure.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Fondren said: “Kumar was consistently the top-paid provider in Tennessee for Medicare and Medicaid for hysteroscopy biopsy services, and he profited substantially from these criminal acts. The allegations indicate that Kumar acted as a predator in a white coat and used the cover of conducting medical examinations to put his patients at risk and enrich himself.”   

    “This doctor put profit ahead of patients,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “The abusive behavior alleged here took place over five years, which means there could be many victims out there we have not heard from. We want you to know FBI victim specialists, special agents, and analysts investigating this case are here for each and every one of you, and we are your advocates. It is important to remember nothing Dr. Kumar has done was, or ever will be, your fault. We see time and time again that voices matter, and those who have stepped forward have empowered others to do the same. If you have any information concerning this case, or if you believe you are a victim or may have been affected by these alleged crimes, please visit www.fbi.gov/KumarVictims and complete the questionnaire so that we can contact you.  Your responses are voluntary but would be useful in the federal investigation and would enable us to serve you as a victim.”

    “Physicians have a sworn duty to prioritize the health and safety of their patients,” said Kelly Blackmon, Special Agent in Charge at the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG).  “HHS-OIG is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who exploit their patients and federal health care programs for personal gain.”

    This case is being investigated by the United States HHS-OIG, the United States Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).

    The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.  If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of the factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records (if any), the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Fondren thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Lynn Crum, Scott Smith, and Sarah Pazar Williams for prosecuting this case, as well as the law enforcement partners who investigated the case. 

    ###

    For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Rapid City Man Found Guilty of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted William Henry Riese, age 34, of Rapid City, South Dakota, of Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet, Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography, and Attempted Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on February 27, 2025.

    The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in custody and a maximum penalty of up to life in custody, and/or a $250,000 fine, up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $400 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

    Riese was arrested and federally indicted in August of 2022, following the undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting internet predators. Following multiple chats and sexually explicit text messages with a person Riese believed to be a 14-year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover agent, Riese proceeded to negotiate a time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts. When Riese went to the pre-determined location to meet the minor, he was instead met by law enforcement agents and placed under arrest.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox prosecuted the case.

    A presentence investigation was ordered, and sentencing has been scheduled for May 30, 2025. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Two Canyon County Men Arrested for Enticing of Children

    Source: US State of Idaho

    [BOISE] – Attorney General Raúl Labrador has announced investigators with his Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, working in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies, arrested two (2) men in Canyon County. On Wednesday, February 26th, 2025, Jesse Elam (42) and on Thursday, February 27th, 2025, Garrett Vinni (37) were arrested and charged with (1) count each of enticing a child through use of the internet or other communication device.
    Both men were arrested as part of a coordinated undercover operation by law enforcement.  The operation targeted offenders communicating with children via text, social media, and other chat platforms to meet for sexual activity. During the two-night operation, officers worked undercover to expose adults seeking to sexually abuse children and share child sexual abuse material. Both suspects are incarcerated in the Canyon County Jail.
    “I’m grateful to each one of our participating agencies and partners in this ongoing effort to keep kids safe from exploitation,” said Attorney General Labrador. “The ICAC Task Force and our growing statewide network have a singular focus – to remove threats to children from our streets. We will not stop this pursuit.”
    This operation was a cooperative effort that included officers, attorneys, and support personnel from across the State of Idaho. Agencies included the Idaho Office of the Attorney General, Canyon County Sheriff Office, Idaho State Police, Canyon County Prosecutors Office, United States Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI), and the Idaho ICAC Unit including affiliate Investigators from the Boise Police Department, Pocatello Police Department, Idaho Falls Police Department, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, Rupert Police Department, Moscow Police Department, Coeur d’Alene Police Department and Nampa Police Department.
    “This case is a testament to the power of law enforcement agencies working in unison to take down criminals,” said Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue. “Thanks to the relentless efforts of those involved, child predators have been removed from our streets, making Canyon County a safer place. We will not stop pursuing justice. Parents, you must remain aware—these predators are out there, and your children are at risk.”
    The Idaho Office of the Attorney General would like to convey appreciation to all who participated and to the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office for hosting the operation.Anyone with information regarding the exploitation of children is encouraged to contact local police, the Idaho Attorney General’s ICAC Unit at 208-947-8700, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.
    To learn more about the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force please visit: icactaskforce.org or ICACIdaho.org.
    The charges listed above are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

    (L to R) Canyon County Prosecutor Chris Boyd, Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue, Attorney General Raúl Labrador, and Boise Police Chief Chris Dennison

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