NewzIntel.com

Category: Crime

  • MIL-OSI Security: Criminals operating an illegal financial service to launder millions of euros busted

    Source: Eurojust

    Investigations into the group began in 2023 when border police in Spain noticed suspicious trips from their airports transporting large sums of money. The trips to Cyprus by members of the criminal group were used to deliver criminal profits, which were then laundered. Authorities stopped the criminals from travelling and seized more than EUR 1.8 million.

    The authorities discovered that the group was running a sophisticated money laundering service for other criminal organisations. The group acted as a financial service to transfer criminal profits internationally. Cryptocurrencies were used to move cash profits between criminal organisations. To dispose of the cash profits, money was transported on commercial flights, mainly to Cyprus, and by public transport to neighbouring countries of Spain. The group was able to carry out four to six money laundering transactions per week. 

    Running this financial service required a professionally structured organisation consisting of at least 52 members, operating mostly from Spain and Cyprus. The group worked with contacts outside of their organisation to liaise with clients and receive the cash to be laundered. Their contacts are linked to several commercial companies around the world. 

    As the financial service was used throughout Europe, authorities had to work together to stop the criminal group. An international investigation was launched by setting up a joint investigation team (JIT) at Eurojust between Spanish, Cypriot and German authorities, Eurojust and Europol. Through the JIT, information from tax and judicial authorities was exchanged that led to the takedown of the criminal group. Europol supported this international operation with experts specialised in financial crime, fighting high-risk criminal networks, unravelling money laundering structures, and tracing cryptocurrency flows.

    A series of actions were carried out to stop the financial service. In October 2024, actions were carried out in Spain, France and Cyprus to dismantle the criminal group. This was followed by actions in November 2024 that targeted actors working with the criminal group. A total of 91 searches were carried out, 77 in Spain, 1 in France and 13 in Cyprus. Twenty suspects were arrested in Spain, one in France and two in Slovenia. Authorities seized a total of EUR 8 million in cash, 2 million in bank accounts and froze EUR 27 million in cryptocurrency. Investigations into the group and its financial service continue.

    The following authorities were involved in the actions:

    • Spain: Investigating Judge no 2 of El Prat de Llobregat; Public Prosecution Office of Barcelona; Guardia Civil Special Central Unit 3, Destabilizing Threat Group-UCO
    • Cyprus: Attorney General’s Office; MOKAS (Unit for Combating Money Laundering); Criminal Investigation Department (CID) (in collaboration with other police departments)
    • Germany: Public Prosecutor’s Office, Landshut; Customs Investigation Office, München
    • France: Judicial Court of Marseille, Interregional Specialised Jurisdiction against organised crime (JIRS) ; National Anti-Fraud Office (ONAF), Marseille/Nice. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man arrested after police officer assaulted in Port Augusta

    Source: South Australia Police

    A man has been arrested after seriously assaulting a police officer in Port Augusta.

    It will be alleged that about 10.40am today (Saturday 21 December), police were called to a house in High Street after reports of a domestic disturbance.

    When two officers arrived, a man confronted the patrol and struck a female officer in the left arm with a sword.

    Capsicum spray was deployed to subdue the man while other patrols were called to the scene.

    The officer was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital for treatment. She will be airlifted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital because of the nature of her injuries.

    A 30-year-old Port Augusta man has been arrested and will face numerous charges including assaulting a prescribed emergency worker.

    Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said while any attack on a police officer was abhorrent, the violent nature of this incident had shocked police.

    “Policing is an inherently dangerous occupation because of the nature of some incidents officers are called to, but an incident of this nature highlights the risk police face on a daily basis serving the community,’’ he said.

    “Thankfully the officer’s injuries are not life-threatening and measures are being taken to fully support her and her family.

    “All police officers and the community will be paying particular interest as this matter progresses through the court system.

    “Under the Criminal Law Consolidation Act the penalty for assaulting a prescribed emergency services worker is a maximum prison sentence of 15 years. Every police officer will be watching to see what penalty is applied if there is a finding of guilt.’’

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Director Wray Visits FBI Offices in Cheyenne and Denver

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    Earlier this week, FBI Director Christopher Wray visited the Denver Field Office and met with FBI employees and partners from across Colorado and Wyoming.

    His trip to Wyoming included a productive discussion with law enforcement in the state about the importance of collaboration to fulfilling our shared mission, noting that “partnerships are more important now than they’ve ever been.” While in Wyoming, Director Wray also visited F.E. Warren AFB, where he met with military partners to discuss the many ways the FBI is working with the Department of Defense to protect against threats posed by hostile foreign nations.

    In Denver, Director Wray sat down with partners from across law enforcement, the private sector, and academia in Colorado and Wyoming, thanking them for their partnership and emphasizing the need to continue working together to stay ahead of cyber, counterintelligence, and counterterrorism threats. The group also discussed the importance of continued collaboration to defend against threats to our critical infrastructure, and emerging challenges such as criminal use of artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency. While in Colorado, Director Wray also met with officials from the Bureau of Prisons at one of their facilities.

    Director Wray pledged the FBI’s intent to try to continue to support law enforcement partners in Colorado and Wyoming through training, investigative services, and support, despite the increasingly limited budget environment. “There’s a force multiplier effect that comes from constant engagement and collaboration,” Director Wray said, “and you can count on us to keep focusing on how to be the best partner.”

    FBI Denver serves all of Colorado and Wyoming. The office has nine resident agencies covering the two states. This trip marks Director Wray’s third visit to the Denver Field Office and his first visit to Wyoming as FBI Director.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dearborn, Michigan Man, Who Used Fake Refund Scheme to Defraud Retailers of More Than $4 Million, Sentenced to Three Years in Prison

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    Lead defendant obtained more than $1.7 million in fraud proceeds on goods he falsely claimed he returned or never received

    Seattle – A 27-year-old Dearborn, Michigan, man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to three years in prison and three years of supervised release for a fraud scheme damaging retailers across the country, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Teal L. Miller. Sajed Al-Maarej operated “Simple Refunds” through the messaging service Telegram, where coconspirators were encouraged to purchase items from retailers Al-Maarej claimed he could defraud. Al-Maarej and his staff of “professional refunders” impersonated the purchaser and lied to the retailer about the status of the item to secure a refund for the purchaser, while permitting the purchaser to keep the ordered item. The scheme caused more than $4 million in losses for retailers and induced young adults nationwide to join a criminal scheme. At sentencing U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik noted that the fraud “was a difficult and expensive proposition” for the victim companies. “We need to send a message that this behavior is criminal,” Judge Lasnik said.

    “This defendant enticed many young and naïve online contacts to his illegal refunding scheme – some perhaps believed Al-Maarej’s spiel that this conduct was not illegal. They were badly misled,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Teal L. Miller. “This fraudulent refund scheme hurts retailers and ultimately raises prices for all of us. Al-Maarej got his expensive toys by convincing others to become complicit in his crimes.”

    According to records in the case, between September 2020 and December 2022, Al-Maarej represented to prospective purchasers that they could buy high value goods and keep them, while falsely claiming to the merchant company that a refund was due. Purchasers provided Al-Maarej information about their purchase (order number, name, address, value) and for a cut of the refund, Al-Maarej and his coconspirators would seek a refund by making false representations. For example, Simple Refunds would claim the item had not been delivered; was irretrievably damaged; or would have the purchaser mail a box of garbage or junk back to the company – once the package was scanned at the shipping point the refund was often issued before the box arrived back and the fraud was discovered. Al-Maarej recruited “insiders” at UPS and the US Postal Service who would input false scans into the order tracking history to make it appear items had been lost in shipping, stolen from the mail, or returned to the company.

    The end goal was for the purchaser to keep the product and get their money back. The purchaser then paid Al-Maarej 15-25% of the purchase price as his fee.

    Al-Maarej engaged in fraudulent refunding activity as well, on his own purchases. That conduct lasted until at least August 2023. In one instance, Al-Maarej obtained a refund for bulky tools, but he returned to the retailer an envelope filled with plastic toy frogs. One retailer identified more than $500,000 in items shipped to Al-Maarej’s home for which Al-Maarej obtained fraudulent refunds. In total, Al-Maarej made (and retailers lost) more than $1.4 million to his personal refunding activities. 

    The Simple Refunds channel on Telegram amassed a following of more than 1,000 subscribers. Al-Maarej used a second channel to post information on successful refunds. Al Maarej represented to some of those he recruited that the scheme was not illegal. He targeted young men in their teens and twenties and embroiled them in criminal conduct.

    The indictment details how two Snohomish County residents ordered thousands of dollars of merchandise and conspired with Al-Maarej to get the payments refunded. Al-Maarej or others at his direction, impersonated the buyers, claimed the items had been “delivered not received” and got the purchase price refunded. The customers kept the items.

    In May 2022, Al-Maarej deepened his fraud by offering a “mentorship” program where he would teach others to create their own refunding scams – he charged $6,000 for admission to the program. He boasted that students would “learn from the best in the game, from everything fraud related, to legit businesses and cleaning your money.”

    Last summer, Al-Maarej pleaded guilty to wire fraud and mail fraud. As part of his sentence Al-Maarej was ordered to pay $4,353,819.

    The case is being investigated by the FBI and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). Amazon, Costco, and Microsoft assisted in the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Watts Staniar.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Why EU cooperation is more important than ever

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Being an EU member has made Sweden stronger and wealthier. Through EU cooperation, we are better equipped today to meet the challenges and problems that our societies face. Continued support to Ukraine, criminality, competitiveness and the climate transition, sum up the Government’s priorities in its continued work in the EU.

    1. Continued support to Ukraine

    Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine will soon be entering its fourth year. Supporting Ukraine is the most important task of our generation. Russia’s actions are a threat to the security of Europe and the rules-based international order. The Russian regime is also attempting to undermine democracy in other European countries. This autumn, for instance, we saw, among other things, how Russia tried to affect the election outcome in Moldavia. It is clear that Europe needs to take greater responsibility for its own security. Individually and collectively.

    In Sweden, the Government is making record investments in civil and military defence. We have already reached the NATO target of spending at least two percent of GDP on defence. In the EU, we are pushing to systematically increase pressure on Russia, such as by imposing more and tougher sanctions, including against the Russian ‘shadow fleet’ and liquefied natural gas. We are also encouraging the Commission to present proposals on how to limit Russia’s influence within every political sphere, such as by imposing import tariffs on Russian goods. The Government is prepared to go further and use a larger amount of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. 

    Ukraine’s path to EU membership is crucial. In the coming months, the Government would like the EU to open accession negotiations with both Ukraine and Moldova, who have taken impressive steps towards reform. Despite Russia’s war and pressure.   

    2. Criminality

    Criminality is a growing problem throughout Europe. Some 70 per cent of gangs in the EU operate in at least three countries. In Sweden we are making life harder for criminals. The same kind of offensive is needed in the EU. The Government is advocating close cooperation to help confiscate criminals’ assets and status items, and to stop the transfer of crime proceeds to third countries. During Sweden’s Presidency of the EU, we started the work to give national police authorities better access to digital information. This work must continue. Europol, the EU’s cooperation body for law enforcement, needs to have a more prominent role.

    Combatting criminality includes having control over migration. 50 per cent of gang members are not EU citizens. The Government wants the Commission to present concrete proposals on how irregular migration can be curbed and also how to make the return of those whose asylum applications have been rejected more efficient, including through the use of ‘return hubs’.

    3. Competitiveness

    Many of Sweden’s and Europe’s priorities require a growing economy. Yet the EU is lagging behind globally. 90 per cent of the world’s economic growth is expected to happen outside the EU. We are in danger of falling behind in the global techrace. The EU needs a deeper and wider internal market, greater investment in research, a continued strong free trade agenda, increased access to capital, and an aggressive simplification agenda to address red tape.

    4. Climate

    Climate change is a global challenge. Fit for 55, the world’s most ambitious climate package was adopted during Sweden’s EU Presidency. Now the work continues. When the EU decides on a new climate goal for 2040, the Government will support the Commission’s proposal that emissions should be reduced by 90 per cent by then, compared to 1990. This requires that the EU’s climate transition is implemented in a realistic and sustainable way, hand in hand with the work on strengthening EU competitiveness. The Government is working to ensure that EU’s regulatory framework promotes active forestry and the use of renewable forest raw materials, a fossil-free and technology-neutral energy policy that includes nuclear power and a cost-effective climate policy that is broadly accepted in society.

    Central to the EU’s climate transition is that all member states achieve climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest. The Government will not accept that countries who reach the zero-emissions climate goal are forced to compensate for those countries that do not. 

    The Government is protecting Swedish interests. At home and in the EU, we are driving a determined reform agenda. We are implementing purposeful initiatives to get more Swedes into EU institutions, so that important perspectives are taken into account. We are cooperating with others to solve joint problems. We are taking responsibility during troubled times. 

    The war in Ukraine, criminality, competitiveness and the climate. These are crucial issues that show why EU cooperation, 30 years in, is more important than ever. 

    Jessica Rosencrantz, Minister of EU Affairs 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New protections for British food and drink in Japan

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    UK secures special protected status as geographical indications for a further 39 British food and drink products in Japan.

    Woman shopping for vegetables

    Diners in Japan will be tucking into authentic UK products this festive period after the country granted special protected status to nearly 40 British food and drink products.   

    Festive favourites such as Single Malt Welsh Whisky and Beacon Fell Traditional Lancashire Cheese are just some of the products to receive the status, which means British businesses can export to Japan with confidence that their products are protected against imitation.  

    The news has been welcomed as an early Christmas present by food and drink businesses across the UK and could see a boost to British exports in Japan.

    Japan’s population of 124 million has a strong appetite for international food and drink and the country’s status as the world’s fourth largest economy in 2023 highlights the strength of its consumer market and the commercial opportunities for premium British products. 

    39 distinctive products from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, already protected and celebrated by the UK Government as geographical indications (GIs), have formally gained protection following the completion of Japanese scrutiny processes.  

    These protections will safeguard British food and drink products with a distinct local identity, supporting jobs and tourism in mainly rural areas and boosting local growth, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.  

    The latest batch of GIs follows 37 that gained protection in the country earlier this year, including Cornish Pasties and Anglesey Sea Salt.    

    Minister for Food Security Daniel Zeichner said:

     I’m thrilled to see there’s a taste for authentic British food and drink in Japan. We are committed to growing trade opportunities for British producers around the world as part of our Plan for Change, boosting growth and benefitting businesses across the country. 

    The UK is home to a feast of flavours from every corner of the British Isles. With the new agreement between the UK and Japan, consumers will now be able to chew over their choices with confidence, knowing they’re getting the quality and reputation that British food is known for – it’s the perfect recipe for success.

    Trade Minister Douglas Alexander said: 

    Iconic UK products such as Ayrshire New Potatoes and Carmarthen Ham will now benefit from protected status in Japan. From Sussex to Armagh we are securing protections for unique British food and drink products, ensuring Japanese consumers can rest assured that they are receiving authentic, high-quality British produce.

    This early Christmas present to British producers will give them confidence when exporting to Japan, helping them sell more, grow their business and ultimately drive economic growth.” 

    Co-founder of Rathfinny Wine Estate, Mark Driver said:

    We launched Rathfinny’s Traditional Method Sussex sparkling wines in Japan in 2023 and are delighted that the Sussex PDO will now be afforded protection in Japan. The Sussex PDO is a mark of both provenance and quality, ensuring any wine with ‘Sussex’ on the label has had to pass a stringent blind tasting and high analytical standards.

    Rathfinny’s Traditional Method Sussex sparkling wines are produced on a single-site vineyard, in the iconic South Downs near the Seven Sisters in East Sussex. They are now available across Japan through the specialist wine importer, Vin Passion.

    Chief Executive Officer of Penderyn Distillery, Stephen Davies said:     

    Japan is an important market for world-class single malt whisky, making it a key target market for Penderyn Single Malt Welsh Whisky.      

    We have a great partner (Whisk-E) and together we plan to build awareness and reputation for our unique brand from Wales. The establishment of the geographical indication for Single Malt Welsh Whisky in 2022 was an important milestone in the development of the whisky industry in Wales and to have recognition in Japan will be a great achievement to support our export strategy.

    Co-Founder and Managing Director of Halen Môn, Alison Lea-Wilson said:   

    We are proud to have the name and method of Halen Môn recognised in Japan as authentic and possessing the special qualities that set it apart from other salts.   

    GI status offers brands such as Halen Môn protection against passing off and another way of differentiating ourselves from our competitors. We know that Japanese consumers recognise the premium quality of British brands and are keen to buy the authentic product, so it’s great to hear that Japan is recognising further GIs from the UK.

    Further British GIs have been recognised across the world in recent months, with fourteen UK GIs including Welsh Laverbread, Vale of Evesham Asparagus and London Cure Smoked Salmon granted protection in Iceland on 4 December under the Free Trade Agreement between the UK and Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein, and the Kingdom of Norway.  

    This followed new protections for Scotch Whisky in Brazil, South America’s largest economy, in August, tackling counterfeits and giving distillers the confidence to up their exports to Brazil.

    Further information 

    Geographical Indications 

    • A Geographical indication (GI) is an intellectual property right used on products that have qualities or characteristics attributable to a specific geographical origin. Examples include Scotch Whisky, Welsh Lamb and Melton Mowbray Pork Pies. 
    • Food, drink and agricultural products with a geographical connection or that are made using traditional methods can be registered and protected as intellectual property. 
    • Geographical indications protect the authenticity of many of our most prestigious food and drink products and give consumers confidence that international GI products are genuine articles. 
    • The UK’s annual GI exports are estimated to be worth over £6 billion and account for 25% of UK food and drink exports’ value.  

    UK food, drink, and agricultural products to be protected in Japan include:  

    • Armagh Bramley Apples
    • Ayrshire New Potatoes/Ayrshire Earlies
    • Beacon Fell Traditional Lancashire Cheese
    • Bonchester Cheese
    • Buxton Blue
    • Cambrian Mountains Lamb
    • Carmarthen Ham
    • Cornish Sardines
    • Darnibole
    • Dovedale Cheese
    • Fal Oysters
    • Fenland Celery
    • Gloucestershire Cider
    • Gloucestershire Perry
    • Gower Salt Marsh Lamb
    • Lakeland Herdwick
    • New Season Comber Potatoes / Comber Earlies Potatoes
    • Newmarket Sausage
    • Orkney Beef
    • Orkney Lamb
    • Rutland Bitter
    • Scottish Wild Salmon
    • Shetland Lamb
    • Sussex Wine
    • Swaledale Ewes Cheese
    • Teviotdale Cheese
    • The Vale of Clwyd Denbigh Plum
    • Traditional Welsh Cider
    • Traditional Welsh Perry
    • Vale of Evesham Asparagus
    • West Wales Coracle Caught Salmon
    • West Wales Coracle Caught Sewin
    • Whitstable Oysters
    • Worcestershire Cider
    • Worcestershire Perry
    • Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb
    • New Forest Pannage Ham
    • Welsh Leeks
    • Welsh Whisky

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 December 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Dangerous Driving Incident- Youngtown/Launceston

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Dangerous Driving Incident- Youngtown/Launceston

    Saturday, 21 December 2024 – 4:26 pm.

    A 32-year old female from Longford has been arrested and detained for court following a dangerous driving incident in Launceston today.
    At approximately 1.40pm, police received numerous calls from the public in relation to a female driving dangerously in a white Hyundai i30 (registration FS8735). The woman drove in a dangerous manner through Youngtown, Kings Meadows, and Prospect and crashed into another vehicle before being intercepted by police. The woman is currently disqualified from driving.
    The woman was subjected to alcohol and drug testing and detained for court. The woman is facing numerous driving, drug, and property charges.
    The woman’s vehicle has been seized for an indefinite period.
    Anyone with information about a white Hyundai i30 (FS8735) being driven in the Launceston area on the 21/12/2024 is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously. Reference ESCAD 000219-21122024.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Joint Statement: Official visit of Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India to Kuwait (December 21-22, 2024)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 22 DEC 2024 7:46PM by PIB Delhi

    At the invitation of His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of India His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Kuwait on 21-22 December 2024. This was his first visit to Kuwait. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait on 21 December 2024 as the ‘Guest of Honour’ of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

     His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait received Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Bayan Palace on 22 December 2024 and was accorded a ceremonial welcome. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi expressed his deep appreciation to His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for conferring on him the highest award of the State of Kuwait ‘The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer’. The leaders exchanged views on bilateral, global, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

    Given the traditional, close and friendly bilateral relations and desire to deepen cooperation in all fields, the two leaders agreed to elevate the relations between India and Kuwait to a ‘Strategic Partnership’. The leaders stressed that it is in line with the common interests of the two countries and for the mutual benefit of the two peoples. Establishment of a strategic partnership between both countries will further broad-base and deepen our long-standing historical ties.

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait. In light of the newly established strategic partnership, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations through comprehensive and structured cooperation in key areas, including political, trade, investment, defence, security, energy, culture, education, technology and people-to-people ties.

    The two sides recalled the centuries-old historical ties rooted in shared history and cultural affinities. They noted with satisfaction the regular interactions at various levels which have helped in generating and sustaining the momentum in the multifaceted bilateral cooperation. Both sides emphasized on sustaining the recent momentum in high-level exchanges through regular bilateral exchanges at Ministerial and senior-official levels.

    The two sides welcomed the recent establishment of a Joint Commission on Cooperation (JCC) between India and Kuwait. The JCC will be an institutional mechanism to review and monitor the entire spectrum of the bilateral relations between the two countries and will be headed by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. To further expand our bilateral cooperation across various fields, new Joint Working Groups (JWGs) have been set up in areas of trade, investments, education and skill development, science and technology, security and counter-terrorism, agriculture, and culture, in addition to the existing JWGs on Health, Manpower and Hydrocarbons. Both sides emphasized on convening the meetings of the JCC and the JWGs under it at an early date.

    Both sides noted that trade has been an enduring link between the two countries and emphasized on the potential for further growth and diversification in bilateral trade. They also emphasized on the need for promoting exchange of business delegations and strengthening institutional linkages.

     Recognizing that the Indian economy is one of the fastest growing emerging major economies and acknowledging Kuwait’s significant investment capacity, both sides discussed various avenues for investments in India. The Kuwaiti side welcomed steps taken by India in making a conducive environment for foreign direct investments and foreign institutional investments, and expressed interest to explore investment opportunities in different sectors, including technology, tourism, healthcare, food-security, logistics and others. They recognized the need for closer and greater engagement between investment authorities in Kuwait with Indian institutions, companies and funds. They encouraged companies of both countries to invest and participate in infrastructure projects. They also directed the concerned authorities of both countries to fast-track and complete the ongoing negotiations on the Bilateral Investment Treaty.

     Both sides discussed ways to enhance their bilateral partnership in the energy sector. While expressing satisfaction at the bilateral energy trade, they agreed that potential exists to further enhance it. They discussed avenues to transform the cooperation from a buyer-seller relationship to a comprehensive partnership with greater collaboration in upstream and downstream sectors. Both sides expressed keenness to support companies of the two countries to increase cooperation in the fields of exploration and production of oil and gas, refining, engineering services, petrochemical industries, new and renewable energy. Both sides also agreed to discuss participation by Kuwait in India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve Programme.

    Both sides agreed that defence is an important component of the strategic partnership between India and Kuwait. The two sides welcomed the signing of the MoU in the field of Defence that will provide the required framework to further strengthen bilateral defence ties, including through joint military exercises, training of defence personnel, coastal defence, maritime safety, joint development and production of defence equipment.

     The two sides unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism and called for disrupting of terrorism financing networks and safe havens, and dismantling of terror infrastructure. Expressing appreciation of their ongoing bilateral cooperation in the area of security, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, information and intelligence sharing, developing and exchanging experiences, best practices and technologies, capacity building and to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug-trafficking and other transnational crimes. The two sides discussed ways and means to promote cooperation in cybersecurity, including prevention of use of cyberspace for terrorism, radicalisation and for disturbing social harmony. The Indian side praised the results of the fourth high-level conference on “Enhancing International Cooperation in Combating Terrorism and Building Resilient Mechanisms for Border Security – The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process,” which was hosted by the State of Kuwait on November 4-5, 2024.

     Both sides acknowledged health cooperation as one of the important pillars of bilateral ties and expressed their commitment to further strengthen collaboration in this important sector. Both sides appreciated the bilateral cooperation during the COVID- 19 pandemic. They discussed the possibility of setting up of Indian pharmaceutical manufacturing plants in Kuwait. They also expressed their intent to strengthen cooperation in the field of medical products regulation in the ongoing discussions on an MoU between the drug regulatory authorities.

     The two sides expressed interest in pursuing deeper collaboration in the area of technology including emerging technologies, semiconductors and artificial intelligence. They discussed avenues to explore B2B cooperation, furthering e-Governance, and sharing best practices for facilitating industries/companies of both countries in the policies and regulation in the electronics and IT sector.

     The Kuwaiti side also expressed interest in cooperation with India to ensure its food-security. Both sides discussed various avenues for collaboration including investments by Kuwaiti companies in food parks in India.

     The Indian side welcomed Kuwait’s decision to become a member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), marking a significant step towards collaboration in developing and deploying low-carbon growth trajectories and fostering sustainable energy solutions. Both sides agreed to work closely towards increasing the deployment of solar energy across the globe within ISA.

     Both sides noted the recent meetings between the civil aviation authorities of both countries. The two sides discussed the increase of bilateral flight seat capacities and associated issues. They agreed to continue discussions in order to reach a mutually acceptable solution at an early date.

    Appreciating the renewal of the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for 2025-2029, which will facilitate greater cultural exchanges in arts, music, and literature festivals, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment on further enhancing people to people contacts and strengthening the cultural cooperation.

     Both sides expressed satisfaction at the signing of the Executive Program on Cooperation in the Field of Sports for 2025-2028. which will strengthen cooperation in the area of sports including mutual exchange and visits of sportsmen, organising workshops, seminars and conferences, exchange of sports publications between both nations.

     Both sides highlighted that education is an important area of cooperation including strengthening institutional linkages and exchanges between higher educational institutions of both countries. Both sides also expressed interest in collaborating on Educational Technology, exploring opportunities for online learning platforms and digital libraries to modernize educational infrastructure.

     As part of the activities under the MoU between Sheikh Saud Al Nasser Al Sabah Kuwaiti Diplomatic Institute and the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS), both sides welcomed the proposal to organize the Special Course for diplomats and Officers from Kuwait at SSIFS in New Delhi.

     Both sides acknowledged that centuries old people-to-people ties represent a fundamental pillar of the historic India-Kuwait relationship. The Kuwaiti leadership expressed deep appreciation for the role and contribution made by the Indian community in Kuwait for the progress and development of their host country, noting that Indian citizens in Kuwait are highly respected for their peaceful and hard-working nature. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi conveyed his appreciation to the leadership of Kuwait for ensuring the welfare and well-being of this large and vibrant Indian community in Kuwait.

     The two sides stressed upon the depth and importance of long standing and historical cooperation in the field of manpower mobility and human resources. Both sides agreed to hold regular meetings of Consular Dialogue as well as Labour and Manpower Dialogue to address issues related to expatriates, labour mobility and matters of mutual interest.

    The two sides appreciated the excellent coordination between both sides in the UN and other multilateral fora. The Indian side welcomed Kuwait’s entry as ‘dialogue partner’ in SCO during India’s Presidency of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in 2023. The Indian side also appreciated Kuwait’s active role in the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD). The Kuwaiti side highlighted the importance of making the necessary efforts to explore the possibility of transforming the ACD into a regional organisation.

     Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi congratulated His Highness the Amir on Kuwait’s assumption of the Presidency of GCC this year and expressed confidence that the growing India-GCC cooperation will be further strengthened under his visionary leadership. Both sides welcomed the outcomes of the inaugural India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue at the level of Foreign Ministers held in Riyadh on 9 September 2024. The Kuwaiti side as the current Chair of GCC assured full support for deepening of the India-GCC cooperation under the recently adopted Joint Action Plan in areas including health, trade, security, agriculture and food security, transportation, energy, culture, amongst others. Both sides also stressed the importance of early conclusion of the India-GCC Free Trade Agreement.

    In the context of the UN reforms, both leaders emphasized the importance of an effective multilateral system, centered on a UN reflective of contemporary realities, as a key factor in tackling global challenges. The two sides stressed the need for the UN reforms, including of the Security Council through expansion in both categories of membership, to make it more representative, credible and effective.

     The following documents were signed/exchanged during the visit, which will further deepen the multifaceted bilateral relationship as well as open avenues for newer areas of cooperation:● MoU between India and Kuwait on Cooperation in the field of Defence.

    ● Cultural Exchange Programme between India and Kuwait for the years 2025-2029.

    ● Executive Programme between India and Kuwait on Cooperation in the field of Sports for 2025-2028 between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India and Public Authority for Youth and Sports, Government of the State of Kuwait.

    ● Kuwait’s membership of International Solar Alliance (ISA).

     Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi thanked His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait for the warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation. The visit reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Kuwait. The leaders expressed optimism that this renewed partnership would continue to grow, benefiting the people of both countries and contributing to regional and global stability. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also invited His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, and His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait to visit India.

    *****

    MJPS/ST/SKS

    (Release ID: 2087074) Visitor Counter : 10

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police crack multi-suburb crime spree, recover stolen cars, and arrest teen

    Source: South Australia Police

    Police are seeking assistance from the public following a number of break ins, attempted break ins and stolen cars.

    Saturday 21 December at 2.30am: Police received reports of a house being broken into on Maria Street at Findon. Offenders broke into the house through the garage door while the occupants were at home. The occupant’s wallet and car keys, as well as the car the keys belonged to a brown Ford Focus sedan were stolen from the property.

    Sunday 22 December at 2.15am: Occupants of an Arcoona Avenue address at Rostrevor woke to find an unknown person trying to break into a vehicle parked in their driveway. The occupant observed the unknown person approach their front door, before fleeing when the security lights came on. The suspect and other unknown people fled in a Honda Civic and a brown Ford sedan, believed to be the vehicle stolen from Findon the night before.

    Sunday 22 December at 2.20am: Occupants of Buchanan Drive address at Woodforde woke to find someone had attempted to break into their house. No entry was gained to the property, and the suspects fled the address on foot. Police conducted enquiries in the street, which revealed the neighbour’s property had also been broken and there grey Hyundai sedan had been stolen. This vehicle was recovered a short distance away.

    Sunday 22 December at 3am: Occupants were asleep in their Knox Terrace, Skye home, when an unknown man unsuccessfully attempted to break into the property through the front door. When entry couldn’t be gained, the suspect then broke into the victim’s vehicle on the driveway and stole property before running away.

    Sunday 22 December at 3.20am: Police were called to Caloroga Street at Wattle Park after reports of people trying door handles on cars. As patrols arrived in the area, a grey Honda Civic sedan was seen travelling towards police at speed in company with the stolen brown Ford Focus. Police conducted a short pursuit of the vehicles west along Kensington Road. The Honda was seen to turn right into East Street, Kensington Gardens, however police-maintained pursuit of the stolen Ford which continued on Kensington Road, before turning into May Terrace, and then last seen in Park Road where police terminated for safety reasons.

    Police conducted enquiries at the Honda’s registered owners address in Hambledon Road Campbelltown, and identified that whilst the occupants were asleep, someone had broken into their house and stole a wallet and a set of keys to the car, before making off in the Honda.

    Sunday 22 December at 7pm: Eastern District Volume Crime Section and Operation Mandrake attended an Albert Park address where they found numerous stolen items from the crime series. They arrested a 16-year-old boy and located the stolen Honda on Grace Street in Albert Park. The Ford focus has not been located.

    The 16-year-old boy from Albert Park has been charged with two counts of aggravated serious criminal trespass, two counts of illegal use of a motor vehicle, three counts of theft, one count of unlawfully on premises and one count of breach of bail. He has been refused bail and will appear in the Adelaide Youth Court today.

    Police are continuing to investigate the involvement of other people involved in the crime series. Anyone who may have information relating to this investigation or may know the whereabouts of the stolen Ford Focus, South Australian registration S403AYX, are asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    CO2400050818

    CO2400050821

    CO2400050823

    CO2400050825

    CO2400050834

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Gang associates charged in methamphetamine operation

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police are continuing to disrupt the supply of methamphetamine into Rotorua’s communities.

    Late last week, a four-month operation culminated in the arrest of two Black Power associates.

    Detective Sergeant Jonathon Brady, from Rotorua Police, says the pair were identified as persons of interest in the investigation.

    “Our investigation has been ongoing and came to a conclusion when both men were taken into custody without incident,” he says.

    “We have recovered quantities of cash and methamphetamine as part of the termination phase, and we’re pleased with the outcome.”

    Two men, aged 38 and 52, both initially appeared in the Rotorua District Court on 20 December.

    They are facing numerous drugs charges relating to the possession for supply and supply of methamphetamine.

    Both men will reappear in the Court next year.

    “These arrests will in no doubt cause a dent in supply,” Detective Sergeant Brady says.

    “Our work doesn’t end there, and the community can be assured that we will continue to target those who are choosing to peddle this misery for profit.

    “We know how harmful methamphetamine is to so many communities and the lasting impacts the drug has.”

    Rotorua Police continue to urge those in the community with information about those involved in the supply of harmful and illicit drugs to contact us.

    “There is a range of ways you can provide information to us, including through Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

    As the matter is before the Court, Police are not in a position to comment further at this time.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Aggravated burglary – Ludmilla

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Police are calling for information in relation to an aggravated burglary that occurred overnight in Ludmilla.

    Around 1.30am this morning, police received multiple reports that two unknown male offenders had unlawfully entered a residential address on Mawallan Court and allegedly assaulted the occupants with a hammer. The offenders subsequently fled the scene.

    Police and St John Ambulance attended and located a 57-year-old man with serious head injuries. Four other victims, aged between 12 and 14, were in the residence at the time and suffered minor injuries.

    The 57-year-old man was conveyed to hospital in a critical condition, and two of the teenagers were conveyed for treatment for minor injuries.

    At this stage, police believe the attack was targeted towards the man.

    Police are urging residents in the area with CCTV or dash cam to review their footage for two males in the vicinity of Mawallan Court between 1am – 2am.

    Anyone with information in relation to this incident is urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference P24357169. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: More than $2.5m worth of assets restrained in undeclared tobacco case

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    A discovery of undeclared tobacco by the New Zealand Customs Service has resulted in the restraint of more than NZ$2.5 million worth of assets by New Zealand Police under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009.

    This case shows crime doesn’t pay, and profiting from criminal activities will eventually catch up with people, say the agencies.

    In November 2023, Customs intercepted 110 kilograms of loose tobacco and over 230,000 cigarettes (or approximately 10,000 packets) concealed in Chinese tea packets destined for residential and business addresses in Napier and Gisborne.

    No importation permits were held for the seized tobacco and cigarettes, and no excise equivalent duties were paid, amounting to around $645,000 in defrauded revenue.

    Further investigations identified previous similar consignments had been successfully imported into New Zealand and were being sold by a restaurant in Gisborne to the public.

    In March 2024, Customs carried out search warrants in Gisborne and located $10,000 cash in a bedroom, $106,371.20 cash inside a vehicle parked outside the restaurant, and over a kilogram of loose tobacco along with 11,000 cigarettes inside the restaurant.

    The Customs investigation resulted in the seizure of 306,200 cigarettes in total, and charges were laid against four people for various offences under the Customs and Excise Act 2018.

    With court proceedings still underway, the Police Asset Recovery Unit applied to the court and was granted restraint of the cash seized in the investigation along with further money from bank accounts, as well as four residential properties in Gisborne.

    In total, over $2.5m in assets has been restrained, and a forfeiture of the money and residential properties will be sought by the Police Asset Recovery Unit at the conclusion of the criminal charges.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Fischer from the Central Asset Recovery Unit said this investigation shows the reach of the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act, and how closely Police are working with other government organisations to disrupt the flow of illicit funds.

    “Funds sourced from any type of illegal activity can form the basis of criminal proceeds action. In this case, the blatant disregard of the law for personal gain has helped Customs and Police uncover a large-scale fraud generating a high amount of income, from an activity that is unfortunately becoming more and more common,” he said.

    Chief Customs Officer, Nigel Barnes, said that illicit tobacco is not a victimless crime.

    “It takes money out from our communities and puts it in the pockets of organised crime groups that then go on to use the money for other crimes,” Mr Barnes says.

    “The motive for this offending is you can make a lot of money with low risk – but it’s not actually low-risk, and this is a prime example of how criminals can expect to lose their ill-gotten gains.”

    If you know or suspect someone may be involved in illegal smuggling, call Customs on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768), a 24-hour confidential hotline, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man charged with drug trafficking, Burnie

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Man charged with drug trafficking, Burnie

    Monday, 23 December 2024 – 2:43 pm.

    A 37-year-old Burnie man has been charged with drug trafficking and other drug offences after Taskforce Scelus intercepted a vehicle in Burnie this morning.
    The vehicle and its occupants were searched, and officers seized $42,000 in cash and quantities of methylamphetamine, GHB and cannabis.
    The man who was driving the vehicle was arrested and bailed to face the Burnie Magistrates Court at a later date.
    Anyone with information about illicit drug distribution or importation should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au. You can stay anonymous.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appeal for information following woman’s death, Lower Hutt

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Please attribute to Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard, Wellington Police:

    Police are investigating after the death of a Wellington woman who died in hospital after she was admitted following an assault just over a week ago.

    The victim, 53-year-old Lillian Wharton, died in Wellington Hospital on Thursday (19 December 2024).

    Police are still working to establish the circumstances surrounding her death and are treating it as unexplained at this stage.

    On Saturday 14 December, Lillian was at a friend’s address in Lower Hutt and left with people known to her to walk back to her home on Waiwhetu Road.

    At some point after the leaving the address she was assaulted and admitted to hospital in a serious condition before she passed away on Thursday.

    Police have charged a man, who is known to the victim, with assault, assault with intent to injure and injuring with intent to injure and he appeared in Lower Hutt District Court yesterday where he was remanded in custody until his next appearance.

    Police are asking the public for any sightings on Saturday 14 December, between 8pm and 10pm, of two adult women and one male. One of the women was pushing a pram.

    We are asking if anyone saw them or anything of concern between Randwick Road, York Street, Awamutu Road, Leighton Avenue and around the intersections of Whites Line East and Waiwhetu Road.

    We would ask anyone who has information which may assist our enquiries to please update Police online or call 105 quoting file number 241219/9880. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. 

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Domestic Violence – Central Desert

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Police have arrested a 36-year-old man in relation to a domestic violence assault that occurred in Harts Range early this morning.

    Around 4:40am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received a report that a 31-year-old woman had been assaulted by a man with a blunt weapon at a residence within the community.

    Police responded and arrested the man without incident after he fled into nearby bushland.

    The woman suffered significant injuries to her legs and is currently being conveyed to Alice Springs Hospital for treatment.

    Investigations are ongoing and police urge anyone who has information to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference P24357246. You can also anonymously report through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    Support services for those affected by domestic or family violence are available, including 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) and Lifeline (13 11 14).

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE Enhances Capacities to Detect Terrorism Financing during the Fundraising Phase

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

    Headline: OSCE Enhances Capacities to Detect Terrorism Financing during the Fundraising Phase

    Participants in the seminar work on practical cases under the guidance of the expert, Astana, 17-18 December 2024. (OSCE/Yerlen Badykhan) Photo details

    On 17-18 December 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, in collaboration with key national agencies, held a training workshop focused on detecting the financing of terrorism during the fundraising phase. The workshop aimed to strengthen Kazakhstan’s capacity to counter the complex challenges posed by financial crimes linked to terrorism.
    The event brought together 22 participants representing the Financial Monitoring Agency, the Ministry of Interior, the National Security Committee, and the Prosecutor General’s Office of Kazakhstan. They engaged in expert-led sessions designed to enhance their understanding of identifying suspicious financial activities and disrupting terrorist fundraising efforts at an early stage, namely during fundraising activities.
    The expert provided in-depth insights into the mechanisms used for fundraising, including the misuse of non-profit organizations, crowdfunding platforms, and informal money transfer systems. Participants gained hands-on experience in organizing the collection and analysis of operational information related to countering the financing of terrorism, as well as methods for obtaining data on available financial assets and cash flows of individuals under audit. The sessions also covered advanced approaches for identifying relevant information on individuals involved in investigations, analyzing channels used for collecting funds to finance terrorism, and detecting suspicious transaction patterns. Apart from that, participants learned to identify vulnerabilities in financial reporting systems and apply international good practices to trace and prevent illicit funds from reaching terrorist networks.
    Case studies and practical exercises emphasized the importance of early detection tools and inter-agency co-operation. The workshop highlighted the role of financial intelligence and proactive investigation methods in addressing evolving threats in the financing landscape.
    Head of the Division for Countering Financing of Terrorism at the Financial Monitoring Agency, Sayat Maltayev, shared his feedback: “The training sessions were highly practical and directly applicable to our daily work. The skills and tools shared during this workshop will undoubtedly strengthen our ability to detect and prevent the financing of terrorism at its sources”.
    This workshop underscores the continued commitment of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana to support Kazakhstan’s efforts in combating financial crimes and fostering a more secure and transparent financial system. By equipping professionals with critical knowledge and tools, Kazakhstan is enhancing its capacities to address emerging threats posed by the financing of terrorism.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council staff seize fake goods from St Johns

    Source: City of Liverpool

    High-end clothing deals have turned out to be too good to be true at St John’s Precinct, as bags of counterfeit products are seized by Liverpool City Council. 

    The Council’s Trading Standards team, working in partnership with Merseyside Police, has removed hundreds of fake goods after receiving a report from a member of the public.  

    An inspection of five stores in St Johns resulted in 280 counterfeit items of clothing being seized, including fake versions of White Fox, Prada and Diesel. Although the items were being sold at bargain prices, the haul would be worth approximately £25,000 if they were real. 

    In a previous operation earlier this year, the team seized over 1,500 fake products, believed to be worth roughly £15,000 in total. Items included a haul of fake Apple, Samsung and Sony items, which could have posed a serious safety risk to potential buyers. 

    As well as counterfeit goods, the Council has recently cracked down on the selling of illegal vapes. Since January 2024, over 18,000 vapes have been seized, estimated to be worth around £220,000. The vapes were found to have exceeded the legal limit of nicotine and could be harmful to people using them. 

    To help remove any health and safety risk to the public, all reported counterfeit or illegal goods are investigated and seized. Where possible, any branding will be taken off the items before they are recycled or donated. In cases where items are unsafe, they will be destroyed.

    Cllr Laura Robertson-Collins, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetscene said: “Everyone loves a good bargain, especially in the lead up to Christmas, but we want everyone to be vigilant about counterfeit goods. 

    “Thanks to keen-eyed shoppers, we were alerted to a number of shops selling fake items to the public. Our Trading Standards team, along with Merseyside Police, acted quickly to inspect these items and take them off the shelves for good. 

    “While they might look like the real thing, counterfeit clothing is usually made from poor quality materials and may be easily flammable or otherwise unsafe. It might seem like a good deal now, but it could cost you dearly in the long run.” 

    Anyone concerned about fake goods can report them on the Council website or by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Scientific Library of the State University of Management: Review of the Results of the “Department Weeks”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    Last year, on the initiative of the rector’s advisor Sergey Chuev, for the 105th anniversary of the State University of Management, the Scientific Library of the State University of Management launched the project “Department Weeks in the Scientific Library”. Every two weeks, the departments, replacing each other, organized conferences, round tables, discussions, quests, book presentations in their areas of activity and other events.

    “Department Weeks” attracted the attention of both the staff and students of the State University of Management, as well as guests of the Scientific Library, creating an atmosphere of lively exchange of knowledge and ideas. This happened, among other things, thanks to the work of the head of the information and bibliographic department Olga Fomakina and the chief bibliographer Olga Korshunova, who with special attention and care selected literature for exhibitions of the works of the department scientists. Their professionalism and creative approach made the project not only popular, but also a real scientific event. In total, 1,180 books were presented at the exhibitions. Each exhibit was not just a book, but a window into the world of scientific discoveries and achievements, arousing genuine interest and inspiration in all visitors.

    This academic year, the following departments presented their achievements:

    Department of Philosophy (September 9–22); Department of Mathematical Methods in Economics and Management (September 23–October 6); Department of Economics and Management in Construction (October 7–20); Department of Physical Education (October 21–November 3); Department of Public and Municipal Administration (November 4–17); Department of Environmental Management (November 18–December 1); Department of Management in International Business and Tourism Industry (December 2–15).

    The Department of Philosophy participated in the project twice. In September, a tour of the Scientific Library was organized for students of the Institute of Personnel Management, Social and Business Communications. Candidate of Cultural Studies, senior lecturer of the department Liana Popova introduced them to the teaching aids, monographs and other publications of the department.

    The Department of Mathematical Methods in Economics and Management held a tour for first-year students of the educational program “Business Mathematics and Data Analysis”. Deputy Head of the Department, PhD in Economics, Associate Professor Inna Kramarenko introduced them to the works of the department’s scientists, including the works of the head of the department Olga Pisareva and the founder of the department Vasily Dudorin.

    The Department of Economics and Management in Construction organized a round table for its employees and students studying in the educational programs implemented by the department, “Scientific and educational potential of the department as a basis for developing competencies.” The head of the department, candidate of economic sciences, associate professor, corresponding member of the REA Olga Astafieva gave a welcoming speech, outlining the development trajectories of the implemented educational programs in the bachelor’s and master’s programs. Senior lecturer Yuri Tikhonov introduced the participants to the history of the department, famous scientists and important textbooks that have become the main ones in their disciplines. Professor of the department, candidate of economic sciences, professor Tatyana Shemyakina discussed with students the importance of books in the modern educational process.

    Teachers of the Department of Physical Education Ekaterina Gracheva, Denis Kokorev and Dmitry Savchenko organized a lecture for first-year students on the topic of “Physical Activity in a Student’s Life”, discussed in detail the basics of a healthy lifestyle and its components and talked about the physiological processes that occur in the human body under the influence of various types of physical activity. The participants of the event talked about why physical activity is important, how it affects a person’s mental health and mental performance and what consequences a sedentary lifestyle leads to. For students of the 1st-3rd years, a lecture “Stress and Health” was held on the possible consequences of stress on human health and the necessary skills to increase stress resistance in a student’s daily routine. The lecture was given by Associate Professor of the Department, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor Irina Merkulova. The event was prepared and organized by Associate Professor of the Department, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor Tatyana Siverkina and Senior Lecturer Tatyana Vedishcheva.

    The Department of Public and Municipal Administration participated in the project for the third time. As part of the “Department Weeks” in November, senior lecturer of the department Elena Yamchuk held a round table on the specifics of managing joint-stock companies with state participation. An open lesson with 2nd-year students of the “Public and Municipal Administration” program on working with the “ConsultantPlus” system as part of studying the discipline “State Regulation of the Economy” was held with the participation of professor of the department, doctor of economic sciences, associate professor Nadezhda Matveeva. The head of the department, adviser to the rector’s office, candidate of historical sciences, associate professor Sergey Chuev and deputy head of the department, associate professor of the department, candidate of economic sciences Mikhail Polyakov organized an open assessment of the knowledge of 4th-year students of the “Public and Municipal Administration” program, accompanied by experts from the National Accreditation Council for Business and Management Education. Mikhail Polyakov also held a foresight session with 4th year students on the topic: “Increasing the level of investment attractiveness of small towns” and a strategic session on the topic: “The role of public organizations in the interaction of civil society and politics in the social sphere”.

    The Department of Nature Management, with the active participation of Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor Ekaterina Shamaeva, enthusiastically prepared an exhibition of scientific works of its employees and books devoted to issues of nature management. Of particular interest was the series of publications on national security issues “Russia’s Security. Legal, Socio-Economic and Scientific-Technical Aspects”, presented by Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation Yakov Vishnyakov.

    The project ended with events of the Department of Management in International Business and Tourism Industry.

    On December 6, in the Scientific Library, Associate Professor of the Department, Candidate of Psychological Sciences, Associate Professor Svetlana Grishaeva held a Discussion Club “Doing Russian Business with Chinese Partners” with 3rd-year students of the Management program of the International Business educational program. The participants discussed effective communication strategies with partners and China, including existing barriers and stereotypes about the specifics of working with Chinese businessmen, worked out cases of various situations of interaction between Chinese and Russian partners and considered typical mistakes in building Russian-Chinese business.

    On December 7, at the Boiling Point of the State University of Management, senior lecturer of the department Anna Firsova organized a business game “Creating Inclusive Tourist Routes” for 4th-year students majoring in “Hotel Business” of the educational program “Hotel and Restaurant Business”. Students, divided into teams, developed a tourist route for a certain category of tourists (for example, for people with limited mobility, vision, hearing, cognitive impairment) based on a study of the needs of the selected category of tourists and determining the main points of the route that should be accessible and interesting for them. As a result of the presentation of the developed routes, student teams selected the best tourist routes that can be implemented in real inclusive tourism projects.

    On December 11, in the Scientific Library, senior lecturer of the department Anna Zbarskaya held a seminar in English “Cross-cultural aspects in the hospitality industry”, which was dedicated to the importance of studying the cultures of different countries and the formation of cultural intelligence for successful business communications. Third-year students of the “Hotel Business” program of the “Hotel and Restaurant Business” discussed the main theoretical issues related to cross-cultural communications, including such concepts as culture, models and types of cultures, culture shock, etc., presented their results of the analysis of different countries and their cultures, considered strategies for effective intercultural communication and ways to overcome cross-cultural problems during negotiations and doing business in the hotel industry.

    The Scientific Library of the State University of Management congratulates everyone on the upcoming holidays and looks forward to seeing everyone at its events in the New Year!

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 23.12.2024

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: 4B: how South Korean women are leading a radical movement against misogyny

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Youngmi Kim, Senior Lecturer in Korean Studies, University of Edinburgh

    Tanawat Chantradilokrat / Shutterstock

    Donald Trump’s return to the White House has sparked fears about the future for women’s rights in the US. Trump has a long history of misogyny and has boasted about his role in shaping the court that overturned women’s constitutional right to an abortion in 2022. His victory thus, unsurprisingly, sparked a reaction.

    Following November’s election, some American women encouraged each other to delete dating apps, sign up for self-defence classes, and get on birth control. Others drew attention to 4B, a radical feminist movement founded in South Korea that has seen some women refuse to marry, have children, engage in romance, or participate in sexual relationships with men.

    The movement, which first came about in the 2010s as a response to the misogyny that is pervasive across South Korean society, went viral on social media in the aftermath of Trump’s election, especially in the US. It takes its name from its four defining tenets: bihon (no marriage), bichulsan (no childbirth), biyeonae (no dating), and bisex (no sex).

    Feminist activism in South Korea is not new, but it only gained wide popularity and support over the past decade. In 2016, a woman was killed at a public toilet near the Gangnam subway station in the country’s capital, Seoul, by a stranger who told the police he committed the crime because he had been “belittled by women” many times in the past. The tragic event sparked mass public mourning and prompted backlash against misogyny across the nation.

    The #MeToo movement, which has highlighted sexual harassment and abuse around the world, took hold in South Korea the following year. This started with allegations of rape, assault and sexually predatory behaviour against renowned Korean filmmaker Kim Ki-duk and actor Cho Jae-hyeon.

    Kim responded to South Korea’s state broadcaster MBC, where the accusations were first made, by saying, “I never tried to satisfy my personal desires using my status as a film director,” and claimed that he only engaged in “consensual sexual relationships”. Cho pledged his innocence, saying: “The things I see in news are so different from truth.” And, in January 2021, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in his favour.

    But allegations quickly spread to the political arena. Ahn Hee-jung, the governor of the western province of South Chungcheong resigned in 2018 after his secretary publicly accused him of repeatedly raping her. Ahn was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison for sexual assault.

    The former mayor of Seoul, Park Won-soon, was then found dead in 2020 after an apparent suicide one day after his secretary filed a complaint against him with the police over sexual harassment. More than 500,000 people signed a petition calling on the government not to use public money for Park’s five-day state funeral.

    Sexual violence in South Korea is not exclusive to influential figures. Thousands of people in South Korea – the vast majority of whom are female – have fallen victim to illicit filming in public places over the past decade. Between 2011 and 2017, there was a fivefold increase in the number of people identified by the police for illicit filming, from 1,300 to 5,300. South Korea’s former president, Moon Jae-in, said in May 2024 that spy cams had become a “part of daily life”.

    Many of these clips are subsequently shared on adult websites. A report by international non-governmental organisation Human Rights Watch in 2021 found that the anguish caused by this crime was so severe that it led to depression and suicidal thoughts among the affected women and girls. It was out of this deep-seated misogyny that South Korea’s 4B movement was born.

    #MeToo protest march in Seoul, South Korea in August 2018.
    Socialtruant / Shutterstock

    From hopelessness to resentment

    The 4B movement took root at a time when South Korea was undergoing its own reckoning with gender violence and inequality. But, in my position as a researcher of online political participation and activism, I see it as also entwined in a broader societal movement in which a generation of South Koreans in their 20s and 30s have given up on numerous things. This includes not only dating, marriage and childbearing, but also employment, home ownership, and, in general, hope for their future.

    This sense of hopelessness can be traced to the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis in 1997, when economic reforms were implemented to increase the flexibility of the labour market. Since then, a growing number of South Korean citizens have found themselves unable to find secure employment, which has led a growing number of young people to give up entirely on searching for a job.

    These feelings of hopelessness have manifested in gender conflict online. Many young men see themselves as victims of the achievements of South Korea’s feminist movements over the past two decades, particularly the abolition of the country’s military service bonus point system in 1999. This system granted men who had completed their mandatory military service an additional 3% to 5% in public official recruitment exams.

    South Korean politicians have weaponised this growing resentment, and have used sexism and misogyny for electoral gain. South Korea’s now suspended current president, Yoon Suk Yeol, won the presidential election in 2022, in part thanks to his efforts to consolidate the support of aggrieved young male voters. During his campaign, Yoon promised to abolish the ministry of gender equality and family, accusing it of treating men like “potential sex criminals”.

    There are certainly aspects of this trend of giving up that are specific to South Korea. But it also resonates across many advanced industrialised societies that are becoming increasingly unequal. Societal conflicts are being compounded by growing economic divides in an increasingly polarised world.

    Youngmi Kim receives funding from the Royal Society of Edinburgh (‘Arts and culture-led mobilization in Leith and Gamcheon’) and the Academy of Korean Studies (‘Consolidating the Scottish Centre for Korean Studies at the University of Edinburgh’).

    – ref. 4B: how South Korean women are leading a radical movement against misogyny – https://theconversation.com/4b-how-south-korean-women-are-leading-a-radical-movement-against-misogyny-243296

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Repression of climate and environmental protest is intensifying across the world

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Oscar Berglund, Senior Lecturer in International Public and Social Policy, University of Bristol

    Climate and environmental protest is being criminalised and repressed around the world. The criminalisation of such protest has received a lot of attention in certain countries, including the UK and Australia. But there have not been any attempts to capture the global trend – until now.

    We recently published a report, with three University of Bristol colleagues, which shows this repression is indeed a global trend – and that it is becoming more difficult around the world to stand up for climate justice.

    This criminalisation and repression spans the global north and south, and includes more and less democratic countries. It does, however, take different forms.

    Our report distinguishes between climate and environmental protest. The latter are campaigns against specific environmentally destructive projects – most commonly oil and gas extraction and pipelines, deforestation, dam building and mining. They take place all around the world.

    Climate protests are aimed at mitigating climate change by decreasing carbon emissions, and tend to make bigger policy or political demands (“cut global emissions now” rather than “don’t build this power plant”). They often take place in urban areas and are more common in the global north.

    Four ways to repress activism

    The intensifying criminalisation and repression is taking four main forms.

    1. Anti-protest laws are introduced

    Anti-protest laws may give the police more powers to stop protest, introduce new criminal offences, increase sentence lengths for existing offences, or give policy impunity when harming protesters. In the 14 countries we looked at, we found 22 such pieces of legislation introduced since 2019.

    2. Protest is criminalised through prosecution and courts

    This can mean using laws against climate and environmental activists that were designed to be used against terrorism or organised crime. In Germany, members of Letzte Generation (Last Generation), a direct action group in the mould of Just Stop Oil, were charged in May 2024 with “forming a criminal organisation”. This section of the law is typically used against mafia organisations and had never been applied to a non-violent group.

    In the Philippines, anti-terrorism laws have been used against environmentalists who have found themselves unable to return to their home islands.

    Criminalising protest can also mean lowering the threshold for prosecution, preventing climate activists from mentioning climate change in court, and changing other court processes to make guilty verdicts more likely. Another example is injunctions that can be taken out by corporations against activists who protest against them.

    3. Harsher policing

    This stretches from stopping and searching to surveillance, arrests, violence, infiltration and threatening activists. The policing of activists is carried out not just by state actors like police and armed forces, but also private actors including private security, organised crime and corporations.

    In Germany, regional police have been accused of collaborating with an energy giant (and its private fire brigade) to evict coal mine protesters, while private security was used extensively in policing anti-mining activists in Peru.

    4. Killings and disappearances

    Lastly, in the most extreme cases, environmental activists are murdered. This is an extension of the trend for harsher policing, as it typically follows threats by the same range of actors. We used data from the NGO Global Witness to show this is increasingly common in countries including Brazil, Philippines, Peru and India. In Brazil, most murders are carried out by organised crime groups while in Peru, it is the police force.

    Protests are increasing

    To look more closely at the global picture of climate and environmental protest – and the repression of it – we used the Armed Conflicts Location Event database. This showed us that climate protests increased dramatically in 2018-2019 and have not declined since. They make up on average about 4% of all protest in the 81 countries that had more than 1,000 protests recorded in the 2012-2023 period:

    Climate protests increased sharply in the late 2010s in the 14 countries studied. (Data is smoothed over five months; number of protests is per country per month.)
    Berglund et al; Data: ACLED, CC BY-SA

    This second graph shows that environmental protest has increased more gradually:

    Environmental protests in the same 14 countries.
    Data: ACLED, CC BY-SA

    We used this data to see what kind of repression activists face. By looking for keywords in the reporting of protest events, we found that on average 3% of climate and environmental protests face police violence, and 6.3% involve arrests. But behind these averages are large differences in the nature of protest and its policing.

    A combination of the presence of protest groups like Extinction Rebellion, who often actively seek arrests, and police forces that are more likely to make arrests, mean countries such as Australia and the UK have very high levels of arrest. Some 20% of Australian climate and environmental protests involve arrests, against 17% in the UK – with the highest in the world being Canada on 27%.

    Meanwhile, police violence is high in countries such as Peru (6.5%) and Uganda (4.4%). France stands out as a European country with relatively high levels of police violence (3.2%) and low levels of arrests (also 3.2%).

    In summary, while criminalisation and repression does not look the same across the world, there are remarkable similarities. It is increasing in a lot of countries, it involves both state and corporate actors, and it takes many forms.

    This repression is taking place in a context where states are not taking adequate action on climate change. By criminalising activists, states depoliticise them. This conceals the fact these activists are ultimately right about the state of the climate and environment – and the lack of positive government action in these areas.

    Oscar Berglund is a member of the Green Party. The report this article is based on was written with Christina Pantazis, Chris Rossdale and Roxana Pessoa Cavalcanti.

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

    – ref. Repression of climate and environmental protest is intensifying across the world – https://theconversation.com/repression-of-climate-and-environmental-protest-is-intensifying-across-the-world-246379

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Slavic universities discussed the development of youth policy and educational activities

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The international congress of Russian-national (Slavic) universities on youth policy and educational activities has concluded in Moscow.

    The event was organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation and MIREA – Russian Technological University (the basic organization of the CIS member states for work with youth).

    The congress was held for the first time. It brought together rectors and vice-rectors of universities, heads of educational work departments, and leaders of student public associations. The participants represented the Belarusian-Russian University, the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University, the Russian-Armenian (Slavic) University, the Russian-Tajik (Slavic) University, and Russian partner universities – Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University and the Siberian Federal University. The SPbPU delegation included Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Communication Technologies Maxim Pasholikov, Head of the Youth Policy Department Ivan Khlamov, Deputy Director of the SPbPU History Museum Tatyana Novitskaya, specialist of the Center for Youth Trajectories Sofia Romanova, and head of the public institute “Adapters” Elizaveta Zhak.

    At the strategic session, experts discussed existing experience, practices and projects, as well as modern challenges faced by Slavic universities in implementing youth policy and educational activities. The plenary discussion, which was held in the format of an open dialogue, was attended by Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Olga Petrova and Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration for Cross-Border Cooperation Sergei Malenko.

    The congress also included a presentation of the educational work system and youth policy areas of RTU MIREA, a training seminar, and the opening of the All-Russian Congress on Youth Policy and Educational Activities. Participants learned about the educational work system and youth policy areas of the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, the possibilities of including Slavic universities in the activities of student scientific societies, and projects of the Rosmolodezh ecosystem, the Russian Society “Knowledge”, and the ANO “Russia – Country of Opportunities”.

    On the final day, the experts were presented with the system of educational work and youth policy areas of RUDN named after Patrice Lumumba, the activities of the psychological service of the university using the example of MIPT, and projects of the Association of Volunteer Centers, in which Slavic universities can participate.

    Head of the Department of Assessment and Methodology of the ANO “Russia – Country of Opportunities” Alexandra Vaza noted that the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University became the first foreign university to begin systematic work with the presidential platform of the RSV. KRSU students received the same opportunities for self-realization as millions of young people in Russia.

    The Competence Center opened at the university has become a provider of assessment and development of “soft skills” of students and teachers. The Polytechnic University in St. Petersburg, which has unique experience of working with ambassadors and in the field of graduate employment, has been very helpful in this activity. In addition, the center has become a single entry point to the projects of the presidential platform. KRSU students are active participants in the competitions “TopBLOG”, “Profrazvitie” and “Drugoe Delo”. In 2025, work in this direction will continue, because we strive for each student to be able to realize their potential and become a sought-after specialist in the labor market, – said Alexandra Vaza.

    The final meeting was chaired by Artem Fomin, Head of the Department of International Youth Cooperation and Tourism of the Department of State Youth Policy and Educational Activities of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia. Representatives of Slavic universities presented draft roadmaps for the further development of youth policy and educational activities in their universities in 2025-2026. Russian partners — representatives of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University and the Siberian Federal University — presented proposals for joint projects. On behalf of MIREA — Russian Technological University, Vice-Rector Grigory Petushkov voiced proposals for cooperation.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Renewed appeal in connection with murder of Fiona Holm

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    The Met is renewing its reward of up to £20,000 for help finding the remains of a murdered woman, as her family face their second Christmas without her.

    The reward is on offer for information leading to the recovery of the remains of 48-year-old Fiona Holm.

    Fiona was last seen alive leaving a residential address in Verdant Lane, Catford, on 20 June, 2023. She was reported missing nine days later.

    Her partner, Carl Cooper, was jailed for life in July for her murder which took place in the living room of his flat in Broadfield Road, Catford. Cooper lied to Fiona’s family and police, and took extensive steps to cover up the killing. Fiona’s body has never been recovered.

    Cooper was also convicted of murdering another girlfriend, 41-year-old Naomi Hunte, who was found dead at her home in Woolwich in 2022.

    Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn, who leads the investigation, said: “My team has carried out a huge amount of work to try to find Fiona, using specialist teams to search areas she was known to frequent, open spaces, bodies of water, houses, cars and lockups. Thousands of hours of CCTV has been seized and viewed, substantial mobile phone enquiries have been reviewed and hundreds of witness statements have been taken, including interviews with Fiona’s family and friends. Those efforts have continued since Cooper’s conviction.

    “This Christmas, our thoughts are with Fiona’s family, who are still waiting for answers almost two years after her tragic murder. Our thoughts are also with Naomi’s family at this difficult time.

    “I am appealing to anybody who may be able to assist the ongoing search for Fiona’s remains to come forward, no matter how insignificant you think your information could be. Perhaps now Cooper has been convicted, you feel able to come forward and tell us what you know or have heard.”

    Fiona’s family have described her as a kind and loving person, and say they are tormented by the lack of closure.

    Fiona’s daughter Savannah said: “This year is the second Christmas without my beloved mother. As the heartache still continues, the restless nights go on knowing that she has been out there this long, and no-one has come forward with any information, which I find disturbing.

    “The thought of us finding her remains is sickening to think about, but this would also bring my whole family peace.

    “My Nan has not been the same since. The only thing she worries about is where her daughter is, as she wants her to be found. Nan misses her daughter’s big heart and kind ways the most.”

    If you have any information, please contact the incident room on 020 8721 4005, or 999 if you need urgent police attendance. If you want to give your information anonymously, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: sante-Itd.com.co: BaFin investigates Sante Limited

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) warns consumers about the company Sante Limited and the services it is offering. BaFin has information that the company is offering banking business and/or financial services on its website sante-Itd.com.co without the required authorisation. The company is not supervised by BaFin.

    Banking business and financial services may only be offered in Germany with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the required authorisation. Information on whether particular companies have been authorised by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.

    The information provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).

    Please be aware:

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

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Christmas booze ban for record number of offenders

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Around 3,800 offenders either released from prison or serving a community sentence will wear an alcohol tag over Christmas and New Year.

    • Around 3,800 offenders forced to wear alcohol tags to keep streets safe over Christmas and New Year
    • Technology monitors alcohol in their sweat so offenders can’t enjoy a festive tipple
    • Tags help tackle drink-fuelled crime such as domestic abuse and drunken disorder

    A record number of offenders will be forced to stay sober this Christmas as part of the government’s Plan for Change, keeping streets safe and cutting alcohol-fuelled crime.

    Statistics published today (23 December) show around 3,800 offenders either released from prison or serving a community sentence will wear an alcohol tag over Christmas and New Year.

    The tags work around the clock and quickly detect if an offender has been drinking by analysing their sweat, meaning festive favourites such as mulled wine and prosecco will be strictly off the menu.

    If an offender dares to have a drink, an alert is sent to their probation officer who can take action to punish them, such as an order to return to court or even prison.

    Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, James Timpson, said:

    The sad reality is alcohol-fuelled crime such as domestic abuse and public disorder spikes at Christmas and has a devastating impact in our homes and town centres.

    Technology like this is playing a key role in the government’s mission to take back our streets by monitoring offenders and cutting crime.

    The tags are accurate enough to distinguish between foods that contain low-levels of alcohol – such as mince pies or Christmas pudding – and boozier drinks that could lead to offenders getting drunk.

    The technology is playing a significant role in the government’s mission to take back our streets from alcohol-fuelled harm, which costs the taxpayer billions of pounds each year. 

    Offenders who are banned from consuming alcohol by the courts have remained sober for 97% of the days they have been tagged since the technology was first rolled out in 2020.

    They monitor alcohol bans for offenders on community sentences handed down by judges or magistrates and can also be used as a licence condition for prison leavers. Roughly 20% of those supervised by probation are classified as having a drinking problem.

    These statistics come as the government is conducting a landmark review of sentencing, which will further explore the range of tougher punishments that can be served outside of prison. This will explore the technology we can use to limit the liberties of offenders in the community and support the administration of sentences outside of prison.

    Further information

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 December 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met release photo after serious assault near Covent Garden

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Officers investigating the assault of two men in Westminster – leaving one with life-changing injuries – have issued an image of a suspect they are keen to trace.

    Police were called at 22.33hrs on Saturday, 12 October, by an off-duty officer, who reported being punched in the back of the head in Covent Garden, close to the Royal Opera House.

    The suspect then approached another man in nearby King Street and asked him for directions, before assaulting him. This man – aged in his 70s – was pushed to the ground, and suffered a bleed on his brain. He temporarily lost consciousness, and required 15 stitches to the back of the head.

    The officer, attached to the Central East Command Unit, was not injured.

    The suspect is described as white, around 5ft 9in tall, of medium build, and wearing a black jacket. He was last seen fleeing towards Bedford Street.

    The two victims are not known to each other, and, at this stage, there is no clear motive.

    Detective Sergeant Glenn Smith – attached to the Central West Command Unit – said: “This was a serious incident which left a man in his 70s with life-altering injuries.

    “The attacks were apparently random. We are appealing for witness accounts, or for any information that may assist the investigation.

    “In addition, we are releasing a CCTV image of a man police wish to speak to in light of the incident. Do you recognise him?”

    Anyone with information about either of the assaults should call 101, quoting CAD reference 7846/12OCT.

    To make an anonymous report, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Charges Dual Russian and Israeli National as Developer of LockBit Ransomware Group

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Defendant Rostislav Panev in Custody Pending Extradition from Israel to the United States

    Note: A copy of the superseding criminal complaint can be found here.

    A superseding criminal complaint filed in the District of New Jersey was unsealed today charging a dual Russian and Israeli national for being a developer of the LockBit ransomware group.

    In August, Rostislav Panev, 51, a dual Russian and Israeli national, was arrested in Israel pursuant to a U.S. provisional arrest request with a view towards extradition to the United States. Panev is currently in custody in Israel pending extradition on the charges in the superseding complaint.

    “The Justice Department’s work going after the world’s most dangerous ransomware schemes includes not only dismantling networks, but also finding and bringing to justice the individuals responsible for building and running them,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Three of the individuals who we allege are responsible for LockBit’s cyberattacks against thousands of victims are now in custody, and we will continue to work alongside our partners to hold accountable all those who lead and enable ransomware attacks.”

    “The arrest of Mr. Panev reflects the Department’s commitment to using all its tools to combat the ransomware threat,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “We started this year with a coordinated international disruption of LockBit — the most damaging ransomware group in the world. Fast forward to today and three LockBit actors are in custody thanks to the diligence of our investigators and our strong partnerships around the world. This case is a model for ransomware investigations in the years to come.”

    “The arrest of alleged developer Ratislav Panev is part of the FBI’s ongoing efforts to disrupt and dismantle the LockBit ransomware group, one of the most prolific ransomware variants across the globe,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The LockBit group has targeted both public and private sector victims around the world, including schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure, as well as small businesses and multi-national corporations.  No matter how hidden or advanced the threat, the FBI remains committed to working with our interagency partners to safeguard the cyber ecosystem and hold accountable those who are responsible for these criminal activities.” 

    “The criminal complaint alleges that Rotislav Panev developed malware and maintained the infrastructure for LockBit, which was once the world’s most destructive ransomware group and attacked thousands of victims, causing billions of dollars in damage,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Along with our domestic and international law enforcement partner actions to dismantle LockBit’s infrastructure, the Criminal Division has disrupted LockBit’s operations by charging seven of its key members (including affiliates, developers, and its administrator) and arresting three of these defendants — including Panev. We are especially grateful for our partnerships with authorities in Europol, the United Kingdom, France, and Israel, which show that, when likeminded countries work together, cybercriminals will find it harder to escape justice.”

    “As alleged by the complaint, Rostislav Panev for years built and maintained the digital weapons that enabled his LockBit coconspirators to wreak havoc and cause billions of dollars in damage around the world,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey. “But just like the six other LockBit members previously identified and charged by this office and our FBI and Criminal Division partners, Panev could not remain anonymous and avoid justice indefinitely. He must now answer for his crimes. Today’s announcement represents another blow struck by the United States and our international partners against the LockBit organization, and our efforts will continue relentlessly until the group is fully dismantled and its members brought to justice.”

    According to the superseding complaint, documents filed in this and related cases, and statements made in court, Panev acted as a developer of the LockBit ransomware group from its inception in or around 2019 through at least February 2024. During that time, Panev and his LockBit coconspirators grew LockBit into what was, at times, the most active and destructive ransomware group in the world. The LockBit group attacked more than 2,500 victims in at least 120 countries around the world, including 1,800 in the United States. Their victims ranged from individuals and small businesses to multinational corporations, including hospitals, schools, nonprofit organizations, critical infrastructure, and government and law-enforcement agencies. LockBit’s members extracted at least $500 million in ransom payments from their victims and caused billions of dollars in other losses, including lost revenue and costs from incident response and recovery.

    LockBit’s members comprised “developers,” like Panev, who designed the LockBit malware code and maintained the infrastructure on which LockBit operated. LockBit’s other members, called “affiliates,” carried out LockBit attacks and extorted ransom payments from LockBit victims. LockBit’s developers and affiliates would then split ransom payments extorted from victims.

    As alleged in the superseding complaint, at the time of Panev’s arrest in Israel in August, law enforcement discovered on Panev’s computer administrator credentials for an online repository that was hosted on the dark web and stored source code for multiple versions of the LockBit builder, which allowed LockBit’s affiliates to generate custom builds of the LockBit ransomware malware for particular victims. On that repository, law enforcement also discovered source code for LockBit’s StealBit tool, which helped LockBit affiliates exfiltrate data stolen through LockBit attacks. Law enforcement also discovered access credentials for the LockBit control panel, an online dashboard maintained by LockBit developers for LockBit’s affiliates and hosted by those developers on the dark web.

    The superseding complaint also alleges that Panev exchanged direct messages through a cybercriminal forum with LockBit’s primary administrator, who, in an indictment unsealed in the District of New Jersey in May, the United States alleged to be Dimitry Yuryevich Khoroshev (Дмитрий Юрьевич Хорошев), also known as LockBitSupp, LockBit, and putinkrab. In those messages, Panev and the LockBit primary administrator discussed work that needed to be done on the LockBit builder and control panel.

    Court documents further indicate that, between June 2022 and February 2024, the primary LockBit administrator made a series of transfers of cryptocurrency, laundered through one or more illicit cryptocurrency mixing services, of approximately $10,000 per month to a cryptocurrency wallet owned by Panev. Those transfers amounted to over $230,000 during that period.

    In interviews with Israeli authorities following his arrest in August, Panev admitted to having performed coding, development, and consulting work for the LockBit group and to having received regular payments in cryptocurrency for that work, consistent with the transfers identified by U.S. authorities. Among the work that Panev admitted to having completed for the LockBit group was the development of code to disable antivirus software; to deploy malware to multiple computers connected to a victim network; and to print the LockBit ransom note to all printers connected to a victim network. Panev also admitted to having written and maintained LockBit malware code and to having provided technical guidance to the LockBit group.

    The LockBit Investigation

    The superseding complaint against, and apprehension of, Panev follows a disruption of LockBit ransomware in February by the United Kingdom (U.K.)’s National Crime Agency (NCA)’s Cyber Division, which worked in cooperation with the Justice Department, FBI, and other international law enforcement partners. As previously announced by the Department, authorities disrupted LockBit by seizing numerous public-facing websites used by LockBit to connect to the organization’s infrastructure and by seizing control of servers used by LockBit administrators, thereby disrupting the ability of LockBit actors to attack and encrypt networks and extort victims by threatening to publish stolen data. That disruption succeeded in greatly diminishing LockBit’s reputation and its ability to attack further victims, as alleged by documents filed in this case.

    The superseding complaint against Panev also follows charges brought in the District of New Jersey against other LockBit members, including its alleged primary creator, developer, and administrator, Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev. An indictment against Khoroshev unsealed in May alleges that Khoroshev began developing LockBit as early as September 2019, continued acting as the group’s administrator through 2024, a role in which Khoroshev recruited new affiliate members, spoke for the group publicly under the alias “LockBitSupp,” and developed and maintained the infrastructure used by affiliates to deploy LockBit attacks. Khoroshev is currently the subject of a reward of up to $10 million through the U.S. Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) Rewards Program, with information accepted through the FBI tip website at www.tips.fbi.gov/.

    A total of seven LockBit members have now been charged in the District of New Jersey. Beyond Panev and Khoroshev, other previously charged LockBit defendants include:

    • In July, two LockBit affiliate members, Mikhail Vasiliev, also known as Ghostrider, Free, Digitalocean90, Digitalocean99, Digitalwaters99, and Newwave110, and Ruslan Astamirov, also known as BETTERPAY, offtitan, and Eastfarmer, pleaded guilty in the District of New Jersey for their participation in the LockBit ransomware group and admitted deploying multiple LockBit attacks against U.S. and foreign victims. Vasiliev and Astamirov are presently in custody awaiting sentencing.
    • In February, in parallel with the disruption operation described above, an indictment was unsealed in the District of New Jersey charging Russian nationals Artur Sungatov and Ivan Kondratyev, also known as Bassterlord, with deploying LockBit against numerous victims throughout the United States, including businesses nationwide in the manufacturing and other industries, as well as victims around the world in the semiconductor and other industries. Sungatov and Kondratyev remain at large.
    • In May 2023, two indictments were unsealed in Washington, D.C., and the District of New Jersey charging Mikhail Matveev, also known as Wazawaka, m1x, Boriselcin, and Uhodiransomwar, with using different ransomware variants, including LockBit, to attack numerous victims throughout the United States, including the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department. Matveev remains at large and is currently the subject of a reward of up to $10 million through the U.S. Department of State’s TOC Rewards Program, with information accepted through the FBI tip website at www.tips.fbi.gov/.

    The U.S. Department of State’s TOC Rewards Program is offering rewards of:

    Information is accepted through the FBI tip website at tips.fbi.gov.

    Khoroshev, Matveev, Sungatov, and Kondratyev have also been designated for sanctions by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control for their roles in launching cyberattacks.

    Victim Assistance

    LockBit victims are encouraged to contact the FBI and submit information at www.ic3.gov/. As announced by the Department in February, law enforcement, through its disruption efforts, has developed decryption capabilities that may enable hundreds of victims around the world to restore systems encrypted using the LockBit ransomware variant. Submitting information at the IC3 site will enable law enforcement to determine whether affected systems can be successfully decrypted.

    LockBit victims are also encouraged to visit www.justice.gov/usao-nj/lockbit for case updates and information regarding their rights under U.S. law, including the right to submit victim impact statements and request restitution, in the criminal litigation against Panev, Astamirov, and Vasiliev.

    The FBI Newark Field Office, under the supervision of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado, is investigating the LockBit ransomware variant. Israel’s Office of the State Attorney, Department of International Affairs, and Israel National Police; France’s Gendarmerie Nationale Cyberspace Command, Paris Prosecution Office — Cyber Division, and judicial authorities at the Tribunal Judiciare of Paris; Europol; Eurojust; the U.K.’s NCA; Germany’s Landeskriminalamt Schleswig-Holstein, Bundeskriminalamt, and the Central Cybercrime Department North Rhine-Westphalia; Switzerland’s Federal Office of Justice, Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Canton of Zurich, and Zurich Cantonal Police; Spain’s Policia Nacional and Guardia Civil; Japan’s National Police Agency; Australian Federal Police; Sweden’s Polismyndighetens; Canada’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police; Politie Dienst Regionale Recherche Oost-Brabant of the Netherlands; and Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation have provided significant assistance and coordination in these matters and in the LockBit investigation generally.

    Trial Attorneys Debra Ireland and Jorge Gonzalez of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew M. Trombly, David E. Malagold, and Vinay Limbachia for the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the charges against Panev and the other previously charged LockBit defendants in the District of New Jersey.

    The Justice Department’s Cybercrime Liaison Prosecutor to Eurojust, Office of International Affairs, and National Security Division also provided significant assistance.

    Additional details on protecting networks against LockBit ransomware are available at StopRansomware.gov. These include Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Advisories AA23-325A, AA23-165A, and AA23-075A. 

    A criminal complaint 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: Defense News: USS Spruance returns home after five-month deployment to 5th and 7th Fleet

    Source: United States Navy

    Spruance departed San Diego with the ABECSG and deployed to the 7th and 5th fleet area of operations, July 17, 2024.

    “The Spruance crew continues to impress – there is no other team that I would rather be a part of. I am immensely proud of all that the team has accomplished and will continue to accomplish. This deployment was a test of our readiness, and our Sailors exceeded every expectation,” said Cmdr. Thomas “Matt” Adams, commanding officer, Spruance. “Facing advanced missile threats and attack drones in a high-stakes environment, they demonstrated exceptional tactical precision and a war fighter mindset. From identifying incoming threats to controlling aircraft to executing flawless missile engagements, our crew neutralized every danger with unwavering focus and discipline.”

    ABECSG initially deployed to the Indo-Pacific region to support regional security and stability, and to reassure our allies and partners of the U.S. Navy’s unwavering commitment, highlighted by the first-ever U.S.-Italy multi-large deck event (MLDE) with the Italian Navy’s ITS Cavour Carrier Strike Group held in the Indo-Pacific on Aug. 9, 2024.

    The strike group was ordered to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to bolster U.S. military force posture in the Middle East, deter regional escalation, degrade Houthi capabilities, defend U.S. forces, and again sailed alongside our Italian allies and other partners to promote security, stability and prosperity. Assigned destroyers of the ABECSG, to include Spruance, were essential to providing a layer of defense to U.S. forces and ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels and partner nations transiting in international waterways like the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden.

    The destroyers worked alongside U.S. Central Command forces in successfully repelling multiple Iranian-backed Houthi attacks during transits of the Bab el-Mandeb strait. During the transits, the destroyers were attacked by one-way attack uncrewed Aerial systems, anti-ship ballistic missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles which were successfully engaged and defeated. The vessels were not damaged and no personnel were hurt. The ships were well prepared, supported, and the well-trained Sailors successfully defended the ship.

    “I am so proud of our team. Our Sailors met every challenge on this deployment with professional excellence. Sailors displayed the highest levels of teamwork, adaptability, and courage—qualities that make our Navy the finest in the world,” said Cmdr. Leigh R. Tate, executive officer, Spruance. “There is no other group of Sailors who have more grit and tenacity for mission success, and they proved it.”

    Throughout deployment, Spruance traveled 37,200 nautical miles, conducted 12 replenishments-at-sea, 28 sea and anchor details, Anti-Submarine Tactical Air Controller (ASTAC) controlled over 800 hours of rotary air wing control and the Air Intercept Controllers (AIC) controlled 50 live runs with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 and U.S. Air Force assets. Spruance also achieved 36 re-enlistments, 37 advancements and seven officer promotions. Spruance Sailors were awarded the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Expeditionary Medal and Combat Action Ribbon (CAR) for their actions in the Bab el-Mandeb.

    Spruance was led by their commanding officer, Cmdr. Thomas “Matt” Adams, executive officer, Cmdr. Leigh R. Tate, and Command Master Chief Kurtiss Vervynckt.

    The ABECSG is the most capable CSG comprised of the air wing of the future, the most advance Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E. Peterson Jr. (DDG 121) as Integrated Air and Missile Defense Commander, and the Arleigh Burke destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21, representing more than 6,000 Sailors, deployed from their homeports of San Diego and Pearl Harbor since July 2024.

    Deploying units of the strike group include the flagship USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), DESRON 21, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, and Frank E. Petersen Jr. While the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, assigned to DESRON 21, USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) returned to its homeport, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS O’Kane (DDG 77) and USS Stockdale (DDG 106) remain deployed in the 5th Fleet area of operations supporting global maritime security operations.

    As an integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic and relevant training necessary to execute the U.S. Navy’s timeless role across the full spectrum of military operations—from combat missions to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with our allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Berwick — Valley Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit charges four people with firearm and drug offences

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Valley Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit (VISCEU) has charged four people with drug offences after a search warrant was executed at a home in South Berwick.

    On December 6, VISCEU with the assistance of Kings District RCMP, Kentville Police and the Criminal Intelligence Service Nova Scotia (CISNS) executed a search warrant at a home on Buchanan Rd., as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.

    At the home, police safely arrested four people then located and seized a quantity of cocaine, methamphetamine, scales, cellphones, firearms, cash and stolen property.

    Scott Graham, 51, of Berwick; Jessie Jones, 35, of Waterville; and Theresa Atwell, 59, and Josh Jackson, 33, both from Cambridge, have been charged with:

    • Unauthorized Possession of Firearm (2 counts)
    • Possession of Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized (2 counts)
    • Careless Use of Firearm (2 counts)
    • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (over $5,000)
    • Possession for Purpose of Trafficking (3 counts)

    Atwell was also charged with Possession Contrary to Order, and Jackson was also charged with Failure to Comply with Probation Order.

    All four were released by the Court on conditions and are scheduled to appear in Kentville Provincial Court on February 11 at 9:30 a.m.

    Nova Scotians are encouraged to contact their nearest RCMP detachment or local police to report crime, including the illegal sale of drugs, in their communities. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips app.

    Note: The Valley Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit is comprised of members of the Kings District RCMP and the Kentville Police Service.

    File # 2024-1779565

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lawson Sex Offender Sentenced to 17 Years for Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Lawson, Mo., man who is a registered sex offender has been sentenced in federal court for distributing child pornography over the internet.

    Lance M. Berry, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs on Thursday, Dec. 19, to 17 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Berry to 10 years of supervised release following incarceration and ordered him to pay $33,000 in restitution to his victims.

    On Aug. 7, 2024, Berry pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography over the internet.

    Berry has a prior Ray County, Mo., conviction for the deviate sexual assault of a child under the age of 13, which requires him to register as a sex offender.

    Berry admitted that he utilized a peer-to-peer file-sharing program on June 1, 2022, to make images and videos of child pornography available to other users over the internet. On that day, an undercover officer with the Missouri State Highway Patrol was able to directly connect to Berry’s cell phone and download 14 videos of child pornography.

    According to court documents, Berry’s cell phone contained 944 unique images of child pornography, including 19 images of sadistic or masochistic violence against a minor, and 168 images featuring infants or toddlers. There were an additional 40 videos of child pornography, which also included depictions of sadistic or masochistic violence and/or infants and toddlers.

    This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth W. Borgnino. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the FBI.

    Project Safe Childhood

    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 Canada: Joint statement from Premier Ranj Pillai and Minister Sandy Silver on Canada’s 2024 Fall Economic Statement

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Joint statement from Premier Ranj Pillai and Minister Sandy Silver on Canada’s 2024 Fall Economic Statement
    zaburke

    Premier Ranj Pillai and Minister of Finance Sandy Silver have issued the following joint statement:

    “This week, federal House Leader Karina Gould delivered an update on how Canada’s finances and economy are doing along with measures to address critical issues for Canadians in the 2024 Fall Economic Statement. Many of these issues are keenly felt in the Yukon and our government is pleased to see the statement recognizes the importance of reducing everyday costs, fostering innovation, adjusting to the current realities of global trade and promoting investment.

    “We are happy to see that the Government of Canada has responded to repeated requests from our government by including a proposal to amend the Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Act in the Fall Economic Statement. The proposed amendment would allow certain projects, identified with consent from affected Yukon First Nations, to be exempt from re-assessments. Such a change will help combine a strong regulatory framework that protects the Yukon environment with one that eases the way for investment. We look forward to this legislative change creating a more efficient assessment process and are happy to see them move forward after several years of advocacy from our government and support from First Nations governments.

    “Canada’s Premiers have been continually asking for bail reform, so it is heartening to see that the statement commits to amending the Criminal Code to specifically address the bail system. The federal government has also put forward $1.3 billion in new funding towards a comprehensive border security package and we await more details on what this package will look like. This announcement promises to strengthen Canada-U.S. relations and could help curb the flow of fentanyl into the Yukon. 

    “Meeting housing needs is another major area that our government is working with the Government of Canada to address and is crucial to making life in the Yukon more affordable. The statement includes programs that lay the groundwork for putting housing within reach of more Canadians through the Affordable Housing Fund and Canada is also extending the Federal Community Housing Initiative to include residents of non-profit and co-op housing. Our government will examine how these programs will work within the Yukon to increase our housing supply or improve access to existing housing stock. Our government will also make sure that Yukoners can take advantage of the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program mentioned in this statement, which will fund retrofits to make homes more energy efficient.

    “We are ready to discuss the programs and initiatives mentioned in the Fall Economic Statement with the Government of Canada and find ways to ensure these measures bring the most benefits to Yukoners, as well as laying out our priorities for the territory for the future.”
     

    Media contact

    Laura Seeley
    Cabinet Communications
    867-332-7627
    laura.seeley@yukon.ca 
     

    News release #:
    Related information:
    Investing in Jobs and Growth (Government of Canada news release)
    2024 Fall Economic Statement

    MIL OSI Canada News –