NewzIntel.com

Category: Crime

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mozambique’s 2024 elections: 9 major challenges that will face the next president

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By David Matsinhe, Losophone Research Specialist/Adjunct Professor in African Studies, Carleton University

    The incoming president of Mozambique faces an array of interconnected problems deeply rooted in historical, socioeconomic and political dynamics. He must balance meeting immediate needs with long-term structural change.

    The 9 October 2024 general election was Mozambique’s seventh since multiparty elections were introduced in 1994. The results are expected to be announced within two weeks from the poll date. International media reports indicate that the ruling Frelimo and its presidential candidate Daniel Chapo are poised for a landslide victory.

    This is likely to be confirmed by the electoral commission even though local media have pointed to widespread and brazen ballot stuffing and fake observers, among other irregularities, in favour of Frelimo.

    Frelimo has been in power since independence in 1975.

    Can the resource-rich but impoverished nation of 35 million expect a redirection of policies and strategies under Chapo to address its multifaceted crises?

    Chapo (47) was born after independence and promises to act with integrity. But the old guard placed him in power to protect and promote their interests.

    Mozambique’s crises stem largely from systemic corruption under Frelimo. It has prioritised political elites over national welfare. Its decades of mismanagement, embezzlement and patronage have left institutions weak and unable to address pressing social and economic issues.

    The country is fragmented. The government has neglected the development of inclusive, accountable governance and equitable infrastructure. Regional disparities are the result. This is especially so in Cabo Delgado province, where disenfranchised citizens have become vulnerable to extremist groups.

    This lack of unity and long-term planning has created a fragile state unable to withstand mounting internal and external pressures.

    As a Mozambican social scientist and human rights specialist, I have spent my adult life wrestling with my country’s complex economic, social, cultural and political dynamics.

    Read more: 9 million Mozambicans live below the poverty line – what’s wrong with the national budget and how to fix it

    Mozambique stands at a critical point. The new president must confront the deep-rooted challenges with determination and comprehensive reforms.

    In my view, the new leader faces nine key challenges. These are a deep economic crisis, an Islamic insurgency in the north, climate change, drug trafficking, unemployment, corruption, poor infrastructure, kidnappings and unpaid public sector salaries.

    Economic crisis

    Mozambique’s economy has deteriorated, primarily because of structural imbalances and a dependence on extractive industries. GDP growth has declined sharply, from 7% in 2014 to 1.8% in 2023.

    Slower growth has resulted in over 62% of Mozambicans living in poverty.

    A public debt crisis was worsened by the “hidden debt scandal”: the discovery in 2016 of US$2 billion in previously undisclosed debts the government had guaranteed without the knowledge of parliament.

    This has limited the state’s capacity to invest in education, health and sanitation.

    Economic revival must be accompanied by targeted interventions to promote inclusive growth. All Mozambicans must benefit from economic activities to alleviate poverty.

    Insurgency

    Since 2017, extremist groups have used local grievances and regional disenfranchisement to destabilise northern Mozambique. Over 4,000 people have died. Nearly a million have been displaced.

    The conflict is rooted in socio-economic inequalities, made worse by the extraction of natural gas and rubies. Global and local actors compete for control.

    The new president’s role in mediating this crisis requires nuance. He must address the historical marginalisation of Cabo Delgado while balancing military and developmental responses.

    Read more: Between state and mosque: new book explores the turbulent history of Islamic politics in Mozambique

    He must also write a new chapter in the country’s deplorable human rights record. This is marked by widespread violations of the right to life, physical integrity, freedom from arbitrary detention, and freedoms of expression, assembly and the press.

    Climate change crisis

    Climate change intersects with Mozambique’s vulnerabilities. The country has been repeatedly struck by increasingly devastating severe cyclones, such as Idai and Kenneth in 2019.

    Deforestation has made it more fragile, reducing its capacity to mitigate flood and erosion risks.

    The new president will need to put in place policies that incorporate mitigation and adaptation strategies. He will also need to secure multilateral cooperation.

    Drug trafficking

    Drug trafficking networks have entrenched themselves. Porous borders, weak governance structures and endemic corruption have made Mozambique a corridor for heroin and cocaine trafficking.

    The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates that US$100 million worth of heroin passes through Mozambique annually. This fuels informal economies that sustain political patronage networks.

    Tackling the problem requires stronger state institutions. It also requires regional and global collaboration to disrupt the transnational flow of narcotics.

    Unemployment

    Joblessness stands at over 70%, affecting youth in particular. Youth disenfranchisement risks perpetuating cycles of poverty, social instability and potential radicalisation.

    Policies promoting vocational training and entrepreneurship are essential. So is investment in labour-intensive sectors, such as agriculture and manufacturing.

    Corruption

    Pervasive corruption erodes public trust and stifles economic innovation. New efforts to combat corruption must go beyond superficial reforms. They must uproot the power structures that sustain these systems.

    Poor infrastructure

    Infrastructure is in disrepair. Urban roads are crumbling, public services are inadequate and electricity blackouts are frequent. Rural regions lack basic services such as clean water and healthcare.

    The next president will need to launch an ambitious infrastructure overhaul to improve living conditions and stimulate economic growth.

    Kidnappings

    Kidnappings, especially targeting the wealthy and business people, have created widespread fear and instability. The crime disrupts business operations and deters foreign investment, further harming economic growth.

    The high-profile nature of kidnappings suggests collusion between criminal networks and law enforcement as well as inefficiencies in the justice system.

    The persistence of kidnappings reflects broader governance issues. These include limited state capacity to respond effectively to organised crime.

    Unpaid public servants

    Delays in salary payments for public servants have worsened economic and social problems. The delays reduce public workers’ purchasing power. This has affected household consumption and local economies.

    Morale among employees is sapped, harming productivity and eroding trust in government institutions.

    Read more: Mozambique’s transgender history is on display in a powerful photo exhibition

    The new president must make public sector reforms. This includes auditing finances, improving revenue collection, enforcing fiscal discipline, promoting merit-based appointments, implementing probity laws, strengthening anti-corruption bodies, and diversifying the economy.

    The future of Mozambique rests on the ability of its next leader to address these profound and intertwined crises. It’s a huge task.

    Whoever it is will have to break from the Frelimo mould, reverse the damage done and set the country on a new path of clean governance, peace and inclusive economic growth.

    – Mozambique’s 2024 elections: 9 major challenges that will face the next president
    – https://theconversation.com/mozambiques-2024-elections-9-major-challenges-that-will-face-the-next-president-240923

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Edmonton — Fraudster arrested for money laundering offences via hawala system

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region’s Provincial Financial Crime Team (PFCT) in Edmonton has charged an Airdrie resident with fraud and money laundering-related offences.

    Between January and July 2023, the accused is alleged to have fraudulently received in excess of $100,000 from domestic and international victims who sent money via e-transfer and wire transfer to purchase goods from online sales platforms. The fraudulent sales included goods such as hay bales, deer antlers, antiseptic cleaning wipes and sea urchins.

    The accused is also believed to have been running an informal value transfer system, known as hawala, using trade-based money laundering methods that contravene the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA).

    Mbua Ngomba Kalla, 49, a resident of Airdrie, was charged was arrested and charged with:

    • Theft over $5,000 contrary to section 380(1)(a) of the Criminal Code;
    • Possession of property obtained by crime contrary to section 355(a) of the Criminal Code;
    • Failure to register as a money service business contrary to section 11.1 of the PCMLTFA;
    • Failure to report large value transactions contrary to section 12 of the PCMLTFA; and,
    • Failure to verify identity contrary to section 74(1) of the PCMLTFA.

    Kalla is scheduled to appear in the Airdrie Provincial Court on Oct. 17, 2024.

    “By working with our partners at the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada and law enforcement agencies across Canada, we found that the individual used the internet to commit multiple frauds with victims across western Canada and abroad.”

    • Insp. John Lamming, RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region

    If you believe you may be a victim of fraud, or are currently being targeted by fraud, please report it to your local law enforcement and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at 1-888-495-8501. Instances of compromised personal and/or financial information should be reported to your bank and credit card company. To learn more about the various types of frauds and scams, please visit the CAFC’s scam webpage.

    The Provincial Financial Crime Team is a specialized unit that conducts investigations relating to multi-jurisdictional serious fraud, investment scams and corruption.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met detectives secure justice following the murder of a teenager in Dagenham

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Four men have been jailed for a total of 91 years after being found guilty of fatally stabbing an 18-year-old in Dagenham thanks to the work of dedicated Met officers.

    Wazabakana Kukabu, known as Jordan to his loved ones, was tragically murdered last year (May 2023).

    At the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 15 October, Michael Tommy-Mbogba, 21 (13.12.02) of Arkwrights, Harlow was sentenced to 29 years. Toulwalase Odunewu, 18 (22.10.05) of Angel Way, Romford was also sentenced to 23 yea

    rs in prison.

    A 16-year-old boy – who cannot be named for legal reasons – was also sentenced to 16 years for the same murder, while a 17-year-old – who also cannot be named – was sentenced to 23 years.

    Detective Chief Inspector Laura Semple, who led the investigation, said: “I want to extend our deepest condolences to Jordan’s family and those who knew him – our thoughts very much remain with them today.

    “I would also like to thank those witnesses who came forward and provided crucial evidence during the trial, as well as acknowledge the incredible efforts of those Met officers and other emergency service staff who tried so desperately to save Jordan’s life.

    “Knife crime has a devastating impact on our communities and rips families apart – that’s why we’re committed to doing everything in our power to work with partners and charities, such as the Ben Kinsella Trust, to protect young people and make London safer.”

    At around 23:45hrs on Friday, 5 May 2023, Jordan and his friend drove to Dagenham Heathway station, where they parked their car. The four defendants were already nearby and moved towards the vehicle brandishing machetes. One of the defendants stabbed Jordan in the chest while he sat in the back seat.

    He managed to sprint away and stop a passing car for help, but quickly collapsed on the road.

    Police officers on patrol nearby provided CPR but Jordan was sadly pronounced dead a short time later.

    Detectives immediately launched an investigation and pieced together CCTV of the attack and the defendants leaving the scene. They identified witnesses as part of the investigation, who came forward and supplied crucial evidence.

    One explained that he had seen the defendants sitting on the top deck of a bus after the murder re-enacting the fatal attack they had just carried out.

    Met search teams found a blood-stained knife close to the scene, which was tested and matched to Tommy-Mbogba. Fingerprints were also found in a taxi, which the group had used later that night.

    The 17-year-old boy was also found guilty of the attempted murder of Jordan’s friend, while the other three defendants were found guilty of Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) against the same victim.

    All were also found guilty of a separate incident of violent disorder, which had taken place two days previously.

    In a statement Jordan’s father said: “I want to take this opportunity to thank the judge, the prosecution team and the investigation team for all the hard work. My son possessed beauty both inside and out. He had a pure heart and was so gentle he would not harm anyone, yet his life was taken so prematurely. I can only visit Jordan’s grave and mourn the loss of his beautiful presence to this world.”

    In a statement Jordan’s mother said: “Words will never explain the pain and devastation I have writing this. Jordan has a family who love him so much and you took my precious son away from us. He always showed his whole family and everyone who knew him love and affection.”

    If you are concerned about knife crime or know somebody who carries a weapon, has been a victim or is at risk of becoming a victim – please visit the Crimestoppers website or the Met’s ‘Stop Knife Crime’ web pages.

    Note to Editors

    There is no video footage of the incident available for release at the request of Jordan’s family.

    All four defendants were previously found guilty at a trial at Old Bailey on Monday, 17 June 2024.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: INTERPOL operation nets terror suspects, cash and illegal weapons

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    16 October 2024

    LYON, France – An INTERPOL counter-terrorism operation to strengthen border security has enabled millions of crosschecks against international databases, resulting in 66 arrests, significant seizures and the identification of 81 individuals subject to INTERPOL notices and diffusions.
    Operation Neptune VI brought together law enforcement agencies from 14 countries with the goal of bolstering security measures and responses around the maritime routes across the Mediterranean Sea, as well as in airports and at land borders in the participating countries.
    The initiative, carried out in cooperation with WCO, FRONTEX and Europol, equipped teams with handheld devices and gave local authorities expanded access to INTERPOL databases.
    The operation focused on identifying and analysing the movement patterns of Foreign Terrorist Fighters and people with links to terrorism as well as criminal groups responsible for cross-border crimes such as drug trafficking, weapons smuggling and human trafficking.
    During Neptune VI, which ran for approximately two weeks in each country, officers on the ground also checked INTERPOL records of stolen vehicles and lost or stolen travel documents, which are both key assets for facilitating terrorist funding and mobility.
    By the end of the operation on 16 September 2024, more than 16 million crosschecks had been made against the various INTERPOL databases, generating 187 ‘hits’.
    A dozen arrests were made on the basis of INTERPOL Red Notices. Another 54 people were apprehended under national arrest warrants and for crimes detected at the border, including drugs and fraud offenses as well as the smuggling of gold, cash and weapons.

    Cyprus: Seizure displayed during Operation Neptune VI

    France: Documents being verified at the border

    France: Millions of database crosschecks were made during the international operation

    Iraq: Document verification during Operation Neptune VI

    Albania: The operation brought together law enforcement agencies from 14 countries

    Albania: Vehicle undercarriage check

    Albania: K9 inspection

    Algeria: Document inspection during Operation Neptune VI

    Algeria: Document check

    Bulgaria: The operation aimed to strengthen border security

    Red and Blue Notices to catch and track terror suspects

    One suspect detained as part of the operation was the subject of a Red Notice for a terror attack carried out 23 years ago on a church in Pakistan. The fugitive is being held by local authorities as extradition procedures are carried out.
    In another case, airport border police blocked entry to an individual who was the subject of an INTERPOL Blue Diffusion, issued in 2015.  The person had previously travelled to join ISIS through a European country.
    In contrast to a Red Notice which can form the basis for provisional arrest, a Blue Notice or diffusion is a request between INTERPOL member countries to collect additional information about a person’s identity, location or activities, in relation to a criminal investigation. During the Neptune VI operation, 29 subjects of Blue Notices and Diffusions were identified, allowing officers to track individuals with links to terrorism.

    In Montenegro, border police detained a traveller suspected of using a counterfeit passport. Utilizing INTERPOL’s secure global police communications system (I-24/7), they verified the document with the issuing authorities, confirming it was a forgery. It was also discovered that the suspect was wanted for attempted murder. A Red Notice was promptly issued, requesting the suspect’s arrest and extradition.

    Strengthened border controls lead to important seizures

    The arrests made during Neptune VI were just one facet of the operation’s broad success in strengthening border control. The initiative yielded significant seizures, including EUR 549,000 in undeclared cash, gold worth EUR 10 million, 25 kilograms of cannabis, 35 stolen vehicles, and several illegal rifles and ammunition.
    Additionally, Bulgarian border officials recovered two Glock pistols in the possession of an individual travelling with a fraudulent ID card. Notably, the pistol frames had been purchased as components in Central Europe, while the other parts had been falsely declared as exported to North America.

    Bulgaria: Two Glock pistols were seized

    Bulgaria: Database checking in progress

    Morocco: K9 Inspection during Operation Neptune VI

    Portugal: Document verification

    Portugal: The operation generated 187 ‘hits’ on INTERPOL databases

    Spain: A vehicle check point

    Spain: Overall 66 people were apprehended as part of Operation Neptune VI

    Spain: INTERPOL equipped local police with access to international databases

    Italy: The operation focused on identifying people with links to terrorism and cross-border crimes

    Italy: Inspection team carries out checks

    Italy: A search in progress

    Montenegro: K9 inspection of vehicles at border

    Montenegro: K9 vehicle inspection

    Morocco: Officers have access to INTERPOL’s international databases

    Greg Hinds, INTERPOL’s Counter-Terrorism Director said:
    “By working together and equipping law enforcement agencies with the frontline tools they need, we can disrupt the activities of terrorists and criminals and bring them to justice. The operation’s results demonstrate the importance of sharing intelligence and best practices among countries to combat the evolving threats of terrorism and organized crime.”
    Neptune VI is funded by Global Affairs Canada, WCO and Frontex.

    Participating countries:

    Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Montenegro, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, and Tunisia.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation — Loon Lake RCMP ask public to report sightings of Christian Mitsuing

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 13, 2024 at approximately 7 p.m., Loon Lake RCMP received a report of a firearm discharge on Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation. Officers immediately responded.

    Officers investigated and determined no injuries were associated with the report.

    During the course of investigation, an officer was out of their police vehicle taking statements. An ATV with a male driver and female passenger suddenly drove toward the officer at high speed. The officer had to quickly move out of the way to avoid being struck. The ATV then fled.

    The officer did not report physical injuries.

    The next day, officers were patrolling on Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation. They observed the ATV from the previous night’s incident. Officers attempted to stop the ATV but it fled.

    As a result of continued investigation, 31-year-old Christian Mitsuing from Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation is charged with:

    – two counts, operation while prohibited, Section 320.18(1)(a), Criminal Code;

    – one count, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, Section 320.13(1), Criminal Code;

    – one count, assault with weapon on police officer, Section 270(1)(a), Criminal Code; and

    – one count, flight from peace officer, Section 320.13, Criminal Code.

    A warrant has been issued for his arrest and Loon Lake RCMP is actively working to locate him. Investigators ask members of the public to report all sightings of Christian Mitsuing and information on his whereabouts.

    Christian Mitsuing is described as approximately 5’10” and 180 lbs. He has black hair and brown eyes. He has numerous small tattoos on his face.

    If you see Christian Mitsuing, do not approach him. Call Loon Lake RCMP by dialling 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or http://www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Data Center Company CEO Indicted for Major Fraud and Making False Statements to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A federal grand jury in the District of Columbia returned an indictment yesterday charging a Maryland man with major fraud against the United States and making false statements to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for his alleged participation in a scheme to deceive the SEC into thinking his company’s data center was certified at the highest rating level for reliability, availability, and security, when it was not.

    According to the indictment, Deepak Jain, 49, of Potomac, was the CEO of an information technology services company (referred to in the indictment as Company A) that provided data center services to customers, including the SEC. From 2012 through 2018, the SEC paid Company A approximately $10.7 million for the use of Company A’s data center in Beltsville, Maryland.

    As alleged in the indictment, Jain created an entity called Uptime Council, which purported to inspect and audit data centers. In order to obtain the SEC data center contract and conceal that Company A did not meet the SEC contract’s requirements, Jain allegedly drafted Uptime Council certification letters, which falsely claimed Uptime Council had certified Company A’s data center as a Tier IV data center, the highest possible rating for reliability, availability, and security. Throughout the pendency of the contract between Company A and the SEC, the SEC experienced several issues with Company A’s data center, including issues with security, cooling, and power — all of which were subjects of the standard referenced in the fraudulent Uptime Council certification letters.

    “As alleged in the indictment, Jain orchestrated a years-long scheme to defraud the SEC by falsely certifying that his company’s data center met the highest rating level, when the actual rating did not satisfy the SEC contract,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Jain allegedly sought to enrich himself and his company at the expense of the reliability, availability, and security of the SEC’s electronic data. Yesterday’s charges make clear that the Criminal Division will not tolerate fraud schemes that threaten the security of the government’s electronic data.”

    “This indictment demonstrates our shared commitment with the Justice Department to hold bad actors accountable for engaging in schemes to defraud the SEC that undermine the integrity and fairness of the government procurement process,” said Inspector General Deborah Jeffrey of the SEC.

    Jain is charged with six counts of major fraud against the United States and one count of making false statements. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each count of major fraud and a maximum penalty of five years in prison on the making false statements count.

    The SEC Office of Inspector General is investigating the case.

    Senior Litigation Counsel Vasanth Sridharan and Trial Attorney Spencer Ryan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

    If you believe you are a victim in this case, please contact the Fraud Section’s Victim Witness Unit toll-free at (888) 549-3945 or by email at victimassistance.fraud@usdoj.gov.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Lawler Announces Over $32 Million in Federal Funding in FY25, Set to Deliver More Than $70 Million For District in First Term

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Yesterday, Congressman Mike Lawler was joined by Rockland County Sheriff Lou Falco and other local elected officials outside the Rockland County Sheriff’s office to highlight major infrastructure and public safety investments for the Hudson Valley secured in federal community project funding for Fiscal Year 2025. Although the appropriations work for Fiscal Year 2025 is still ongoing, Congressman Lawler has already secured more than $32.9 million for fifteen different projects across New York’s 17th Congressional District. This is in addition to $38 million in federal funding for 17 projects in Fiscal Year 2024. With the latest numbers, Congressman Lawler is set to deliver more than $70 million for New York’s 17th Congressional District in his first term in office.

    “When I was elected to represent this district, I promised I would work with my partners at every level of government and in both parties to prioritize the needs of our residents,” said Congressman Lawler. “That’s exactly what I’ve done in working with each of the officials with me here today to ensure funding for each of these important projects.”

    “Projects like these are great examples of what we can accomplish when we put aside politics and focus on meeting the needs of our communities and constituents,” Congressman Lawler concluded. “That’s been my focus as a Congressman, it’s been my focus throughout the appropriations process for both Fiscal Year 2024 and 2025, and it will always be my focus.”

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of the 118th Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.

    Complete footage of yesterday’s press conference can be viewed here.

    Below is a list and description of each project announced by Congressman Lawler:

    Rockland County Public Safety and Crime Prevention Initiative

    Recipient: Rockland County Sheriff’s Office

    Amount: $4,500,000

    Summary: The funding will be used for necessary law enforcement priorities such as police vehicles, equipment to be utilized at a new reality-based public safety training facility, and the structural analysis and design of the facility. This project will provide necessary support to the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office to ensure effective enforcement of laws, address crimes, and improve the criminal justice system across the County. These priorities closely align with the purposes of the Byrne Justice Grants program.

    Law Enforcement Reality-Based Training Facility

    Recipient: Rockland County Sheriff’s Office

    Amount: $2,600,000

    Summary: The funding will be used to construct a new reality-based training facility for the Rockland County Sheriff Department to grow law enforcement capacity, ensure effective law enforcement operations, and overall enhance public safety throughout the county. This project will increase law enforcement capacity and enhance development of public safety in Rockland County, NY. This new facility will allow the Sheriff’s office to better combat crime, improve community safety, and foster an environment more conducive to economic development.

    Westchester Pleasantville Water District Storage Tank Replacement/Rehabilitation

    Amount: $2,250,000

    Summary: The funding will be used to mitigate risks attached to their leaking North and South Water Storage Tanks. Both 1-million-gallon water storage tanks are housed within the Millwood Water Treatment Plant approximately 3 miles north of the Village and services the entire Pleasantville Water District and approximately 2,000 residents in the Town of Mount Pleasant. Over the course of their 90-year history, both storage tanks have been exposed to natural deterioration, which has led to their useful life cycles coming to an end. Funding for the proposed Water Tank Improvement project will replace both of the Village’s North and South water tanks, which will significantly reduce the tax burden placed on residents. The completion of this project will positively impact the Pleasantville water distribution system, which services all 7,513 residents (U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 Decennial Census) and an additional 2,000+ residents living in the Town of Mount Pleasant. Without funding, Pleasantville’s North and South Water Tanks would continue to suffer from leakage which will compromise the Village’s water supply, further increasing distribution risks that will negatively affect residential quality of life.

    Nanuet TOD Project

    Recipient: Town of Clarkstown

    Amount: $5,000,000

    Summary: The funding will be used for construction of the first phase of its transformative vision for the Nanuet Transit Oriented Development Plan (TOD), including water and sewer infrastructure improvements, road, sidewalk, and pedestrian safety and streetscape enhancements. Bringing this extensive new infrastructure will spark the redevelopment of the area by mitigating the drainage issues plaguing development in the area, enhancing the appeal of the area, and creating the necessary connectivity for a walkable and easily accessible TOD neighborhood. This transformational project will lead to an expansion of workforce housing, parking, and economic opportunity for the community.

    Safer Ramapo Project

    Recipient: Town of Ramapo

    Amount: $5,000,000

    Summary: The funding will be used for installation of pedestrian safety measures, including traffic signals, turning lanes, walking paths, and sidewalks in the Town of Ramapo. Directing funding towards pedestrian safety measures will not only mitigate the risk of accidents but also cultivate a more pedestrian-friendly environment. This will improve accessibility and safety, improve connectedness, and improve ADA compliance. The Town of Ramapo is also home to one of the largest Orthodox and Hasidic Jewish populations in the country, with many of these individuals walking to shul on Saturdays. To ensure the safety of these individuals, the Town of Ramapo requires additional funding for the construction of sidewalks. From 2011-2022, there have been 983 pedestrian injuries, and twenty-seven (27) deaths in the Town of Ramapo. Safer walking conditions continue to be an urgent need for Ramapo residents. 

    Carmel Water District II Water Plant Upgrade and Rehabilitation Project

    Recipient: Town of Carmel

    Amount: $1,250,000

    Summary: The funding will be used to repair/replace a 60-year-old facility and associated equipment to meet federal and state requirements of PFOAs. This project will directly benefit approximately 10,000 individuals on a daily basis. Beyond safeguarding public health, it will also have far reaching positive effects on various institutions and businesses in downtown Carmel, including the Putnam Hospital, and Carmel High School.

    Hallocks Mill Sewer District Extension Project

    Recipient: Town of Yorktown

    Amount: $1,250,000

    Summary: The funding will provide public sewer service to neighborhoods presently serviced by residential septic systems. The properties served by septic systems have generally been installed on small lots with steep slopes and environmental constraints, which are not ideal for septic system performance. The extended district will dramatically improve and enhance the water quality of Sparkle Lake, a major recreational resource for town residents, as well as the Croton Reservoir, which provides drinking water for millions of residents in the metropolitan area. The proposed wastewater infrastructure project, however, protects one of the largest public water systems in the United States. 

    Croton Falls Sewer Project

    Recipient: Town of North Salem

    Amount: $1,250,000

    Summary:  The project will install sewers in the Village of Croton Falls’ General Business district to replace existing septic and cesspools. The Village is struggling because some of its businesses, especially all of the restaurants which have mixed use with residential apartments over them, are on older septic tanks that cannot be upgraded due to a lack of space. Due to its proximity to the Muscoot Reservoir, many of the existing tanks and fields are on New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) property and under roads, some are not fixable if they were to fail. To allow the Village to take advantage of its assets and begin to realize the potential of the community, Croton Falls needs sewers, which this funding will provide.

    Town of Orangetown Sidewalk Improvement Project

    Recipient: Town of Orangetown

    Amount: $1,500,000

    Summary: The funding would be used for streetscaping improvements in the Hamlet of Pearl River in the Town of Orangetown specifically to install sidewalks, curbs, and drainage improvements. This project provides streetscape improvements that meet a compelling local need consistent with the statutory purposes of the Economic Development Initiative. The corridor receiving these improvements has seen three fatalities in the last 15 years and is part of Orangetown’s continued efforts to improve pedestrian safety on Middletown Road. Sidewalks are a critical element of community well-being and serve as a connector between residents, neighborhoods, local economies, and more. Walkable sidewalks will ensure Orangetown is a place that attracts both businesses and new residents, which will surely promote economic development in the community.

    Village of New Square Road Infrastructure Improvements Project

    Recipient: Village of New Square

    Requested Amount: $4,000,000

    Summary: The funding will complete much needed improvements for NYS Route 45, widen Village roads, and complete paving improvements. The project will enhance traffic flow and increase the safety of motorists and pedestrians by addressing long-standing concerns about road conditions and motorist/pedestrian safety in the Village of New Square. Portions of the project area lack adequate sidewalks as a buffer from narrow, congested roads and are inherently dangerous in a fast-growing Village where many pedestrians utilize Village streets to travel to school, shopping, and visits to friends and family. By rectifying roadway deficiencies, the Village will relieve congestion, reduce travel time, and increase vehicle operating benefits.

    Memorial Drive Reconstruction Project

    Recipient: Village of Suffern

    Amount: $1,000,000

    Summary: The funding will be used for the reconstruction of Memorial Drive. The project will reopen a critical thoroughfare for emergency vehicles and for their timely response which can save lives, prevent injuries and protect property. Memorial Drive, which is currently closed due to the continual road deterioration and for the safety of residents, is also a major connection between the local community and US Route 202. Its reconstruction will stabilize the road for the safe use by all traffic including emergency vehicles.

    Downtown Water Main Lining Project

    Recipient: Village of Sleepy Hollow

    Amount: $983,200

    Summary: The funding will support a multi-phase project to address hydraulic inefficiencies in the downtown area, the Village of Sleepy Hollow will reline and replace approximately 1,980 linear feet of existing 8” water main line along a portion of Cortlandt Street and College Avenue. The current downtown water system is over 100 years old. The inner village neighborhoods bordering the downtown area represent the Village’s largest number of public housing units, low-income housing, low-income senior housing, and middle-income housing. This corridor is a critical aspect of public health and safety, connectivity and multi-modal transportation, affordable housing, resilient infrastructure, and overall economic investment. As a result, this project will provide immediate remediation and resiliency to infrastructure that otherwise poses a water quality and economic risk to the community, particularly its most vulnerable residents. 

    Samsondale Avenue Curbs & Sidewalk Replacement Project

    Recipient: Village of West Haverstraw

    Amount: $800,000

    Summary: The funding will be used to construct necessary upgrades of sidewalks and curbing along Samsondale Avenue, which have rapidly deteriorated and become a hazard. The project will unlock critical improvements to a main thoroughfare for a Village operating on a limited budget. Many pedestrians utilize Samsondale Avenue to get to the business district along Railroad Avenue and Route 9W as well as access to and from the Village of Haverstraw. The lack of sidewalks is potentially hazardous to people walking on them. This project will improve accessibility and safety, improve connectedness, and improve ADA compliance.

    Westchester County Public Safety Enhancements

    Recipient: City of Peekskill

    Amount: $520,000

    Summary: The funding will be used for expanding and modernizing the Peekskill police station, which is currently at capacity. The City of Peekskill’s police station is currently at capacity and urgently requires more space. With this necessary facility expansion and modernization, the City will be able to hire 10 more law enforcement officers, which will significantly improve operations.

    North State Road Water Main Replacement Initiative

    Recipient: Town of Ossining

    Amount: $1,000,000

    Summary: The funding will upgrade the community’s water distribution system on North State Road, an area that has a history of water main breaks, including 14 incidents over the last 5 years, that has exposed the general public to health risks and requires expensive repairs. It will improve the Town’s water distribution system as a part of a larger initiative to replace all aged cast iron water mains, significantly reducing the likelihood of water main breaks in a historically problematic area and positively impacting all 37,764 users in the service area.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Death of an inmate from Joyceville Institution

    Source: Government of Canada News

    On October 15 2024, Donald Musselman, an inmate from Joyceville Institution, died while in our custody.

    October 16, 2024 – Joyceville, Ontario – Correctional Service Canada

    On October 15 2024, Donald Musselman, an inmate from Joyceville Institution, died while in our custody.

    At the time of death, the inmate was 24 years old and had been serving an indeterminate sentence for Second Degree Murder, since May 21, 2024.

    The inmate’s next of kin have been notified.

    As in all cases involving the death of an inmate, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) will review the circumstances. CSC policy requires that the police and the coroner be notified.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Houston Man Guilty in $160 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme

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

    HOUSTON – A 59-year-old Houston man has been convicted of all 15 counts as charged for heading a massive Medicare fraud scheme involving the fraudulent billing of expensive topical creams, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.  

    The jury deliberated for less than five hours before convicting Mohamad Mokbel following a 10-day trial. 

    From 2014 through 2021, Mohamad Mokbel led a company called 4M Pharmaceuticals which operated 14 pharmacies with straw owners. The jury heard evidence that Mokbel illegally purchased thousands of Medicare beneficiaries, including their identification number, personal health and physician information. Mokbel targeted elderly diabetic patients who are dependent on diabetic testing supplies to manage their blood sugar levels. Mokbel paid $16 to $40 per Medicare beneficiary.  

    To maximize reimbursements and without regard for medical necessity, Mokbel then directed 4M employees to use the Medicare beneficiaries’ patient data to run insurance claims to determine if Medicare or other insurance plans would cover and reimburse at a high rate for the topical creams, Omega-3 pills and other medications that Mokbel intended to sell through 4M pharmacies.

    At Mokbel’s direction, 4M employees would then fax pre-filled prescription requests to the patients’ doctors appearing to be for diabetic testing supplies with topical creams added at the bottom. They also included false representations that the patient was requesting a 4M Pharmacy fill their medications. In reality, Mokbel had previously purchased the patient’s personal information, the patient had not selected a 4M Pharmacy and the patient was often unaware the request was being made on their behalf. 

    Many doctors apparently took the representations in the fax at face value and did sign and send back the prefilled prescription requests to 4M. Mokbel’s call center in Houston and later in Egypt then contacted the patients and made false and misleading statements about the topical cream and their doctor’s order. Mokbel’s pharmacies then shipped out numerous topical creams, often on auto-refill, and excessively billed Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance plans. 

    Mokbel made over $200 million as a result of the scheme. 

    From 2015 through 2020, Mokbel also corruptly gave a series of bribe payments, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 and totaling over $188,000 an employee of a pharmacy benefits manager – OptumRx – in exchange for favorable treatment for 4M pharmacies. They were credentialed and recredentialed with OptumRx which allowed them to enter into retail network agreements with OptumRx, participate in the Medicare Part D program and submit claims for prescriptions for Medicare beneficiaries. Mokbel also received information and advice about responding to audits and preventing and/or delaying OptumRX termination of many 4M pharmacies.

    U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal accepted the verdict and set sentencing for Jan. 7, 2025. At that time, Mokbel faces up to 20 years for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and health care fraud, 10 years for each of five counts of health care fraud, each of six counts of money laundering and one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds as well as five years for

    conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute and conspiracy to commit bribery. He could also be ordered to pay up to a total of $4 million in fines and possible restitution in excess of $160 million.      

    Previously released on bond, Mokbel was taken into custody pending sentencing.

    The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration and the Texas Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn Leigh Olson and Adam Laurence Goldman are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two men arrested as victim named following a fatal shooting in Barking

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Two men have been arrested by detectives investigating a fatal shooting in Barking.

    Police were called at approximately 04:35hrs on Sunday, 13 October to reports of a man injured in Linton Road, Barking.

    Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and found a man suffering a gunshot injury. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services he was pronounced dead on scene.

    He has today been named as Hanif Redwood, who was aged 32. His family continue to be supported by specialist officers.

    A special post mortem revealed that he died of a single gunshot wound to the head.

    Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder, they remain in custody in an East London police station.

    Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rodgers, who is leading the investigation, said: “We continue to work at a fast pace to progress this investigation. We have made two arrests which is a positive step forward into building a picture of what happened on Sunday night.

    “Hanif was an innocent member of the public whose life was tragically taken far too soon. Hanif was a father of two, this painful loss will forever effect his family.

    “We will continue to support Hanif’s family and will update them at every point possible. We ask for you to respect their privacy during this unimaginably difficult time.

    “Despite the two arrests, we are appealing for anyone who was present in the area who may have seen or heard anything relating to this incident to please get in touch. I want to stress to you that Hanif was a hardworking, innocent man – we need to understand why this attack was carried out.

    “You can submit any footage or information via this link.

    “I want to thank the community for their patience as we carried out all our relevant enquiries. Your support does not go unnoticed. We will have extra patrols in the area – please do voice any of your concerns to officers.”

    Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD1295/13OCT. You can upload information and material online.

    You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada National Action Plan results in 19 per cent decline in auto theft

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    October 16, 2024 – Oakville, ON

    Today, the Honourable Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Transport, released an update on the progress made under the National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft.

    The Action Plan, which was developed following the National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft, focuses on disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting the organized crime groups involved in auto theft. It is built on the following pillars: Intelligence and information sharing; Intervention; and Legislation, regulations and governance.

    The Government of Canada’s efforts, guided by the Action Plan and done in collaboration with its domestic and international partners, including provinces, territories, municipalities, industry, and law enforcement, are yielding results. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, national auto theft trends for 2024 have shown a 19 per cent decline in auto theft in the first half of the year compared to the same period last year. As well, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has intercepted more than 1,900 stolen vehicles in railyards and ports this year, already exceeding last year’s total. In the Greater Toronto Area alone, 620 stolen vehicles have been intercepted by the CBSA in 2024.

    To date, the following key milestones have been achieved through the Action Plan.

    • Changes to the Criminal Code to provide additional tools for law enforcement and prosecutors to address auto theft, including the addition of new offences targeting the use of violence in the commission of a vehicle theft and links to organized crime, as well as offences for the possession or distribution of electronic tools used to commit auto theft and laundering proceeds of crime for the benefit of a criminal organization. These changes strengthen an already robust framework to address organized crime and auto theft.
    • Enhancements to intelligence and information sharing between municipal, provincial, federal and international police and customs officials.
    • Expansion of scanning technology, data analytics and targeting to increase the examination of shipping containers – including the deployment of additional scanning technology in the Greater Toronto Area.
    • Launch of up-to-date specialized anti-auto theft training for law enforcement, delivered by the Canadian Police College.
    • Radiocommunication Act amendments to regulate the sale, distribution, and importation of radio devices used for auto theft.
    • Establishment of a National Intergovernmental Working Group on Auto Theft to coordinate actions, monitor progress and explore new initiatives to combat auto theft and transnational organized crime.
    • New supports for the development of early-stage, pre-commercial, anti-theft technologies.

    While this downward trend is promising, maintaining it will require continued focus and collaboration. Canadians can rest assured that the Government of Canada, as well as our law enforcement agencies, will continue to be vigilant.

    Quotes

    “When we see that auto theft rates are declining, we know that we’re taking steps in the right direction. Our Government is fighting to keep Canadians safe and implementing our Action Plan, including exploring new anti-theft technologies, regulatory updates, and improving port security.”

    – The Honourable Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Transport

    “Today’s Action Plan update highlights some significant steps forward in our fight to combat this complex crime. Our government will continue to build on this progress to ensure we remain responsive and adaptable in our approach to combat auto theft and the organized crime groups behind it.”

    – The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs

    “We have shown that by working together, we can tackle complex issues and ensure that all people in Canada can feel safe in their communities. We strengthened the Criminal Code to give law enforcement the full range of tools they need to address auto theft and ensure that offenders are held to account, while strengthening penalties to deter crime.”

    – The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

    “No Canadian should wake up to discover their means of getting to work, school, or the grocery store has been stolen. We are working with Canadian companies, online retailers and the automotive industry to come up with new initiatives such as Innovative Solutions Canada’ Vehicle Theft Prevention challenge, launched last month. By fostering innovative ideas that will enhance vehicle security and working collaboratively, we can protect our communities and put a stop to auto theft.”

    – The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

    “We have a common goal to prevent and reduce auto theft crimes, enforce the law and keep Canadians safe. The RCMP has been actively sharing intelligence and information between all levels of law enforcement partners across Canada and internationally, and training investigators with the latest techniques to better detect and disrupt this criminal activity.”

    – Michael Duheme, Commissioner, Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    “Combatting auto theft and the organized crime groups that benefit from it is a priority for the CBSA. So far this year, the CBSA has intercepted more than 1,900 stolen vehicles, already exceeding last year’s total. We have also deployed additional scanning technology in the Greater Toronto Area. Moreover, we continue to act on 100% of referrals by enforcement partners and have expanded data analytics and targeting to increase the targeting of shipping containers. Finally, we have established a 24/7 central point of contact for police to coordinate requests to locate vehicles that may be tracked to a port. While we are pleased with what has already been achieved through the National Action Plan, we know more work needs to be done and we will continue collaborating with our partners to intercept stolen vehicles before they leave the country.”

    – Erin O’Gorman, President of the Canada Border Services Agency

    Quick facts

    • The Government of Canada has been engaging with industry and other stakeholders on auto theft, including port authorities, rail and shipping companies, as well as the automotive and insurance industries, as part of our collective effort to combat this crime.

    • While the investigation of these types of offences falls under the police of jurisdiction, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) are supporting important work being done to make progress on this issue. 

    • The RCMP and CBSA continue to be involved in integrated task forces led by the Ontario Provincial Police and Sûreté du Québec. 

    • The CBSA has established a 24/7 central point of contact for police to coordinate requests to locate vehicles that may be tracked to a marine port or intermodal facility and continues to act on 100% of referrals.

    • The RCMP continues to process international notifications and requests received through INTERPOL’s stolen motor vehicle database to better track stolen vehicles with international partners. From February to August 2024, the RCMP received 2,310 alerts about Canadian vehicles and 424 international collaboration requests.

    • The CBSA, in collaboration with police forces across Ontario and Quebec, announced the recovery of nearly 600 stolen vehicles from the Port of Montreal through Project Vector, in April 2024.

    • The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) continues to produce financial intelligence disclosures to law enforcement in support or investigations into organized crime, including auto theft.

    • Police services have been encouraged to collect information from victims relating to tracking technology present in their vehicles (i.e., Apple AirTag, Tile Tracker, Samsung SmartTracker) and add this information to the Canadian Police Information Centre system.

    • Transnational organized criminal groups are believed to be involved in the export of stolen vehicles from Canada; however, most vehicle thefts involve lower-level threat groups, with violent street gangs being the most prevalent.

    • Most stolen vehicles exported are destined for Africa and the Middle East. Some stolen vehicles also remain in Canada, enabling other crimes to be committed with the vehicles and are destroyed afterwards.

    Related products

    Associated links

    Contacts

    Gabriel Brunet
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
    Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs
    819-665-6527
    gabriel.brunet@iga-aig.gc.ca  

    Media Relations
    Public Safety Canada
    613-991-0657
    media@ps-sp.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: North Carolina Man Arrested on Criminal Solicitation of a Minor and Related ChargesRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Joseph Daniel Headrick, 35, of Waynesville, N.C., on three charges connected to the attempted sexual exploitation of a minor. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Greenville Police Department made the arrest. Investigators with the U.S. Marshals Service, also a member of the state’s ICAC Task Force, and the Waynesville Police Department assisted with the investigation. 

     

    Investigators state Headrick solicited a person he believed to be a minor for sex, encouraged them to produce child sexual abuse material*, and sent sexually explicit images to a person he believed to be a minor.

     

    Headrick was arrested on October 11, 2024. He is charged with one count of criminal solicitation of a minor (§16-15-342), a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment; one count of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, first degree (§16-15-395), a felony offense punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment; and one count of attempted dissemination of obscene material to a person under age eighteen (§16-15-345), a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment.

     

     

    This case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.

     

    Attorney General Wilson stressed all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.

     

     

     

    * Child sexual abuse material, or CSAM, is a more accurate reflection of the material involved in these heinous and abusive crimes. “Pornography” can imply the child was a consenting participant.  Globally, the term child pornography is being replaced by CSAM for this reason.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ERO New York City arrests unlawfully present Venezuelan national convicted of assaulting NYPD officers in Times Square

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    NEW YORK — On Oct. 10, Enforcement and Removal Operations New York City arrested Darwin Andres Gomez Izquiel, an unlawfully present noncitizen and national of Venezuela, who was convicted by the New York County Supreme Court of assault in the second degree with intent to cause injury to an officer/fireman/EMT July 29 for his participation in the widely publicized gang assault on two NYPD officers in Times Square.

    Officers from the Criminal Apprehension Program arrested Gomez upon release from the custody of the New York City Department of Corrections pursuant to an ICE detainer and warrant of arrest. He remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

    “Gomez-Izquiel is a criminal and threat to the public servants, residents and businesses of New York City,” said ERO New York City Field Office Director Kenneth Genalo. “We will not allow our communities to become safe havens for noncitizens who refuse to abide our laws. ERO New York City will continue to work with unending determination to apprehend and remove these violent criminal offenders.”

    On Aug. 23, 2023, the U.S. Border Patrol encountered Gomez near the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, after he unlawfully entered the United States without inspection, admission or parole by an immigration official. U.S. Border Patrol initially processed Gomez as an expedited removal after serving him with an order of expedited removal. Two days later, Gomez withdrew his application for admission to the United States and voluntarily returned to Mexico via the Brownsville Port of Entry.

    U.S. Border Patrol again encountered Gomez near the Del Rio Sector on Oct. 3, 2023, after unlawfully entered the United States at a time and place other than as designated by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. U.S. Border Patrol issued Gomez a notice to appear charging inadmissibility pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act, provided him with an immigration judge hearing date for June 4, 2024, in Memphis, Tennessee, and released him on his own recognizance with specific reporting instructions for the nearest ERO office of his intended destination. There is no indication that he complied with those reporting instructions.

    On Jan. 27, 2024, the NYPD arrested Gomez for the crimes of assault on police officer/fireman/EMT, second-degree gang assault, obstruction of governmental administration and disorderly conduct. The next day, Gomez was arraigned on the charges and released on his own recognizance.

    That same day, ERO New York City lodged an immigration detainer with the New York City Department of Corrections’ Rikers Custody Management Unit against Gomez’s release.

    Gomez did not appear for his removal hearing before an immigration judge in Memphis June 4 due to his incarceration on Rikers Island in the custody of the New York City Department of Corrections. The presiding immigration judge did not take action on his case.

    On July 29, the New York County Supreme Court convicted Gomez of assault in the second degree with intent to cause injury to an officer/fireman/EMT and obstruct governmental administration and sentenced him to a custodial term of 364 days.

    As part of its mission to identify and arrest removable noncitizens, ERO lodges immigration detainers against noncitizens who have been arrested for criminal activity and taken into custody by state or local law enforcement. An immigration detainer is a request from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to state or local law enforcement agencies to notify ICE as early as possible before a removable noncitizen is released from their custody. Detainers request that state or local law enforcement agencies maintain custody of the noncitizen for a period not to exceed 48 hours beyond the time the individual would otherwise be released, allowing ERO to assume custody for removal purposes in accordance with federal law.

    Detainers are critical public safety tools because they focus enforcement resources on removable noncitizens who have been arrested for criminal activity. Detainers increase the safety of all parties involved — ERO personnel, law enforcement officials, removable noncitizens and the public — by allowing an arrest to be made in a secure and controlled custodial setting as opposed to at-large within the community. Because detainers result in the direct transfer of a noncitizen from state or local custody to ERO custody, they also minimize the potential that an individual will reoffend. Additionally, detainers conserve scarce government resources by allowing ERO to take criminal noncitizens into custody directly rather than expending resources locating these individuals at-large.

    ERO conducts removals of individuals without a lawful basis to remain in the United States, including at the order of immigration judges with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Executive Office for Immigration Review is a separate entity from the Department of Homeland Security and ICE. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case, determining if a noncitizen is subject to a final order of removal or eligible for certain forms of relief from removal.

    As one of ICE’s three operational directorates, ERO is the principal federal law enforcement authority in charge of domestic immigration enforcement. ERO’s mission is to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of U.S. communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws, and its primary areas of focus are interior enforcement operations, management of the agency’s detained and non-detained populations, and repatriation of noncitizens who have received final orders of removal. ERO’s workforce consists of more than 7,700 law enforcement and non-law enforcement support personnel across 25 domestic field offices and 208 locations nationwide, 30 overseas postings, and multiple temporary duty travel assignments along the border.

    Members of the public can report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the ICE online tip form.

    Learn more about ERO New York City’s mission to increase public safety in our New York City communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @ERONewYork.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Scholten Announces $1.2 Million Grant to Combat Human Trafficking in West Michigan

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Hillary Scholten – Michigan

    GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03) visited Safe Haven Ministries in Grand Rapids to congratulate the dedicated staff on their recently awarded grant. The $1.2 million investment will be split to fund a joint task force between Safe Haven and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO). The grant comes from the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime and is known as an Enhanced Collaborative Model (ECM) Task Force to Combat Human Trafficking Grant. Together, Safe Haven and KCSO will collaborate to combat human trafficking – a local issue that has national implications. Rep. Scholten authored a letter of support to the Department of Justice to bolster Safe Haven’s application.

    “Before serving West Michigan as your representative, I served our community as a social worker and an immigration attorney,”  said Scholten. “Throughout my career, I have helped people – particularly the most vulnerable – who were being trafficked and abused. Make no mistake, human trafficking does not always look like it does in the movies. It is happening right in front of us. We need victim advocates and resources to fight this crisis and break the cycles of violence and abuse. Safe Haven is equipped with the personnel and space to compassionately and effectively serve our most vulnerable neighbors, and with this grant and partnership with KCSO, they will be able to empower survivors.”

    “It is past time that we treat each form of violence as a separate symptom, all violence is interconnected,” said Safe Haven’s CEO Rachel VerWys. “Human trafficking is a serious problem in West Michigan and across the country. With this grant, we will be working to implement Safe Haven’s effective theory of change and deploy our experienced personnel to put an end to this exploitative suffering. And by taking steps to end human trafficking, we’re making strides to reduce harm across the board.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin gave the go-ahead for traffic on a number of sections of highways in the Moscow and Sverdlovsk regions, the DPR and LPR

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Marat Khusnullin gave the go-ahead for traffic on a number of sections of highways in the Moscow and Sverdlovsk regions, the DPR and LPR

    October 16, 2024

    Marat Khusnullin gave the go-ahead for traffic on a number of sections of highways in the Moscow and Sverdlovsk regions, the DPR and LPR

    October 16, 2024

    Marat Khusnullin gave the go-ahead for traffic on a number of sections of highways in the Moscow and Sverdlovsk regions, the DPR and LPR

    October 16, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Marat Khusnullin gave the go-ahead for traffic on a number of sections of highways in the Moscow and Sverdlovsk regions, the DPR and LPR

    On the eve of Road Workers Day, a ceremonial opening of sections of highways took place in the Moscow and Sverdlovsk regions, as well as in the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics.

    “Thanks to the President’s systemic support, the joint work of the Government and the regions, and the advanced financing of infrastructure development, over the past six years, more than 100 thousand km of roads have been built, reconstructed, and repaired in the regions. Updating the country’s road framework and opening new sections is another important step towards improving the quality of life of our citizens, reducing travel time, connecting cities, and improving road safety. Today, we are launching traffic on new sections of the M-5 Ural highway and the R-242 Perm-Yekaterinburg highway, as well as sections on the R-280 Novorossiya highway in the DPR and two road sections in the LPR. I would also like to express my gratitude to the heads of the regions and builders for their professionalism, responsible attitude, and significant contribution to our common cause,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    Thus, in the Moscow Region, two new sections of the M-5 “Ural” highway, 11 km and 21 km long, were opened: the bypass of the village of Oktyabrsky and Ulyanino – Nepetsino. They complete a large-scale reconstruction of the highway, within the framework of which a new road direction from Moscow to Kolomna was built. More than 2 million people live in the area of attraction of these objects.

    Also in the Sverdlovsk region, sections of the R-242 Perm – Yekaterinburg highway were opened after major repairs, which will become part of the M-12 “East”. Their length is about 34 km. The modernized sections will be among the key ones for the full launch of the M-12 route to Yekaterinburg.

    In addition, road sections in new regions of the country have been opened after major repairs. In particular, 10 km of the R-280 “Novorossiya” highway from the border with the Rostov region to the city of Novoazovsk have been opened in the Donetsk People’s Republic. There, a lot of work is being done to expand the roadway to four lanes. The highway connects Rostov-on-Don with Mariupol, Melitopol and Simferopol and is part of the land route to Crimea. Two more major repairs have been opened in the Lugansk People’s Republic. The first is more than 26 km long on the 43R-21 highway, which reaches the border with the DPR. It has high social significance for the region and connects many settlements that have no other access roads. The second is between Lugansk and Alchevsk, 23.7 km long on the R-150 highway. The road connects Lugansk with Donetsk and is in high demand among local residents.

    “Today we are opening road facilities in several regions of Russia. Federal road workers have done a great deal of work to make the movement of residents of the regions even more comfortable and safe. The road industry is rapidly developing, new highways are being built, and existing ones are being modernized. We are monitoring the development of the regions and trying to provide them with the necessary transport accessibility,” said Transport Minister Roman Starovoit.

    Moscow Region Governor Andrei Vorobyov noted that the Moscow Region section was the narrowest section of the M-5 Ural highway and has now been significantly widened.

    “I would like to thank the builders, engineers, and specialists for the early delivery of the facility. And on behalf of the residents, I would like to convey words of gratitude to our President, to whom we once appealed and received support. Today, we are opening two very important sections of the road that will radically change the quality of life of 1.5 million residents of the urban districts of Ramenskoye, Lyubertsy, Zhukovsky, Bronnitsy, and Kolomna. Transport accessibility will improve for both those who travel by public transport and those who drive their own cars. I would like to thank Marat Shakirzyanovich Khusnullin and the Government of Russia for their assistance in financing – today we have the opportunity to deliver this very important facility before 2025. There are a large number of federal and regional highways in the Moscow Region, and we are grateful that much attention is being paid to their modernization. This is of fundamental importance for a huge number of people,” said Andrei Vorobyov.

    The head of the DPR Denis Pushilin emphasized the high social significance of the R-280 “Novorossiya” highway and its influence on the development of the economic, social and infrastructural components of the region.

    “Today we are opening a major overhaul of the R-280 “Novorossiya” highway, which is part of the land route to Crimea and connects the Donetsk People’s Republic with the Rostov and Zaporizhia regions, and also passes through the Kherson region. The first stage is 10 km, and by the end of the year all 37 km will be built and traffic will be launched. This is an unprecedented pace for us, and a significant result for the Russian Federation. Such a speed of construction was achieved due to convenient logistics – inert material is mined here, in the republic,” said Denis Pushilin.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://government.ru/nevs/53016/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: This year’s Nobel prize exposes economics’ problem with colonialism

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jostein Hauge, Assistant Professor in Development Studies, University of Cambridge

    Bumble Dee / Shutterstock

    Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson and James Robinson have been awarded the 2024 Nobel memorial prize in economics for their influential work on how institutions shape economic development. Some would say the decision to award these scholars the Nobel was long overdue.

    The paper that formed the basis of their work is one of the most cited in economics. Acemoglu and Robinson’s subsequent book, Why Nations Fail, has also been hugely influential.

    These works have inspired a rich debate on the relationship between societal institutions and economic development – so in that sense, congratulations are in order. But they have also been the subject of substantial criticism. In the aftermath of the award, it is fitting to highlight the blind spots in their analysis.

    The most important piece of criticism concerns the connection between the quality of a country’s societal institutions and its level of economic development. Acemoglu, Johnson and Robinson’s work divides institutions into two categories: “inclusive” and “extractive”.

    Inclusive institutions – such as those that enforce property rights, protect democracy and limit corruption – foster economic development, according to the laureates. In contrast, extractive institutions, which give rise to a high concentration of power and limited political freedom, seek to concentrate resources in the hands of a small elite and thus stifle economic development.

    The laureates claim the introduction of inclusive institutions has had a positive long-term effect on economic prosperity. Indeed, these institutions are today found primarily in high-income countries in the west.

    A huge problem with this analysis, however, is the claim that certain institutions are a precondition for economic development.

    Mushtaq Khan, a professor of economics at Soas, University of London, has analysed Acemoglu, Johnson and Robinson’s work extensively. He argues that it mainly shows today’s high-income countries score higher on western-based institution indexes, and not that economic development was achieved because states first established inclusive institutions.

    In fact, history is rife with examples of countries that grew rapidly without having these inclusive institutions in place as a precondition for growth. East Asian states such as Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan are good examples. Most recently, so too is China.

    Yuen Yuen Ang’s award-winning books on China’s development process have laid out in detail how China was riddled with corruption during its growth process. In the wake of this year’s Nobel award, Ang went as far as saying that the laureates’ theory not only fails to explain growth in China, but also growth in the west. She points out that institutions in the US were smeared with corruption during the country’s development process.

    Ignoring the brutality of colonialism

    Nations are not wrong to pursue some of the inclusive institutions outlined in Acemoglu, Johnson and Robinson’s work. But another worrying part of their analysis is that it legitimises the supremacy of western institutions – and, at worst, processes of imperialism and colonialism.

    Their work has, indeed, been criticised for not paying attention to the brutality of colonialism. We need to dig a bit deeper into their methods to understand this criticism.

    The laureates establish their claim by looking at long-term development in settler colonies versus non-settler colonies. In settler colonies, such as the US, Canada and Australia, Europeans established inclusive institutions. But in non-settler colonies, which include large parts of Africa and Latin America, Europeans established extractive institutions.

    Acemoglu, Johnson and Robinson point out that, over time, settler colonies perform better. European institutions are thus better for development, they argue.

    But, considering that the process of colonisation is a central method of their paper, it’s a mystery that the laureates do not discuss the costs of colonialism more broadly.

    Even in settler colonies, where inclusive institutions were eventually developed, years of violence – in many cases verging on the genocide of native populations – predated the development of such institutions. Should this not be factored into the development process?

    According to this year’s laureates, Europeans settled in the poorest and most sparsely populated places, and introduced institutions that contributed to long-term prosperity.
    Johan Jarnestad / Nobel Prize Outreach

    After receiving the award, Acemoglu said that normative questions of colonialism didn’t concern them: “Rather than asking whether colonialism is good or bad, we note that different colonial strategies have led to different institutional patterns that have persisted over time.”

    This statement might come a shock to some people – why is Acemoglu not concerned about whether colonialism is good or bad? But for those familiar with the inner workings of the economics discipline, this statement doesn’t come as a surprise.

    It has, sadly, become a badge of honour in mainstream economics to analyse the world without a normative lens or value judgments. This is a broader issue with the discipline and, in part, explains why economics has become increasingly insular and distant from other social sciences.

    The Nobel prize in economics, which actually wasn’t among the five original Nobel prizes, also illustrates this problem. The list of past winners is narrow in geographical and institutional scope, mainly consisting of economists based at economics faculties in a small number of elite universities in the US.

    Furthermore, a recent study found the institutional and geographic concentration of awards in economics is much higher than in other academic fields. Almost all the winners of major awards have had to journey through one of the top US universities (limited to less than ten) in their career.

    This year’s Nobel prize in economics is no exception. Perhaps this is why it feels like every year, the prize goes to someone who asks “how does a change in variable X affect variable Y”, rather than asking difficult questions about colonialism, imperialism or capitalism – and daring to question the supremacy of western institutions.

    Jostein Hauge 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. This year’s Nobel prize exposes economics’ problem with colonialism – https://theconversation.com/this-years-nobel-prize-exposes-economics-problem-with-colonialism-241400

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Broadview — Broadview RCMP seek public assistance locating missing 26-year-old female

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 15, 2024, Broadview RCMP received a report of a missing 26-year-old female, Shyla Kaysaywaysemat.

    Shyla was last seen on October 12, 2024 at a residence on the Kahkewistahaw First Nation.

    Shyla is described as approximately 5’3″ tall. She has brown eyes and long brown hair.

    Since she was reported missing, Broadview RCMP have been checking places Shyla is known to visit and following up on information received. They are now asking members of the public to report information on Shyla’s whereabouts.

    If you have seen Shyla or know where she is, contact Broadview RCMP at 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or http://www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Djibouti

    Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

    • Reviewed: 17 October 2024, 13:22 NZDT
    • Still current at: 17 October 2024

    Related news features

    If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

    Do not travel to the border area with Eritrea. A long-running border dispute has caused tensions between Djibouti and Eritrea. The security situation remains fragile and further conflict is a possibility (level 4 of 4).

    Do not travel within 10km of the border with Somalia (Somaliland) due to the threat of kidnapping (level 4 of 4).

    Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Djibouti due to the threat from terrorism (level 2 of 4).

    Djibouti

    Terrorism
     There is an ongoing threat from terrorism in Djibouti. The Somalia-based terrorist group Al-Shabaab has previously issued public threats against Djibouti. Past attacks have resulted in foreign fatalities and the possibility of future indiscriminate attacks, particularly in areas frequented by foreigners, cannot be discounted.

    New Zealanders in Djibouti are advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. We recommend following any instructions issued by the local authorities and exercising vigilance in public places and in areas known to be frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

    Civil unrest
     Demonstrations occur from time to time in Djibouti, mostly linked to domestic political developments.  New Zealanders in Djibouti are advised to avoid all demonstrations, protests and large public gatherings as even those intended as peaceful have the potential to turn violent with little warning.

    Crime
     Petty crime such as bag snatching, pickpocketing and theft from vehicles occurs in Djibouti and is common in tourist areas. We advise New Zealanders to be alert to their surroundings, be security conscious at all times and take steps to safeguard and secure their personal belongings. 

    New Zealanders in Djibouti are advised to avoid wearing or displaying items that appear valuable, such as electronic devices and jewellery.

    New Zealanders should avoid walking and travelling at night, particularly to isolated areas, such as Dorale and Khor Ambado beaches and to avoid all public transportation, including taxis as these are considered unsafe. Hotel, airport shuttle services, or privately hired transport are a safer alternative.

    Kidnapping
     There is a threat of kidnapping throughout Djibouti, especially within 10kms of Djibouti’s border with Somalia (Somaliland). Kidnappers may be motivated by financial gain or terrorism. See our page on hostage taking and kidnapping for more advice.

    Piracy
     Piracy remains a significant problem in the coastal areas of Djibouti. Attacks against all forms of shipping are common in and around Djibouti’s waters and the Gulf of Aden. Mariners are strongly advised to take appropriate precautionary measures in these waters. For more information view the International Maritime Bureau’s piracy report.

    General travel advice
     There is a danger from unexploded landmines in Djibouti along the border with Eritrea, Somalia and Ethiopia. Mined areas may be unmarked. New Zealanders are advised not to stray from well-used roads and paths in rural areas.

    Djibouti is a mostly Muslim country and the Islamic holy month of Ramadan is one of Djibouti’s most important religious dates.  

    New Zealanders are advised to respect religious, social and cultural traditions in Djibouti to avoid offending local sensitivities. Modesty and discretion should be exercised in both dress and behaviour.

    Same-sex relationships are legal in Djibouti, but not widely accepted. See our advice for LGBTQI+ travellers here.

    Photography of any official infrastructure is prohibited, and could result in detention. If in doubt, don’t take a picture.

    Modern medical services in Djibouti are very limited, so we advise New Zealanders travelling or living in Djibouti to have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

    As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Djibouti, the ability of the government to provide consular assistance to New Zealand citizens is severely limited.

    New Zealanders in Djibouti are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

    The New Zealand Embassy Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is accredited to Djibouti

    Street Address Bole Sub City, Woreda 03, House No 111, Behind Atlas Hotel/close to Shala Park, (Namibia Street), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Postal Address New Zealand Embassy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Private Bag 18-901 Wellington Mail Centre 5045, Wellington Telephone +251-11-515-1269 Fax +251-11-552-6115 Email aue@mfat.govt.nz Web Site https://www.mfat.govt.nz/ethiopia Hours Open to the public: Monday – Friday, 9am-12pm by appointment Note In an emergency or if you require urgent assistance after hours, please call the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s 24/7 Consular Emergency line on +64 99 20 20 20.

    See our regional advice for Africa

    Top of page

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ex-Mexican Secretary of Public Security Genaro Garcia Luna Sentenced to Over 38 Years’ Imprisonment

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Former Highest Ranking Law Enforcement Official in Mexico Took Millions of Dollars in Bribes from the Sinaloa Cartel and Enabled Transportation of More Than One Million Kilograms of Cocaine to the United States

    Genaro Garcia Luna, the former Secretary of Public Security in Mexico from 2006 to 2012, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Brian M. Cogan to 460 months’ imprisonment and a $2 million fine for his decade-long assistance to the Sinaloa Cartel in exchange for millions of dollars in bribes.  Following a four-week trial in February 2023, Garcia Luna was convicted by a jury of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, international cocaine distribution conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to import cocaine and making false statements.

    Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Anne Milgram, Administrator, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Katrina W. Berger, Executive Associate Director, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), announced the verdict.

    “Today’s sentencing of Genaro Garcia Luna is a critical step in upholding justice and the rule of law.  His betrayal of the public trust and the people he was sworn to protect resulted in more than one million kilograms of lethal narcotics imported into our communities and unleashed untold violence here and in Mexico. This sentence sends a strong message that no one, regardless of their position or influence, is above the law.” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “After years of destructive narcotrafficking and deceit, Garcia Luna will spend nearly 40 years where he belongs: federal prison.”

    “Today’s sentencing of Mexico’s former Secretary of Public Security, Genaro Garcia Luna, sends a clear message to corrupt leaders around the world who use their positions of power to help the cartels: no amount of power will shield you from justice,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “Garcia Luna accepted millions of dollars in bribes from the Sinaloa Cartel to allow millions of kilograms of cocaine to flood the streets of the United States.  Instead of protecting the citizens of Mexico, Garcia Luna was protecting drug cartels.  The DEA will continue to relentlessly pursue drug trafficking organizations and those who protect them.”

    “Today’s sentencing sends a powerful message that no one is above the law,” said HSI Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger. “HSI continues its partnered commitment to disrupting and dismantling the criminal networks responsible for bringing deadly narcotics into the U.S.”

    As proven at trial, from 2006 to 2012, Garcia Luna was Mexico’s top law enforcement official, serving as Secretary of Public Security and, in that capacity, controlled Mexico’s Federal Police Force.  Previously, from 2001 to 2005, the defendant was the head of Mexico’s Federal Investigative Agency (AFI).  The defendant used his official positions to assist the violent Sinaloa Cartel (the Cartel) in exchange for millions of dollars in bribes.  Garcia Luna’s conduct included facilitating safe passage of the Cartel’s drug shipments, providing sensitive law enforcement information about investigations into the Cartel and helping the Cartel attack rival drug cartels, thereby facilitating the importation of multi‑ton quantities of cocaine and other drugs into the United States.

    In exchange for bribes, the defendant’s Federal Police Force acted as bodyguards and escorts for the Cartel, allowing Cartel members to wear police uniforms and badges and helping to unload shipments of cocaine from planes at Mexico City’s airport, then delivering the cocaine to the Cartel. The defendant was paid in U.S. currency, stuffed variously in suitcases, briefcases and duffel bags.  The bribe amounts increased over the years as the Sinaloa Cartel grew in size and power through the assistance of the defendant.   Former members of the Cartel testified that bribe money was handed off to the defendant in a variety of locations, including at a “safe house” located in Mexico City where large amounts of cash were hidden in a false wall, at a car wash in Guadalajara and at a French restaurant in Mexico City across the street from the U.S. Embassy.  Further, in exchange for the millions of dollars in bribes, the defendant’s Federal Police Force leaked sensitive information that enabled the Cartel to evade detection by law enforcement or use the information in attacks on rival traffickers.  Finally, after moving to the United States in 2012, Garcia Luna submitted an application for naturalization in 2018, in which he lied about his past criminal conduct on behalf of the Cartel in an attempt to become a U.S. citizen.

    In connection with post-trial proceedings, the Court also found that, while he was awaiting sentencing, Garcia Luna obstructed justice when he sought to bribe fellow inmates to provide false testimony in an attempt to overturn the jury’s verdict.

    The investigation was led by the New York Strike Force, a crime-fighting unit comprising federal, state and local law enforcement agencies supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.  The Strike Force is based at the DEA’s New York Division and includes agents and officers of the DEA, New York City Police Department, New York State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Secret Service, United States Marshals Service, New York National Guard, Clarkstown Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard, Port Washington Police Department and New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

    HSI New York’s El Dorado Task Force (EDTF) played an important role in this investigation. The EDTF is comprised of more than 200 law enforcement personnel representing approximately thirty-five (35) federal, state, and local law enforcement and regulatory agencies, including the DEA.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Saritha Komatireddy, Erin Reid, Ryan C. Harris, Philip Pilmar and Adam Amir are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Huda Abouchaer and Melissa Bennett.

    The Defendant:

    GENARO GARCIA LUNA
    Age:  56
    Miami, Florida

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-576 (S-1) (BMC)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Drug Charges – Operation Kint

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Drug and Organised Crime Unit have arrested 6 offenders in relation to the largescale supply of drugs across the Territory.

    Operation Kint was launched in May 2024 to specifically target known commercial suppliers and distributors of illicit substances. Since its launch, investigators have been gathering evidence and identifying members from a known Outlaw Motorcycle Gang who have had significant influence on the Greater Darwin drug trade.

    Yesterday, Investigators arrested two men, aged 48 and 56, outside a hotel in Darwin. Police will alleged the 48-year-old was in possession of $201,000 in cash while the other had just transported 31kg of cannabis from Melbourne to be distributed.

    These arrests prompted investigators to immediately execute 8 separate search and seizure warrants across the Greater Darwin Area.

    As a result of these searches, including the hotel arrest operation, police have seized in total:

    • $447,430 cash
    • 35.5kg of cannabis
    • 3 vehicles
    • Traffickable and less than traffickable quantities of methamphetamine
    • A substance believed to be commercial MDMA
    • An unsecured firearm
    • Nun chucks, knuckle dusters and an extendable baton
    • 5 ice pipes
    • An encrypted communication device
    • Items indicative of drug supply

    A further 4 men, aged 33, 50, 51 and 54, were arrested during the searches.

    All 6 men have since been charged with:

    • Possess/Supply Commercial Quantity Sch2 dangerous drug
    • Possess/Use Tainted Property

    All have been remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court today.

    Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Tim Gardiner said “These arrests have significantly disrupted the illicit drug trade across Darwin and are the direct result of hundreds of hours of comprehensive police work.  

    “ Drug Syndicates, with influences from Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs, cause untold harm throughout our community. They fuel crime and financially cripple vulnerable members of the Territory, while having a complete disregard for the impacts of their actions.

    “Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs are not welcome here, and members should be aware that any attempt to operate an organised crime network will be disrupted by the Northern Territory Police.  

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Have you seen Denis?

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating 48-year-old Denis Courtot, who has been reported missing.

    Denis, a French national, was last seen yesterday evening by his family at a hotel in the Auckland CBD.

    He is tall and was last seen wearing a grey suit jacket and tan trousers.

    Police and Denis’ family have concerns for his welfare and ask anyone who sees him to contact call 111 immediately.

    If you have any information that could help us locate Denis, please update us online now or call 105.

    Please use the reference number 241017/5803.

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

    ENDS

    Tony Wright/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Generative AI expected to accelerate entry-level career progress across industries

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press contact:
    Mollie Mellows
    Tel.: + 44 (0) 7342 709384
    E-mail: mollie.mellows@capgemini.com

    Generative AI expected to accelerate entry-level career progress across industries

    • Employees believe generative AI will facilitate a third (32%) of entry level tasks over the next 12 months.
    • 6 in 10 managers and most employees (71%) expect entry-level roles across functions to evolve from creation to reviewing generative AI outputs, over the next 3 years.
    • Over three-quarters (78%) of leaders and managers predict generative AI will augment their problem-solving and decision-making in the next three years, and over half think manager-level positions will evolve towards specialization.

    Paris, October 17, 2024 – The Capgemini Research Institute’s new report on generative AI (Gen AI) in management, ‘Gen AI at work: Shaping the future of organizations’, published today, suggests that Gen AI could have a positive impact on early-stage careers. In the longer-term, the report finds that Gen AI has the potential to create new job roles, transform organizational structures, drive human-AI fusion teams, and make managerial roles more specialist. However, adoption remains low and nascent. The report finds most employees lack the training they need to develop Gen AI skills.

    Whilst the impact of Gen AI on careers has been hotly debated, this new research finds the majority of business leaders believe that entry level roles could become more autonomous and evolve into frontline managerial roles within the next three years. With this in mind, the proportion of managers in teams across functions could expand from 44% to 53% in the next three years; only 18% of leaders and managers believe that Gen AI will reduce middle management.

    Employees think that, over the next 12 months, generative AI tools could lead to an average time saving of 18% for entry-level workers, implying there could be significant productivity improvements for junior employees. However, the cost of the Gen AI tool must also be taken into account, cites the report. Furthermore, 81% of leaders and managers expect new roles such as data curators, AI ethics specialists and algorithm trainers to emerge at the entry level.

    “Generative AI tools are becoming more adept at assisting with complex managerial tasks, which could challenge the status quo of organizational structure and ways of working,” said Roshan Gya, CEO of Capgemini Invent and member of the Group Executive Committee. “Generative AI has the potential to shift from a co-pilot to a co-thinker, capable of strategic collaboration, adding new perspectives and challenging assumptions. This shift could unlock significant value when tailored to specific business use cases but is dependent on several factors, including organizations prioritizing building the skills and readiness of employees, taking proactive steps around talent acquisition and development.”

    Potential to redefine management but still a significant gap on actual usage
    The report finds that Gen AI is transitioning the view of future leadership and managerial roles toward becoming more strategic, focusing on decision making and fostering innovation. In fact, many managers and leaders currently believe that Gen AI tools could act as co-thinkers for them. 65% of the leaders and managers surveyed see high potential in Gen AI for complex strategic tasks, and more than half of leaders believe managers will play a critical role as catalysts of Gen AI-driven change. The technology could also save leaders and managers up to seven hours each week, with nearly 8 in 10 leaders believing that Gen AI will positively impact their productivity in the next 12 months.

    Gen AI has the potential to amplify the strategic scope of leaderships roles. Currently, managers spend more than one-third of their time on administrative tasks. However, AI’s ability to automate much of this work provides opportunities to focus on strategic-planning and problem-solving tasks. In the next three years, over three-quarters (78%) of leaders and managers expect Gen AI to augment their problem-solving and decision-making, and over half believe manager-level positions will evolve towards specialization. 57% of leaders at organizations advanced in their Gen AI implementation already see their roles becoming more strategic.

    While adoption of Gen AI in management has good potential, there is a significant gap between potential and actual usage. Although 97% of leaders and managers say that they have experimented with Gen AI tools, only 15% use Gen AI tools at least once a day in their work.

    Organizational structures need to transform to enable cohesive human-AI collaboration
    For nearly half (46%) of teams, AI is used simply as a tool to enhance existing capabilities and workflows. However, human-machine partnerships are starting to be embraced. One in three teams are currently using AI as a ‘team member’, for example by enhancing human performance or using AI agents to complete predefined tasks without human intervention. According to the research, today AI is used as a supervisor in only 1% of teams i.e., it is directing, allocating, or prioritizing work for humans. Yet, in the next 12 months, 13% of teams expect to use AI in this role. In an AI-led environment, human judgment is increasingly important, and the majority of leaders, managers and employees in the research acknowledge this.

    Training and managerial guidance required to secure the future of Gen AI at work

    Despite the potential of Gen AI to boost productivity across job functions, adoption remains nascent. While almost two-thirds (64%) of workers already use Gen AI tools for their work, only 20% of employees use Gen AI tools daily.

    Employees also lack proficiency in key skills, with only 16% believing they are getting the support they need to develop Gen AI skills. Only 13% of employees say they are well-versed in machine conversational skills; only a third say they can manage Gen AI systemic risks; and less than half claim to have prompt engineering skills. The report suggests that team members should be equipped with the right AI skills, defining rules and responsibilities for cohesive human and Gen AI collaboration, ensuring accountability when Gen AI systems make mistakes, and adapting workflows and processes for the new era of Gen AI.

    Report Methodology
    Capgemini Research Institute conducted a global quantitative executive survey in May 2024 across 15 different countries and 11 key industries, surveying 1,500 respondents from 500 organizations, with annual revenue of more than $1 billion. Each unique organization is represented by three executives, one each at leadership level, middle-management level, and front-line management level (the three respondents can be from different functions or locations). The report is also based on an entry-level employee survey to take their perspective on Gen AI adoption by their managers and leaders. The survey targeted 1,000 entry-level employees from the same 500 organizations as in the executive survey. Hence, overall, each organization, irrespective of location or function, is represented by five respondents – three executive-level (leaders and managers) and two entry-level employees. In addition to these executive and entry-level employee surveys, the report also draws on 15 in-depth interviews with independent experts from various industries across the globe to validate and substantiate findings. Please note, the study findings reflect the views of the respondents and are aimed at providing directional guidance.

    About Capgemini
    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2023 global revenues of €22.5 billion.
    Get The Future You Want | http://www.capgemini.com

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

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Government meeting (2024, No. 30)

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    1. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Article 111 of the Federal Law “On Compulsory Civil Liability Insurance of Vehicle Owners””

    The bill establishes the possibility for insurers to issue a notification of a road traffic accident in the form of an electronic document without the participation of authorized police officers using the Unified Identification and Authentication System (UIAS).

    2. On the allocation of budgetary appropriations to the Ministry of Finance of Russia in 2024 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation for the provision of subsidies to the joint-stock company DOM.RF for the purpose of compensating credit and other organizations for lost income on housing (mortgage) loans (credits) issued to citizens of the Russian Federation

    The decision is aimed at ensuring compensation to credit and other organizations for lost income on housing (mortgage) loans (credits) issued under the preferential mortgage programs “Preferential Mortgage”, “Family Mortgage” and “Far Eastern and Arctic Mortgage”.

    3. On the distribution of subsidies to support measures to ensure the balance of the budgets of the Donetsk People’s Republic, the Lugansk People’s Republic, the Zaporizhia region and the Kherson region

    The decision is aimed at providing additional financial assistance to the Donetsk People’s Republic, the Luhansk People’s Republic, the Zaporizhia region and the Kherson region.

    4. On the allocation of budgetary appropriations to Rosavtodor in 2024 to provide the budget of the Smolensk region with a subsidy from the federal budget for bringing highways and artificial road structures into compliance with the standard

    The funding is aimed at ensuring the restoration and repair of the road overpass in the city of Vyazma, Smolensk region.

    5. On the allocation by the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East in 2024 of budgetary allocations reserved in the federal budget for the provision of a subsidy in the form of a property contribution of the Russian Federation to the state development corporation VEB.RF

    The decision is aimed at implementing priority investment projects in the Far Eastern Federal District and state support for regular transportation along the Northern Sea Route.

    6. On the allocation in 2024 by the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East of budgetary allocations reserved in the federal budget for the provision of subsidies to the constituent entities of the Russian Federation that are part of the Far Eastern Federal District for the implementation of measures of the social development plans of economic growth centers

    7. On the draft federal law “On Amending Article 353 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation”

    Establishing the possibility of implementing state control (supervision) over the activities of organizations conducting special assessments of working conditions, and improving the quality of such assessments.

    8. On the allocation in 2024 of budgetary appropriations to the Ministry of Labor of Russia for the provision of subventions to the budgets of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation and the city of Baikonur for the payment of housing and communal services to certain categories of citizens

    The decision is aimed at ensuring the timely provision of social support measures for the payment of housing and communal services to citizens exposed to radiation as a result of the Chernobyl disaster, the accident at the Mayak production association and the discharge of radioactive waste into the Techa River, nuclear tests at the Semipalatinsk test site, as well as certain categories of citizens from among veterans and disabled people.

    9. On the Government Commission on issues of nature management and environmental protection, development of forestry and water management complexes

    The draft resolution provides for the formation of an updated Government Commission on Nature Management and Environmental Protection, Development of the Forestry and Water Management Complexes and the approval of the regulations on the commission, as well as the abolition of the Government Commission on Nature Management and Environmental Protection and the Government Commission on Development of the Forestry Complex.

    10. On the draft order of the Government of the Russian Federation on the allocation of budgetary allocations to the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia in 2024 for the provision of subsidies from the federal budget to Russian credit institutions and the joint-stock company DOM.RF

    The funding is intended to compensate for lost income on housing (mortgage) loans (credits) issued to citizens for the construction (purchase) of housing in rural areas, as well as to compensate for lost income on consumer loans (credits) issued to improve the level of improvement of households located in rural areas.

    11. On the draft order of the Government of the Russian Federation on the allocation in 2024 of budgetary appropriations to the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia for the provision of subsidies from the federal budget to Russian credit institutions and the state development corporation VEB.RF to compensate for lost income on loans issued to agricultural producers, organizations and individual entrepreneurs engaged in the production, primary and subsequent processing of agricultural products and their sale, at a preferential rate

    The decision is aimed at ensuring the implementation of the preferential lending program for the agro-industrial complex in 2024.

    12. On the allocation of budgetary appropriations to the Russian Emergencies Ministry in 2024 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation for the purpose of providing another inter-budget transfer to the budget of the Kursk region

    The decision is aimed at providing citizens who suffered as a result of the attack by the Ukrainian armed forces on the territory of the Kursk region with financial assistance in connection with the partial or complete loss of essential property.

    13. On amendments to certain acts of the Government of the Russian Federation

    The changes concern the clarification of the powers of federal and regional executive bodies in the field of heat supply, as well as the procedure for organizing heat supply, regulating relations on the development and approval of heat supply schemes for municipal districts.

    14. On the draft federal law “On Amending Article 7 of the Federal Law “On Combating the Legalization (Laundering) of Criminally Obtained Incomes and the Financing of Terrorism”

    The adoption of the draft federal law will allow banks to test the most optimal methods of remote identification within the framework of an experimental legal regime.

    15. On the progress of the implementation of the comprehensive state program of the Russian Federation “Construction” in 2024

    Moscow, October 16, 2024

    The content of the press releases of the Department of Press Service and References is a presentation of materials submitted by federal executive bodies for discussion at a meeting of the Government of the Russian Federation.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://government.ru/meetings/53021/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Two CPAs Sentenced in Billion-Dollar Syndicated Conservation Easement Tax Scheme

    Source: US State of California

    Defendants Helped Clients File Tax Returns Claiming Millions in False Charitable Deductions

    Two accountants were each sentenced today to 20 months in prison for their roles in the promotion and sale of abusive syndicated conservation easement tax shelters.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Victor Smith was a CPA and founding partner of an Atlanta-based accounting firm. Beginning at least in 2014 and through at least 2019, Smith promoted and sold tax deductions to his wealthy clients in the form of units in illegal syndicated conservation easement tax shelters organized and created by co-defendants Jack Fisher, James Sinnott and others. Smith, along with his firm, sold approximately $14 million in false tax deductions to their clients, causing a tax loss to the IRS of about $4.8 million. He earned $491,400 in commissions from Fisher and Sinnott for his role in the scheme.

    William Tomasello was a CPA at another accounting firm who, at least in 2015 and through at least 2019, also promoted and sold units to his wealthy clients in these same syndicated conservation easement tax shelters. Tomasello sold approximately $8.5 million in false deductions, causing a tax loss of about $2.3 million. He earned approximately $525,072 in commissions.

    The scheme entailed the creation of partnerships that would purchase land and land-owning companies and then donate conservation easements over that land or the land itself. Appraisers would value the land and the partnerships would then claim a charitable contribution tax deduction based on the appraised value of the conservation easement, resulting in tax deductions flowing to the wealthy clients who purchased units in the partnership. Many of these clients joined the tax shelters after the donation of the interest in land and after the close of the relevant tax year.

    Smith and Tomasello both knew that, contrary to law, these syndicated conservation easement tax shelters lacked economic substance and that their wealthy clients participated in these sham investments only to obtain a tax deduction and received only a tax benefit for their participation in the tax shelters.  For example, a client who purchased units in a partnership had to “vote” ostensibly on what to do with the partnership’s land. However, Smith and Tomasello knew that the “vote” held by the partnerships each year was just optics and that the land invariably would be donated largely as a conservation easement. Smith and Tomasello also knowingly instructed and caused their clients to falsely backdate documents — such as subscription agreements and checks — related to the illegal tax shelters.

    In addition to their prison sentences, U.S. District Court Judge Timothy C. Batten Sr. for the Northern District of Georgia ordered Smith to serve two years of supervised release and to pay $4,878,990.90 in restitution. Judge Batten ordered Tomasello to serve three years of supervised release, to perform 120 hours of community service and to pay $2,386,816.04 in restitution.   

    Seven additional defendants have previously pleaded guilty to criminal conduct related to the syndicated conservation easement tax shelter scheme of Fisher and Sinnott (who were convicted after trial). These other defendants include appraiser Walter Douglas “Terry” Roberts, accountant Stein Agee, CPA Corey Agee, CPA Ralph Anderson, CPA James Benkoil, CPA Herbert Lewis and CPA and Attorney Randall Lenz.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia and IRS Criminal Investigation Chief Guy Ficco made the announcement. They also thanked U.S. Attorney Dena J. King for the Western District of North Carolina for her office’s assistance.

    IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys Richard M. Rolwing, Parker Tobin, Jessica Kraft and Nicholas J. Schilling Jr. of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Huber, Deputy Chief of the Complex Frauds Section, for the Northern District of Georgia prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Connecticut Fisherman Sentenced for Tax Evasion

    Source: US State of California

    A Connecticut man was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison for evading taxes on income he earned from commercial fishing in Massachusetts.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Brian Kobus, of Durham, worked as a commercial fisherman and deckhand for various fishing companies in Massachusetts. After each fishing trip, the companies paid Kobus by check. Despite receiving over $1.2 million in fishing income between 2011 through 2013, and 2017 through 2021, Kobus never filed a federal income tax return or paid the taxes that he owed. To conceal the source and disposition of his income from the IRS, Kobus regularly cashed his paychecks from the fishing companies and used the cash to fund his personal lifestyle.

    In total, Kobus caused a tax loss to the IRS of approximately $377,839.90.

    In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton for the District of Massachusetts ordered Kobus to serve one year of supervised release and to pay $377,839.90 in restitution to the United States.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney Matthew L. Cofer of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor Wild for the District of Massachusetts prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ohio Man Who Concealed Croatian War Crime Charge Sentenced to Prison for Immigration Fraud

    Source: US State of California

    An Ohio man was sentenced yesterday to three years in prison for possessing a green card he illegally obtained by concealing that he had been charged with a war crime in Croatia prior to immigrating to the United States.

    According to court documents, Jugoslav Vidic, 56, of Parma Heights, in applying to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, falsely stated that he had never been charged with breaking any law even though he knew he had been charged in Croatia with a war crime against the civilian population. Vidic also falsely stated that his only past military service was in the Yugoslav Army from 1988 to 1989, when, in fact, he fought with the Serb Army of Krajina and its predecessors during the civil war in the former Yugoslavia from 1991 to 1995. As a result of these materially false statements, Vidic was approved for lawful permanent resident status and received a green card.

    “Jugoslav Vidic lied about war crimes charged against him in an attempt to escape his past and live in the United States unlawfully,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Thanks to the dedication of prosecutors, law enforcement, and our international partners, Vidic will serve prison time in the United States followed by his removal. His sentence demonstrates that human rights violators will not be allowed to hide from their crimes in the United States.”

    “Vidic committed serious human rights violations and was convicted of war crimes in Croatia as a result. Yet, he lied to U.S. immigration officials about his conviction and participation in a violent military force to claim refugee status and obtain a green card — becoming a permanent legal resident of our country — when he was not eligible to do so,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “Those who run away from violent crimes they commit elsewhere in the world and then enter our country by brazenly lying about their past will be held to account, as yesterday’s sentence demonstrates. Vidic’s deceitful actions are detestable, and unfairly hurt people in need who legitimately seek refuge to flee real harms in their home countries.”

    “Our communities here in Ohio and across the United States are not safe havens for war criminals to escape accountability in their home countries,” said Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “It is my hope that this sentencing provides some measure of solace to the victims’ families with the knowledge that despite the passage of time, the United States will seek justice.”

    “Jugoslav Vidic intentionally circumvented the laws of the United States by lying on his green card application about his war crimes conviction in Croatia,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “This case should serve as a warning to others that the FBI will work with our law enforcement partners to identify and hold accountable those like Vidic who seek to violate U.S. law by fraud of any kind.”

    “Jugoslav Vidic knowingly avoided the truth of his past to enjoy the freedoms and liberties of the United States for over two and a half decades,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen of the FBI Cleveland Field Office. “Yesterday’s sentence underscores the work of the FBI and its local, state, federal, and international partners and sends a clear message that people in the United States who take part in war crimes, regardless of when or where they occurred, or by masking their involvement, will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted.”

    Vidic admitted in his plea agreement that he was charged with a war crime in Croatia in 1994 and convicted in absentia in 1998. The Croatian court found that during an attack by ethnic Serb forces in Petrinja, Croatia, on Sept. 16, 1991, Vidic cut off the arm of civilian Stjepan Komes, who died afterward. Vidic further admitted that he knew about the Croatian charges when he immigrated to the United States as a refugee in 1999, applied to become a lawful permanent resident in 2000, and was interviewed by U.S. immigration officials and received his green card in 2005.

    Vidic pleaded guilty to one count of possessing an alien registration receipt card knowing it had been procured through materially false statements. As part of the plea agreement, Vidic agreed to the entry of a judicial order of removal from the United States.

    HSI and the FBI investigated the case with coordination provided by the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center, including the FBI’s International Human Rights Unit. The Justice Department thanks the Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Justice and Public Administration of the Republic of Croatia, which were both instrumental in furthering the investigation.

    Trial Attorney Patrick Jasperse of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Jerome J. Teresinski for the Northern District of Ohio prosecuted the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided assistance.

    Members of the public who have information about human rights violators or immigration fraud in the United States are urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or through the FBI online tip form, or HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or through the ICE online tip form. All are staffed around the clock, and tips may be provided anonymously.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Louisiana Sheriff’s Deputy Sentenced for Civil Rights Violation for Using Excessive Force Against Detainee

    Source: US State of California

    A former Louisiana sheriff’s office deputy was sentenced yesterday to 37 months in prison for assaulting a pretrial detainee.

    Javarrea Pouncy, 31, a former sergeant with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office (DPSO), previously pleaded guilty to one count of using excessive force against the detainee. During his plea, Pouncy admitted that, in September 2019, he and another DPSO deputy conducted a strip search of a detainee in the DeSoto Parish jail, as part of the detainee’s booking. Pouncy admitted further that, during the search, the deputies repeatedly punched the detainee in his head, face and body, even though the detainee did not pose a threat to either officer. As a result of the assault, the detainee was hospitalized and sustained a broken eye socket and broken nose, among other injuries.

    “The defendant pledged to protect and serve his community, but instead, he repeatedly punched a detainee without justification, leaving him bloodied and broken,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “People in detention have the right to be treated humanely and not to be brutalized by excessive force. This sentence sends a clear message that we will not tolerate such abuses behind bars. The Justice Department will hold accountable officials who violate detainees’ civil rights.”

    “Pouncy took advantage of his position, the power that it yields and the prestige of the badge in committing this criminal act,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown for the Western District of Louisiana. “Decency and order can co-exist with the preservation of an offender’s civil rights. Prosecutions such as these are critical to ensure that the good work of law enforcement officers is not hampered by the heinous acts of bad law enforcement officers.”

    “Yesterday, Pouncy faced the consequences of his unnecessary and violent actions toward someone he was supposed to protect,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “It’s a sad day when we have to investigate someone who took an oath to uphold the law. His actions undermine the integrity of the criminal justice system, and I want the public to know we will not tolerate it. The FBI is committed to investigating criminal misconduct, no matter who the subject is or what position they hold in their community.”

    The other deputy involved in the assault, DeMarkes Grant, previously pleaded guilty to one count of obstructing justice in connection with the assault. He was sentenced to 10 months in prison.

    The FBI New Orleans Field Office investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Reeg for the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Erin Monju of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Conference highlights personal experiences during Hate Crime Awareness Week

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Pictured at the recent Hate Crime Conference are: Back Row: Temporary /Superintendent Sue Steen MBE, Vishal Bedi, Ethnic Minority Police Association, Michael Avila, Hate Crime Advocacy Service, Adam Corner, Temporary Chief Inspector, Sgt Sinead Loughlin, Annette Blaney, PCSP Project Coordinator. Front Row: Patricia Gibson, PCSP Manager, Junior Minister Aisling Reilly, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Sarah Duffy, Geraldine Hanna, Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime for Northern Ireland and Ruth Allen, Head of Community Development.

    A hard-hitting conference to raise awareness of Hate Crime was held recently at Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre – and left a huge impact on those in attendance.

    Attended by Minister Aisling Reilly, the ‘Put Yourself in their Shoes’ event gave voice to a number of guest speakers from a variety of walks of life, who shared their very personal experiences of being a victim of Hate Crime.

    Organised in partnership with Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Policing & Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) and Victim Support NI, this event also focused on the Victim Support NI Hate Crime Manifesto which highlights how statutory, community and private sector partners can work collaboratively to improve support to victims and curb hate in society.

    “Hate Crime incidents are something we unfortunately now hear about on an almost daily basis and everyone should be able to live a life free from fear and isolation,” commented the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Councillor Sarah Duffy.

    “The individuals who spoke today were incredibly brave to share their story to help raise awareness of Hate Crime, and really made us all think about how we would feel if we were on the receiving end of it.”

    Hate Crime is the perpetrator’s hostility or prejudice against any person or property on the grounds of the victim’s ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, political opinion or disability – and these incidents have continued to rise in Northern Ireland over the past decade.

    “This conference was really informative and helped to increase awareness and understanding about Hate Crime and in particular, really opened our eyes to the hate incidents that people have experienced in our communities,” commented Alderman Mark Baxter, Chair of the PCSP.

    “We would encourage everyone to report any incidents of Hate Crime and to never be afraid to speak out against it. We all need to tackle this together.”

    To report a Hate Crime please contact the Police on 101 or online https://www.psni.police.uk/report You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with complete anonymity.

    For help, support and advice on Hate Crime, click here: https://hcasni.com/

    This event was part funded by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and The Executive Office.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Identity theft: BaFin warns consumers about the website fips-finance.com

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) has information that the company FIPS Finance & Development is providing financial services in Germany on its website fips-finance.com without the required authorisation. The company is not supervised by BaFin. Customers are incorrectly led to believe that the website is operated by an Austrian company that is registered in the Austrian company register. This is not the case. It is a case of identity fraud.

    Anyone wishing to conduct banking business or provide financial or investment services in Germany may do so only with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the necessary authorisation.

    BaFin is issuing this information on the basis of section 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 Russia: Financial news: 10/17/2024, 14-24 (Moscow time) the values of the lower boundary of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for security RU000A102986 (SUEK-F1P6R) were changed.

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    10/17/2024

    14:24

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 17.10.2024, 14-24 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the price corridor (up to 90.16) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 868.61 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 8.75%) of the security RU000A102986 (SUEK-F1P6R) were changed.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://www.moex.com/n74071

    MIL OSI Russia News –