NewzIntel.com

Category: Crime

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Global: UN General Assembly must open formal negotiations on Crimes Against Humanity Convention

    Source: Amnesty International –

    UN Member States should support a resolution to promptly begin formal negotiations of a Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Humanity, with the aim of strengthening the international justice framework and vastly reducing safe havens from investigation and prosecution for perpetrators, said Amnesty International today.

    The organization’s call comes as the UN General Assembly (UNGA) Sixth Committee meets to debate the agenda item “Crimes against humanity”. The Sixth Committee session is scheduled to last until 22 November. 

    “The next six weeks present a unique opportunity for the international community to finally make progress on the negotiation and adoption of a convention on crimes against humanity. Such a treaty would open new pathways – desperately needed in today’s world – for ensuring justice, truth and reparation for victims and survivors of some of the most heinous of crimes,” said Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General.

    Unlike other crimes under international law, such as genocide and war crimes, there is presently no specific, standalone convention for crimes against humanity. While the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) does outlaw crimes against humanity under international law, a Convention on Crimes Against Humanity, which would be applied by states, would reinforce and strengthen the overall international justice framework, including that of the ICC.

    “The Crimes Against Humanity Convention could be a milestone treaty in more ways than one. It would impose obligations on states not only to criminalize and punish crimes against humanity, but also to prevent them, and to cooperate with other states, including through mutual legal assistance,” said Agnès Callamard.

    The next six weeks present a unique opportunity for the international community to finally make progress on the negotiation and adoption of a convention on crimes against humanity. 

    Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General

    “The new convention would bring much-needed improvement of international standards on gender justice, including by recognizing gender-based crimes that have received far too little international attention, such as gender apartheid, forced marriage and forced abortion. It is well past time for an international law that’s fit to address the age-old war being waged on women, girls and LGBTI people in many corners of our planet.”

    “A convention on crimes against humanity would make it much harder for perpetrators to escape justice. For instance, the present draft includes provisions for universal jurisdiction for all crimes covered. It would obligate states to either prosecute or extradite any suspects within their reach – regardless of where the crime was committed or the nationality of the suspect or the victim – and enable domestic courts to take up cases, including those that the International Criminal Court is unable or unwilling to pursue.”

    Crimes against humanity are a worldwide phenomenon. In the past 10 years alone, Amnesty International has found evidence of such crimes in at least 18 countries all over the planet.

    “No region on earth is free from these atrocities that deeply shock the conscience of humanity. Recent and ongoing situations in countries such as Afghanistan, China, Ethiopia, Iran, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Myanmar, Nicaragua, the Philippines, Syria, Ukraine and Venezuela serve as constant reminders of the urgent need to reinforce the international justice system,” said Agnès Callamard.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Afghan National Arrested for Plotting an Election Day Terrorist Attack in the Name of ISIS

    Source: US State of Vermont

    Note: View the unsealed criminal complaint here. 

    The Justice Department today announced charges against a citizen of Afghanistan residing in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for conspiring to conduct an Election Day terrorist attack in the United States on behalf of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization (FTO).

    According to a criminal complaint filed today, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, conspired and attempted to provide material support to ISIS and obtained firearms and ammunition to conduct a violent attack on U.S. soil in the name of ISIS. As part of the plot, the defendant allegedly took steps to liquidate his family’s assets, resettle members of his family overseas, acquire AK-47 assault rifles and ammunition, and commit a terrorist attack in the United States.

    “As charged, the Justice Department foiled the defendant’s plot to acquire semi-automatic weapons and commit a violent attack in the name of ISIS on U.S. soil on Election Day,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “We will continue to combat the ongoing threat that ISIS and its supporters pose to America’s national security, and we will identify, investigate, and prosecute the individuals who seek to terrorize the American people. I am deeply grateful to the public servants of the FBI, National Security Division, and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma for their work to disrupt this attack and for the work they do every day to protect our country.”

    “This defendant, motivated by ISIS, allegedly conspired to commit a violent attack, on Election Day, here on our homeland,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “I am proud of the men and women of the FBI who uncovered and stopped the plot before anyone was harmed. Terrorism is still the FBI’s number one priority, and we will use every resource to protect the American people.”

    “Thanks to the relentless efforts of the FBI, National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, and federal prosecutors in my office, the alleged plan to commit an attack on Election Day was disrupted and Mr. Tawhedi was arrested,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma. “Fighting terrorism remains the top priority of the Justice Department. We will continue to pursue, disrupt, and hold accountable those who plot to commit acts of terrorism against our country and our people.”

    According to the criminal complaint, as part of the investigation into Tawhedi, the FBI searched Tawhedi’s phone and obtained communications between Tawhedi and a person who facilitated recruitment, training, and indoctrination of persons who expressed interest in terrorist activity and who Tawhedi understood to be affiliated with ISIS. Tawhedi was also seen in a video recorded on July 20 reading to two children text that describes the rewards a martyr receives in the afterlife. Tawhedi also allegedly accessed, viewed, and saved ISIS propaganda on his iCloud and Google account, participated in pro-ISIS Telegram groups, and contributed to a charity which fronts for and funnels money to ISIS.

    The complaint alleges that while liquidating their family’s assets prior to the attack, Tawhedi and his co-conspirator, who is a juvenile, advertised the sale of the family’s personal property on Facebook. At the FBI’s direction, a confidential human source responded to inquire if a computer was still for sale. The FBI source noted that he needed the computer for a new gun business he was starting, which ultimately led Tawhedi and the juvenile to meet with the source and other FBI assets at a rural location to test firearms. Tawhedi expressed interest in purchasing two AK-47 assault rifles, magazines, and ammunition from the source.

    According to the criminal complaint, on Oct. 7, Tawhedi and the juvenile met with the FBI assets at a rural location in the Western District of Oklahoma and purchased, received, and took possession of two AK-47 assault rifles, ten magazines, and 500 rounds of ammunition. Upon receipt of the rifles and ammunition, Tawhedi and the juvenile were arrested.

    In his seized communications, Tawhedi allegedly indicated that his attack was planned for Election Day, and in a post-arrest interview, Tawhedi allegedly confirmed the attack was planned for Election Day targeting large gatherings of people, during which he and the juvenile were expected to die as martyrs.

    Tawhedi was charged with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, and receiving a firearm to be used to commit a felony or a federal crime of terrorism, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years, if convicted.

    The case is being investigated by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, with valuable assistance from the Oklahoma City Police Department and the Moore, Oklahoma Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica L. Perry, Matt Dillon, and Mark Stoneman for the Western District of Oklahoma and Trial Attorneys George C. Kraehe and Everett McMillian of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Drink driver caught while more than six times the legal limit

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Drink driver caught while more than six times the legal limit

    Wednesday, 9 October 2024 – 11:34 am.

    A 36-year-old Ulverstone man has been charged with drink driving after he was intercepted by police while more than six times the legal alcohol limit in Devonport overnight.
    Police were called about 8pm Tuesday 8 October after a member of the public observed a white Toyota Hilux driving dangerously on William Street, Devonport.
    The driver was intercepted by police on Steele Street and returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.322.
    He was immediately disqualified and has been charged with drive a motor vehicle while exceeding prescribed alcohol limit and drive under the influence of intoxicating liquor.
    He was bailed to appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court in December.
    Tasmania Police Sergeant Jeremy Williams said driving while more than six times the legal alcohol limit was both reckless and incredibly dangerous.
    “Not only are you putting your own life at risk, but the lives of other road users,” he said.
    “Tasmania Police remains committed to road safety policing and enforcing the fatal five, being speed, fatigue, distraction (including mobile phone use), drink/drug driving and non-wearing of seatbelts.
    “We encourage any motorists that were travelling in the area, at the time, who observed this vehicle and its manner of driving, to come forward.”
    Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The renewable energy hidden in our wastewater ponds – here’s how it could work

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Faith Jeremiah, Lecturer in Business Management (Entrepreneurship and Innovation), Lincoln University, New Zealand

    Getty Images

    New Zealand is confronting a perfect storm.

    Its energy grid faces three pressing challenges at once: an unreliable electricity supply, strict emissions reduction targets and ongoing environmental issues related to wastewater ponds.

    As the country prepares to meet growing energy demands, the variability of wind, solar and hydroelectric power has made year-round electricity generation hard to ensure.

    Compounding the issue are New Zealand’s emissions targets and avoidable emissions from wastewater treatment plants.

    We need immediate, practical solutions. One lies hidden within our wastewater systems.

    Three challenges, one solution

    In the search for viable renewable energy sources, one option is to install floating solar panels on wastewater ponds. However, the initial costs and environmental concerns related to manufacturing and disposal may pose temporary challenges.

    A more immediate and cost-effective solution is already available: biogas membrane covers.

    These covers generate continuous energy at half the cost of solar while addressing environmental concerns such as methane emissions and algal growth.

    Even greater efficiency and environmental benefits are possible through combining biogas covers with heat systems and floating solar panels. Together, these three technologies suggest a multi-pronged solution that could help stabilise the grid, meet emissions targets and improve wastewater management.

    Biogas from wasterwater

    Methane emissions from wastewater ponds are a major environmental concern, contributing significantly to New Zealand’s overall greenhouse gas footprint. By installing biogas membrane covers, this methane can be captured before it escapes into the atmosphere, and instead be used to generate electricity.

    This creates a year-round, consistent energy supply – something traditional renewables such as wind, solar and hydro cannot always guarantee.

    From a cost perspective, biogas systems are about 50% cheaper to install than solar power per kilowatt of energy produced. Also, because these systems produce energy continuously, they are ten times more cost-effective than solar panels, which suffer from intermittency issues.

    But beyond energy production, these covers offer other environmental benefits. They limit harmful emissions and curb ongoing complaints about unpleasant odours in neighbourhoods near wastewater treatment plants.

    Excessive algal growth is a recurring problem for wastewater treatment plants.
    Getty Images

    Repurposing excess heat

    While biogas systems have enormous potential, they do have one significant drawback. The heat generated during methane combustion can cause wastewater ponds to overheat, leading to operational challenges such as excessive algal growth.

    This is where cogeneration or combined heat and power systems come into play.

    These systems capture the excess heat from biogas combustion and convert it into additional electricity. This not only improves energy efficiency but also regulates the temperature of the wastewater ponds, helping to reduce algal growth and evaporation.

    The third part of an integrated solution involves solar panels which can be installed on top of the biogas covers. While these are more expensive to install initially, they collectively contribute valuable gains. When installed on the surface of wastewater ponds, the panels generate additional renewable energy without taking up valuable land space.

    Floating solar panels can also help manage the ponds themselves. By reducing sunlight penetration, they help limit the growth of algae.

    Wastewater ponds as energy hubs

    The beauty of an integrated approach is that it addresses several problems simultaneously.

    By rethinking wastewater ponds as renewable energy hubs, New Zealand can turn an existing problem into a key part of the solution.

    Biogas membrane covers provide immediate energy and emissions benefits. Combined heat and power systems boost efficiency by converting waste heat into electricity. And floating solar panels maximise renewable output while improving wastewater management.

    Independently, these systems have been successful overseas. In Melbourne, methane from wastewater ponds is captured and converted into renewable energy, powering thousands of homes. Meanwhile, in parts of the United States, floating solar panels are increasingly being used to boost energy production while managing water systems.

    The success of these projects provides a blueprint for New Zealand. By combining these technologies into cohesive systems, New Zealand could demonstrate how environmental challenges can be transformed into opportunities.

    The future of renewable energy will require continued exploration and integration of emerging technologies, such as tandem solar cells capable of producing 60% more energy. These could be integrated into biogas membrane covers.

    For now, though, an integration of biogas, heat and floating solar panels represents a significant step forward for New Zealand. It could generate enough power to supply about 27% of households with renewable energy from wastewater ponds, offering immediate relief from the electricity crisis while supporting emissions reduction targets.

    Faith Jeremiah 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. The renewable energy hidden in our wastewater ponds – here’s how it could work – https://theconversation.com/the-renewable-energy-hidden-in-our-wastewater-ponds-heres-how-it-could-work-240300

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arrest for driver who damaged two police vehicles and assaulted police officers

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Please attribute to Senior Sergeant Leo Belay, Waikato Police

    Today police arrested a man who drove his vehicle into two police vehicles after fleeing from officers who were conducting a traffic stop at Five Cross Roads, Claudelands.

    Officers responded and located the vehicle following complaints from members of the public about the manner of driving.

    At about 10.15am the vehicle was located at the Five Cross Roads shops where police staff approached and spoke with the driver.

    After refusing to engage with Police, the driver then fled from the traffic stop and subsequently spikes were successfully deployed.

    The vehicle then fled to nearby Claude Street, where police converged and located the man driving in a dangerous manner on the road committing sustained loss of traction.

    While police were responding to the vehicle on Claude Street, the driver deliberately drove his vehicle into two of the responding police units, causing significant damage to all three vehicles involved.

    No one was injured as a result of the vehicle collisions.

    To mitigate the risk that the driver posed to the public, further police units that were responding managed to successfully block in the offending vehicle and safely bring it to a stop.

    The driver then resisted arrest, and during this process police have deployed tactical options, such as Taser and OC spray.

    The driver was restrained and taken into custory without further incident.

    During the arrest process, two police officers were assaulted by the driver, however their injuries were minor.

    A 39-year-old man will appear in the Hamilton District Court tomorrow charged with Failure to remain stopped for an enforcement officer, Operating a motor vehicle causing sustained loss of traction, Driving in a dangerous manner, Assaults person with a blunt instrument (police), Assaults police, and Resists police.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man charged with dangerous driving following Bridgewater incident

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Man charged with dangerous driving following Bridgewater incident

    Wednesday, 9 October 2024 – 2:33 pm.

    Police today arrested and charged a 32-year-old man with dangerous driving, evade police (aggravated circumstances), driving while disqualified, breach of bail and some other traffic matters following an investigation by Bridgewater CIB into an incident which occurred on 25 September 2024.Police allege about 2pm, the man drove more than 4.5km into oncoming traffic at high speed along the Brooker Highway at Granton after evading police in Bridgewater.Police investigations to date which included obtaining multiple eyewitness accounts, surveillance CCTV and dash camera recordings which detail and depict the man weaving in and out of oncoming traffic that resulted in multiple members of the travelling public taking evasive action to prevent a head on collision.The man is expected to appear in an after hours session in the Hobart Magistrates Court session later this evening.Anyone with information about this incident should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $130 million (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Hong Kong Customs seized about 500 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $130 million at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound on September 27.
          
         Through risk assessment, Customs on that day inspected a seaborne consignment, declared as carrying soy beans, arriving in Hong Kong from Canada, at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds concealed inside 83 bags of soy beans.
          
         After a follow-up investigation and a controlled delivery operation, Customs officers arrested two men and one woman aged between 44 and 55, who were suspected to be connected with the case, during September 27 and October 2. An investigation is ongoing.
          
         Customs reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary returns. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
          
         Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, cannabis and tetrahydro-cannabinol (THC) are classified as dangerous drugs. Importation of products (including food or drinks) containing cannabis or THC into Hong Kong is prohibited unless the relevant provisions in the Ordinance are complied with. In order to avoid breaching the law inadvertently, special attention should be paid to the packaging labels of those products.
          
         Trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
          
         Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).   

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four arrests and nine companies seized in anti-mafia operation in Italy and Brazil

    Source: Eurojust

    Eurojust supported this international operation, which hit a notorious mafia organisation. Investigations into the criminal organisation uncovered an elaborate scheme that was laundering money from Italy to Brazil, through several companies. The operation on 7 October led to the arrest of four suspects and the seizure of nine companies in Italy, Hong Kong and Brazil.

    The suspects arrested today were involved in the mafia organisation and used extortion, money laundering and the fraudulent transfer of valuables to facilitate important mafia organisations. The main suspect in the scheme set up multiple companies in Brazil using straw men and shell companies. The companies were used to hide the criminal gains of mafia organisations from Italy.

    The investigations revealed that other companies active in the property and hospitality sectors in Italy, Hong Kong and Brazil were part of this elaborate money-laundering scheme. During the operation, nine companies were seized, as well as money worth EUR 350 000.

    The operation on 7 October is the second action from a joint investigation team (JIT) set up at Eurojust between Italian and Brazilian authorities. The JIT has been investigating the mafia organisation since 2022. The first operation took place on 13 August and led to the arrest of a member of a mafia family and the freezing of assets worth EUR 50 million. 

    The Italian and Brazilian authorities have been investigating the activities of the mafia organisation since 2022 through a JIT, set up with the support of Eurojust. Their investigations uncovered the activities of the organisation in Switzerland and Hong Kong.

    The following authorities were involved in the actions:

    • Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Palermo – District Antimafia Directorate; Guardia di Finanza – G.I.C.O. (Organized Crime Investigative Group) of Palermo
    • Brazil: Federal Prosecutor’s Office of Rio Grande do Norte

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama Alerts Public to Charity Scams Involving Hurricane Relief Efforts

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

                Montgomery, Alabama – Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson issued a public safety alert today advising the public to be vigilant to hurricane relief fraud attempts in the wake of Hurricane Helene and future storms.

                “Criminals will use any situation, including natural disasters, to profit from the kindness and generosity of others,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson. “I encourage all Alabamians to be mindful as they consider participating in donation requests for disaster relief. Using the suggestions listed below will help ensure that donations reach their intended recipient and do not get diverted to those who seek only to enrich themselves.”

                On Sept. 26, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend Region and quickly caused major devastation there and across states including Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and others. Currently, Hurricane Milton is making its way across the Gulf of Mexico and will impact Florida’s west coast this week. As we have seen in the wake of previous national disasters, fraudsters will target victims of the storm along with citizens across the country who want to do what they can to assist individuals affected by the storm. Unfortunately, criminals exploit disasters for their own gain by sending fraudulent communications through email or social media and by creating deceiving websites designed to solicit contributions.

                The public should exercise diligence before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations or individuals offering to assist those affected by Hurricane Helene or any other natural disaster. Solicitations can originate from phone calls, texts, social media, e-mail, door-to-door collections, flyers, mailings, and other similar methods. Before making a donation to benefit victims of a disaster, individuals should adhere to certain guidelines, including:

    • Make contributions directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.
    • Do not be pressured into making contributions as reputable charities do not use such tactics.
    • Do not respond to any unsolicited communications (e.g., e-mails and texts), and never click links contained within those messages because they may be targeting your personal information, to include bank and credit card account information, and other identifiers such as dates of birth and social security numbers.
    • Rather than clicking on a purported link to a charity, verify its legitimacy by utilizing various internet-based resources that may assist in confirming whether the organization is a valid charity.
    • Beware of organizations with copy-cat names similar to but not exactly the same as those of reputable charities.
    • Avoid cash donations if possible. Pay by credit card or write a check directly to the charity. Do not make checks payable to individuals.
    • Know that legitimate charities do not normally solicit donations via money transfer services, and their website will normally end in .org rather than .com.
    • Be cautious of e-mails that claim to show pictures of the disaster areas in attached files because the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.

                The U.S. Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to deter, investigate, and prosecute fraud in the wake of disasters. More than 50 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the NCDF, which reminds the public to be aware of and report any instances of alleged fraudulent activity related to relief operations and funding for victims. Complaints of fraud may be reported online at http://www.justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm. Complaints may also be reported to the NCDF at (866) 720-5721, a hotline that is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Detectives appeal for help to find murder victim’s next-of-kin

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives are appealing for help from the public to identify family members or next-of-kin for a murder victim.

    The victim, 51-year-old Anthony Marks, was attacked in the early hours of Saturday, 10 August in Cromer Street, WC1.

    Anthony was a member of the homeless community and is understood to have been sheltering in a nearby bin shed prior to his assault.

    A 17-year-old boy from Dagenham was arrested on Friday, 4 October and was charged on Sunday, 6 October with Anthony’s murder.

    He appeared at Highbury Magistrates’ Court where he was remanded into custody to next appear on Wednesday, 9 October at the Old Bailey.

    Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lee, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “Despite someone having been charged, our investigation is ongoing with a number of active lines of enquiry.

    “Sadly, despite our best efforts, we have been unable to identify next-of-kin for Anthony and I urge anyone who can help to contact the investigation team.

    “I am also very keen to hear from anyone who witnessed this incident but has not yet spoken with police. There were a number of people in the area at the time of the murder and we know that some of those people tried to help Anthony. If you are one of those people please do get in touch with us.”

    Anyone with information should contact the incident room direct on 0208 358 0300, dial 101 or post on X @MetCC quoting CAD 1428/10AUG24.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Chief Minister opens Countering Financial Crime Conference

    Source: Isle of Man

    Chief Minister Alfred Cannan MHK highlighted the importance of public-private sector collaboration as he opened the flagship Countering Financial Crime Conference at the Villa Marina today, Wednesday 9 October.

    Addressing an audience of almost 600 people, he called on everyone to play their part in maintaining the integrity of the Island’s financial services sector.

    ‘Combatting the scourge of financial crime requires a robust and co-ordinated national response,’ the Chief Minister said. ‘We must keep pace with developments, maintain high standards and work together to protect the Island from those who seek to exploit our financial systems.

    ‘Maintaining the Island’s reputation as a first-class international finance centre is a political priority. I am determined to lead from the front to ensure the Isle of Man can look forward to a vibrant, diverse and sustainable future.’

    Today’s conference brings together a diverse group of experts, practitioners, and policymakers to share their professional insight and highlight best practice.

    The line-up of speakers includes:

    • Eric van der Schild of Europol, the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation
    • Donald Toon, Head of Financial Crime Threat Mitigation for the Natwest Group
    • Kathryn Westmore, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Finance and Security at the Royal United Services Institute
    • Ruth Dearnley OBE of Stop the Traffik, a campaign coalition which aims to bring an end to human trafficking
    • Zoe Warren and John Tanagho of the International Justice Mission
    • Scott Johnston, Head of Public Sector Operations at Chainalysis
    • Cindy van Niekerk of IOM Fintech Innovation Challenge winners Umazi

    The speakers will explore a range of financial crime topics and challenges, including work aimed at countering money laundering, terrorist financing, proliferation financing, human trafficking and modern slavery.

    Panel discussions focus on data and innovation, the importance of collaboration, and how the Isle of Man can make a positive difference as a small jurisdiction with a big financial footprint.

    The conference will also see the official launch of the Financial Crime Partnership, a public-private sector initiative coordinated by the Isle of Man Financial Intelligence Unit.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow Mayor Announces Completion of Kadashevskaya Embankment Improvement

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Sergei Sobyanin inspected the results of the comprehensive improvement work on Kadashevskaya Embankment.

    “One of the oldest embankments of the Moscow River is the Kadashevskaya Embankment, historical, and now it’s its turn. We connected the Ovchinnikovskaya Embankment, the Yakimanskaya Embankment, creating a single walking route. We widened the sidewalks, planted trees, installed new lamps, removed the wires. So you can really walk and enjoy the city,” said Sergei Sobyanin.

    In recent years, 50 embankments of the Moscow River have been improved or built in the city. Their total length is about 77 kilometers.

    Kadashevskaya Embankment, approximately 800 meters long, is located in Zamoskvorechye, on the bank of the Vodootvodny Canal between Yakimanskaya and Ovchinnikovskaya Embankments.

    Work on the comprehensive improvement of the embankment, as well as the nearby Staromonetny and Pyzhevsky lanes, was carried out in May – October 2024. The total area of the territory where the improvement was carried out is 3.9 hectares.

    As a result, the pedestrian sidewalks on Kadashevskaya Embankment became more convenient for walking – they were widened and paved with granite tiles. The total area of paving is 8.5 thousand square meters.

    As part of the Clean Sky program, overhead cable lines were moved to underground collectors. Thanks to this, a panorama of the embankment opened up, and the operation of power lines became more reliable and safer. To prevent flooding, more than 100 linear meters of drainage network were additionally laid.

    For the comfort and safety of pedestrians, 113 lanterns with energy-saving lamps, 114 lamps and 100 benches and urns were installed on the embankment and in the alleys. 35 parking lots were equipped for cycling enthusiasts.

    As part of the landscaping work, more than 1.6 thousand square meters of lawns were laid out, 41 trees and 15 lilac bushes were planted.

    Thus, another comfortable walking space near the water has been created in Moscow.

    “This year’s landmark improvement project has been completed — Kadashevskaya Embankment in Zamoskvorechye. This is one of the oldest embankments in the capital. It is located on the bank of the Vodootvodny Canal between the Yakimanskaya and Ovchinnikovskaya embankments. Another place for recreation and walks has appeared next to the new building of the Tretyakov Gallery. At the same time, the embankment has retained its transit function,” the Moscow Mayor wrote.

    in his telegram channel.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @mos_sobyanin

    Bicycle parking and wide sidewalks: how Kadashevskaya embankment is being improved

    Improvement of the Moscow River embankments

    The total length of the Moscow River coastline within the Moscow Ring Road is about 200 kilometers.

    As of 2010, the capital’s embankments did not meet modern requirements for accessibility and comfort. The central granite embankments were used as highways and were inconvenient for pedestrians. Due to the deterioration of the infrastructure, the few pedestrian embankments remained inconvenient. A significant part of the coastal areas, especially in the lower reaches, were ordinary, unimproved river banks.

    Since 2011, the Moscow Government has been implementing a comprehensive improvement program for the embankments of the Moscow River. During this time, 50 embankments (including Kadashevskaya) with a total length of about 77 kilometers have been put in order, including almost all the historical granite embankments in the city center. Thus, today 40 percent of the Moscow River coastline meets modern standards of accessibility and comfort.

    The first to be improved was the Crimean embankment, which became one of the main promenades of the capital.

    A single comfortable pedestrian route has been created in the city center from Moscow-City to Taganskaya Square, including Krasnopresnenskaya, Novodevichya, Kremlevskaya, Moskvoretskaya and other embankments. In addition, a route has appeared from the House of Music to Vorobyovy Gory along Ozerkovskaya, Ovchinnikovskaya, Krymskaya, Pushkinskaya and Andreyevskaya embankments. The total length of these routes is more than 27 kilometers.

    In the upper reaches of the river, historical parks and beaches near the water have been landscaped – these are “Northern Tushino”, Northern River Terminal, Fili Park, Stroginskaya Poima and others.

    In the lower reaches, new landscaped parks have been created near the water, including the park in the Kapotnya district, the 850th Anniversary of Moscow Park, the Brateyevskaya Poima Park, and others.

    The plans include the improvement of 36 embankments with a total length of over 80 kilometers by 2030.

    In addition, Moscow has begun to build new embankments in areas previously inaccessible to city residents – mainly in reorganized industrial zones. They are built according to modern rules with a significant retreat of the roadway from the water, which allows for maximum use of the recreational potential of coastal areas.

    The largest new embankment in Moscow is the Marc Chagall Embankment on the territory of the former ZIL. In addition, construction work is underway on the Krutitskaya, Shelepikhinskaya, Simonovskaya, Karamyshevskaya embankments, as well as embankments in the southern part of ZIL and the Novinki backwater, on sections from the Fili Park to the Pyotr Fomenko Workshop Theatre and from the Kursk direction railway bridge of the Moscow Railway to the Brateevsky Cascade Park with a total length of about 21 kilometers.

    Improvement of city facilities in 2024

    In 2024, it is planned to improve more than 2.5 thousand objects. Among them are large city parks, including Gorky Park, Sokolniki and the Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve. The first stage of work is ongoing in all of them. The embankments of the Yauza and more than 20 large public spaces in the center and other administrative districts of the capital will also be put in order, including the Kadashevskaya Embankment with Staromonetny and Pyzhevsky Lanes, the section of the embankment from the Moscow Ring Road to the Stroginsky Bridge, the territories of the Bolshoy and Maly Stroginsky Backwaters.

     

    In addition, two sections of the Yauza Park along Tenisty Proezd and Selskokhozyaistvennaya Street (the work is already in the second stage), the Lokomotiv Stadium, the Rosbiotech territory, the Aquarium Garden (Bolshaya Sadovaya Street, Building 14), the park near the Church of St. Euphrosyne (Nakhimovsky Prospekt, Building 8), the territory of the All-Russian Museum of Decorative Arts (Delegatskaya Street, Building 3), the park of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University in front of the Lefortovo Palace and other iconic sites will be improved. New tram lines will run along Sergiya Radonezhskogo Street and Akademika Sakharov Avenue.

    Improvements will also be made to around 700 streets, over 1,700 courtyards, the territories of over 120 educational facilities, over 20 water bodies, including the 2nd Nikolo-Khovansky Pond (TiNAO), Olenyi Ponds (VAO), the pond on Chernomorsky Boulevard (South Administrative District), and the Bykovo Boloto Pond (ZelAO).

    Attention will also be paid to the territories of about 41 transport facilities, including 10 Moscow Metro stations, 10 Moscow Central Diameters stations, five transport hubs and others.

    In addition, the implementation of the lighting improvement program continues. Within its framework, it is planned to install 15 thousand new lamps in courtyards, on children’s and sports grounds.

    Sobyanin: A green embankment without cars will appear in the area of the “Yuzhny Port”

    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://vvv.mos.ru/major/themes/11875050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fines of £660 for Nottinghamshire anglers found fishing illegally

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Three men have been found guilty at Northampton Magistrates Court in cases brought by the Environment Agency on Monday 23 September 2024.

    Fisheries enforcement officers on patrol

    • Fishing in the close season has cost an angler from Nottingham £220 plus costs and victim surcharge
    • Two Nottinghamshire anglers found guilty of fishing without a licence receive fines of £220 each plus costs and victim surcharge
    • Fisheries enforcement officers clamp down on illegal angling to protect fish stocks and make fishing sustainable

    Stelica Serban, 47, of Exeter Road was found guilty in absence of fishing in the close season at Embankment, River Trent, Nottingham on 20 April 2024. He was fined £220 and ordered to pay costs of £135 and a victim surcharge of £88. 

    Close season

    The annual close season (from 15 March – 15 June) prevents fishing for coarse fish in rivers and streams across England, helping to protect fish when they are spawning and supporting vulnerable stocks.

    Fishing without a licence

    Troy Stevenson, 34, of Belsay Road, Nottingham, was found guilty in absence of fishing without a licence at Hallcroft, Retford on 31 March 2024.  He was fined £220 and ordered to pay costs of £135 and a victim surcharge of £88. 

    David Thompson, 45, of Laurel Avenue, Forest Town, Mansfield, was found guilty in absence of fishing without a licence at A1 Fishery (South Muskham), Newark on 29 March 2024. He was fined £220 and ordered to pay costs of £135 and a victim surcharge of £88. 

    A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: 

    We hope the penalties these illegal anglers have received will act as a deterrent to anyone who is thinking of breaking the laws and byelaws we have in place across England. 

    Fishing illegally can incur a fine of up to £2,500 and offenders can also have their fishing equipment seized. We inspect rod licences 24/7, seven days a week to check on cases of illegal fishing and for those caught cheating the system, we will always prosecute. 

    We urge anglers to respect the close season to help reduce pressures on our fisheries, benefitting fish and the wider environment.

    Illegal fishing undermines the Environment Agency’s efforts to protect fish stocks and make fishing sustainable.  Money raised from fishing licence sales is used to protect and improve fish stocks and fisheries for the benefit of legal anglers.  

    Fishing licences

    Any angler aged 13 or over, fishing on a river, canal or still water needs a licence to fish. A 1-day licence costs from just £7.10, and an annual licence costs from £35.80 (concessions available). Junior licences are free for 13 – 16-year-olds.  

    Licences are available from http://www.gov.uk/get-a-fishing-licence or by calling the Environment Agency on 0344 800 5386 between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. 

    Fisheries enforcement

    The Environment Agency carries out enforcement work all year round and is supported by partners including the police and the Angling Trust. Fisheries enforcement work is intelligence-led, targeting known hot-spots and where illegal fishing is reported. 

    Anyone with information about illegal fishing activities can contact the Environment Agency incident hotline 24/7 on 0800 807060 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.  

    The charges  

    Stelica Serban was charged with the following offence: 

    On the 20th day of April 2024 at Embankment, River Trent, Nottingham fished for freshwater fish in the close season contrary National Byelaw 2 of the Environment Agency Byelaws made on the 12th July 2010 and contrary to National Byelaw 6 confirmed 23rd March 2010 made pursuant to sections 210 and 211 Schedule 25 of the Water Resources Act 1991.

    Troy Stevenson was charged with the following offence:

    On the 31st day of March 2024 at Hallcroft, Retford in a place where fishing is regulated, fished for freshwater fish or eels by means of an unlicensed fishing instrument, namely rod and line.  Contrary to Section 27(1)(a) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. 

    David Thompson was charged with the following offence:

    On the 29th day of March 2024 at A1 Fishery (South Muskham), Newark in a place where fishing is regulated, fished for freshwater fish or eels by means of an unlicensed fishing instrument, namely rod and line.  Contrary to Section 27(1)(a) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Rocket Software Study Finds Less than One-Third of Businesses are Using all Available Data to Inform AI Models

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WALTHAM, Mass., Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rocket Software, a global technology leader in modernization software, today announced the findings from its survey, Rethinking the Role of Mainframe Data in Enterprise AI and Analytics. Conducted by Foundry Media for Rocket Software, the survey polled over 200 business leaders and decision-makers in data analytics, management, engineering, and architecture across the U.S., U.K., Germany, and France, to understand how organizations are leveraging mainframe data as part of their AI and analytics initiatives. The survey found that only 28% of survey respondents are using mainframe data extensively in data-driven initiatives. Not factoring mainframe data – which includes both real-time and historical information on customer interactions, account data, financial transactions, and inventory – into AI models is a missed opportunity. By integrating this rich data, models become more accurate, insightful, and reflective of the full scope of an organization’s operations, unlocking powerful insights and driving more informed decision-making.

    AI and advanced analytics are playing an increasing role in how businesses differentiate themselves, unlocking opportunities for new efficiencies, growth drivers, and customer experiences. The success and usefulness of an AI model lies in the data that it is trained on. In the race to adopt AI, a majority of organizations have failed to fully leverage mainframe data to enhance their models. AI that accurately represents all of a business’s data empowers leaders with greater visibility into operations and provides deeper insights, facilitating informed decision-making in real-time. In fact, 46% of respondents said mainframe data was a potential means for improving data quality, accuracy, and completeness of existing datasets.

    Challenges, both real and perceived, have led many to struggle when it comes to integrating mainframe data into their AI and analytics capabilities:

    • 76% of leaders said they found accessing mainframe data and contextual metadata to be either very or somewhat challenging
    • 64% said they considered integrating mainframe data with cloud data sources to be somewhat to very challenging
    • The biggest obstacles to leveraging mainframe data were found to be:
      • Complexity of data retrieval and extraction processes (59%)
      • Concerns regarding security, compliance, and data privacy (56%)
      • Proprietary data formats (41%)

    “If organizations fail to incorporate their mainframe data into AI and analytics, they risk developing models that are less intelligent, powerful, or accurate,” said Michael Curry, President, Data Modernization Business Unit, at Rocket Software. “Rocket Software has the technology and expertise to help enterprises easily bridge their mainframe data into their AI and analytics initiatives, automating away the complexity, and reducing the need for specialized skills and knowledge to protect, retrieve, and extract mainframe data.”

    Mainframe modernization is a worthwhile pursuit. Forty two percent of respondents said they prefer to adopt a prebuilt solution to integrate their mainframe data with cloud data, and 51% cited building new analytical capabilities or business initiatives that were not previously possible was the most attractive use case for mainframe data. That’s where experienced partners, who offer resources across the modernization continuum, can support businesses by mitigating challenges to unlock data’s full potential. Survey respondents noted scalability for large datasets (82%), interoperability with existing data management tools and platforms (82%), and robust security and encryption (81%) as the top benefits for integrating mainframe and cloud data.

    To download the full study, click here. For further insights, register for Rocket Software’s webinar on November 12, here.

    Methodology
    Foundry surveyed 213 business leaders and decision-makers, including those employed in data analytics, data management, data engineering, or data architecture roles between May 10, 2024, and May 27, 2024, to understand how organizations are leveraging or planning to leverage mainframe data as part of their AI and analytics initiatives to drive strategy, improve operational efficiencies, and enhance competitive advantage.

    About Rocket Software
    Rocket Software is a global technology leader in modernization and a partner of choice that empowers the world’s leading businesses on their modernization journeys, spanning core systems to the cloud. Trusted by over 12,500 customers and 750 partners, and with more than 3,000 global employees, Rocket Software enables customers to maximize their data, applications, and infrastructure to deliver critical services that power our modern world. Rocket Software is a privately held U.S. corporation headquartered in the Boston area with centers of excellence strategically located throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Rocket Software is a portfolio company of Bain Capital Private Equity. Follow Rocket Software on LinkedIn and Twitter or visit http://www.RocketSoftware.com.

    Media Contact
    Lacey Darrow
    ldarrow@rocketsoftware.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Battleford  — Battlefords RCMP investigating serious assault

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 6, 2024 at approximately 12:15 p.m., Battlefords RCMP were conducting proactive patrols and observed an adult male who was seriously injured, running on the 900th block of 106th street in North Battleford, SK. The man entered the hospital before officers could approach him. Due to the severity of the man’s injuries, officers followed and ultimately assisted medical staff with initial life-saving efforts. The man remains in hospital.

    As a result of continued investigation, 33-year-old Adam Wright is charged with:

    • one count, aggravated assault, Section 268(2), Criminal Code;
    • two counts, fail to comply with probation order, Section 733.1(1), Criminal Code; and
    • one count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88(1), Criminal Code.

    A warrant has been issued for Adam Wright’s arrest. Battlefords RCMP continue work to locate and arrest Adam Wright and ask members of the public to report all sightings and information about his whereabouts.

    Adam Wright is described as 5’11” tall and 192 lbs. He has brown eyes and is believed to have long black and blonde hair. He has a scar on his left elbow. A photo of him is attached (his hair may not be as it appears in the photo).

    Battlefords RCMP continue to investigate.

    If you see Adam Wright, do not approach him. Report all sightings and information about his whereabouts to Battlefords RCMP at 310-RCMP (7267). 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 United Kingdom: First deadline approaches for crime procurement process

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    There are two weeks to the deadline for the first stage of the procurement process for the 2025 crime contract.

    If you want your contract to commence on Wednesday 1 October 2025 and to join duty schemes from that day, you must submit your tender by Tuesday 22 October 2024.

    If you submit your tender after this date but before Wednesday 30 April 2025, your contract will start on Wednesday 1 October 2025. However, you will be unable to join a duty rota until January 2026.

    Tenders received from Thursday 1 May 2025 to Monday 30June 2025 will be opened in early July 2025 and any tenders received from Tuesday 1 July 2025 onwards will be opened the month following submission.

    How do I tender?

    Tenders must be submitted using the LAA’s eTendering system.

    For full details of the procurement process please read the Application Guide which is available at Crime Contract 2025 Tender – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Social Security Advisory Committee reappointments

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Social Security Advisory Committee have reappointed Carl Emmerson and Phil Jones.

    The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has confirmed the reappointment of Carl Emmerson and Phil Jones as Members of the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC). The reappointments extend Carl and Phil’s membership to 31 July 2026.

    Appointments and reappointments to the Committee are made by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The reappointment has been made in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

    Carl Emmerson

    Carl Emmerson is Deputy Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, an editor of the annual IFS Green Budget and a Director of the Pensions Review. His research includes issues around the UK’s public finances, and household retirement saving decisions. He is also a member of the advisory panel of the Office for Budget Responsibility, and the UK Statistics Authority’s Methodological Assurance Review Panel.

    Phil Jones

    Since October 2021 Phil Jones has been Chief Executive of the Welsh Social Enterprise, Business in Focus, which provides a suite of business support services across Wales, including the delivery of the Welsh Government’s flagship ‘Business Wales’ service.

    Phil was previously the Director of Prince’s Trust Cymru for 5 years and, before that, the Wales Area Manager for The Royal British Legion.  Phil also served in the Armed Forces for over 25 years as an officer in The Royal Welsh.
    About the Committee

    The Social Security Advisory Committee is an independent advisory body of the Department for Work and Pensions. Its statutory remit is to:

    • to provide advice and assistance to the Secretary of State, whether in response to a specific request or on its own initiative
    • to scrutinise secondary legislation relating to social security for the benefit of the Secretaries of State for Work and Pensions or the Department for Social Development in Northern Ireland, and Parliament

    The Committee Membership comprises:

    • Dr Stephen Brien (Chair)
    • Les Allamby
    • Bruce Calderwood
    • Rachel Chiu
    • Carl Emmerson
    • Daphne Hall
    • Professor Stephen Hardy
    • Jacob Meagher
    • Philip Jones
    • Dr Suzy Walton

    Contact SSAC

    Further enquiries should be directed to the Committee Secretary:

    Social Security Advisory Committee
    7th Floor Caxton House
    Tothill Street
    London
    SW1H 9NA

    Email: ssac@ssac.gov.uk

    Tel: 0300 046 0323

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Six Men Indicted in Connection with “ATM Jackpotting” Conspiracy

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

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Joelvis Jose Rivas-Solorzano, Silvio Fabian-Ordonez, Jose Medina, Jose Navarro, Deivy Santiago Pena-Rojas, Jefferson Jose Marquez-Marquez, all citizens of Venezuela, were indicted for conspiracy to commit bank larceny, and bank larceny related to their involvement in a nationwide automatic teller machine (ATM) Jackpotting Scheme. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig. L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made the announcement.

    “ATM jackpotting” is the exploitation of physical and software vulnerabilities in ATMs that result in the machines dispensing cash to unauthorized fraudsters. Typically, during ATM jackpotting events one or two people use a key to access the inside of an ATM to install a foreign device that allows a hacker to assume control of the ATM. After the ATM is compromised, groups of individuals arrive at the ATM to conduct transactions and the ATM dispenses its cash reserves, which are untethered to any bank account. 

    In December 2023, several financial institutions in the Northern District of New York became victims of an ATM Jackpotting scheme. In total, over $400,000.00 was stolen during four separate ATM jackpotting events in Onondaga, Broome, and Chenango counties.

    Joelvis Jose Rivas-Solorzano, Silvio Fabian-Ordonez, Jose Medina, Jose Navarro, and Deivy Santiago Pena-Rojas have all been arrested and are in custody in the Northern District of New York. Jefferson Jose Marquez-Marquez is in custody in South Dakota and is awaiting transport to the Northern District of New York.

    The charges to which Joelvis Jose Rivas-Solorzano, Silvio Fabian-Ordonez, Jose Medina, Jose Navarro, Deivy Santiago Pena-Rojas, Jefferson Jose Marquez-Marquez face carry a maximum sentence of 5 or 10 years, a fine of up to $250,000 million, and a supervised release term of up to 3 years. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    This case is being investigated by the FBI Albany Field Office, with assistance from  United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP), United States Secret Service, the New York State Police, the Onondaga County Sherriff’s Office, the Chenango County Sherriff’s Office, the Broome County Sherriff’s Office, the Town of Cicero Police Department, the Syracuse Police Department, the Binghamton Police Department, the Norwich Police Department, the Dearborn, Michigan Police Department, and the Belle Fourche, South Dakota Police Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney Paul Tuck is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Durango Teacher Charged with Coercion and Enticement of a Minor, Possession of Child Pornography

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

    DURANGO – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Benjamin Vincent Smith, 28, of Durango, Colorado, was charged by complaint with one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, and one count of possession of child pornography.

    According to the complaint, Smith was a former music teacher at Escalante Middle School in Durango. In July 2024, Smith allegedly posed as a 16-year-old female on the social media service SnapChat under username “MTNCHICK69.” Via SnapChat, Smith contacted Minor #1 under the ruse that Smith was a 16-year-old female, and enticed Minor #1 to meet him in a parking lot for a sexual encounter. After meeting Smith, Minor #1 reported the incident to law enforcement, who were able to identify Smith as the suspect. During the investigation, law enforcement seized Smith’s phone and searched it pursuant to a warrant. Smith allegedly possessed numerous photographs of minor children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, apparently belonging to over two dozen school-age minors living in the Durango area. 

    The charges contained in the complaint are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent of the charges unless and until proven guilty.

    The United States Attorney’s Office encourages anyone with information related to this investigation or who had any contact with “MTNCHCK69” to contact the Homeland Security Investigation tip line at: 1-877-4-HSI-TIP.

    The case is being investigated by HSI with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Durango Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey K. Graves.

    Case Number: 24-mj-00185-JMC

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Antigonish — Antigonish County District RCMP arrest three youths in relation to threats

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Antigonish County District RCMP has arrested three youths following threats complaints.

    On October 4, at approximately 11 p.m., Antigonish County District RCMP responded to a report of an individual threatening several people on a university campus. Immediate patrols were made but the suspect was not located. Officers continued with attempts to locate the suspect.

    On October 5, at approximately 1 a.m., Antigonish County District RCMP responded to a report of two youths, believed to be armed, threatening several people on the university campus. The two fled before officers arrived. The initial investigation indicates both youth were also involved in the threats complaint on October 4. No one was injured in either incident.

    Responding officers observed the suspects, and a third youth, nearby a short time later. Upon seeing the officers, the three fled on foot into a wooded area. With assistance of RCMP Police Dog Services and Emergency Response Team, officers located and safely arrested two youths in the wooded area. Officers did not recover any weapons. The third youth was not located at that time.

    On October 6, officers located and safely arrested the third youth at a residence in Antigonish. All three youth are from Antigonish.

    Antigonish County District RCMP is continuing with the investigation, and charges are anticipated. Anyone with information is asked to call 902-863-6500. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at http://www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips App.

    File # 2024-1468417

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Moncton  — Have you seen this wanted man?

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Codiac Regional RCMP is asking for the public’s help to locate 29-year-old Riley Smith who is currently wanted on a warrant of arrest for robbery.

    On October 6, 2024, at approximately 7 p.m., The Codiac Regional RCMP responded to a two-vehicle collision near the junction of Hwy 2 and Hwy 15, in Moncton, N.B.

    The driver of one of the vehicles fled the scene after brandishing a firearm towards police, and forcefully stole another vehicle from a bystander at a nearby business. Police attempted to locate Riley Smith, but he fled the area. The vehicle was later recovered in the Harrisville Boulevard area.

    29-year-old Riley Smith is described as being approximately five feet six inches (168 centimeters) tall, and weighing approximately 170 pounds (77 kilograms). He has hazel eyes and brown hair.

    Riley Smith is known to police and is considered armed and dangerous. He should not be approached by members of the public.

    If you see Riley Smith, call 911 immediately. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Codiac Regional RCMP at 506-857-2400. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at http://www.crimenb.ca.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Department of Homeland Security Recognizes 350 Employees at Secretary’s Award Ceremony in Washington D.C.

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: U.S. Department of Homeland Security Recognizes 350 Employees at Secretary’s Award Ceremony in Washington D.C.

    ASHINGTON – On October 7, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) held an awards ceremony hosted at DHS headquarters located at St. Elizabeths campus in Southeast Washington, D.C. where 350 employees received a Secretary’s Award in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the Department’s mission.

    “Every single day, with great determination, integrity, and skill, the 268,000 men and women of the Department of Homeland Security ensure the safety and security of the American people,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Thanks to these extraordinary public servants, our shores, harbors, skies, cyberspace, and borders are protected; fentanyl and other deadly drugs are prevented from entering our country; communities are able to recover and rebuild after a natural disaster; the scourges of human trafficking, forced labor, and online exploitation are mitigated; and so much more. The individuals we recognize today with our Department’s highest honor, the Secretary’s Award, reflect the very best of DHS – and in their selfless dedication to mission, the very best of public service.”

    The DHS Secretary’s Awards are an annual program that recognizes the extraordinary individual and collective achievements of the workforce. The 350 awardees recognized in today’s ceremony represent the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

    “In recognizing these outstanding DHS personnel with a Secretary’s Award, we recognize all our talented personnel; the achievements of one are not possible without the contributions of others,” added Secretary Mayorkas. “We also express our appreciation to their families and loved ones; when one serves, the family serves too.”

    This year’s award recipients developed and issued policy and procedures associated with a whole-scale transition to a new pay system for TSA; launched a series of coordinated and collaborative initiatives, operations and investigations targeting Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) and national security threats operating and transiting through the Darien Gap region; arrested over 8,000 human smugglers, produced over 5,000 intelligence reports, and seized over $38M USD in real property; ensured over 2,300 vital alerts and warnings were provided to owners and operators of critical infrastructure to protect against cyberattacks; among many other achievements.

    This year, DHS is holding nine Secretary’s Awards ceremonies across the country, honoring over 1,700 employees, the most annual awardees ever.

    Last year, Secretary Mayorkas unveiled 12 priorities for the Department, including a commitment to champion the workforce and transform the employee experience. DHS has the third largest workforce of any federal department, behind the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs. The Department is home to more than 92,000 sworn law enforcement officers, the greatest number of law enforcement officers of any department in the federal government. DHS has committed to increasing the representation of women in law enforcement or related occupations at DHS to 30% by 2030. Over 54,000 veterans, or nearly 21% of the workforce, continue serving their country by working at DHS.

    DHS operational components interact more frequently on a daily basis with the American public than any other federal department, from travelers moving through air, land, and sea ports of entry, to businesses importing goods into the country, to immigrants applying for services. To learn more about the impact DHS makes every day, visit: DHS.gov/TodayDHSWill.

    Last year, DHS improved the efficiency of processing noncitizens at the Southwest Border, deployed across the country to respond to natural disasters, investigated cybercrimes, created a new streamlined process for adjudicating asylum applications, safely and securely resettled nearly 90,000 evacuated Afghans in the United States, provided resources for organizations to enhance their cybersecurity resilience, established a process for Ukrainian nationals seeking refuge, secured the 2022 midterm elections, and demonstrated heroism by acting quickly and courageously to save lives in harrowing circumstances.

    For the full list of awardees, visit 2024 Secretary’s Awards | Homeland Security (dhs.gov).  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lakeland Man Charged with 10 Counts of Bank Fraud

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

    Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Abraham Othman Yacoub (26, Lakeland) with 10 counts of bank fraud. Yacoub faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison on each count. The indictment also notifies Yacoub that the United States is seeking an order of forfeiture in the amount of $181,540.51, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct.

    According to the indictment, from at least January 2021 until approximately February 2023, Yacoub made dozens of fraudulent deposits and withdrawals on behalf of his companies, Visionary Auto Body LLC, and Visionary Auto Care LLC, at financial institutions throughout the Middle District of Florida. Yacoub opened and maintained business bank accounts in the name of his companies and executed two primary fraud schemes.

    In the first scheme, Yacoub deposited the same previously deposited checks into various business banking accounts that he controlled at different financial institutions, knowing that the checks had previously been deposited and paid, causing the victim banks to credit his accounts for the amount of the check.

    In the second scheme, Yacoub drafted fraudulent business checks from closed business bank accounts and then deposit these checks into other active business banking accounts that he controlled, causing the banks to credit him with the amount of the fraudulent business check.

    Under both schemes Yacoub attempted to withdraw, transfer, or otherwise spend the funds credited to his accounts before the financial institution realized that the checks were fraudulent.

    Yacoub is currently in federal custody. On July 31, 2024, he was sentenced to three years and six months in federal prison for violating airport security requirements and attempted possession of a dangerous weapon on an aircraft after bringing a Glock 19 and assorted ammunition into Tampa International Airport.

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

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karyna Valdes.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lakeland Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 20 Years

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

    Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Donnell Leeman Moore, Jr. (37, Lakeland) to 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine and distributing methamphetamine and cocaine. The court also ordered Moore to forfeit a firearm, which was used in the conspiracy. Moore entered a guilty plea on July 17, 2024.

    According to court documents, between June 2021 and September 2023, Moore conspired with several co-conspirators to distribute narcotics from Moore’s industrial garage in Lakeland. Moore distributed cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and other narcotics. As part of the investigation, agents identified the co-conspirators and seized hundreds of grams of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Agents also recovered a firearm and packaging materials in Moore’s garage. 

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Lakeland Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha E. Beckman.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: New Jersey Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Assaulting Law Enforcement and Other Charges During January 6 Capitol Breach

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

               WASHINGTON— A New Jersey man was sentenced to prison today after he was previously convicted of felony and misdemeanor charges, including for assaulting law enforcement during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

               Michael Oliveras, 51, of Lindenwold, New Jersey, was sentenced to five years – or 60 months – in prison, 36 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution by U.S. District Judge Beryl A. Howell.

               A federal jury convicted Oliveras of three felonies in November of 2023, including civil disorder; obstruction of an official proceeding; and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers. In addition to the felonies, Oliveras was convicted of misdemeanor offenses of entering or remaining in a restricted building; disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building; disorderly or disruptive conduct in a Capitol building; and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

               Judge Howell sentenced Oliveras on two felonies, including civil disorder and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers, and the misdemeanor offenses.

               According to the government’s evidence, Oliveras traveled to Washington, D.C. prepared for “war on January 6” because he wanted to stop the certification of the Presidential election. At the Capitol, he swarmed and helped attack a unit of police officers on the West front, engaged in a brawl with officers on the West Terrace, and entered the U.S. Capitol twice—and attempted to enter a third time—during the riot, all while repeatedly calling for the execution of “traitors,” i.e., lawmakers, and encouraging rioters to drag members of Congress out “by their hair.” Oliveras documented many of his actions videos he took himself.

               Oliveras posted to his Parler social media account that he booked a hotel room close to the Capitol building to scope out the area ahead of time. On Jan. 6, 2021, Oliveras posted to his Parler social media account, “Nothing can stop [wh]at is coming.”

               After attending the ‘Stop the Steal” rally, Oliveras marched to the Capitol at 1:00 p.m. where he spent more than five hours on the grounds and inside the building. Carrying a flagpole with an American flag, he began on the West front, where he joined rioters swarming and attacking police officers. At about 2:22 p.m. – less than 10 minutes after the Senate Wing Door initially was breached – Oliveras entered the Capitol building and marched towards the Crypt. While marching through the Capitol building, he recorded himself in video footage in several areas of the building repeatedly yelling things like, “WHERE ARE THEY? WHERE ARE THE F—-ING TRAITORS? DRAG THEM OUT BY THEIR F—-ING HAIR!”

               At 2:24 p.m., Oliveras boasted on Parler “I am inside the capital.”

               Officers temporarily drove Oliveras out of the Capitol, but he reentered the building minutes later through the Senate Wing Door. Once inside the second time, Oliveras encouraged the other rioters who were pouring into the building.

               After police ejected him a second time, Oliveras attempted a third entry, during which he stood in a doorway and shouted to rioters to “PUSH” and exclaimed, “WE WANT THOSE F—ING TRAITORS!” Oliveras, still wielding his flagpole, then joined a group resisting the officers who were trying to clear the upper Northwest terrace. As Oliveras shot video, an altercation broke out between the mob and police. Oliveras refused repeated commands from officers to “back up!” Instead, Oliveras stepped forward and forcefully pushed into officers. The fighting continued as rioters pulled officers to the ground.

               Only after officers deployed chemical irritant did Oliveras turn and move away. Still, Oliveras was not done. He stood nearby as police forced additional rioters North, shouting, “EVERYTHING AROUND HERE CHANGES FROM THIS DAY F—ING FORWARD!”

               Officers eventually cleared the area, but Oliveras did not leave the Capitol grounds. Instead, he marched to the opposite side of the building and encouraged other rioters as they destroyed media equipment. Oliveras remained at the Capitol until into the evening hours, and only left when officers finally gained control of the area and pushed the last remaining rioters, Oliveras included, off the grounds.

               After returning to New Jersey, Oliveras posted on social media about his trip to Washington, D.C.: “Did we want to get our bare hands on the flesh of those who have committed treason? Yes. Would I, as one of those red blooded americans, if the opportunity presented itself, grasped and removed one of those traitors? Yes.”

               On Jan. 8, 2021, Oliveras posted, “Patriots. Are any of you discouraged. What you saw in the senate. Was precisely what we want. Insurrection acts in motion.”

               The FBI arrested Oliveras on Dec. 9, 2021, in New Jersey.

               Since his arrest, Oliveras has repeatedly joined YouTube airings and exclaimed that he is not sorry for his actions and he would “do it again.”

               This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.

                This case was investigated by the FBI’s Philadelphia and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the Department of Homeland Security.

               In the 44 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,504 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 560 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

               Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: New Charges Filed Against Alleged Stalker Who Distributed Revenge Porn, Threatened, and Fired Shots at Ex-Girlfriend

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

                WASHINGTON – A U.S. District Court grand jury returned a 27-count superseding indictment today charging Nahvarj Mills, 31, of Brandywine, MD, with stalking, disseminating non-consensual pornography, and numerous firearms charges related to three shootings. The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves; FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division; and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Mills is charged with cyberstalking in violation of a protective order; cyberstalking; interstate stalking in violation of a protection order; interstate stalking in violation of a protection order – emotional distress, use of a dangerous weapon; two counts of interstate stalking in violation of a protection order – bodily injury, emotional distress, use of a dangerous weapon; interstate violation of a protection order; three counts of interstate violation of a protection, use of a dangerous weapon; three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon; possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; interstate communications with intent to extort; assault with intent to kill while armed; three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon; three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence; and four counts of first degree unlawful publication.

                Mills has been detained since February 2024.

                According to court documents, Mills and the alleged victim, his former significant other, began dating in approximately December 2022. Mills physically abused the victim on multiple occasions. In approximately the summer of 2023, the victim ended the relationship with Mills. Angry about the breakup, Mills began contacting the victim by phone. He appeared uninvited at her workplace in Maryland and at her home in the District. Mills threatened to distribute sexually explicit images of the victim and then he made good on his threat.

                On November 23, 2023, the victim received text messages stating in part, “Got no job, got no kids, got no family. I have nothing to do. But what I do have, is the money to keep bothering you.”

                Around December 31, 2023, the victim received 30 phone calls from “No Caller ID.” The calls followed an attempt by the victim to meet up with Mills in an effort to make amends. Those efforts ended when Mills pulled out a gun and pointed it at the victim’s head.

                On January 2, 2024, the victim reported Mills’ conduct to the MPD and filed a petition for a Civil Protection Order (CPO). The victim’s mother subsequently electronically served Mills with a Temporary Protection Order at his known phone number. In the same conversation, Mills sent the mother numerous sexually explicit photos and videos of the victim. Mills also wrote, “I can easily pull this .40 trigger,” followed by photos of a firearm and ammunition that appear consistent with the .40 caliber firearm and ammunition later recovered from Mills’ home pursuant to a residential search warrant.

                Also in early January, Mills allegedly created a fake Instagram account in the victim’s name. The victim then received several messages from the account threatening to disseminate sexually explicit images and videos of her. Mills later made good on his threat and sent out the images and videos to several individuals who knew the victim. On January 6, 2024, Ring camera footage captured footage of a man believed to be Mills outside the victim’s home. The man spread typed-out paragraphs containing threatening messages along with explicit images. A few days later, on January 11, 2024, the victim found more sexually explicit photos on her lawn.

                On January 19, 2024, a D.C. Superior Court Judge granted a CPO, which ordered Mills to stay away from the victim, her home, her workplace, her vehicle, and her family.

                On January 20, 2024, Mills again spread sexually explicit images outside the victim’s home. On this occasion, the victim personally observed Mills in her front yard and saw him return to a vehicle along with another individual.

                Also on January 20, 2024, Mills allegedly spread sexually explicit images outside another victim’s home. He also reportedly sent numerous unwanted and threatening text messages and made unwanted calls to this victim. Mills is now charged with one count of cyberstalking in connection with this victim.

                The campaign of stalking and violence against the first victim escalated further in late January 2024. Three separate shootings targeted the victim’s bedroom on January 21, 22, and 23. The third shooting occurred after Mills called the victim and threatened to kill her.

                On January 26, 2024, Mills returned to the victim’s home where police arrested him and charged him with violating the protection order. Once again, the court ordered Mills to stay away from the victim and not contact her. Nonetheless, Mills made continued efforts to contact the victim.

                On February 7, 2024, Mills was arrested pursuant to a warrant issued by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Mills has been detained since his arrest on February 7, 2024.On July 18, 2024, a federal Grand Jury returned an initial seven-count indictment, and Mills was transferred to federal custody.

                This case is being investigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Washington D.C., the FBI’s Washington Field Office Violent Crimes Task Force, and the Metropolitan Police Department. 

               This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathleen Houck, Marco Crocetti and Caroline Burrell of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

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    24cr332

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Scheme to Defraud Distressed Homeowners Out of $15 Million Nets Virginia Man 60 Months

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

                WASHINGTON –Terrylle Blackstone, 37, of Woodbridge, Virginia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 60 months in federal prison for participating in a conspiracy that fraudulently promised thousands of homeowners across the U.S. legal help in avoiding foreclosure. The scheme generated at least $15 million for the conspirators but never provided any legal services to the client-victims.

                The sentence was announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Special Agent in Charge David Geist of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Washington, D.C. Field Office.

                Blackstone pleaded guilty on June 6, 2024, to a count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud before U.S District Court Judge Randolph D. Moss. In addition to the prison term, Judge Moss ordered Blackstone to serve three years of supervised release and pay $159,145.35 in restitution.

                According to court documents, from January 2018 until February 2021, Blackstone worked with attorneys David Maresca of Virginia, Scott Marinelli of New Jersey, and Sam Babbs of Florida. The co-conspirators told homeowners that they operated a “national law firm” based in Washington, D.C.; that attorneys would review the homeowner’s file and provide legal representation to the homeowners; that an attorney in the homeowner’s local area would be assigned to assist them; that the homeowner could meet and consult with those attorneys about the case; and that attorneys in their law firm could help the homeowner, if necessary, file for bankruptcy.

                From 2016 until 2019, the conspirators marketed Synergy Law with telephone, television, and internet advertising which told homeowners that attorneys at Maresca and Marinelli’s Synergy Law (Synergy) in Manassas could help them avoid foreclosure. During 2018 and 2019, bankruptcy judges, Synergy clients, and the U.S. Trustee’s Program raised concerns about Synergy’s practices in bankruptcy matters. Blackstone attended court hearings on behalf of Synergy where he made false statements to the court about the firm’s operations. In early 2019, Marinelli was incarcerated in Pennsylvania. Yet Blackstone, Maresca, Marinelli, and others continued to operate Synergy and collect monthly payments purportedly for legal services. During this time, there was no attorney who was a member of Synergy who could practice law. Synergy never had attorneys review all homeowner files and Synergy never had attorneys contact a client’s lender to discuss a mortgage resolution. They also continued to use the interstate wires to operate their “law firm” in ways that were essential to the scheme, such as soliciting clients by telephone.

                From 2019 until at least 2022, the conspirators marketed another firm, Themis Law, with television and website advertising which told homeowners that attorneys with Themis could help them avoid foreclosure. Themis operated a call center at an office in Manassas, Virginia. Call center workers used scripts during their phone calls with homeowners in which Themis falsely promised that an attorney would review the homeowner’s case file; that this attorney knew their lender’s “internal guidelines” for a “mortgage resolution”; and that an assigned “legal team” would contact the homeowner’s lender to negotiate a resolution. Themis required homeowner-clients to pay an initial retainer amount followed by a monthly recurring amount for as long as the firm represented the homeowner. When Themis clients faced imminent foreclosure, Themis advised those clients to consider filing for bankruptcy to save their home and referred the clients to Babbs at the Babbs Law Firm. Those clients then signed a new retainer agreement and paid additional fees to Babbs.

                During his dates of employment at Synergy Law and Themis Law, Blackstone received no less than $159,145.35 in direct payments from the companies. Judge Moss ordered that Blackstone pay a forfeiture money judgment in that amount.

                This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office and the Washington, D.C. Field Office of IRS-CI.

                It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Borchert.

                23cr123

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    Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube

     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Treasurer of Kern County Political Organization Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud

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

    FRESNO, Calif. — Bryan M. Williams, 41, of Atascadero, pleaded guilty today to bank fraud, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

    According to court documents, between 2013 and 2019, Williams served as the treasurer of a Kern County political organization. During that time period, he stole between $230,000 and $435,000 from the organization, and used those funds for his personal use.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey A. Spivak is prosecuting the case.

    Williams is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on Jan. 27, 2025. Williams faces a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Defendants Plead Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Illegal Weapons Possession Charges

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

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Three co-defendants, Martin Cervantes Vasquez, 49, of Stockton; Alberto Gonzalez Salgado, 45, of Sacramento; and Isaiah Alberto Salgado, 25, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to various drug trafficking and illegal weapons possession charges, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

    Cervantes and Alberto Salgado pleaded guilty to a fentanyl pill trafficking conspiracy. Cervantes also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and Alberto Salgado also pleaded guilty to two counts of heroin distribution, to cultivating more than 100 marijuana plants, and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Isaiah Salgado pleaded guilty to possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle.

    According to court documents, Alberto Salgado sold heroin and fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills to a confidential source on multiple occasions in 2019 and 2020. Cervantes supplied fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills to Alberto Salgado and also possessed more than a kilogram of heroin and 500 grams of methamphetamine on the day of his arrest on Oct. 8, 2020. Alberto and Isaiah Salgado sold an illegal short-barreled rifle to the same confidential source in August 2020. Alberto Salgado also maintained a stash house in Sacramento where he grew more than 100 marijuana plants and also kept a firearm to protect his drug trafficking operation.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Homeland Security Investigations; the Sacramento Area Intelligence/Narcotics Task Force; and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney David W. Spencer is prosecuting the case.

    Cervantes is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 23, 2025, Alberto Salgado on Feb. 13, 2025, and Isaiah Salgado on Jan. 9, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta. Cervantes and Alberto Salgado face a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison. Isaiah Salgado faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison. The actual sentences, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Long Beach Man Pleads Guilty to Traveling with 14-Year-Old Girl Across State Lines While Intending to Engage in Sexual Activity

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

    LOS ANGELES – A Long Beach man pleaded guilty today to federal criminal charges for traveling with a 14-year-old runaway from Arizona – whom he met in a Reddit internet forum – across state lines to his apartment, where he engaged in criminal sexual activity with her.

    Trevon Nathaniel Langstaff, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

    “Every day, sexual predators use the internet’s relative anonymity to prey on vulnerable youth,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Would-be predators should be aware that my office will use all of its tools to bring them to justice, and, as today’s sentence shows, the consequences will be severe.” 

    According to his plea agreement, in late March 2024, Langstaff drove from his Long Beach home to Peoria, Arizona, to pick up the victim, a 14-year-old girl. Langstaff knew the victim was 14 and instructed her to pretend to be 18 years old. 

    Intending to have sexual intercourse with the victim, Langstaff transported her from Arizona to his home in Long Beach, where he engaged in sexual intercourse with her.

    On Langstaff’s cellphone, which was seized on March 26, law enforcement found an image that appeared to portray two children engaged in sexually explicit activity.

    United States District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha scheduled a March 7, 2025, sentencing hearing, at which time Langstaff will face a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison. Langstaff has been in federal custody since March 27.

    The FBI and the Long Beach Police Department investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorney Kathrynne N. Seiden of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.

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