NewzIntel.com

Category: Crime

  • MIL-OSI: FBI Special Agent Chris Wong Joins TRM Labs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Christopher Wong, one of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)’s foremost experts on cryptocurrency investigations, has joined TRM Labs.

    Wong served with the FBI for ten years, most recently as a Supervisory Special Agent in the Bureau’s Virtual Assets Unit. In that role, he led and supported some of the most complex cryptocurrency-related investigations in US law enforcement, including multi-year efforts to disrupt North Korea’s use of digital assets to finance its weapons programs.

    Wong, in partnership with now-TRM colleague Chris Janczewski — then a special agent with IRS-Criminal Investigation — led the FBI’s investigation into the 2016 Bitfinex hack, resulting in the recovery of approximately USD 3.6 billion in cryptocurrency, the largest seizure in US history. He also played a critical role in the US government’s response to the USD 600 million Axie Infinity Ronin Bridge hack, attributed to North Korea’s Lazarus Group. That incident became a watershed moment in US national security policy on crypto threats, driving a coordinated interagency response and leading to the first-ever sanctions on cryptocurrency mixing services.

    Most recently, Wong supported the Department of Justice’s civil forfeiture action involving over USD 7.7 million in cryptocurrency linked to a North Korean IT worker laundering network. That investigation uncovered a sophisticated global scheme in which DPRK operatives used false identities to gain employment in the tech sector and funnel illicit earnings back to Pyongyang.

    In addition to his investigative work, Wong has trained law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges in dozens of countries, helping to build international capacity to respond to crypto-enabled crime.

    “I’m incredibly proud of the mission I served at the FBI — supporting agents, partners, and prosecutors as we tackled some of the most impactful crypto investigations in the world,” said Wong. “At TRM, I have the opportunity to continue that mission — this time by helping amplify the work law enforcement is doing globally to disrupt illicit finance and protect victims.”

    “Chris is one of the most respected agents in the space,” said Esteban Castaño, co-founder and CEO of TRM Labs. “He combines elite investigative skill with a deep sense of purpose, and his work has shaped how governments respond to nation-state cyber threats and financial crime. We’re honored to welcome him to TRM as we expand our support for public sector partners and the broader mission of safeguarding the financial system.”

    Wong joins a growing team of former law enforcement and national security officials at TRM Labs working to detect, investigate, and prevent illicit activity involving digital assets.

    About TRM Labs

    TRM Labs provides blockchain analytics solutions to help law enforcement and national security agencies, financial institutions, and cryptocurrency businesses detect, investigate, and disrupt crypto-related fraud and financial crime. TRM’s blockchain intelligence platform includes solutions to trace the source and destination of funds, identify illicit activity, build cases, and construct an operating picture of threats. TRM is trusted by leading agencies and businesses worldwide who rely on TRM to enable a safer, more secure crypto ecosystem. TRM is based in San Francisco, CA, and is hiring across engineering, product, sales, and data science. To learn more, visit www.trmlabs.com.

    Contact: press@trmlabs.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: TransUnion Analysis Reveals Massive Performance Gap Between Best and Worst Audience Targeting Decisions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — An analysis from TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) sheds new light on the impact of audience composition on marketing performance, showing that making the best targeting decisions can have a compounding effect on return on ad spend (ROAS}—an upside of up to 9x.

    The analysis, based on real-world campaigns from 25 TransUnion measurement clients across five verticals, revealed a widening performance gap as audiences became more targeted: An audience built with two optimal consumer traits had a 3.6X ROAS upside, while an audience with three optimal traits had a 7.2X ROAS upside.

    Conversely, the analysis also highlights the risk of making sub-optimal targeting decisions, i.e., the more campaigns were targeted to the wrong audience segments, the worse they performed. At the farthest end of that spectrum, mistargeted campaigns saw –90% ROAS, placing fresh emphasis on the importance of audience building to the bottom line.

    “In a world with thousands of targeting choices, the challenge is selecting the most effective option from many that appear similar,” said Matt Spiegel, EVP of TruAudience Growth Strategy. “Our data proves that even within common attributes like income or age, the performance difference can be massive.”

    Positive and Negative Impact of Targeting Sophistication on ROAS

      Single
    Characteristic
    Audience    		 Two
    Characteristics
    Combined    		 Three
    Characteristics
    Combined    		 Four
    Characteristics
    Combined    		 Six
    Characteristics
    Combined
    Correct
    Decisions    		 97% 3.6X 7.2X 8.3X 9X
    Wrong
    Decisions    		 -49% -78% -88% -89% -90%

    The analysis evaluated 26 targeting attributes across six distinct categories such as age, income, presence of children, and neighborhood type. The findings showed that even subtle variations in targeting led to significant swings in return on ad spend — reinforcing the need for smarter audience strategy.

    Rather than defaulting to broad assumptions — like “go after high income” or “target by age group” — marketers have an opportunity to uncover more precise combinations, often where they least expect them. The analysis reveals just how much performance can hinge on thoughtful, data-backed audiences.

    “This isn’t guesswork — it’s measured behavior,” said Mike Finnerty, SVP Marketing Solutions at TransUnion. “Recognizing the impact of the best targeting decisions on the bottom line and pulling out actionable insights is only possible when you have a persistent view of identity that runs through every marketing activity, from planning to measurement.”

    Ultimately, this analysis illustrates the true potential of multi-dimensional targeting, putting it alongside engaging creative as a key driver of marketing performance.

    “In today’s marketing landscape, great creative and thoughtful precise targeting are both needed to create the best outcomes. And it is worth noting that targeting decisions by themselves, especially more advanced targeting strategies, are independently impactful,” concluded Spiegel.

    Click here to learn more about TruAudience audience solutions.

    Methodology
    The analysis is based on Q4 2024 campaign data from 25 brands across five industries, with at least two brands per industry. Quarterly spend ranged from $5 million to over $100 million per brand. In total, $1.5 billion in campaign spend and over 18.4 billion events across a broad set of addressable paid media channels, including audio, connected TV, display, search, social and video were analyzed using TransUnion’s MTA platform and TruAudience® identity graph. Return on ad spend reflects actual ad exposure and conversion outcomes at the household level.

    About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU)
    TransUnion is a global information and insights company with over 13,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries. We make trust possible by ensuring each person is reliably represented in the marketplace. We do this with a Tru™ picture of each person: an actionable view of consumers, stewarded with care. Through our acquisitions and technology investments we have developed innovative solutions that extend beyond our strong foundation in core credit into areas such as marketing, fraud, risk and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good® — and it leads to economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for millions of people around the world. http://www.transunion.com/business

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Regional workshop on anti-money laundering co-organised by Hong Kong Customs and University of Hong Kong concludes (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The four-day Regional Workshop on AML Frameworks: Tackling Traditional and Modern Challenges in the Digital Age (Workshop), co-organised by Hong Kong Customs and the University of Hong Kong (HKU), started on June 9 and concluded today (June 12). This Workshop brought together over 60 participants from customs administrations, government agencies, international organisations, law enforcement agencies and academia across Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific (A/P) region.
     
    Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with HKU at the International Forum on Combating Money Laundering and Transnational Organized Crimes in December last year, the Workshop was held to further strengthen Customs’ capacity in anti-money laundering (AML) enforcement with particular focus on risks and trends of virtual assets.   
     
    In his closing remarks today, the Assistant Commissioner of Customs and Excise (Intelligence and Investigation), Mr Wong Ho-yin, highlighted the Workshop’s success in enriching knowledge, fostering regional co-operation, and building critical connections among law enforcement agencies, academia, and industry. He reaffirmed that adaptability, international collaboration and capacity building were crucial to mitigating the risks of financial crimes. Participants should work on the groundwork laid for closer regional partnerships by the Workshop to promote intelligence sharing and support cross-boundary investigations and enforcement co-operation.
     
    The Dean of Engineering of HKU, Professor David Srolovitz, emphasised the timeliness of this Workshop in the age of rapid digital transformation and the importance of uniting academia, technology developers, law enforcement authorities, government, and the financial industry to address the complexities of financial crimes today. HKU Engineering, he said, remains dedicated to driving innovation and education to empower professionals to create a secure and transparent financial future.
     
    The Workshop featured a comprehensive programme with leading experts and practitioners delivering lectures on a wide range of topics including AML strategies and emerging typologies, regulation of virtual assets, crypto-related crime investigations, application of regtech in financial crime prevention, and international co-operation in AML/counter-terrorist financing.
     
    As the World Customs Organization (WCO) Vice-Chair for the A/P region and the WCO Regional Training Centre in the A/P region, Hong Kong Customs strives to connect with local and overseas law enforcement agencies to foster knowledge exchanges and capacity building in AML, contributing to a safer and more resilient financial environment across the A/P region.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Radware Cyber Survey Uncovers Critical Weaknesses in Application Security Measures

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Only 8% of organizations use AI-based protection solutions
    • Just 6% of respondents have full documentation for all their APIs
    • Half of respondents don’t know what third-party code is being used by their apps
    • Only 29% of security staff are fully trained to handle API business logic attacks

    MAHWAH, N.J., June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Radware® (NASDAQ: RDWR), a global leader in application security and delivery solutions for multi-cloud environments, today released its new report, 2025 Cyber Survey: Application Security at a Breaking Point. The survey reveals threat areas of rapidly growing concern as organizations’ cyber defenses lag well behind. This includes a major lack of protection against AI threats, as well as API and business logic attacks, among others.

    “The weaponization of AI by malicious actors is intensifying cybersecurity threats and drawing even more attention to areas where companies are simply ill-protected,” said Shira Sagiv, Radware’s vice president of product portfolio. “Internal alarms should be sounding. Companies openly admit to major concerns about gaps in cyber protection and lack of readiness, especially around web applications and APIs; yet their usage continues to climb creating even more risk and exposure.”

    KEY FINDINGS

    The scramble is on to catch up with AI
    According to the report, the use of AI to improve and intensify hacking tradecraft is of greatest concern. Organizations have significant concerns about threat actors using AI to generate new attacks at a faster cadence, bypassing existing defenses and compromising areas that were previously too difficult to attack.

    • Top concerns: The following percentage of respondents are highly or extremely concerned about hackers using AI:
      • To create/improve hacking tools – 70%.
      • To generate a larger volume of cyberattacks – 67%.
      • To launch new zero-day attack vectors – 66%.
    • Large readiness gap: Despite the concerns about hackers embracing AI, only 8% of organizations are currently using AI-based solutions for defenses.
    • AI adoption: Four out of five organizations plan to implement AI-based cybersecurity solutions within the next 12 months.

    Security fails to keep up with sprawling API ecosystems
    APIs are in a constant state of fluctuation. Organizations are increasing their use of APIs even while they remain ill-protected.

    • Surge in API usage and updates: In 2025, API usage is up 42% compared to the highest rate of usage in 2023, with multiple daily updates to APIs surging 6X during the same time frame.
    • Widespread third-party usage: On average, organizations are using 19 third-party APIs per application, which introduces new types of threats around data compromise that cannot be mitigated at a coding level.
    • Poor business logic attack mitigation: Business logic attacks, a common form of API attacks, represent a threat area of rapidly growing concern. While 81% of respondents say it is very or extremely important to have real-time protection measures in place:
      • Just half have deployed runtime business logic protections.
      • Only 29% have security staff fully trained to detect and mitigate these attacks.
    • Lack of preparedness:
      • On average, only 6% of respondents have full documentation for all their APIs.
      • Half of respondents don’t know what third-party code is being used by their web applications, which data is being leaked to third-party services, and when malicious scripts and services are introduced.

    Risks to resilience continue to rise
    Survey respondents expressed a lack of confidence in the effectiveness of their defensive posture against growing threats.

    • Third-party breaches: Only 16% of respondents are confident in their current protection against data breach attempts of third-party services code running on their web applications.
    • Costly DDoS disruptions: Downtime caused by an application DDoS attack averages $6,100 per minute or $366,000 per hour.
    • High compliance pressures: An average of 54% of respondents express high or extreme concern about a range of regulations, including NIS2, HIPAA, SEC, PCI DSS 4, GDPR, DORA, and SOX.

    Methodology
    The survey, which was conducted with Osterman Research, includes responses from compliance, chief risk, and data privacy officers; vice presidents of research and development; senior network security administrators; senior DevOps and DevSecOps administrators; cloud security; API architects; among other titles. The survey was conducted in nine countries across North America, EMEA, APAC, and LATAM.

    Radware’s complete 2025 Cyber Survey: Application Security at a Breaking Point can be downloaded here.

    About Radware
    Radware® (NASDAQ: RDWR) is a global leader in application security and delivery solutions for multi-cloud environments. The company’s cloud application, infrastructure, and API security solutions use AI-driven algorithms for precise, hands-free, real-time protection from the most sophisticated web, application, and DDoS attacks, API abuse, and bad bots. Enterprises and carriers worldwide rely on Radware’s solutions to address evolving cybersecurity challenges and protect their brands and business operations while reducing costs. For more information, please visit the Radware website.

    Radware encourages you to join our community and follow us on: Facebook, LinkedIn, Radware Blog, X, and YouTube.

    ©2025 Radware Ltd. All rights reserved. Any Radware products and solutions mentioned in this press release are protected by trademarks, patents, and pending patent applications of Radware in the U.S. and other countries. For more details, please see: https://www.radware.com/LegalNotice/. All other trademarks and names are property of their respective owners.

    THIS PRESS RELEASE AND THE 2025 CYBER SURVEY: APPLICATION SECURITY AT A BREAKING POINT ARE PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THESE MATERIALS ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE AN INDICATOR OF RADWARE’S BUSINESS PERFORMANCE OR OPERATING RESULTS FOR ANY PRIOR, CURRENT, OR FUTURE PERIOD.

    Radware believes the information in this document is accurate in all material respects as of its publication date. However, the information is provided without any express, statutory, or implied warranties and is subject to change without notice.

    The contents of any website or hyperlinks mentioned in this press release are for informational purposes and the contents thereof are not part of this press release.

    Safe Harbor Statement
    This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements made herein that are not statements of historical fact, including statements about Radware’s plans, outlook, beliefs, or opinions, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “plans,” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “may,” and “could.” For example, when we say in this press release that the weaponization of AI by malicious actors is intensifying cybersecurity threats and drawing even more attention to areas where companies are simply ill-protected and that their usage continues to climb creating even more risk and exposure, we are using forward-looking statements. Because such statements deal with future events, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties, and actual results, expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, could differ materially from Radware’s current forecasts and estimates. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: the impact of global economic conditions, including as a result of the state of war declared in Israel in October 2023 and instability in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, tensions between China and Taiwan, financial and credit market fluctuations (including elevated interest rates), impacts from tariffs or other trade restrictions, inflation, and the potential for regional or global recessions; our dependence on independent distributors to sell our products; our ability to manage our anticipated growth effectively; our business may be affected by sanctions, export controls, and similar measures, targeting Russia and other countries and territories, as well as other responses to Russia’s military conflict in Ukraine, including indefinite suspension of operations in Russia and dealings with Russian entities by many multi-national businesses across a variety of industries; the ability of vendors to provide our hardware platforms and components for the manufacture of our products; our ability to attract, train, and retain highly qualified personnel; intense competition in the market for cybersecurity and application delivery solutions and in our industry in general, and changes in the competitive landscape; our ability to develop new solutions and enhance existing solutions; the impact to our reputation and business in the event of real or perceived shortcomings, defects, or vulnerabilities in our solutions, if our end-users experience security breaches, or if our information technology systems and data, or those of our service providers and other contractors, are compromised by cyber-attackers or other malicious actors or by a critical system failure; our use of AI technologies that present regulatory, litigation, and reputational risks; risks related to the fact that our products must interoperate with operating systems, software applications and hardware that are developed by others; outages, interruptions, or delays in hosting services; the risks associated with our global operations, such as difficulties and costs of staffing and managing foreign operations, compliance costs arising from host country laws or regulations, partial or total expropriation, export duties and quotas, local tax exposure, economic or political instability, including as a result of insurrection, war, natural disasters, and major environmental, climate, or public health concerns; our net losses in the past and the possibility that we may incur losses in the future; a slowdown in the growth of the cybersecurity and application delivery solutions market or in the development of the market for our cloud-based solutions; long sales cycles for our solutions; risks and uncertainties relating to acquisitions or other investments; risks associated with doing business in countries with a history of corruption or with foreign governments; changes in foreign currency exchange rates; risks associated with undetected defects or errors in our products; our ability to protect our proprietary technology; intellectual property infringement claims made by third parties; laws, regulations, and industry standards affecting our business; compliance with open source and third-party licenses; complications with the design or implementation of our new enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system; our reliance on information technology systems; our ESG disclosures and initiatives; and other factors and risks over which we may have little or no control. This list is intended to identify only certain of the principal factors that could cause actual results to differ. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting Radware, refer to Radware’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the other risk factors discussed from time to time by Radware in reports filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and, except as required by applicable law, Radware undertakes no commitment to revise or update any forward-looking statement in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date any such statement is made. Radware’s public filings are available from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or may be obtained on Radware’s website at www.radware.com.

    Media Contact:
    Gerri Dyrek
    Radware
    Gerri.Dyrek@radware.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f5342914-5ae1-430e-a838-b75e663c5eb4

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/83a75b37-0294-485f-a2b8-c968fd9fce15

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/08209312-e0da-48d4-a5aa-aa7deea6b77d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA concerned at measures taken against ICC judges by US government

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The South African Government has expressed its “deep concern” at the decision of the United States to sanction four judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

    This is after the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced sanctions against four ICC judges for alleged “illegitimate transgressions against the United States and Israel”.

    According to reports, the sanctions are in response to the ICC issuing arrest warrants for top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and its investigation into alleged United States war crimes in Afghanistan. 

    The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) believes that this move represents a direct affront to the principles of international justice and the rule of law. 

    “Such punitive actions against judicial officers performing their mandated duties are regrettable and they undermine the independence of the ICC, and threaten the integrity of international legal institutions. 

    “They furthermore hinder the Court and its personnel in the exercise of their independent judicial functions.” 

    The department said South Africa, as a founding member of the ICC, views these sanctions and previous threats as an attempt to intimidate and obstruct the Court’s efforts to hold accountable perpetrators of the most serious crimes. 

    “The ICC operates under the Rome Statute, to which 125 States are parties, and its mandate is to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression when national jurisdictions are unwilling or unable to do so.”

    DIRCO is of the view that these sanctions on ICC judges sets a dangerous precedent that could embolden those who seek to evade accountability for egregious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. 

    “It also poses a significant challenge to the global fight against impunity and the enforcement of international norms.” 

    South Africa has since reaffirmed its commitment to the principles enshrined in the Rome Statute and will continue to work with like-minded nations to safeguard the integrity of international legal institutions.

    “In this regard, we highlight our participation in the Hague Group, a coalition of countries dedicated to defending the rulings and authority of the ICC and the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

    “The pursuit of justice for victims of the gravest crimes must not be compromised by political considerations. Upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability are essential for the maintenance of international peace and security, as well as a rules-based international order based on international law,” DIRCO said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Get your tickets to Coventry City Orchestra’s Summer celebration.

    Source: City of Coventry

    Coventry City Orchestra’s next concert, Summer Celebration, is just around the corner.

    Tickets are available to purchase for Saturday, 28 June, 7.30pm

    they will be playing iconic movie classics from Lord of the Rings, Dr Who, and Thunderbirds as well as pop hits including Coventry’s very own Ghost Town!

    It’s due to be held at:

    Coventry Methodist Hall
    CV1 2HA

    Buy your tickets to avoid disappointment.

    Thursday, 12th June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £2.5 billion for world-first prototype fusion energy plant

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    News story

    £2.5 billion for world-first prototype fusion energy plant

    The record funding announced this week shows the UK government’s firm commitment to clean, sustainable energy in Nottinghamshire.

    STEP Tokamak with burning plasma, front view. Image credit: UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd.

    A record £2.5 billion of additional funding has been announced this week by the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, to support the development of the world’s first fusion power plant.

    The new prototype plant, known as STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) will be built at the site of the former West Burton A coal power station near Retford and Gainsborough. The site was chosen by the government in 2022 as the location for the project, with the project’s delivery expected to create over 10,000 jobs ranging from construction to operations. The announcement shows the government’s firm commitment to becoming a “clean energy superpower” by turbocharging innovation in an area that’s produced conventional power for generations.

    A groundbreaking and world-first scientific endeavour, STEP works by combining hydrogen gases, deuterium and tritium, which are heated to over 150 million degrees Celsius and confined within a powerful magnetic field. The energy produced can then be used to create steam, to turn a turbine, generating electricity – just like in any conventional power plant.

    Paul Methven CB, CEO of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions, the body responsible for delivering the STEP prototype fusion energy power plant, warmly welcomed the additional funding and said:

    The UK is the world leader in fusion energy research today, and STEP is the beacon programme that aims to take fusion from research to commercial success, generating high quality jobs, multiple spin offs and boosting the economy nationally and in the East Midlands where we will build the first plant.

    Securing a global lead in such a vital new technology requires bold action; the government has rightly been bold today and we look forward to delivering the practical steps that will realise the vision of the UK leading in this exciting new sector.

    The end of coal power in Nottinghamshire was marked by the closure of Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station in late 2024. With the creation of STEP in West Burton, Nottinghamshire’s “Megawatt Valley” will continue to be at the heart of the UK’s energy production – whilst leading the world in creating the green, sustainable energy of the future.

    The record-breaking £2.5 billion of additional funding announced this week shows the government’s firm commitment to fusion as a core part of our future energy mix, and to this significant investment in the economy in Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands.

    During a recent visit to the UK’s Fusion Research Campus at Culham, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband commented:

    After scientists first theorised over 70 years ago that it could be possible, we are now within grasping distance of unlocking the power of the sun and providing families with secure, clean, unlimited energy.

    Notes to Editors

    UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd (UKIFS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) Group, responsible for the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme to deliver the UK’s prototype fusion energy plant.  

    Targeting first operations in 2040, UKIFS will lead STEP’s integrated delivery team to design and build the prototype fusion energy plant at West Burton, a former coal-fired power station site in Nottinghamshire.

    To sign-up for updates about STEP, visit: step.ukaea.uk or follow our social channels @STEPtoFusion.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Young SAPS officer takes policing to new heights

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    This Youth Month, the South African Police Service (SAPS) proudly celebrates the dynamic young men and women in uniform, who go above and beyond the call of duty. 

    Among them is 27-year-old Constable Roycolle Naicker, a trailblazing drone pilot based in Johannesburg District, Gauteng.

    Armed with a qualification in Forensic Science and Technology, Naicker is part of a new generation of officers using innovation to fight crime. He joined the SAPS in 2019 at just 21 years old, trading in his previous role in the motor industry as a fitter and turner for a life of public service.

    Policing runs in Naicker’s blood. Growing up surrounded by family members in the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies, he was inspired by their dedication and courage. Their example lit a fire in him to serve and protect his country.

    Following basic police training, Naicker quickly expanded his skillset. In 2020, he completed Crime Intelligence training, and two years later, earned his licence as a drone pilot. His work now takes him to the skies, providing critical aerial support for operations on the ground.

    From capturing high-definition footage during crime prevention missions to collecting evidence that strengthens investigations, Naicker’s drone expertise plays a vital role. These flying tools offer a bird’s eye view that helps officers plan ahead, track suspects, and access hard-to-reach areas. 

    In search and rescue missions, drones equipped with thermal cameras even allow officers to detect movement in the dark, giving the SAPS a powerful edge.

    Drones have revolutionised police operations, allowing them to monitor high risk areas, predict suspects’ movements, and respond faster than ever before.

    Although he is passionate about drones, Naicker’s heart remains rooted in his forensic background. He hopes to one day join the SAPS Forensic Division, where he believes his technical skills and drone expertise can further strengthen crime scene investigations.

    True to his values, Naicker lives by the principle of doing good even when no one is watching. It’s this quiet integrity that he hopes to pass on to South Africa’s youth.

    “You can do anything you put your mind to,” said Naicker to the youth of South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Deputy President to respond to oral questions

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Thursday, June 12, 2025

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile will this afternoon respond to questions for oral reply in the National Assembly. 

    At Thursday’s session, which will take place at 2pm, the country’s second-in-command will touch on a wide range of issues from agricultural support, water shortages and intensified efforts in the country’s comprehensive HIV and AIDS response.

    As Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Agriculture and Land Reform, the Deputy President will inform Members of Parliament (MPs) on government efforts towards improving access to funding and resource support for small-scale and smallholder farmers, as well as supporting infrastructure development in rural areas.

    Following the withdrawal of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funding by the United States Government, the Deputy President will reassure MPs that government has the capacity to fund its HIV/AIDS programme. 

    “The withdrawal will not have a dire impact in the purchasing and the distribution of the antiretrovirals,” the Deputy President Office’s statement read. 

    The Deputy President is also expected to emphasise the need to enhance municipal service management and financial stability in the water sector to address water shortages in the country.

    “In light of the persistent and evolving threat posed by gang-related violence in both urban and peri-urban areas, the Deputy President will brief Parliament on the comprehensive strategy the Justice, Crime-Prevention and Security Cabinet Committee has implemented to dismantle organised criminal networks,” the statement read. 

    He will further reiterate South Africa’s commitment to the rule of law, which his Office said is a cornerstone of South Africa’s democratic constitutional order. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Protecting Childhood: OSCE Hosts Roundtable on Early Marriages and Child Labour

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

    Headline: Protecting Childhood: OSCE Hosts Roundtable on Early Marriages and Child Labour

    The roundtable also spotlighted the disproportionate impact on Roma girls and promoted the newly launched publication “Out of the Shadows: Addressing the Dynamics of Trafficking in Persons Belonging to Minorities, including National Minorities.” (OSCE) Photo details

    12 June 2025, Sarajevo – On the World Day Against Child Labour, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina hosted a roundtable in Sarajevo titled “Challenges and Gaps in the Institutional Response to Child Labour and Early Marriages”, aimed at strengthening protections for vulnerable children, particularly from early marriage, child labour, and trafficking.
    The event gathered representatives of institutions, parliamentarians, civil society, Roma and women’s rights advocates, academics, and professionals to address the urgent need for coordinated and preventative measures.
    “Early marriage robs children—especially girls—of their childhood, education, health, and future,” said Rebecca Agule, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH’s Human Dimension Department. “No child should be burdened with responsibilities that belong to adulthood. Let us reaffirm our commitment to protecting every child’s dignity and well-being, laying the foundation for a just society.”
    The roundtable also spotlighted the disproportionate impact on Roma girls and promoted the newly launched publication “Out of the Shadows: Addressing the Dynamics of Trafficking in Persons Belonging to Minorities, including National Minorities.” Discussions explored the effectiveness of the existing legal framework and shared NGO experiences in combatting early marriages.
    “Arranged underage marriages are not a Roma tradition,” said Indira Bajramović, Director of the Association “Bolja budućnost”. “These practices are increasingly present in non-Roma communities as well. This is not a Roma issue—it’s a societal one, and we all must act to end it.”
    This activity is part of the OSCE Mission to BiH’s ongoing efforts to support child protection, promote human rights and anti-trafficking efforts, and advance institutional responses in line with OSCE commitments.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Address by the President of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, June 2025: UK response

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Address by the President of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, June 2025: UK response

    Ambassador Neil Holland thanks Minister Ian Borg for Malta’s leadership as President of the Committee of Ministers and Chair of the OSCE in successive years.

    Thank you, Mr Chair. Let me start by adding my condolences for the tragic shooting in Graz. Our thoughts are with the Austrian delegation, the people of Austria and the families and friends of the victims.

    Minister Borg, welcome back to the Permanent Council, thank you for your presentation and for Malta’s commitment to multilateralism. You stepped up to lead the OSCE when we needed you. And as you celebrate 60 years since Malta’s accession to the Council of Europe, it is clear that you are treating your new role as Chair of the Committee of Ministers with the same dedication.

    The longstanding relationship between the OSCE and the Council of Europe is rooted in the promotion of human rights, democracy and rule of law – values that the UK is firmly committed to uphold. It is through these values that both institutions can- with their respective expertise- protect against violence and oppression; defend against democratic backsliding; utilise the opportunities technology provides to enhance our security; build resilience against the intensification of malign and destabilising hybrid activities affecting many of our States; and support Ukraine.

    The UK is fully committed to holding Russia to account for its illegal and barbaric actions in Ukraine. We support the progress in establishing a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine at the Council of Europe and are keen for progress to be made as soon as possible.

    Minister Borg, the busy agenda you have outlined today reminds us that our two institutions share much common ground and already learn from each-other through regular exchange on areas such as tackling organised crime and human trafficking, countering terrorism and violent extremism, as well as promoting free and fair elections, media freedom, and gender rights. You are right to think about cooperation, particularly given the common security challenges we are facing. We must continue to recognise each institution’s individual merits and distinctiveness – and to work in a coordinated way to employ the unique set of tools which each institution offers.

    Minister, thank you for your leadership, and commitment to the principles of the Council of Europe, the OSCE and the UN Charter. By the end of this year, you will have completed the hat-trick! On behalf of the UK, we offer you, and your team, our support for your work throughout the remainder of your Presidency and beyond.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: UN Secretary General Concerned About US Sanctions Against ICC Judges

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    UNITED NATIONS, June 12 (Xinhua) — UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over U.S. sanctions against four International Criminal Court (ICC) judges, his deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said on Wednesday.

    “The Secretary-General expresses grave concern that four judges of the International Criminal Court have been targeted for sanctions pursuant to an executive order by the US President,” he said.

    While the UN and the ICC are separate organizations with separate and distinct mandates, the UN considers the ICC a key pillar of international criminal justice and the secretary-general respects its work, Haq said at a daily briefing.

    A. Guterres also stressed the importance of the basic principle of independence of the judiciary, he said.

    Last week, Washington imposed sanctions on four International Criminal Court judges for their involvement in ICC actions against the United States or Israel, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Indecent act on a Child – Palmerston

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The NT Police Force are calling for information in relation to an indecent act towards a child under the age of 16 that occurred in Palmerston this morning.

    About 8am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that an unknown man had approached a young girl in the vicinity of the Gray Community Hall and indecently exposed himself whilst engaging in an indecent act towards her from a distance. The man fled the scene before police arrival.

    The man is described as being of medium build with dark skin, wearing light coloured knee length shorts, a dark coloured t-shirt and carrying a black sports type bag.

    Detectives from the Child Abuse Taskforce have carriage of the incident and investigations are ongoing.

    Police urge anyone with information about the incident to contact 131 444 and quote reference number NTP2500059923. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or you can make a report online via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Aerospace and defense leaders are prioritizing digital continuity to tackle industry disruption

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

    Aerospace and defense leaders are prioritizing digital continuity to
    tackle industry disruption

    • 77% of aerospace and defense leaders believe improving digital continuity will accelerate production ramp-up as it drives shorter time to market, with a 13% reduction on average
    • More than 8 out of 10 (86%) defense organizations recognize the need to integrate AI and gen AI in engineering and product development

     Paris, June 12 2025 – The Capgemini Research Institute’s latest report, ‘The strategic edge: How digital continuity drives business outcomes in aerospace and defense,’ published today, finds that digital continuity1– the seamless integration of data and information across all stages of the product lifecycle and linked to the external partner ecosystem – is emerging as a critical enabler of business transformation in the aerospace and defense (A&D) sector. Over 80% of A&D leaders surveyed view digital continuity as a driver of business transformation and a route to gaining a competitive advantage. In 2024, A&D organizations on average allocated a significant 2.1% of their annual revenue to these initiatives, to ramp up production, accelerate development cycles, reduce operational costs, and stay agile amid global pressures. In the context of rising costs, supply chain instability, and geopolitical movement, investments in digital continuity are expected to increase to 3.4% by 2028.

    “Digital continuity is a critical imperative for aerospace and defense organizations to thrive in today’s challenging and uncertain geopolitical environment. If it is embraced as a way of working, it will help organizations increase productivity and free up key resources from the waste created by disconnected systems and data. Ultimately, it enables operational excellence, reduces product development cycle times and fosters a collaborative culture, setting A&D players up for long-term success. Business leaders clearly recognize this and as a result have been ramping up their investments in these initiatives,” said Lee Annecchino, Global Industry Lead, Aerospace and Defense at Capgemini. “In order to leverage the full potential, A&D organizations must focus on building interoperability across systems, enabling robust data management and adopting a comprehensive change management strategy.”

    Digital continuity helps A&D organizations to ramp up quickly, driving many business benefits
    Nearly nine in 10 (86%) A&D executives agree that digital continuity is important to their organizations’ ramping-up strategies, and 77% believe that improving digital continuity will accelerate the process.

    Around a third (34%) of A&D organizations have already reduced costs with 13% cost reduction on average because of digital continuity. Thirty percent of A&D organizations have already realized shortened time to market and 18% have accelerated product development cycle times because of digital continuity, making it a top priority for investment.

    Defense organizations are better prepared to ramp up production
    According to the survey, 44% of defense organizations are prepared to ramp up production compared to just over a third of civil aerospace organizations. The readiness of defense organizations to ramp up production can be driven by geopolitical uncertainty and technological and infrastructure investment, including a more flexible manufacturing execution system (MES), and a more resilient supply chain. For example, 65% of defense organizations agree that their supply chain is adaptable to quickly changing customer demands, while only 45% of civil aerospace organizations believe the same.

    The report also finds that more than 8 out of 10 (86%) defense organizations recognize the need to integrate AI and generative AI in engineering and product development and over half (56%) to develop autonomous systems. However, less than half of the defense organizations are prepared to integrate AI (44%) and only 35% are prepared to develop autonomous systems.

    In order to thrive, A&D organizations must continually evolve in terms of skills, processes, technologies, security methods, and compliance policies concludes the report.

    Report Methodology
    In March 2025, the Capgemini Research Institute conducted a global survey to assess the maturity of digital continuity in aerospace and defense (A&D) organizations and the benefits achieved. The survey included 179 A&D organizations across 16 countries in Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. Over half (51%) of the participating organizations are headquartered in the United States. The survey sample also included 28 public sector or government organizations. All surveyed organizations have annual revenues exceeding $500 million, with the majority (56%) reporting revenues greater than $1 billion.

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

    Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

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

    Visit us at https://www.capgemini.com/researchinstitute/

    1Digital continuity in A&D refers to the seamless integration of data and information across the product lifecycle including the external partner ecosystem; thus, ensuring a “single source of truth” that enhances collaboration and streamlines design, production, operations, and service through a strengthened feedback loop.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former CEO of Guam Helicopter Company Sentenced to 405 Months in Federal Prison for Criminal Aviation Violations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Hagåtña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that John D. Walker, age 60, was sentenced by Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood in the District Court of Guam to 405 months imprisonment.  On September 9, 2022, a jury returned guilty verdicts against Walker and his company, Hansen Helicopters, Inc., on 110 counts involving conspiracy to defraud the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) and National Transportation Safety Board (“NTSB”), aircraft parts fraud that caused serious bodily injury and death, employing a mechanic without a mechanic’s certificate, registration violations involving helicopters, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.  Walker was also ordered to pay a $250,000 fine, and a $9,900 special assessment fee.  Walker forfeited $58,407,513, which represented the proceeds of aircraft parts fraud and wire fraud, in addition to $11,770,000, which represented the amount of money involved in the money laundering offenses.

    Hansen Helicopters, Inc., was found guilty of conspiracy to defraud the FAA and NTSB, in addition to aircraft parts fraud that caused serious bodily injury and death.  Hansen received a five-year term of probation, a $4,900,000 fine, and a $2,000 special assessment fee.

    Walker subverted aviation laws and regulations, enforced by the FAA and NTSB, which protect public health and safety.  Walker used at least 48 shell companies, most incorporated internationally, to operate an illicit helicopter/pilot/mechanic leasing business in Guam. By concealing that his aircraft were unregistered or illegally registered, unairworthy, and maintained and operated by uncertificated airmen, Walker entered fraudulent lease agreements with numerous tuna boat companies.  He earned over $400 million dollars through his scheme. He concealed his crimes by forging documents, counterfeiting aircraft parts, and bribing aviation officials.

    “The defendants built helicopters from an assortment of discarded frames and counterfeit parts,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “They blatantly disregarded aviation laws to build and operate aircraft that should never have left the ground.  Fishing companies throughout the Pacific region relied on these aircraft for spotting tuna.  Unfortunately, the defendants’ quest for money resulted in the deaths of many pilots.  This was a difficult case to investigate and prosecute, but well worth federal resources. I commend our law enforcement partners on bringing these defendants to justice.”

    “Unchecked greed and flagrant disregard for aviation safety create a recipe for disaster with catastrophic results,” said Special Agent in Charge Cory LeGars of the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Western Region. “This sentencing epitomizes the criminal justice system’s commitment to holding individuals and companies accountable for egregious illicit conduct. I commend the relentless efforts of our special agents and the outstanding collaboration between our law enforcement, prosecutorial, and regulatory partners, whose collective efforts brought this complex and hazardous fraud scheme to justice.”

    “How many times have we heard, ’It’s just money…’ when it comes to financial crime?” asked Special Agent in Charge Adam Jobes, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Seattle Field Office. “This case shows that all too often, innocent people suffer catastrophic harm because of someone else’s greed. Financial crime is not victimless, and IRS-CI will continue to protect our communities from people like Mr. Walker who put their greed above all else.”

    “Over several years, Mr. Walker engaged in a multi-layered scheme to bribe public officials and defraud the government, significantly jeopardizing public safety in the process,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “The FBI remains steadfast and persistent in our efforts to investigate these schemes and bring bad actors to justice.”

    This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and in partnership with the Customs and Quarantine Agency of Guam.

    Assistant United States Attorney Stephen F. Leon Guerrero, Special Assistant United States Attorney Marie L. Miller, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Samantha R. Miller prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘He stopped me from talking to male colleagues’: new research shows how domestic violence so often starts with isolation and control

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elizabeth McLindon, Research Fellow, The University of Melbourne

    PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

    When it comes to domestic violence, cases involving catastrophic physical violence are the ones that most often make it into the media.

    But our new research shows there are often signs of trouble long before such tragic outcomes – before couples move in together or get married.

    We asked a large group of women about how domestic violence (also known as intimate partner violence) they’d experienced had started and escalated.

    A general pattern emerged. First came psychological abuse, then physical abuse, then sexual abuse.

    So if women, health workers and others can recognise the signs of psychological abuse early on, there’s a chance to intervene before abusive behaviour progresses.

    How does this relate to coercive control?

    The types of psychological abuse women told us about indicate they’d experienced coercive control.

    Coercive control is defined as a pattern of restrictive, manipulative and dominating behaviours used to undermine a partner’s autonomy and freedom. While it can occur in any type of relationship, it is most commonly perpetrated by men against women partners and is underpinned by inequitable gender roles and misogynistic attitudes.

    Another way of describing coercive control is a pattern of behaviours that aim to prevent a partner from being in charge of their life. For instance, this could mean controlling who a partner can see, what they can wear, or where they can go. Or it could mean questioning a partner’s sanity when they raise concerns about abusive behaviour.

    There’s been growing awareness of the impact of coercive control and domestic violence more broadly on women’s health and wellbeing. There’s also growing awareness that coercive control can escalate to catastrophic abuse against women and children, including homicide.

    So, Australian states and territories have scrambled to tackle the issue legally. Queensland recently joined New South Wales in making coercive control a standalone criminal offence.

    What we did and what we found

    We wanted to know more about the progression of domestic violence and if there were key stages to intervene to help prevent the worst harms.

    So we surveyed a nationally representative sample of 815 Australian women who had experienced domestic violence in the past five years and asked them to create a timeline of their relationship.

    Women started with the earliest warning signs that something was wrong and then added what happened around important life events, such as moving in together, having children, seeking help or leaving. Women could describe their experiences in their own words.

    When we analysed all the timelines together, we created a summary of the general sequence of abuse over time.

    First, there were attacks to a survivor’s mind, then her physical body, then her sexual self.

    How behaviours escalated, from the earliest sign something was wrong.
    Author provided

    Psychological abuse an early sign

    Psychological abuse was present in almost all relationships early in the timeline. It usually emerged before moving in together or getting married.

    The earliest indicator of abuse was being isolated from others, as one woman said:

    He stopped me from talking to male colleagues.

    Controlling a woman’s day-to-day activities happened next. One survivor told us how her money and car were used against her:

    He kept my belongings from me […] to prevent me from leaving.

    Then, as one woman said, there was other emotional abuse:

    If I said anything he didn’t like, a brick wall would be erected […] I wouldn’t be spoken to for two to three days.

    Another said:

    He called me crazy when he had done something wrong.

    On average, women told us physically abusive behaviours first appeared after a major life commitment, such as marriage or moving in together.

    In general, sexual abuse by a partner first emerged after the psychological and physical abuse started.

    For survivors who had a child during the relationship and whose partner was sexually abusive, the worst of that sexual violence generally came sometime after giving birth.

    For many survivors, a growing concern about the impact of abuse on their children occurred around the same time as leaving their relationship and trying to get help.

    What next?

    This research sets out clear opportunities for prevention and early intervention.

    We need to train health professionals to look for signs and ask about psychological abuse when their patients are contemplating life transitions. This includes raising awareness and targeted resources for staff working in pregnancy care.

    Future research should see if these patterns of abuse apply in different diverse groups of survivors.

    We also need better community education, particularly for young women, about the features of psychological abuse that occur early in relationships, before physical and sexual abuse.

    As one participant told us:

    More domestic violence campaigns should focus on emotional abuse. We focus so much on the physical, but I can feel immediately when I am hit. It takes longer to feel gaslighting, manipulation and other emotionally heavy abuse. It lingers with you. It alters the way you think and traps you far worse than the physical does.

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

    Elizabeth McLindon received funding from Oak Foundation for this research. She is affiliated with The Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, where she is the Deputy Director of the Centre for Family Violence Prevention.

    Kelsey Hegarty receives funding from Oak Foundation, Medical Research Futures Fund, and National Health and Medical Research Council.

    – ref. ‘He stopped me from talking to male colleagues’: new research shows how domestic violence so often starts with isolation and control – https://theconversation.com/he-stopped-me-from-talking-to-male-colleagues-new-research-shows-how-domestic-violence-so-often-starts-with-isolation-and-control-257457

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Indecent assault and burglary – Larrakeyah

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Police attended a residence in Larrakeyah overnight following an indecent assault and urge the community to remain vigilant.

    Around 10:40pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report of a male intruder at a unit complex where a female had allegedly been indecently assaulted while in bed.

    It is alleged the victim woke to a hand across her mouth before she pushed the hand away and called for help. The offender subsequently fled the scene.

    The victim described the offender as neatly dressed in all black, wearing a full-face balaclava mask. He was approximately 190cm tall, slim build, with tanned skin and long eyelashes.

    Upon police arrival, it was reported the male had allegedly entered a second apartment and stolen multiple personal items.

    Detectives from the NT Police Force Sex Crimes Section have carriage of the incidents and investigations remain ongoing. At this stage, it is unknown whether the incident is linked to the recent indecent assault that occurred in Parap; however, police are investigating all possibilities.

    The offenders involved in both incidents remain outstanding.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Toby Wilson said, “The nature of these incidents are understandably concerning to the community.  

    “NT Police Force takes these matters extremely seriously, and the Sex Crimes Section are working closely with Strike Force Trident, CCTV operators and other police units and agencies to identify the offenders and bring them before the courts.

    “It is unfortunate that with incidents like this we have to encourage the community to take safety precautions, such as securing doors and windows where possible, and to report any suspicious activity to police.”

    Police urge anyone who has information about the incident or CCTV in the area to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference P25157813. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal grand jury indicts Rochester and Jamestown man for role in narcotics conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Johnny B. Mays aka Blaze, 40, of Rochester and Jamestown, NY, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, one kilogram or more heroin, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and five kilograms or more of cocaine, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Louis A. Testani, who are handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between 2018, and May 26, 2022, Mays conspired with Joseph S. Zaso, co-defendant Quentin L. Yancey, and others, to sell heroin and fentanyl in the Rochester area. Joseph Zaso was previously charged and convicted and is awaiting sentencing. Charges remain pending against Quentin Yancey.

    Mays was arraigned before U.S. District Judge Michael J. Roemer and detained.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.

    The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Bill Protecting Americans from Foreign-Directed Crimes Passes Senate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate advanced Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Maggie Hassan’s (D-N.H.) Deterring External Threats and Ensuring Robust Responses to Egregious and Nefarious Criminal Endeavors Act (DETERRENCE) Act, which increases criminal penalties for individuals who commit, or attempt to commit, violent crimes in the United States on behalf of foreign governments.
    The bill’s passage comes after two Eastern European organized crime leaders were convicted in March 2025 of targeting an American journalist in a murder-for-hire scheme on behalf of the Iranian government. Additionally, a recent report detailed how the Iranian government ordered an operative to assassinate President Donald Trump before the 2024 election.
    “America will not allow foreign adversaries, like Iran, to finance violent crimes on our soil,” said Senator Ernst. “Peace through strength is back and that includes right here at home. I look forward to the House swiftly passing this commonsense bill to create severe consequences for those who wish to harm our citizens.”
    “It is a direct assault on our national security when foreign adversaries recruit criminals to commit violence on American soil,” said Senator Hassan. “This bipartisan legislation will strengthen criminal penalties on gangs and criminals who engage in violent behavior on behalf of a foreign government. The Senate has sent a clear message that such behavior will be met with severe consequences, and I urge my colleagues in the House to quickly pass this bill to strengthen our national security.” 
    The DETERRENCE Act now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Charges – Kava seizures – Ramingining

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The NT Police Force has charged a 38-year-old male following the seizure of 241.55 kilograms of Kava in Ramingining on Thursday, 29 May 2025.

    Police conducted a traffic apprehension on a vehicle along the Ramingining goat track in which it initially stopped before taking off as the officers exited the police vehicle. Approximately 20 minutes later, the police observed the same vehicle crashed on the side of the road, abandoned.

    Upon approaching the vehicle, kava was seen in the backseat, therefore police executed a lawful search resulting in the seizure of 241.55 kilograms of kava.

    The male was located and subsequently arrested at Darwin airport, while attempting to flee interstate.

    He was charged with Possess commercial quantity kava Supply commercial quantity kava and Enter on Aboriginal Land without Permit. He was remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court on 18 June 2025.

    Investigations remain ongoing.

    Anyone with information on the supply of alcohol or drugs into remote communities can call police on 131 444 or make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australian Antarctic Program appoints Chief Scientist

    Source: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission

    The Australian Antarctic Program has appointed Professor Nerilie Abram from the Australian National University as its new Chief Scientist.
    Professor Abram is a professor of climate science, and was elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science in 2024.
    “I’m incredibly excited and honoured to be taking up the role of Chief Scientist of the AAD,” Professor Abram said.
    “Antarctica is such a special place, and the science that the Australian Antarctic Program does is critical for protecting Antarctica, and for preparing Australia and the world for how changes in Antarctica will affect us all.”

    Professor Abram has extensive experience as a climate and Antarctic scientist, most recently taking part in the Denman Terrestrial Campaign.
    She is a former Chair of the Academy of Science National Committee on Antarctic Research, where she served as Australia’s delegate to the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR) and on Australia’s Antarctic Science Council.
    “It is great to be coming into this role with a new and ambitious Decadal science strategy,” she said.
    “One of my first priorities will be to work with the community to develop the plans for how we will implement this strategy within the AAD, and through bringing together the expertise that we have across the whole of the Australian Antarctic science community.”
    Professor Abram said she is taking up the role of Chief Scientist at an incredibly exciting time for Australian Antarctic science.
    “Major investments in Australia’s new icebreaker, RSV Nuyina, the Million Year Ice Core traverse and our national climate modelling capabilities are opening up research possibilities that we haven’t seen before,” she said.
    “The way that the Australian Antarctic science community has come together around major campaign-style research priorities offers a new way of tackling really big and important science problems.”
    The Head of the Australian Antarctic Division, Emma Campbell, said Professor Abram will be a welcome addition to the Science branch of the Division.
    “Professor Abram will be playing a key role in what will be a crucial time for Antarctic and Southern Ocean science,” she said.
     “We are planning the first environmental management voyage to Heard Island and McDonald Islands in over 20 years, which will have a significant Southern Ocean and sub-Antarctic science component,” she said.
    “We are also making excellent progress in the Million Year Ice Core campaign, as we chase the longest ice core climate record in history.
    “And the monitoring work done by our seabird teams will be crucial as we prepare for the arrival of avian influenza.”
    Professor Abram will take up the Chief Scientist posting in August.
    This content was last updated 16 minutes ago on 12 June 2025.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Meets With Illinois Members Of The Ukrainian Congress Committee Of America

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    June 11, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, today met with Illinois members of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) who are in Washington, D.C. for their “Ukraine Days” advocacy effort. During the meeting, they discussed Putin’s unjustified and unprovoked war in Ukraine, President Trump’s continued manipulation by Russian President Putin, and what Congress can do to help our Ukrainian allies. They also discussed Durbin’s bill that prohibits the United States from recognizing the Russian Federation’s claim of sovereignty over Crimea or any other forcibly seized Ukrainian territory. 

    “The Chicago-area is home to thousands of Ukrainian Americans. I am fortunate to represent them in the U.S. Senate, and I welcomed them to the Capitol today,” said Durbin. “During our meeting, we discussed this Administration’s failure to end Russia’s war in Ukraine ‘on day one’, as President Trump had boasted. Instead, Trump’s actions have alienated and bullied our allies around the world.  We also discussed the need to pass various legislation, including a strong Russia sanctions bill that is supported by more than 80 Senators, that President Trump bewilderingly keeps asking to be delayed as Putin relentlessly bombs Ukraine.”

    A photo of the meeting is available here.

    In March, Durbin asked for unanimous consent (UC) to pass a simple resolution he introduced condemning Russia’s abduction of Ukrainian children and called on Russia to work with the international community to return all abducted Ukrainian children to their families. Senate Republicans rejected Durbin’s UC request.

    In February, Durbin introduced the Protecting our Guests During Hostilities in Ukraine Act, legislation that would provide temporary guest status to Ukrainians and their immediate family members who are already in the United States through the “Uniting for Ukraine” parole process. The bill allows Ukrainians to stay and work in the U.S. until the Secretary of State determines that hostilities in Ukraine have ceased and it is safe for them to return. Bill text can be found here.

    Durbin has also joined U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and others in leading a simple resolution that expresses continued solidarity with the people of Ukraine and condolences for the loss of thousands of lives to Russian aggression; rejects Russia’s attempts to militarily seize sovereign Ukrainian territory; reaffirms U.S. support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine; and states unequivocally that Ukraine must be at the table for negotiations on its future.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Criminal damage – Wadeye

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Police are calling for information after three separate incidents occurred in Wadeye on Sunday.

    Around 3:50pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a male entered the Wadeye clinic yard and allegedly used a rock to smash the windows and side mirrors to two government vehicles before fleeing fled the scene.

    The incident resulted in approximately $20,000 worth of damage.

    Police attended and reviewed CCTV footage and have since identified a person of interest.

    Later in a separate incident, around 10:30pm, police observed a suspicious vehicle driving through Wadeye community. The vehicle began flashing its lights at police and upon police approach the vehicle drove into nearby bushland.

    A short time later, police attempted a traffic apprehension; however, the vehicle failed to stop, and a short pursuit ensued. The offending vehicle then turned around and drove back in the direction of police, swerving toward their vehicle. Police withdrew from the area and returned to the police compound.

    Later, in a third incident, around 12:40am, one male attended the police compound and began throwing projectiles in the direction of the officers. Officers deployed OC spray before the male fled the scene.

    The first and third incident are believed to be linked; however, investigations are ongoing to identify those involved in the traffic incident.

    Police urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444 or you can report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Inmate Mistakenly Released Captured by U.S. Marshals

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Philadelphia, PA — On June 11th, members of the U.S. Marshals Eastern Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force arrested Jamal Burkett, 53, in the 7900 block of Lindbergh Boulevard in Philadelphia. In 2023, Burkett was sentenced to 192 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to assault on a federal officer and weapons possession. The charges stemmed from Burkett discharging a firearm multiple times at a Philadelphia Police Officer who was assigned to a federal task force. Burkett was mistakenly released on May 14th from the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility after local charges were satisfied. An audit conducted by the Marshal Service on June 10th alerted to Burkett’s release and a warrant was immediately issued by the United States District Court for failure to surrender for an imposed federal sentence.

    This morning, at approximately 7:00 a.m., members of the fugitive task force surrounded a family members apartment in southwest Philadelphia where they believed Burkett was hiding. Burkett was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Federal Detention Center.

    Robert Clark, Supervisory Deputy for the fugitive task force stated, “Anyone who discharges a firearm at police officers must pay for their actions. Capturing Burkett in less than 24 hours after being notified of his release is truly exceptional.”

    The Eastern Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force is a team of law enforcement officers led by U.S. Marshals in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. The task force’s objective is to seek out and arrest violent crime fugitives. Membership agencies include the Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania State Parole Officers, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Attorney General Agents, Immigration Customs Enforcement, Chester Police Department, Bucks County Sheriffs, and Delaware County Sheriffs.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman, Grassley Introduce the Combating Violent and Dangerous Crime Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) led nine of their Republican colleagues in introducing the Combating Violent and Dangerous Crime Act, legislation to strengthen violent crime statutes, resolve conflicting court decisions by clarifying penalties for violent offenses like carjacking, robbery and kidnapping, and help deter future violent crimes.

    “Soft-on-crime policies have failed to ensure our justice system and law enforcement at all levels have the necessary authorities and tools to maintain order and protect communities from dangerous criminals,” said Boozman. “I am proud to join Senator Grassley and my colleagues to ensure violent offenders are held accountable under the law.”

    “Under the Biden-Harris administration, our nation saw a massive spike in violent crime. As the Trump administration works to clean up the previous administration’s mess, Congress has a duty to resolve any legal ambiguities that may weaken our ability to hold criminals fully accountable,” Grassley said. “Our bill includes several modest, but meaningful, reforms to tamp down on future crime and ensure justice is served.”

    The Combating Violent and Dangerous Crime Act addresses ambiguity and conflicting applications of existing law by clarifying congressional intent. Specifically, the bill would:  

    • Resolve conflicting circuit court decisions that have resulted in a higher burden to charge violent offenses; 
    • Clarify that an attempt or conspiracy to commit an offence involving physical force meets the legal definition of a violent crime; 
    • Increase the statutory maximum penalty for carjacking and remove a duplicative intent requirement needed to charge a carjacking offense;
    • Clarify that attempted bank robbery and conspiracy to commit bank robbery are punishable under the current bank robbery statute; 
    • Outlaw the marketing of candy-flavored drugs including marijuana and fentanyl to minors; and 
    • Establish a new category of violent kidnapping offenses, allowing for greater penalties for violent kidnapping. 

    Along with Boozman and Grassley, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Susan Collins (R-ME), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Jim Risch (R-ID). 

    The bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry for Third Time

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jackson, MS – A Mexican national pleaded guilty today to illegally reentering the United States following multiple prior deportations and felony convictions.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on or about March 17, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol Agents were conducting enforcement operations in Rankin County on Interstate 20. Agents conducted a vehicle stop and Luis Simon Acevedo-Rodriguez, 32, freely admitted to being a citizen of Mexico and to being present in the United States without the requisite permission. He was arrested and processed for removal. Acevedo-Rodriguez’s fingerprints were scanned into DHS databases resulting in a computer match to his prior immigration records, including photographs. Acevedo-Rodriguez has been convicted three times in the Western District of Texas – once for improper entry by an alien and twice for illegal reentry by a deported or removed alien. He has been formally removed from the United States three times previously.

    Acevedo-Rodriguez pleaded guilty to unlawful return of an alien removed after conviction of a felony. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 8, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi; Eric P. DeLaune, Special Agent-in-Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, Louisiana; and Adam M. Calderon, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector, made the announcement.

    The United States Border Patrol investigated the case with assistance from the Rankin County Sherriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie is prosecuting the case.

    This case was investigated by the Mississippi Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jackson Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jackson, MS – A Jackson man was sentenced today to five years in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

    According to court documents, Felix Peire Brown, 38, was found by United States Probation Officers to be in possession of a firearm while staying in a hotel in Jackson. Brown has prior felony convictions, including a prior federal felony conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. He was on supervised release for that prior federal felony conviction at the time of this illegal firearms possession. As a convicted felon he is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

    Brown was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 11, 2023. He pled guilty on September 26, 2024.

    In addition to five years in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Brown was also sentenced to an additional 10 months in prison for having violated the terms of his supervised release from his previous federal felony conviction.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives made the announcement.

    The ATF investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Allen prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America   (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal Alien in Los Angeles Charged with Spitting on ICE Officer

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – An illegal alien from Mexico who is living in Los Angeles was charged today with a felony count for allegedly spitting on a federal agent executing a warrant for his arrest earlier this week.

    Omar Pulido Bastida, 41, of the Historic South Central neighborhood of Los Angeles, is charged with one count of assault of a federal employee, a crime that carries a statutory maximum sentence of eight years in federal prison.

    Pulido, who earlier this year separately was charged with being an illegal alien found in the United States following removal, was arrested and made his initial appearance on Tuesday in United States District Court in Santa Ana. A federal magistrate judge order him detained and scheduled his arraignment for July 16 in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. He is expected to make his initial appearance in this case in the coming days.

    “This defendant found out the hard way: When you spit, we hit – with a felony charge,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “Law enforcement officers risk their lives and safety to uphold the law. To treat them with the disrespect, like this defendant did, mocks our great nation and such behavior will be punished accordingly.”

    According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, on Tuesday morning, a United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation officer arrived at Pulido’s residence to execute the arrest warrant on the illegal re-entry charge. After knocking on the door, the officer identified him as law enforcement with a warrant. Pulido, looking down on the officer from a second-story balcony, responded by insulting the officer.

    Several minutes later, the officer saw Pulido open the front door, which had an iron security gate separating the two men. When the officer told Pulido there was an arrest warrant for him, Pulido said, “No, get out of here. I know my rights. I’m calling my lawyer” then spat through the iron security gate onto the officer. At the time, the officer was leaning his head against the grated security gate to be able to see Pulido and felt the spit on his face. After spitting on the officer, Pulido retreated back into the residence.

    Shortly after, ICE personnel forced entry into the residence and found Pulido hiding in a second-story storage room. Pulido then said, “OK, you got me,” and was arrested.

    A criminal complaint contains allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    Homeland Security Investigations is investigating this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorney MiRi Song of the Domestic Security and Immigration Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Virginia Man Sentenced to 33 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation Offenses

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A Virginia man was sentenced today to 33 years in prison for transporting a teenager across state lines with the intent to sexually abuse her.

    According to court documents, in 2022, Daniel Wayne Kidd, 50, of Powhatan, spent thousands of dollars to entice a teenage girl to come to Virginia so that he could sexually abuse her over the course of a week. Kidd and his co-defendant, Rosalinda Delgado Rosas, schemed to obtain custody of the minor in order to ply her with expensive gifts and experiences and coerce her into engaging in sexual acts with Kidd. Prior to the nightly sexual abuse acts, the minor was given medications, including medications that made her drowsy. Kidd and Rosas also recorded Kidd’s sexual abuse of the minor. Rosas was sentenced on Sept. 4, 2024, to 25 years in prison for her role in the scheme.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Heck of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) Washington made the announcement.

    ICE-HSI investigated the case with the assistance of the Powhatan Sheriff’s Office.

    Trial Attorney Alicia A. Bove of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather H. Mansfield for the Eastern District of Virginia prosecuted the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Fuel Supplier Charged in Multimillion-Dollar Scheme to Defraud U.S. Department of Defense, other Federal Agencies

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    A federal grand jury in Miami returned an indictment today charging a Florida business owner with multiple counts of wire fraud, money laundering, and forgery for orchestrating a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies by submitting altered and fake invoices to U.S. Navy ships and other vessels through the SEA Card Program, which allows U.S. vessels to purchase critical fuel from suppliers at ports around the world.

    According to court documents filed in the Southern District of Florida, between August 2022 and January 2024, Jasen Butler, 37, of Jupiter, Florida, the owner of Independent Marine Oil Services LLC, submitted dozens of falsified documents to multiple U.S. warships — including the USS Patriot — demanding and receiving over $5 million dollars in payments for phony expenses that Butler had not incurred. These ships were attempting to purchase fuel in international ports such as Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Croatia, among others. Butler also concealed his identity from government officials by using a false name and feigning employment by a fictitious fuel division of a different company. As alleged in the indictment, Butler used the millions in fraud proceeds to personally enrich himself and purchase multiple properties, including in Florida and Colorado. 

    “This indictment sends a clear, public message: the Antitrust Division and its Procurement Collusion Strike Force under President Trump will not rest until all who defraud the brave men and women of the U.S. military and the American taxpayers receive swift justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail A. Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division.

    “Investigating complex fraud schemes which impact U.S. Coast Guard operations is a priority for CGIS,” said Special Agent in Charge Josh Packer of the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) Southeast Field Office. “CGIS remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate any fraud which undermines the integrity of the Coast Guard’s supply chain.”

    “Mr. Butler’s alleged involvement in unlawfully submitting fraudulent invoices related to U.S. naval ships receiving fuel during port visits is an affront to the warfighter and taxpayer,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Economic Crimes Field Office. “NCIS remains committed to thoroughly investigating those who commit fraud impacting the Department of Navy.”

    If convicted, Butler faces maximum penalties of 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud, up to 10 years for each count of forgery, and up to 10 years for each count of money laundering. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

    Assistant Chief Sara Clingan and Trial Attorney Jonathan Pomeranz and of the Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.

    The NCIS and CGIS are investigating the case.

    Anyone with information about this investigation or other procurement fraud schemes should notify the PCSF at www.justice.gov/atr/webform/pcsf-citizen-complaint. The Justice Department created the PCSF in November 2019. It is a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant and program funding at all levels of government — federal, state and local. For more information, visit www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force.

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

    MIL Security OSI –