NewzIntel.com

Category: CTF

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nevada CPA Sentenced to Three Years in Prison in False Tax Return Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    LAS VEGAS – A Nevada man was sentenced Tuesday to three years in prison for willfully aiding and assisting the filing of false tax returns, in connection with a scheme to sell purported investment opportunities to clients that he falsely claimed would entitle them to IRS tax deductions.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Lance K. Bradford, of Henderson, was a certified public accountant and founder and manager of LL Bradford & Company (LLB). LLB performed accounting-related work, including tax preparation, audit and consulting services. Bradford also operated a real estate business that developed office buildings and other real property. In connection with Bradford’s real estate development activities, he operated and controlled a real estate investment partnership entity.

    In 2011, Bradford began offering LLB’s high-net-worth clients an “investment opportunity” through which the clients would make a payment to his partnership entity and, in exchange, receive a large tax deduction of approximately five to seven times the amount of money the client “invested.” Bradford advised that the clients’ payments would entitle them to claim the large tax deduction based on losses derived from the partnership entity, even though he knew the tax laws did not permit the sale of such deductions in exchange for an investment of money, and the partnership did not incur the losses or depreciation in the amounts represented by Bradford. Bradford also did not report the purported investments as losses on the clients’ tax returns as promised. Instead, he caused the clients’ returns to report large false deductions for cost of goods sold, professional and consulting fees or nonpassive losses. In total, Bradford’s scheme caused a tax loss to the IRS of at least $8 million.

    As one example from his investment scheme, in 2014, Bradford asked a client to make a $417,780 “investment” to his partnership entity in exchange for purported depreciation-based losses to be placed on his client’s 2013 corporate tax return (Form 1120S). But instead of reporting depreciation related to the investment, Bradford caused LLB to prepare and file a Form 1120S that falsely inflated the company’s cost of goods sold by $2,110,000, causing a tax loss to the IRS of approximately $860,627.

    In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Gloria M. Navarro ordered Bradford to serve one year of supervised release and pay $6,734,338 in restitution to the United States.

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

    IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case, with assistance from the FBI.

    Trial Attorney Patrick Burns of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hudson County Convicted Felon Indicted for Possessing a Firearm and an Extended Magazine

    Source: US FBI

    NEWARK, N.J. – A Hudson County man has been indicted for a firearms offense, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

    Richard Sharp, 25, of Bayonne, New Jersey and known on social media as “Famous Richard,” is charged with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. He was arrested earlier today and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court and was detained.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    On July 4, 2024, law enforcement responded to reports of an incident at a gas station in Bayonne, New Jersey. The investigation revealed that during an altercation at the gas station, Sharp had brandished a firearm with an extended magazine and threatened to shoot other people who were at the gas station. Several days later, Sharp posted a video on social media showing him dancing while holding a firearm equipped with an extended magazine.

    Subsequently, on July 12, 2024, following a judicially authorized search of Sharp’s residence and vehicle, law enforcement recovering a loaded Beretta M9 semi-automatic handgun with a defaced serial number and an extended magazine that contained approximately 24 rounds of ammunition.

    The count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition is punishable by a maximum of 15 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Newark Field Division under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian J. Driscoll, with the investigation. He also thanked the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Esther Suarez and the Bayonne Police Department under the direction of Police Chief Robert Geisler.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Nadel of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit in Newark.

    The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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    Defense counsel: Areeb Salim, Esq. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mercer County Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Firearms, Fentanyl, and Cocaine

    Source: US FBI

    TRENTON, N.J. – A Mercer County, New Jersey, man was arrested and charged with illegally possessing firearms and possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

    Jose Colon-Matos, 33, of Trenton, is charged by complaint with one count of being a previously convicted felon in possession of two firearms, one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He made his initial appearance on January 6, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni in Trenton federal court and was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for January 10, 2025.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    On May 15, 2024, following an investigation into narcotics activity in Hamilton Township in Mercer County, law enforcement officers conducted a court-ordered search of an apartment used by Colon-Matos during which they recovered from a safe in the apartment two loaded firearms, including one with an obliterated serial number, distribution quantities of suspected fentanyl and cocaine, and approximately $9,000.00 in United States currency. The narcotics were subsequently tested by the New Jersey State Police forensic laboratory, which returned positive results for fentanyl and cocaine.

    The charge of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm carries a potential maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed, and a maximum potential penalty of life imprisonment, and a fine of $250,000.

    U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Brian Driscoll in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the Hamilton Township Police Division, under the direction of Chief Kenneth R. DeBoskey, and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, for their assistance in the investigation.

    The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Garelick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.

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

    Defense counsel: Andrea G. Aldana, Assistant Federal Public Defender, Office of the Federal Public Defender.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Inmate Sentenced to Additional 10 Years in Prison for Possessing Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    CAMDEN, N.J. – A federal inmate serving a ten-year sentence for possessing child pornography was sentenced today to an additional ten years in prison for possessing images and videos of child sexual abuse while incarcerated on his prior conviction, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

    Daniel Baldwin, 33, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler to an information charging him with one count of possession of child pornography.  U.S. District Judge Karen M. Williams imposed the sentence today.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    Baldwin was convicted in 2018 of possessing child pornography and sentenced to ten years imprisonment.  In June 2022, while serving his sentence at a federal correctional institution in New Jersey, corrections officers found a SD card hidden in Daniel Baldwin’s clothing.  A subsequent search of the SD card revealed hundreds of images and videos of child pornography, including depictions of prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Williams sentenced Baldwin to seven years of supervised release.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the leadership of Special Agent in Charge Brian J. Driscoll, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.  He also thanked FCI Fort Dix staff for their assistance in the investigation.

    The Government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel A. Friedman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Camden.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bergen County Man Sentenced to 72 Months in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin

    Source: US FBI

    NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergen County, New Jersey, man was sentenced to 72 months in prison for possession of heroin with intent to distribute, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

    Dawan A. Brown, 37, of Cliffside Park, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before Judge Brian R. Martinotti to an information charging him with one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin.  Judge Martinotti imposed the sentence in Newark federal court.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    Since at least January 2022, law enforcement had investigated drug trafficking activity in the District of New Jersey, to include in and around Harrison, New Jersey.  During the investigation, law enforcement officers learned that Dawan Brown, a/k/a “DB,” distributes narcotics in New Jersey.  

    Through investigation, law enforcement officers learned that Brown packaged and distributed large amounts of heroin from an apartment in a building located in Harrison, New Jersey.  On June 14, 2022, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at the Harrison apartment and at Brown’s residence located in Cliffside Park, New Jersey.  From the apartment in Harrison, officers recovered approximately two kilograms of narcotics, suspected to contain amounts of heroin and fentanyl; drug paraphernalia, including a ledger, a safe, scales, a coffee and spice grinder, ink pads, stamps, Ziplock bags, vacuum bags and a vacuum bag sealer machine, razor blades, glassine envelopes and strainers; and approximately $34,000 that was contained within the safe along with some of the suspected heroin and fentanyl.  From the residence in Cliffside Park, officers recovered approximately $169,000, five cell phones, safety deposit keys, and various jewelry including diamond necklaces, gold watches, and a gold ring.  Law enforcement officers also recovered approximately $225,000 from safety deposit boxes that were associated with Brown.

    As part of his plea agreement, Brown agreed to forfeit $436,615.95, the proceeds from the narcotics trafficking.

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Martinotti sentenced Brown to four years of supervised release.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian J Driscoll Newark; the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II; Harrison Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Strumolo; and Cliffside Park Police Department, under the direction of Chief Marc Marano, with the investigation leading to the sentencing.  He also thanked the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, the Bloomfield Police Department, the Newark Police Department, Irvington Police Department, Hillsborough Police Department, and the Fort Lee Police Department.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert L. Frazer of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dong Joo Lee of the Cybercrime Unit, in Newark.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI Announce Five-Count Indictment in Violent Crime Spree on Navajo Nation

    Source: US FBI

    ALBUQUERQUE – A federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment against Rydell Happy for his alleged involvement in a violent crime spree on April 24, 2024. Happy, who was already in custody awaiting trial on a second-degree murder charge, now faces charges for first degree murder, two counts of using and carrying a firearm during and relation to a crime of violence and discharging said firearm, assault with a dangerous weapon and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

    According to court documents, on April 24, 2024, Happy, 31, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, allegedly shot John Doe in the head with a revolver and then repeatedly beat his head with a baseball bat, resulting in Doe’s death.

    The indictment further alleges that on the same day, Happy assaulted Jane Doe with a revolver and discharged the firearm during the incident.

    The indictment further alleges that Happy, who was previously convicted of domestic violence, is prohibited from possessing firearms.

    If convicted of the current charges, Happy faces a mandatory life sentence or death for the first-degree murder charge, and 10 to 15 years for the other charges.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Eliot Neal is prosecuting the case.

    This case is being prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which aims to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people through the resolution of MMIP cases and communication, coordination, and collaboration with federal, Tribal, state, and local partners.  The Department views this work as a priority for its law enforcement components. Through the MMIP Regional Outreach Program, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify MMIP cases and issues in Tribal communities and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. This prosecution upholds the Department’s mission to the unwavering pursuit of justice on behalf of Indigenous victims and their families.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Vice Ranking Member Amo Introduces R.U.B.I.O. Act After Secretary Rubio Obscures Dire State of Food Aid for Starving Kids

    Source: US Congressman Gabe Amo (Rhode Island 1st District)

    The Reaffirming Unified Boundaries for Integrity and Oversight (R.U.B.I.O.) Act would ensure the Secretary of State is only doing one job.

    WASHINGTON, DC – House Foreign Affairs Vice Ranking Member Gabe Amo (D-RI), introduced the Reaffirming Unified Boundaries for Integrity and Oversight or R.U.B.I.O. Act to prohibit the Secretary of State from taking on additional roles in the Federal government while serving as Secretary.

    To ensure that Secretaries of State have adequate time and attention to manage our nation’s foreign policy, this legislation requires that the Secretary of State do only the job the Senate confirmed them to do – serve as Secretary of State.

    “Foreign aid should be a foreign policy priority, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio is dropping the ball. In my questioning yesterday in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, our Secretary didn’t know the true state of the delayed contracts for Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food aid manufactured by Rhode Island nonprofit, Edesia Nutrition, meant to save the lives of starving children around the world” said Vice Ranking Member Amo (D-RI). “To ensure Secretary Rubio can focus on preventing children from starving while supporting American jobs, I’m introducing the R.U.B.I.O. Act toprevent the Secretary of State from holding more than one job. This bill just makes sure our food aid programs don’t fall through the cracks and the Secretary has the time and energy to do his job well.”

    Watch Vice Ranking Member Amo’s Questioning of Secretary Rubio Here.

    BACKGROUND

    On May 21, 2025, Amo questioned Secretary Rubio about the ready-to-use therapeutic food aid program that has been impacted by the Department’s work stoppage orders and disorganization. In the hearing, Rubio confirmed Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) produced by Rhode Island’s Edesia Nutrition is lifesaving aid and Amo pressed the Secretary to do everything to keep starving children from dying.

    Amo has been trying to hold Rubio accountable to solve State Department administrative problems that threaten Rhode Island jobs and prevent life saving aid from reaching starving children for months.

    On January 31, 2025, Amo asked Secretary Rubiofor information on the Trump administration’s unilateral foreign aid pause impact on the production and delivery of Rhode Island-made RUTFs. Amo called outSecretary Rubio for missing a deadline to provide clarity on foreign aid distribution on February 7.
     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Archaeologists from China and Uzbekistan were “prompted” to collaborate by the Sogdians who visited China in ancient times

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, May 23 (Xinhua) — The Fergana-Shanxi Archaeological Center and the Laboratory for the Protection and Restoration of Cultural Monuments were officially opened in Uzbekistan earlier this month. They were founded by the Archaeological Institute of North China’s Shanxi Province, the Shanxi Provincial Museum and Fergana State University.

    The parties agreed to conduct joint archaeological research in the Fergana Valley, train specialists, etc.

    The interest of experts on both sides in establishing cooperation is probably quite justified, given the fact that close contacts between the ancestors of the inhabitants of today’s Shanxi Province and Fergana Region were established in ancient times. In a sense, bilateral cooperation was prescribed more than a thousand years ago.

    From the middle of the 1st millennium BC, the Sogdians inhabited Sogdiana, a historical region between the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers in the territory of modern Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. As historical records and archaeological research show, they actively participated in trade on the Great Silk Road.

    Among the Sogdians who established contacts with the Celestial Empire, Yu Hong is one of the most well-studied. The discovery of his tomb in 1999 in Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi Province, was a sensation in scientific circles.

    Archaeologists were extremely surprised when, during the excavation of a single-chamber brick tomb, a giant sarcophagus made of white marble appeared before them. The monumental coffin with elegant paintings and bas-reliefs has dimensions of 2.17 m, 2.95 m and 2.20 m and weighs more than 10 tons. In shape, it resembles a traditional Chinese wooden building with a “floating” roof.

    According to ancient Chinese rules, sarcophagi made of ordinary stone slabs were available only to members of imperial families. A sarcophagus made of high-quality snow-white marble in a burial has never been found in China before!

    Researchers soon clarified the identity of the deceased based on the epitaph. It turned out that a native of Central Asia was buried there, who bore a Chinese surname and the name Yu Hong.

    Yu Hong’s biography is legendary. He was born in 533 in Sogdiana. Starting from the age of 13, he held high positions in the Rouran Khaganate. Then he was sent on a mission to Persia, Tuyuhun and other states. As a diplomatic representative, Yu Hong visited the state of Northern Qi /550-577/, which included some of today’s northern regions of China, and for one reason or another remained in China until his death at the age of 60.

    Yu Hong held many positions in China, from the commander of the troops, the head of the Liangzhou district to the general. He was also assigned to oversee the affairs of foreign immigrants, said Ji Meijun, deputy director of the Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage of Taiyuan City.

    In the 5th and 6th centuries, a large number of people from the “Western Region” visited Taiyuan and other cities in northern China. Traveling east along the Great Silk Road, they were either engaged in trade or cultural and artistic activities in the Celestial Empire. The numerous material sources they left behind formed brilliant pictures of the exchanges between the East and the West, experts believe.

    Rector of Fergana State University Bakhodirjon Shermukhammadov noted the ancient history of contacts between Central Asia and China at the opening ceremony of the Fergana-Shanxi Archaeological Center.

    The interaction between the two sides clearly demonstrates the modern significance of the Great Silk Road. Fergana State University is trying to serve as an example of Uzbek-Chinese cultural exchanges and cooperation, he added. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s New Cargo Drone Makes First Flight

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, May 23 (Xinhua) — Caihong-YH1000, one of China’s new cargo UAVs, has successfully completed its maiden flight, marking another advance in unmanned logistics.

    The Caihong-YH1000 aircraft-type transport drone, developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), is designed for general-purpose flights at medium altitudes with the ability to take off and land from a short strip, and is also suitable for use in complex environments.

    The dual-motor configuration allows the drone to take off and land on roads, hard ground, and grass surfaces. The drone can even take off and land on water surfaces using additional float attachments or on snow using ski attachments.

    The range of this drone is 1,500 km, the load capacity is 1,200 kg. Its maximum operating altitude reaches 8,000 meters, and the flight duration is 10 hours.

    The drone has different loading options, allowing for cargo to be loaded into the nose and dropped mid-flight from the bottom of the body. Additionally, a 6-kilowatt onboard power source allows for specialized operations.

    In the future, the Caihong-YH1000 can be used to deliver goods to hard-to-reach areas in the central and western parts of the country. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xi Jinping stresses need to promote high-quality cultural and ethical development

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, May 23 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed the need to promote high-quality cultural and ethical development to provide strong spiritual support for building a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation.

    Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while giving instructions on work to promote cultural and ethical progress. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: South Korea and the United States have not discussed the issue of reducing the American military contingent

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    SEOUL, May 23 (Xinhua) — The Republic of Korea’s Defense Ministry said Friday that Seoul has not discussed with Washington the issue of withdrawing some U.S. troops from the Korean Peninsula.

    The ministry issued a statement in response to a US media report that Washington was considering withdrawing about 4,500 troops from the ROK.

    There are currently about 28.5 thousand American military personnel stationed in the Republic of Korea. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Iran will respond decisively to any “violation” – MFA

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    TEHRAN, May 23 (Xinhua) — Iran will not hesitate to respond to any “violation” and will spare no effort to protect its interests and people, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned on Thursday on social media.

    He was responding to a CNN report published Tuesday that cited informed US officials as saying the US had received new intelligence indicating Israel was preparing to strike Iranian nuclear facilities.

    Calling such plans “illegal” and “alarming,” A. Araghchi called for their immediate condemnation by the UN Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

    He noted that earlier in the day, in a letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi, he called on the international community to take effective preventive measures against ongoing threats from Israel.

    The minister stressed that the letter was a serious warning. Iran would take “special measures” to protect its people, interests and nuclear facilities, IRNA quoted him as saying.

    If Israel commits any act of aggression against Iran, it will definitely receive a “crushing and decisive” response, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesman Ali Mohammad Naeini was quoted by Tasnim news agency as saying in response to the threats.

    The report on Israel’s preparations for potential military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities comes as four rounds of Iranian-American proxy talks on Tehran’s nuclear program and the lifting of U.S. sanctions have taken place since April, with a fifth round expected in Rome on Friday.

    In recent days, US officials have repeatedly demanded that Iran completely stop enriching uranium, but Tehran has steadfastly refused. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Deal impossible if US pushes Iran to stop enriching uranium – FM

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    TEHRAN, May 23 (Xinhua) — There will be no nuclear deal if the United States seeks to stop Iran’s uranium enrichment, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said live on state television IRIB on Thursday, ahead of the fifth round of proxy nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in Rome on Friday.

    “There are still fundamental differences between us. The American side does not believe in uranium enrichment in Iran. If this is their goal, there will be no agreement,” Araghchi said, responding to recent demands by American officials that Tehran completely stop enriching uranium on its territory.

    “However, if they want Iran not to move towards nuclear weapons, that can be achieved. We do not want nuclear weapons,” he stressed.

    A. Araghchi noted that the nuclear agreement signed between Iran and several other countries in 2015 is no longer in effect, “but that does not mean the deal is dead.” He said the agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, could be revived.

    A. Araghchi also stressed that Iran will not abandon its nuclear program, including uranium enrichment.

    Since April, Iran and the United States have held four rounds of indirect talks on Tehran’s nuclear program and the lifting of American sanctions. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University to Train Top AI and IT Specialists

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    The Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of Russia and the Analytical Center under the Government of the Russian Federation have summed up the results of the competitive selection of universities to receive grants to launch higher education programs aimed at training highly qualified specialists in the field of artificial intelligence and information technology. Polytechnic University became the winner of both competitions. The project will be implemented at the Institute of Computer Science and Cybersecurity.

    Two structures will be created in the IKNK.

    Cross-industry educational center for artificial intelligence. Educational center for software and hardware systems for information systems, data storage systems and telecommunications.

    Winning the competition was a natural step in the development of IT education at our university. Now the task is to create an educational environment aimed at developing skills in analyzing large amounts of data, mastering machine learning methods, deeply understanding the capabilities and limitations of artificial intelligence, as well as the ability to assess the ethical implications of using the latest digital solutions. The joint work of the university and our partners in creating specialized centers helps to prepare high-level professionals who are able to successfully cope with modern challenges of the labor market and strengthen Russia’s competitiveness in the global digital environment, said Lyudmila Pankova, Vice-Rector for Educational Activities at SPbPU.

    The project will be implemented jointly with industrial partners from among leading IT companies, including Rostelecom and YADRO.

    Admission to bachelor’s degree programs in AI and IT will start this academic year. Top specialists will be trained within the framework of the national project “Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State”.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU students win student track of National Technological Olympiad

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Students had to propose their own solution to a case on creating a water consumption management system in a residential area of a “smart city”, taking into account the elimination of drinking water losses during its transportation to the consumer.

    The Novosibirsk team, consisting of two NSU and two NSTU students, beat students from Tomsk Polytechnic University, Skoltech, Moscow Aviation Institute, Moscow Engineering Physics Institute, Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Higher School of Economics, Innopolis University, and Izhevsk State Technical University named after M.T. Kalashnikov in the final competition.

    Team composition:

    — Daria Kolomnikova, 1st year master’s student Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of NSU,

    — Ilya Merzlyakov, 1st year master’s student Faculty of Information Technology NSU,

    — Igor Uchanov, Novosibirsk State Technical University,

    — Maxim Nerlikh, Novosibirsk State Technical University.

    — Our team has been participating in the NTO finals in the Smart City profile for many years, since school days. For many participating teams, this has already become a tradition, so the competition for first place has always been very serious. And now, after several years of winning prizes, we finally achieved our goal and took first place. We experienced a storm of emotions: joy for the victory, sadness that we might not return as participants, respect for our rivals who became our friends, and enormous gratitude to the profile organizers.

    I was especially pleased that the organizers paid attention to the problem of insufficient involvement of female students in the Olympiad movement in the field of IT, and presented me with an award for “courage” to participate not for the first time in an all-male team of six teams, – shared her impressions Daria Kolomnikova.

    The Smart City profile implies the concept of integrating information and communication technologies and the Internet of Things to improve the quality of life and well-being of the city’s population. This is the digitalization of all services, measurement and control of parameters in the city infrastructure, predictive diagnostics and management based on data analytics.

    — Every year, the organizers come up with new tasks related to the automation of the city infrastructure. This year was no exception, and we solved the problem of modeling and automating water consumption and water supply. In the water consumption task, it was important to make a full-fledged service where the user can get all the statistics on consumption, payment and leaks in his apartment. At the same time, the statistics were based on real data obtained from our model. In addition, the smart city concept pays much attention to saving resources and conscious consumption, so it was necessary to implement a limitation of water supply depending on user consumption, — added Daria.

    In this way, the finalists contribute to the construction of the digital city of the future with their projects.

    — The algorithms developed by the finalists in the urban water supply management systems can be modified and scaled for operation in a real urban environment. This will not only allow you to monitor your water consumption in real time, but also significantly save water resources and your own finances, — said Alexander Zarnitsyn, profile developer, senior lecturer in the electronic engineering department of the TPU School of Non-Destructive Testing and Safety.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 22 May 2025 Departmental update Dengue Expert Review Panel for Diagnostics

    Source: World Health Organisation

    In response to the 2024–2025 global dengue emergency, the World Health Organization (WHO) activated its Expert Review Panel for Diagnostics (ERPD) to guide the selection and use of appropriate diagnostic tools for dengue. This initiative was coordinated by the Public Health Laboratory Strengthening unit of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme and the Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme in collaboration with WHO’s Prequalification Programme.

    The ERPD provides an expert-driven mechanism to evaluate the potential risks and benefits of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical devices that are not currently covered by WHO’s prequalification process or other stringent regulatory assessment. Comprising an independent advisory group of technical experts, the ERPD assesses whether candidate diagnostics meet defined quality and performance criteria and classifies their risk to support evidence-based procurement decisions. Recognizing critical gaps in the availability of IVDs – particularly for epidemic-prone neglected tropical diseases – WHO supports the procurement of diagnostic products and laboratory items essential for managing a wide range of communicable and noncommunicable diseases.

    Following a thorough review process, seven diagnostic products for dengue have been listed. These recommendations are valid for one year and are intended to facilitate timely and informed procurement decisions in the global health response to the dengue emergency.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • White House ‘MAHA’ report calls out food, chemicals impact on children’s health

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A commission led by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Thursday issued a report that said processed food, chemicals, stress and overprescription of medications and vaccines may be factors behind chronic illness in American children.

    The report, from the commission named after the Make America Healthy Again, or MAHA, social movement aligned with Kennedy, is focused on what he says is a national crisis of increasing rates of childhood obesity, diabetes, cancer, mental health disorders, allergies and neurodevelopmental conditions like autism.

    “MAHA is hot,” President Donald Trump said during a press event. “We will not allow our public health system to be captured by the very industries it’s supposed to oversee.”

    Kennedy said there was consensus among the commission’s members to prioritize what he called the ultra-processed food crisis and to work to improve the food American children eat.

    The report also highlighted studies linking health disorders in humans and animals to the weed killers glyphosate and atrazine, but did not call for specific regulatory changes or restrictions on pesticides used in farming. It said the chemicals should be further researched.

    It criticized the U.S. approach to vaccines in children, saying European children are recommended to receive fewer. He called for study of the impact of vaccines on childhood chronic disease and of vaccine injuries.

    Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic, has for many years pushed debunked theories about the safety of vaccines contrary to scientific evidence. As head of the agency, he has overseen cuts of about 20,000 of 80,000 employees due to layoffs and departures.

    Peter Lurie, president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a food and health watchdog, said the report recycles longtime concerns of Kennedy, from vaccines to seed oils.

    “To the extent that they come up with good ideas, they’re going to run into the self-inflicted wound of their own decimation of the federal workforce. Many of their better ideas will not be doable,” Lurie said.

    Many of the MAHA activists that surround Kennedy were present in Washington for the release of the report, which they largely applauded as a vindication of their work.

    But, one such activist, Kelly Ryerson, who campaigns against the use of glyphosate-based pesticides, called the report “very cautious on the subject of pesticides,” adding that she’d like to see more Environmental Protection Agency action on the topic.

    Bayer BAYGn.DE, which is involved in thousands of lawsuits surrounding its glyphosate-based herbicide Roundup, said some details around pesticides in the report were not “fact based.”

    “We believe a fact and data-driven approach with robust science that follows international gold standards is necessary to support these important initiatives,” Bayer said.

    As an environmental lawyer, Kennedy was associated with three lawsuits related to Roundup, which is owned by Bayer after its acquisition of Monsanto.

    ULTRAPROCESSED FOOD

    The food industry has said that additives in packaged food have been thoroughly reviewed by regulators and help it remain shelf stable.

    The American Soybean Association was critical of the report, which they said was “drafted entirely behind closed doors” and inaccurately suggests that pesticides and soy oils contribute to negative health outcomes.

    “We’re discouraging people from consuming heart-healthy oils and driving them to instead use fats that will make them less healthy and cost them more in the process,” said ASA Director Alan Meadows, a soybean farmer.

    Marion Nestle, a professor of nutrition at New York University, told Reuters the report was “a devastating critique of what’s happened to America’s children.”

    But she said, “to deal with the root causes of the conditions detailed here, this administration will have to take on Big Food, Big Pharma, Big Agriculture, Big Chemical, and get coal-burning plants to clean up their emissions. A lot of this is counter to the MAGA agenda, and the decimation of federal agencies can’t help.”

    The report called for enhanced surveillance and safety research into drugs and childhood health outcomes and clinical studies comparing whole-food to processed-food diets in children.

    The definition of ultra-processed food is hotly debated, while the report describes it as industrially manufactured products.

    The report says that core products of so-called “Big Food”, which typically references companies such as Kraft Heinz KHC.O, Nestle NESN.S and PepsiCo PEP.O, are ultra-processed.

    Kraft Heinz manufactures Heinz Ketchup and Kraft mac & cheese, Nestle produces frozen pizzas and dinners under the Stouffer’s and Lean Cuisine brands, while PepsiCo owns Frito-Lay, a salty snacks business.

    The report also cites infant formula as an ultra-processed food that is concerning.

    FARM LOBBY PRESSURE

    Thursday’s report will be followed by policy prescriptions due in August. Trump signed an executive order in February establishing the commission whose members include Kennedy, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, other cabinet members and senior White House officials.

    Before the report’s publication, farm lobby groups had warned that criticizing specific farm practices could impede collaboration on the administration’s health agenda and put food production at risk.

    According to a source familiar with the matter, the lobby groups had strongly pressured the administration to not mention pesticides in the report.

    EPA head Lee Zeldin said on a call with reporters that farmers are key partners in enacting the MAHA agenda and that any changes to pesticide regulations would need careful consideration.

    REUTERS

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Joint statement, Nordic-Baltic Summit at Harpsund

    Source: Government of Sweden

    We, the Heads of Government of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Norway, Poland, and Sweden met today in Harpsund, Sweden, at a pivotal time for our security. As a result of this Summit, all the leaders of the Nordic-Baltic countries and Poland, have agreed the following:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Civil Disorder and Assaulting Federal Officers

    Source: US FBI

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that JohnMichael Santiago, 25, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of civil disorder and assaulting a federal officer, was sentenced to serve 33 months by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Moynihan, who handled the case, stated that on September 4, 2020, following the release of information by the Rochester Police Department (RPD) regarding the death of Daniel Prude, a group of protesters damaged property and turned over tables at two restaurants in Rochester, causing numerous patrons to leave. During the evening of September 5, 2020, Santiago was part of a group of approximately 1,500 protesters that gathered at Broad Street and Exchange Boulevard, about a block north of RPD headquarters, where they blocked all lanes of traffic on nearby streets. Over the next few hours, some protesters hurled rocks, bottles, lit fireworks, and other objects at police officers in the area. Some also shined flashlights and pointed lasers at officers. Protesters were repeatedly asked to move onto the sidewalks and leave the area or be subject to arrest. Many disregarded the requests, remained in the streets, and continued to block traffic. Santiago threw an ignited firework in the direction of a line of uniformed RPD officers, which detonated in the immediate vicinity of the officers. Santiago was not arrested that night, but was later interviewed by law enforcement about the incident. Santiago admitted that he attended the protests, brought fireworks to the protests, and threw an ignited mortar-style firework at police officers.

    While in custody at the Livingston County Jail, after being charged with civil disorder, Santiago assaulted two corrections officers, throwing a hard plastic cup at one, and striking the other in the face with his fist.  Officers began to wrestle Santiago to secure him, during which one officer suffered contusions and a concussion, and a second suffered a back injury.

    The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the United States Marshall’s Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Lending Companies Out of Millions of Dollars with Dozens of Stolen Identities

    Source: US FBI

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Paul Paredes, 53, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of two years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that since 2013, Paredes has owned J&E Business Consulting LLC, which provides services to client businesses, including acting as a broker between the credit card processing companies and smaller retail businesses. Small businesses provide J&E with their financial information, such as the owner’s identifying information, including driver’s license, social security number, and email, as well as bank account information.

    Between April 2019, and August 2023, Paredes submitted hundreds of fraudulent financing applications to dozens of lenders under the identities of his business customers (victims), for goods and services allegedly provided by Paredes, with the funds payable to bank accounts controlled by Paredes. These financing agreements were prepared in the names if victims, using their personal information, and without their knowledge, consent, or authorization. After a financing agreement was approved, money from the victim lender was deposited into one of numerous bank accounts controlled by Paredes, who used the money he obtained from the scheme to fund his personal expenses, pay salaries and operating expenses, or to make payments to victim lenders to avoid detection of the fraudulent loans. By making those payments to the victim lenders, Paredes was able to continue making similar fraudulent financing agreements with multiple victim lenders without discovery. To further avoid detection, on occasions when victims received communications from victim lenders about the fraudulent financing agreements, Paredes misled them about the purpose of the communications and told them he would handle it.

    Paredes used the identity of at least 63 individuals to defraud at least 23 victim lenders, utilizing at least 12 different bank accounts and moving the money he obtained from the scheme throughout different accounts. Paredes submitted false loan applications from Rochester, NY, to the out-of-state lenders located throughout the country, including in New Jersey, Virginia, Illinois, Texas, North Carolina, Florida, Washington, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Colorado, and Minnesota. The total loss amount is at least $3,500,000.

    The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Internal Revenue Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Fattorusso, and the New York State Department of Financial Services-Criminal Investigation Bureau, under the direction of Superintendent Adrienne A. Harris.

    Sentencing is scheduled for April 29, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. before Judge Wolford.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI’s Underwater Search and Evidence Response Team, Part 2

    Source: US FBI

    Training

    Making it through tryouts is just the beginning of the USERT journey—the next step is to “turn qualifying candidates into USERT divers,” said Hudson. “So, you did your recreational diving, but what we’re doing is definitely not recreational diving.”

    Trainees go through USERT Basic, an intense two-week certification course that’s held once a year in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. USERT Basic includes instruction in:

    • Dry suit diving
    • Underwater navigation
    • Full-face mask diving
    • Dive helmets
    • Rescue diving
    • Surface-supplied air
    • Boat diving
    • Emergency oxygen administration
    • Public safety diving
    • Deep diving

    “You start in the dry suit and in the standard AGA facemask and learn the different search techniques we use,” explained Hudson. “As the course goes on, we introduce new equipment and scenarios.

    “For example, you’ll have the dry suit and the AGA, but you’ll be learning emergency procedures. Then we start adding metal detectors and then move to surface air supply systems. We also cover things like how to lift a car underwater. When you’re done, you’ll pretty much have touched on and learned every basic piece of equipment we use.”

    On the final day of training, USERT stages weapons in a Miami canal, where the trainees must successfully retrieve them. “It’s a dirty environment like they’re going to face once they’re on a real job,” explained Hudson, who also noted that criminals tend to dispose of evidence in places that aren’t easy to search. “We put divers to work. We have one instructor running the dive supervisor role, but the rest of the positions are covered by the trainees. They have to unload and set up the gear, conduct their dive, find the weapons we’ve thrown in, and then break everything down and clean it.”

    In addition to these physical and tactical skillsets, Hudson stressed that it’s also important for USERT divers to stay calm under pressure and problem solve: “As you dive in water where there’s zero visibility, sometimes issues come up, and keeping calm and not panicking is the key to staying safe.”

    Throughout their careers with USERT, divers have opportunities to learn new skills, including courses in boat driving, SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging), and ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicles). Training is also provided to refresh skills and to prepare the team for specific diving environments in conjunction with their assignments—which could range from how to dive under ice to how to dive and swim through fast-moving currents.

    “They’re perishable skills, so you need to keep training,” said Hudson.

    Meet the Agent: Supervisory Special Agent and USERT Program Manager Brian Hudson

    Diving is what I’ve been doing for a while—I’ve been diving since about 2001 when I got certified in PADI, and I worked at a dive shop in college.

    I joined the Bureau in 2011. My first office was Miami. Even though I didn’t join the Bureau to become a diver, it was lucky that my first office was Miami because that’s one of the four field offices that has a dive team [USERT]. I wanted a collateral duty and diving was something I enjoyed doing, so it was right up my alley to take the skillsets I had from diving and apply them to my work. It was an opportunity to “do what you love.” The option to dive with the FBI was awesome.

    I stayed on as a diver until about 2019 and then spent about two years as a USERT training coordinator. In 2021, I became the USERT program manager. When it comes to managing USERT, I have myself and two other supervisory special agents. We also have a forensic operational specialist who works with us. We manage the budget and act as the focal point for when field offices have requests for jobs—they send the requests to us and then we assign the teams and program training to prepare the divers.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI’s Underwater Search and Evidence Response Team, Part 3

    Source: US FBI

    Despite the usual pitch-black environment they work in, divers rarely use lights below the surface because particulate matter churned up from walking on the bottom diffuses any light. Instead, divers often rely on intelligence gathered during the initial dive, as well as metal detectors and sonar equipment—usually controlled from the surface—to locate and direct them toward evidence and other items they’re searching for.

    Sonar, short for “sound navigation and ranging,” is a technique that uses sound waves to locate objects. It is useful for exploring and mapping bodies of water because sound waves travel farther in the water than radar and light waves. “As items go up in size, the areas that need to be searched get bigger, and the initial intelligence about the site may not be quite as concise,” said Hudson, who explained that sonar systems are especially useful in these scenarios.  

    USERT also uses remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), which both collect images and other data underwater, as well as investigate areas that are too dangerous for divers.  

    As divers find items to recover, they often place smaller objects in airtight containers and then carry them back up to the surface. 

    But if items are over 15 pounds, divers use lift bags. Smaller lift bags look similar to parachute-shaped balloons that divers can inflate underwater and attach to the items that need to be raised to the surface. Divers can inflate these bags using either a regulator or a low-pressure inflator hose. This allows the diver to adjust the buoyancy of the lift bag and to safely control the ascent. Larger lift bags can raise objects as large and heavy as 2,000-pound vehicles.
     
    Upon collecting all the items at the scene, USERT follows chain of custody guidelines. Each agency—whether the FBI or a local law enforcement department—follows its own rigorous processes. Most items are sent to a lab for further examination. Depending on the amount of time spent underwater, lab technicians can then gather information as detailed as cell phone data or DNA samples.  

    USERT: Tools of the Trade

    Peer into the Underwater Search and Evidence Response Team (USERT) toolbox to see how everyday items and specialized equipment help the team process a scene.

    See more

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: USERT: Tools of the Trade

    Source: US FBI

    Light and Camera System

    Lights and recording functions are controlled from the surface, and high-definition images are displayed on surface monitors. However, divers rarely use lights below the surface because particulate matter churned up from walking on the bottom diffuses any light.

    Metal Detectors

    Different sizes of underwater metal detectors allow divers to locate large and small objects.

    Lift Bags

    Divers are prohibited from lifting anything above 15 pounds by themselves. Lift bags inflate to lift objects as large and heavy as 2,000-pound vehicles. Bags are inflated either by divers or, for larger items, by surface-supplied air.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Launches Stolen Art App

    Source: US FBI

    Claude Monet paintings. Stradivarius violins. Tiffany lamps.

    Law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and around the world have submitted these to the FBI’s National Stolen Art File (NSAF), a database of stolen pieces of art and culturally significant property. The NSAF assists in law enforcement’s efforts to close cases and return pieces of art and property to their rightful owners.

    Now, you can access that database in the palm of your hand using our new National Stolen Art File app.

    “One of the biggest evolutions for NSAF was making it publicly available,” said Colleen Childers of the FBI’s Art Crime Program. “Now, with the new mobile upgrade that we’ve undergone, we want to continue to push to make it a more user-friendly platform.”

    While the app was primarily created with law enforcement and art-industry partners in mind, anyone can use it to verify that art or antiquities they own or are looking to buy aren’t actually stolen property.

    In the app, you can:

    • Search and filter stolen art by location, description, type of art, and more.
    • Display the information most relevant to you.
    • Save pieces of art to a favorites page and easily access them later.
    • Share stolen art entries via text, email, or social media.
    • Submit tips to the FBI directly from the app.

    Download the app for free on the Apple App Store or on Google Play.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Boston Marathon Bombing Anniversary

    Source: US FBI

    Large images of the victims were arrayed in a conference room last month at the Boston Field Office, along with a whiteboard agents used to sketch out their plans and the wanted posters that helped identify the suspects, brothers Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev. A moment of silence preceded the remembrance ceremony.

    “It was important, first and foremost, to honor the victims,” said Joseph Bonavolonta, special agent in charge of the Boston Division.

    But he also wanted to enlighten the office’s large cadre of young agents, analysts, and professionals—many not around 10 years ago—who may not fully appreciate the all-hands-on-deck response required in major cases like this.

    “Internally, I wanted to give my personnel a real good idea, with some granularity, about what it means when a critical incident occurs,” he said, “what is expected of all of us to step up, and how we work toward a common goal.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wilver Villegas-Palomino Added to FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List

    Source: US FBI

    The ELN uses proceeds from Villegas-Palomino’s drug trafficking enterprise to fund terrorist attacks, launch sabotage operations, buy political influence, and engage in other malign activities designed to destabilize government institutions and subvert U.S. national security and law enforcement interests in the region. 

    A federal arrest warrant was issued for Villegas-Palomino in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, on February 13, 2020, after he was charged with narcoterrorism, international cocaine distribution conspiracy, and international cocaine distribution. 

    “Villegas-Palomino continues to present a grave threat to the community through his cocaine and narcoterrorist empire,” said FBI Supervisory Special Agent Nick Zarro, who is overseeing the investigation out of the FBI Houston Field Office. “Cocaine produced in Villegas-Palomino’s laboratories ultimately ends up on U.S. streets, plaguing local communities and driving spikes in violent crime.” 

    The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, a federal drug enforcement program overseen by the U.S. Attorney General and the Department of Justice, has named Villegas-Palomino a consolidated priority organization target (CPOT), which is reserved for those involved in the most significant international drug trafficking operations affecting the United States. 

    Zarro hopes the poster and publicity will move hesitant associates to come forward with tips. “Continued publicity of Villegas-Palomino’s status on this list will disrupt his ability to travel abroad, restrict his ability to meet with international drug trafficking associates, and hamper his ability to recruit new members—and will generate leads and intelligence for law enforcement,” he said.

    Villegas-Palomino is 41 years old and has black hair and brown eyes. He is between 5’7” and 5’9” tall and weighs about 190 pounds. He is a Colombian national and speaks Spanish. Aliases include Carlos El Puerco (“Carlos the Hog”), El Puerco, Wilver Villegas, and Wilver Palomino. 

    If you have any information concerning Villegas-Palomino, please contact the FBI via WhatsApp (neither a government-operated nor government-controlled platform) at (281) 630-0330. You can also contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or you can submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Victim Specialists Support American Indian and Alaska Native Communities

    Source: US FBI

    How long have you worked with AI/AN populations?

    I’ve lived in the Aberdeen community since 2009, and I love it here. I’ve had the privilege of working with the AI/AN populations since I started victim services in 2011.

    In my work with the FBI, I cover the Lake Traverse and Standing Rock South Dakota side reservations. Our office puts in a lot of miles. The communities we cover are, on average, two to three hours away.

    What challenges do you face in working with AI/AN victims that you may not face elsewhere?

    The lack of resources is, by far, my biggest challenge. The reservations are very rural, so they don’t have the resources that you see in bigger towns. My car is stocked with toiletries, clothing, diapers, blankets, gloves, etc., that I can access when needed.

    On the reservations, there’s a lack of trauma-informed counseling options. With many of the cases I work, people have to travel anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours one way to see a counselor that specializes in trauma. This is not sustainable due to costs, limited transportation, and weather.

    Another big challenge is the lack of foster homes and shelters, as well as the ability to keep these placements confidential. This can create a barrier for victims who want to leave their situations but fear the perpetrators will be able to find them.

    What do you wish people knew about working as a VS in the FBI?

    Being a victim specialist can be the most challenging but, more importantly, the most rewarding job. I think some people have the notion that the AI/AN populations do not want our help, but that could not be farther from the truth, in my experience. Everyone I have met is so excited to see there is help, support, resources, and justice for the things that have been done to them. I’m reminded every day of how I am so blessed, and it helps me want to give more to provide hope that they can get through this.

    What’s the best part of being a VS?

    The best moment in my job is seeing a victim realize they are strong, courageous, and a survivor. This happens in many ways. For example, I worked with a young victim who initially said she couldn’t testify at trial with the defendant there. Not only did she do an amazing job at testifying, which helped the jury convict the defendant, but she stood and read her victim impact statement at the sentencing hearing. The hug I received after that hearing is something I will never forget.

    I also worked with a mom who had endured years of domestic violence and then found out her husband was abusing their daughter. Those were truly their darkest days, but the transformation I have seen in them is truly amazing. The daughter received a kindness award at school and has improved her grades and attendance. The mother has kept stable employment and secured a home for their family to continue to heal and grow.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Operation SpecTor Targets Darknet Markets

    Source: US FBI

    To get the word out about the prevailing dangers, the JCODE team embarked on an effort this spring called Operation ProtecTor. This effort involved reaching out to individuals whose identities were discovered during search warrant and arrest operations of prolific vendors. The FBI sent leads to each of its field offices to work with partner agencies. Agents then drove to subjects’ homes, knocked on their doors, and let them know that law enforcement was aware of what they had been doing—and that the safest thing to do was to stop.

    “No matter what somebody is telling you, you really don’t know what’s in it,” said Andrew Innocenti, a supervisory special agent who leads a JCODE squad in the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. He said the drugs—or the precursor ingredients they’re made of—can change hands frequently as they travel from the darknet to the doorstep.

    “When these pills are created and shipped around the country, they are being resold in some instances to people in high school, people at universities, people on social media,” he said. “And by that point, you’re diluting the message of what this actually is or is purporting to be. When the messaging gets changed over time, from drug trafficker to darknet vendor, to reseller, to the local high school kid who’s handing them out, who knows what you might be taking? And so that’s where the danger lies.”

    Operation SpecTor is the fifth coordinated law enforcement action since the JCODE team was established in 2018. In remarks at a May 2 press conference in Washington, D.C., Attorney General Merrick Garland said the recent operation represents the most funds seized and the highest number of arrests in any coordinated international action led by the Justice Department against drug traffickers on the darknet.

    “Our message to criminals on the dark web is this: You can try to hide in the furthest reaches of the internet, but the Justice Department will find you and hold you accountable for your crimes,” Garland said.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Hosts Meeting of the Western District Health Care Fraud Working Group

    Source: US FBI

    Multi-Agency Partnership Continues Efforts to Combat Health Care Fraud and Protect Taxpayer Dollars

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced today the annual meeting of the Western District’s Health Care Fraud Working Group, a partnership of federal and state agencies focused on combating health care fraud and protecting taxpayer dollars in the Western District of North Carolina.

    The working group comprises investigators, analysts, auditors, and attorneys from state and federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI), the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG), the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the North Carolina Attorney General’s Medicaid Investigations Division, the North Carolina Department of Insurance, the South Carolina Medicaid Investigations Division, and the Office of Personnel Management.

    At today’s meeting, U.S. Attorney King reaffirmed the importance of collaboration among the partner agencies and recognized their contributions.

    “Health care fraud undermines public trust, exploits vulnerable patients, and siphons billions from taxpayer-funded programs,” said U.S. Attorney King. “By combining our expertise and resources we can detect, dismantle, and prosecute health care fraud schemes and protect vital government programs that so many North Carolinians rely upon for their health care needs. I am grateful to our partner agencies for their dedication to protect our health care system and hold perpetrators accountable.”

    The Health Care Fraud Working Group’s mission is to detect health care fraud through coordinated investigations, information sharing, identification of existing and emerging schemes, and case development. This includes uncovering schemes of fraudulent billing, COVID-19-related fraud, kickback schemes, and fraud targeting government health care programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE. The working group also focuses on fraud committed by both corporate entities and individuals, including hospitals, telemedicine companies and providers, nursing home chains, pharmacies and pharmaceutical manufacturers, durable medical equipment suppliers, physicians, therapists, and affiliated health care professionals.

    If you suspect Medicare or Medicaid fraud, please report it by phone at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477), or via email at HHSTips@oig.hhs.gov.

    To report Medicaid fraud in North Carolina, call the North Carolina Medicaid Investigations Division at 919-881-2320 or fill out an online complaint form.

    TRICARE fraud can be reported here.

    Fraud against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system can be reported at www.vaoig.gov/hotline.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Honors Fallen During 2023 Police Week Events

    Source: US FBI

    Police Week regularly draws 25,000 to 40,000 visitors to the nation’s capital. The observance comprises several events—including some, like the FBI service, that occur before Police Week officially starts.

    These collective events include the Blue Mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church; a Police K-9 Memorial Service at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial; a 5K fundraising run; the arrival of the Police Unity Tour, where more than 2,000 bicycle riders simultaneously arrive in Washington, D.C., after traveling for days from cities around the country; the aforementioned 35th annual candlelight vigil; and the 42nd annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service at the U.S. Capitol, which was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

    MIL Security OSI –