NewzIntel.com

Category: CTF

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Taskforce Raven charge two youths over stealing incidents

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Taskforce Raven charge two youths over stealing incidents

    Friday, 23 May 2025 – 1:13 pm.

    Two youths have been separately charged in relation to 28 stealing offences after they were arrested by members of Taskforce Raven.
    Members of the taskforce were on foot patrol the Launceston CBD yesterday when they arrested a 13 year old girl allegedly caught stealing from a business.
    She was later charged with multiple offences including 21 stealing offences, 31 relevant contraventions, 5 counts of possess liquor under 18yrs, resist police and possess restricted substance.
    Members of the taskforce then arrested a 17 year old girl and charged her with 7 stealing offences, 6 relevant contravention breaches, and 2 counts of possess liquor under 18.
    Detective Acting Inspector Jason Jones said as a result of the foot patrols, taskforce members had cleared 28 offence reports – all related to shoplifting – in one night.
    “Taskforce Raven is continuing to proactively target crime reduction, recidivist offenders, and youth crime across the Northern District,” he said.
    “While the taskforce is just one of a range of strategies, we continue to see strong results being delivered by our members.”
    Anyone with information can contact the taskforce on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police investigating Mayfield house fire

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police investigating Mayfield house fire

    Friday, 23 May 2025 – 1:52 pm.

    Police are investigating a suspicious house fire at Mayfield overnight.
    Emergency services were called to a residence in Hume Street just before 1am after reports of a fire.
    Tasmania Fire Service contained the fire before an investigation determined it was deliberately lit.
    Nobody was inside the house at the time and police are asking anyone with information to come forward.
    Information can be provided by contacting Northern CIB on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man faces drug trafficking, stealing charges

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Man faces drug trafficking, stealing charges

    Friday, 23 May 2025 – 1:59 pm.

    A 36-year-old Tasmanian man has been charged with drug trafficking and stealing offences following an almost month-long police operation in the state’s south.
    Police co-ordinating Operation Finger allege the man was responsible for a total of 68.6 grams of methamphetamine found in separate searches at two properties, with the combined quantity of drugs seized equivalent to about 680 individual street deals.
    Also seized during the searches was ammunition and a significant quantity of allegedly stolen tools. The tools have been identified by previous reports to police and have since been returned to owners.
    In the first search, of a property at Brighton on April 30, police will allege 35.6 grams of methamphetamine and a quantity of ammunition and power tools were found. The man was not present at the property at the time.
    Further investigations into the man’s activities prompted police to launch a targeted operation to locate him.
    On Wednesday this week, officers from Bridgewater CIB, with support from Glenorchy CIB and specialist resources, conducted a search of a property at Claremont.
    Police will allege the man tried to avoid them by leaving the house and jumping multiple fences of neighbouring properties to escape, before he was located nearby.
    It is alleged the man was responsible for a total of 33 grams of methamphetamine found in his possession and at a Claremont address.
    Police have charged the man with a series of drug and theft-related offences, including trafficking in a controlled substance, possess controlled plant or its products, possess a controlled drug, unlawful possession of property, stealing and two counts of burglary.
    The man is also facing two counts of computer-related fraud.
    Investigations have also resulted in charges against two other people, including an 18-year-old man who is facing charges of burglary, attempted stealing, unlawful possession of property and possess a controlled drug.
    A third man is facing a drugs charge for allegedly being in possession of about 530 grams of cannabis.
    During the course of Operation Finger, support was also provided by Crime Stoppers.
    If you wish to report a crime, call police on 131 444 or dial triple zero (000) in an emergency.You can also provide information anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Davenport incident inquiry

    Source: New South Wales – News

    An internal inquiry into a complaint arising from an incident at Davenport near Port Augusta in November 2024 is almost complete.

    The complaint related to two allegations that police used excessive force and one allegation about the use of unprofessional language.

    As part of the inquiry, the Body Worn footage of all officers present at the incident was reviewed in its entirety in order to assess the full set of circumstances, in context.

    The police officer captured in public footage of the incident was also interviewed in relation to their actions.  The officer has since resigned from SAPOL to pursue alternative employment, however that decision was unrelated to the incident or this inquiry.

    Subsequently, the two allegations of excessive force were not substantiated, however the allegation about the use of unprofessional language was substantiated.  Had the police officer involved not resigned from SAPOL, it is likely they would have been subject to management resolution under the Police Complaints and Discipline Act.

    This inquiry is being overseen by the Office of Public Integrity.

    As this incident is the subject of a complaint, the Police Complaints and Discipline Act would ordinarily prohibit the disclosure or publication of information in connection with it.

    However, the Police Commissioner has determined to authorise both the disclosure and publication of the above information in relation to this complaint as it is in the public interest to do so.

    ​

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: President and CEO of Las Vegas-Based Company Pleads Guilty for Role in Investment Fraud Scheme Where He Stole Millions in Victim Investor Funds

    Source: US FBI

    LAS VEGAS – A Nevada man pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of wire fraud stemming from his role in a years-long fraud scheme, during which he stole more than $6.1 million in victim investor funds.

    According to court documents, Mykalai Kontilai, formerly Michael Contile, 55, of Las Vegas, facilitated an investment fraud scheme involving his company, Collector’s Coffee Inc., doing business as Collector’s Café (Collector’s Coffee), a company incorporated in California and headquartered in Las Vegas. From 2012 to 2018, Kontilai made or caused to be made numerous materially false and misleading representations to induce victims to invest in Collector’s Coffee — a company he claimed was on the verge of launching an online auction house for third-party owned collectibles, such as Hollywood and sport memorabilia. As a result of Kontilai’s numerous false and misleading statements, including that investor funds would be used for legitimate business purposes, that Kontilai had personally invested millions of his own money in the company, and that he did not take a salary, Kontilai successfully raised approximately $23 million from Collector’s Coffee investors. However, rather than using the proceeds as represented, Kontilai stole approximately $6.1 million for his own personal use, including for the purchase of luxury goods, apartments, and vehicles.

    The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) began investigating Kontilai for misappropriating investor funds in or around 2017. Kontilai obstructed the investigation by forging documents that he caused to be transmitted to the SEC and lied under oath to the SEC. Kontilai was charged in connection with this conduct both in the present case on June 3, 2020, and in a separate case in the District of Colorado on March 10, 2020. While under investigation but prior to charging, Kontilai fled to Russia and was ultimately arrested on an Interpol Red Notice in Germany in 2023. He was extradited back to the United States to face the pending charges in May. As part of the plea agreement in this case, the government will move to dismiss the Colorado case at sentencing.

    Kontilai pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 4 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada; Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans of the FBI Las Vegas Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) made the announcement.

    The FBI and IRS-CI are investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the extradition from Germany of Kontilai.

    Trial Attorneys Brandon Burkart and Sara Hallmark of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section (FRD) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Oliva for the District of Nevada prosecuted this case. Former FRD Trial Attorney Emily Scruggs provided valuable assistance. 

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding More Than $7 Million From Loan Lenders

    Source: US FBI

    LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident was sentenced today by United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro to 51 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for orchestrating a scheme to defraud loan lenders and cause more than $7 million in losses.

    According to court documents, from February 1, 2017 to October 1, 2018, Brandon David Sattler, 47, devised a scheme to defraud and obtain loans from three individual lenders. As part of the scheme, Sattler made false representations that his company needed loans to fulfill renovation contracts that he had with one hotel and casino and claimed to hold with other hotels and casinos. Sattler altered information from his bank to show his bank account held more than it actually did in order to influence the three individual lenders to loan money to his company. After obtaining the loans, Sattler made misrepresentations in order to extend the maturity date of the loans and delay the deadline for repayment. In total, Sattler caused a loss of more than $7 million.

    Sattler pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. He has two prior convictions for fraud in California and Texas.

    United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.

    This case was investigated by the FBI, and Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Schiess prosecuted the case.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: President and CEO of Las Vegas-Based Company Sentenced for Role in Investment Fraud Scheme Where He Stole Millions in Victim Investor Funds

    Source: US FBI

    LAS VEGAS — A Nevada man was sentenced yesterday to 51 months in prison and was ordered to pay $6.1 million in restitution stemming from his role in a years-long fraud scheme.

    According to court documents, Mykalai Kontilai, formerly Michael Contile, 55, of Las Vegas, facilitated an investment fraud scheme involving his company, Collector’s Coffee Inc., doing business as Collector’s Café (Collector’s Coffee), a company incorporated in California and headquartered in Las Vegas. From 2012 to 2018, Kontilai made or caused to be made numerous materially false and misleading representations to induce victims to invest in Collector’s Coffee — a company he claimed was on the verge of launching an online auction house for third-party owned collectibles, such as Hollywood and sport memorabilia. As a result of Kontilai’s numerous false and misleading statements, including that investor funds would be used for legitimate business purposes, that Kontilai had personally invested millions of his own money in the company, and that he did not take a salary, Kontilai successfully raised approximately $23 million from Collector’s Coffee investors. However, rather than using the proceeds as represented, Kontilai stole approximately $6.1 million for his own personal use, including for the purchase of luxury goods, apartments, and vehicles.

    The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) began investigating Kontilai for misappropriating investor funds in or around 2017. Kontilai obstructed the investigation by forging documents that he caused to be transmitted to the SEC and lied under oath to the SEC. Kontilai was charged in connection with this conduct both in the present case on June 3, 2020, and in a separate case in the District of Colorado on March 10, 2020. While under investigation but prior to charging, Kontilai fled to Russia and was ultimately arrested on an Interpol Red Notice in Germany in 2023. He was extradited back to the United States to face the pending charges in May.

    On Nov. 21, Kontilai pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. As part of the plea agreement in this case, the government has moved to dismiss the Colorado case.

    Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada; Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans of the FBI Las Vegas Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI)’s Phoenix Field Office made the announcement.

    FBI and IRS-CI investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the extradition from Germany of Kontilai.

    Trial Attorneys Brandon Burkart and Sara Hallmark of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Oliva for the District of Nevada prosecuted this case. Former Fraud Section Trial Attorney Emily Scruggs provided valuable assistance.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sacramento Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Armed Bank Robberies

    Source: US FBI

    RENO – A Sacramento, Calif., resident was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Miranda M. Du to 15 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release for committing two armed robberies of financial institutions.

    Devon Jones, 32, pleaded guilty to one-count each of interference with commerce by robbery, bank robbery, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

    According to court documents and admissions made by Jones, on January 24, 2022, he robbed a money lending business in Reno. During the robbery, he pointed a semi-automatic 9mm pistol at an employee and demanded money. Jones then fired a round and fled the scene with cash. Later, on January 27, 2022, Jones robbed a bank in Carson City. After he entered the bank, he started yelling and fired a shot. Then, he approached a teller and demanded money. Jones fired another shot after noticing alarm lights flashing. He ordered all the employees to the ground and fired another shot before leaving the bank with the stolen cash.

    United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.

    The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Megan Rachow prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Schenectady Man Sentenced for Assaulting Trial Witness’s Son

    Source: US FBI

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Patrick Civitello, age 19, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for assaulting a 15-year-old boy in retaliation for the boy’s mother testifying in a federal criminal trial.

    Acting United States Attorney Daniel Hanlon and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    Patrick Civitello is the son of Jeffrey Civitello Sr. and the younger brother of Jeffrey Civitello Jr., both of whom were convicted of federal drug trafficking charges following a jury trial in Albany in April 2023. A witness, identified in the indictment as V-1, testified at that trial.

    In pleading guilty, Patrick Civitello admitted that on the evening of May 19, 2024, while at a restaurant in Glenville, New York, he observed V-1, who was with her 15-year-old son (“V-2”). At the time he observed V-1, Patrick Civitello was speaking on the phone with Jeffrey Civitello Jr. (who was incarcerated), and Patrick Civitello told his brother that he had just seen V-1 walk into the restaurant. Patrick Civitello then said “I gotta rag this bitch, I gotta call you back,” meaning that he intended to retaliate against V-1 for her trial testimony. Jeffrey Civitello Jr. responded, “Ok run down, but do it away from everyone if you could.”

    V-1 and V-2 then exited the restaurant and headed to their vehicle in the parking lot. Patrick Civitello, who was following V-1 and V-2 out of the restaurant, briefly stopped in the parking lot to remove his watch and a cross-body bag. Having placed those items on the ground of the parking lot, Patrick Civitello charged in the direction of V-1 and V-2. He punched V-2 in the head, and continued to punch and kick V-2 after V-2 fell to the ground. V-2 suffered minor abrasions and bruises, including to his head, neck, and hand. 

    FBI agents arrested Patrick Civitello on June 13, 2024, on a criminal complaint. As he was being transported to the FBI Albany Field Office, he asked agents, “Don’t you think the witness deserved it?” and “What do you expect when you betray family and people you trust?”

    United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino called the assault an “attack on the justice system” that sends “a chilling message to anyone who might be subpoenaed to trial” to testify. She ordered Patrick Civitello to pay a $5,000 fine and to serve a 3-year term of post-imprisonment supervised release.

    The FBI’s Capital District Safe Streets Gang Task Force investigated this case, with assistance from the Glenville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Barnett and Dustin Segovia prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Timothy Gabriel Imprisoned on Federal Firearms Charge

    Source: US FBI

    Burlington, Vermont –  The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced that Timothy Gabriel, 31, who most recently has been living in the Rutland area, was sentenced today in United States District Court in Burlington to 60 months of imprisonment following his guilty plea to a charge that he possessed a firearm as a convicted felon. Senior U.S. District Judge William Sessions III also ordered that Gabriel serve a three-year term of supervised release after he completes his prison sentence. He directed that the federal sentence run concurrently to state sentences that Gabriel is serving on related and unrelated cases. Gabriel has been held in federal custody since his arrest in October 2023.

    According to court records, someone stole a Vermont State Police cruiser from a residence in Rutland where it was parked in the pre-dawn hours of October 17, 2023. A few hours later, the car was found parked behind a downtown Rutland business. Investigators found that a police-issued Sig Sauer rifle had been forcibly removed from a secure locking device in the vehicle. Surveillance camera footage from businesses near where the cruiser was found showed the car enter a parking lot before dawn. The footage depicted a man, later identified as Timothy Gabriel, get out of the car, then leave the area with what appeared to be a rifle in his hand. DNA evidence later connected Gabriel to blood found inside the stolen cruiser. Gabriel is prohibited from possessing any firearms because he has several prior convictions in Vermont for felony offenses. Gabriel was arrested in Burlington on the afternoon of October 18, 2023. Court records show that Gabriel traded the stolen rifle for drugs. Law enforcement recovered the police rifle from a bag abandoned beside U.S. Route 7 near Bennington.

    Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Vermont State Police, the Rutland Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    Gabriel is represented by Federal Public Defender Michael Desautels. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rapids Theatre Owner Pleads Guilty to Defrauding COVID Relief Programs Out of More Than $1.8 Million

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that John L. Hutchins, 71, of Lewiston, NY, pleaded guilty before Judge Meredith A. Vacca to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, which carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul E. Bonanno and Douglas A. C. Penrose, who are handling the case, stated that between March 2020, and March 2024, Hutchins conspired with co-defendant Roberto Soliman and others to file fraudulent loan applications under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG). The loans available for these programs were designed to provide emergency financial assistance pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES Act). Hutchins and Soliman applied for loans under the following companies, which were owned by Hutchins:

    •           Rapids Theatre Niagara Falls, USA, Inc.

    •           1711 Main, LLC

    •           Bear Creek Entertainment, LLC

    •           Hutch Enterprises, LLC

    •           The Hutchins Agency, LLC

    •           CWE Entertainment, Corp. (owned by defendant Soliman)

    Between March and August 2020, Hutchins and Soliman received five Economic Injury Disaster Loans totaling $779,500.00. In addition, they received SVOG loans totaling $989,905.05, a PPP loan from Bank on Buffalo totaling $74,838, and a PPP loan from Northwest Bank totaling $41,140. In support of each of the loans, Hutchins and Soliman submitted false revenue and expense figures for the businesses on the loan applications.

    Charges remain pending against Roberto Soliman.

    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, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Harry Chavis, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Rose Brophy, Director of Field Operations, and the New York State Office of Professional Discipline. 

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ontario County Woman Sentenced for HIPAA Violation

    Source: US FBI

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Tonya D’Agostino, 53, of Farmington, NY, who pleaded guilty to HIPAA: unlawfully obtaining/disclosing individually identifying health information, was sentenced to serve one year probation by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. D’Agostino was also ordered to pay $13,410.42 in restitution.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that on March 23, 2023, D’Agostino mailed a USPS Priority Mail parcel to an individual in Medina, NY, which contained individually identifiable health information of four individuals. D’Agostino did not have authorization to obtain or disclose the individually identifiable health information. She did this in an attempt to obtain $216,000 from the individual who received the parcel.

    The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Naomi Gruchacz.           

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charges

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Alexander J. Weidner, 35, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A.C. Penrose, who is handling the case, stated that on February 28, 2023, a federal search warrant was executed at Weidner’s residence as a result of child pornography uploaded to Snapchat and Instagram accounts, both associated with Weidner. Investigators seized two cellular telephones, which contained approximately 4,843 images and 371 videos of child pornography. Some of the images depicted minors under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct. In addition, on two occasions, Weidner used the Session application to upload and share a video file containing child pornography with another Session user.

    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 New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

    Sentencing is scheduled for July 29, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Private Investigator Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Acting as an Illegal Agent of the People’s Republic of China

    Source: US FBI

    Michael McMahon, a Former New York City Police Department Sergeant, Was Convicted at Trial for Participating in a Scheme to Stalk and Coerce a U.S. Resident to Return to the PRC as Part of the PRC’s “Operation Fox Hunt”

    Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Michael McMahon was sentenced by United States District Judge Pamela K. Chen to 18 months in prison for acting as an illegal agent of the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), as well as for interstate stalking and conspiracy to commit such acts in connection with his participation in a scheme to coerce a U.S. resident to return to the PRC as part of its international repatriation effort known as “Operation Fox Hunt.”  McMahon and co-defendants Zhu Yong and Congying Zheng were convicted by a federal jury in June 2023 following a three-week trial.  As part of his sentence, McMahon was also ordered to pay a fine of $11,000.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; Terence G. Reilly, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Newark Field Office (FBI); and Michael Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI New York) announced the sentences. 

    “McMahon, a former law enforcement officer who swore an oath to protect the public, went rogue and dishonorably engaged in a scheme at the direction of the People’s Republic of China, terrorized victims living in the New York metropolitan area, and shattered their sense of safety and security,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “Thanks to the efforts of law enforcement, the defendants’ plan to coerce the victims to return to China failed, and the defendants have instead been brought to justice for their role in China’s insidious Operation Fox Hunt.  My Office remains unwavering in its commitment to exposing and undermining efforts by foreign governments to perpetrate transnational repression schemes that threaten our national security interests and harm individuals living in the United States.” 

    Mr. Durham expressed his appreciation to the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and the FBI’s New York Field Office for their work on the case. 

    “Most private investigators operate within the bounds of the law and ethical conduct. McMahon knew exactly what he was doing—and at trial, we proved his knowing and willing participation in this scheme,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Reilly.  “His client, the People’s Republic of China, has invested years and millions of dollars trying to silence dissent beyond its borders. When those efforts cross into our country, they threaten our national security.  The PRC needs to understand: we will not tolerate it.”

    “This defendant allowed himself to become a partner in the PRC’s cruel harassment and intimidation campaign,” stated HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Alfonso.  “HSI, together with our federal counterparts, will continue to outfox our adversaries’ attempts to circumvent U.S. regulations, undermine national security, and target the American public.”

    As proven at trial, between approximately 2016 and 2019, McMahon and his co-conspirators participated in an international campaign to threaten, harass, surveil, and intimidate John Doe #1 and his family in order to force him and his wife, Jane Doe #1, to return to the PRC to face purported corruption charges.  Beginning in 2012, John Doe #1 and Jane Doe #1 had been targeted for repatriation as part of the PRC’s transnational repression programs known as “Operation Fox Hunt” and “Operation Sky Net.”  John Doe #1 and his family had accordingly sought to keep their address out of public records.

    Yong hired McMahon, a retired NYPD sergeant working as a private investigator, to locate John Doe #1.  McMahon obtained sensitive information about John Doe #1, which he then reported back to Zhu and others, including a PRC police officer.  McMahon also conducted surveillance outside the New Jersey home of John Doe #1’s relative and provided Zhu and PRC officials with detailed reports of what he observed.  The operation was supervised and directed by several PRC officials, including a PRC police officer and a PRC prosecutor.

    As proven at trial, McMahon knew the operation was intended not only to locate John Doe #1, but to coerce him to return to the PRC by exerting pressure on his family members.  In April 2017, PRC officials threatened to jail John Doe #1’s sister, who lived in the PRC, in order to coerce John Doe #1’s then-82-year-old father to travel from the PRC to their relative’s home in New Jersey.  John Doe #1’s father, who had recently suffered a brain hemorrhage, was so frail that a doctor accompanied him for the trip.  McMahon followed John Doe #1’s father from the relative’s New Jersey home, and, by doing so, was able to learn John Doe #1’s address. McMahon immediately provided this information to a PRC operative. 

    On September 4, 2018, Zheng and another co-conspirator drove to the New Jersey residence of John Doe #1 and Jane Doe #1 – at the address that McMahon had provided – where they pounded on the front door, attempted to enter the house, and then peered through the windows in the back of the home.  They left a note on the front door informing John Doe #1 that his “wife and children will be okay” if John Doe #1 surrendered himself to face a ten-year prison term in the PRC.

    McMahon knew that the subjects of his investigation were wanted by the PRC government, a fact that he texted about with another investigator he hired to help him.  Following his arrest, McMahon acknowledged knowing that his employers wanted to get the victim back to China “so they could prosecute him.”  After providing the victims’ address, McMahon told his surveillance partner that he was “waiting for a call” to find out what to do next.  McMahon’s partner responded, “Yeah.  From NJ State Police about an abduction,” to which McMahon responded “Lol.”  McMahon later suggested to a PRC co-conspirator that they “harass” John Doe #1 by “[p]ark[ing] outside his home and let[ting] him know we are there.”  McMahon took other investigative steps designed to harass the victims, such as researching their daughter’s university residence and college major.

    McMahon was paid more than $19,000 in total for his role in the illegal repatriation scheme.  In an apparent attempt to conceal the source of payments from his PRC clients, McMahon deposited those payments into his son’s bank account, the only time he had done so with client payments.

    Previously, in January 2025, Zhu and Zheng were sentenced respectively to 24 months’ and 16 months’ imprisonment.  Three additional co-defendants pleaded guilty in connection with their roles in the PRC-directed harassment and intimidation campaign.  They are awaiting sentencing.  Five co-defendants in the indictment, Hu Ji, Li Minjun, Tu Lan, Zhu Feng, and Zhai Yongqiang are fugitives.

    The FBI has created a website for victims to report efforts by foreign governments to stalk, intimidate, or assault people in the United States.  If you believe that you are or have been a victim of transnational repression, please visit https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/counterintelligence/transnational-repression.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section.  Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith A. Arfa and Irisa Chen are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Christine A. Bonomo and Scott A. Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.  Paralegal Specialist Rebecca Roth also has provided valuable assistance.

    The Defendants:

    MICHAEL MCMAHON
    Age: 57
    Mahwah, New Jersey

    ZHU YONG
    Age: 68
    East Elmhurst, New York

    CONGYING ZHENG
    Age: 29
    Brooklyn, New York

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-265 (S-1) (PKC)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ringleader of COVID-19 Relief Fraud Scheme Sentenced to Federal Prison

    Source: US FBI

    CINCINNATI – Joseph Lentine III, 55, of Cincinnati, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 63 months in prison for orchestrating a COVID-19 relief fraud scheme involving millions of dollars.

    According to court documents, Lentine oversaw a fraud scheme in which he prepared and filed fraudulent loan applications and controlled a significant portion of the loan proceeds once obtained. He knowingly and intentionally made false statements to receive funds to which he and other applicants were not entitled. In addition to defrauding Small Business Administration loan programs, Lentine also fraudulently sought unemployment assistance and emergency rental assistance.

    In total, Lentine submitted more than 20 loan applications seeking more than $3 million and obtaining $1.5 million.

    The defendant personally received more than $450,000 in PPP loan proceeds related to this scheme and used the money to buy a yacht and a Mercedes Benz vehicle.

    As part of his sentence, Lentine was ordered to pay $1.2 million in restitution to the Small Business Administration and nearly $33,000 to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

    Lentine pleaded guilty in April 2023 to conspiring to commit bank fraud and making a false statement on a loan or credit application.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the sentence imposed yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Jeffery P. Hopkins. Assistant United States Attorney Ebunoluwa A. Taiwo is representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury Convicts Two Defendants Who Were Charged with 23 Other Ohioans in Narcotics Distribution Ring

    Source: US FBI

    One defendant also convicted of sex-trafficking victims through use of drug withdrawals, violence

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal jury has convicted two local men for their roles in a narcotics distribution ring involving bulk amounts of fentanyl, crack cocaine, cocaine, methamphetamine & other narcotics. As part of this case, the government has seized more than $1.7 million, 50 firearms, and nine vehicles, including a motorcycle. One of the defendants convicted at trial also sex-trafficked at least three adult victims.

    The jury found David Price, 56, of Columbus, guilty on all counts, and Tavaryyuan Johnson, 25, of Columbus, guilty on drug trafficking counts.

    The verdict was announced on Feb. 5 following a trial that began on January 13, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr.

    A multi-agency law enforcement task force initially announced the case in July 2022 after a federal grand jury initially indicted 11 defendants for distributing bulk amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine in central Ohio within 1,000 feet of a Columbus elementary school.

    A superseding indictment returned in October 2022 charged additional co-conspirators with distributing those same drugs in addition to methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, Xanax and Oxycodone.

    Price, who is also known as “DP,” was charged in a third superseding indictment in December 2024 with 11 drug, firearm and sex trafficking crimes. He faces a minimum of 25 years and up to life in prison.

    Johnson is also known as “Gucci” and “TJ,” and was also charged in a third superseding indictment in December 2024. He was convicted of four drug offenses, including using a family residence in Columbus as his stash house for bulk amounts of narcotics. Johnson faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.

    According to court documents and trial testimony, the two men were part of a conspiracy to distribute and possess to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, five kilograms or more of cocaine, 280 grams or more of “crack” cocaine and 100 grams or more of heroin, as well as marijuana, oxycodone and alprazolam. The drug trafficking organization operated from January 2008 until it was dismantled by law enforcement in 2022.

    Drug offenses took place at residences on Burgess and Harris avenues, which are within 1,000 feet of Burroughs Elementary School.

    In July 2021, Price distributed fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine that resulted in the overdose death of an adult female.  The testimony at trial indicated he purposefully killed her to get rid of her as she was talking to the police about his drug business.

    The government also proved beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that Price conspired to commit sex trafficking. From 2016 until 2022, Price and other members of the conspiracy would force and/or coerce adult female drug addicts into performing commercial sex acts by providing, withholding, or threatening to withhold controlled substances and lodging. Law enforcement’s investigation showed that various women engaged in a “rinse and repeat” cycle where they would be allowed to stay at a drug residence associated with Price, receive a front of drugs so they were not in active drug withdrawal, go to Sullivant Avenue, have sex for money, pay the debt from the front drugs, and then be allowed to remain at the house.

    Price was also found guilty of three counts of sex trafficking related to his violence and coercion towards three adult females.  The testimony at trial indicated that he would lock the females inside his residence for days or weeks at a time and refuse to let them leave, forcing them to engage in sex acts.  One victim was locked in a dog cage, shot and stabbed by Price. Another was restrained.  A third was beaten and choked and left with a black eye. Price would refuse to provide them drugs unless or until they engaged in the sex acts, forcing them into withdrawal if they did not comply.

    U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker commended the investigation coordinated by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission task force, which includes Columbus Division of Police Chief Elaine Bryant; Angie M. Salazar, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; and Andrew Lawton, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Other agencies that have assisted the task force with the investigation include the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, HIDTA Task Force, IRS-Criminal Investigation, FBI, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI), Ohio National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, Pickerington Police Department, New Albany Police Department, and the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy Prichard and Emily Czerniejewski are representing the United States in this case.

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

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • Qatar boosts FIFA Arab Cup prize fund to record $36.5 million

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The 2025 FIFA Arab Cup will have a record prize fund of more than $36.5 million, Qatar’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the regional tournament announced on Thursday.

    The competition, which features senior men’s national teams from the 22-member Union of Arab Football Associations (UAFA), representing both Asia and Africa, takes place from December 1 to 18.

    “This announcement further elevates the stature of the FIFA Arab Cup, a tournament we reinstated in 2021, and reflects Qatar’s leading role in developing football across the region and beyond,” said Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Thani, Minister of Sports and Youth and LOC Chairman in a statement.

    Having taken over the organisation from UAFA, which initially ran the event, FIFA has been in charge since the tournament’s revival in 2021, when it had a reported prize fund of $25.5 million.

    The draw will be held in Doha on Sunday, with defending champions Algeria among the favourites.

    -Reuters

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas Man Formerly Employed by Ohio Company Convicted of Damaging Source Code and Deleting Data

    Source: US FBI

    CLEVELAND — A federal jury in Cleveland convicted a Texas man today for writing and deploying malicious code on his former employer’s network.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Davis Lu, 55, of Houston, was employed as a software developer for the victim company headquartered in Beachwood, Ohio, from November 2007 to October 2019.

    Following a 2018 corporate realignment that reduced his responsibilities and system access, Lu began sabotaging his employer’s systems. By Aug. 4, 2019, he introduced malicious code that caused system crashes and prevented user logins. Specifically, he created “infinite loops” (in this case, code designed to exhaust Java threads by repeatedly creating new threads without proper termination and resulting in server crashes or hangs), deleted coworker profile files, and implemented a “kill switch” that would lock out all users if his credentials in the company’s active directory were disabled. The “kill switch” code — which Lu named “IsDLEnabledinAD”, abbreviating “Is Davis Lu enabled in Active Directory” — was automatically activated upon his termination on Sept. 9, 2019, and impacted thousands of company users globally. Lu named other code “Hakai,” a Japanese word meaning “destruction,” and “HunShui,” a Chinese word meaning “sleep” or “lethargy.”

    Additionally, on the day he was directed to turn in his company laptop, Lu deleted encrypted data. His internet search history revealed he had researched methods to escalate privileges, hide processes, and rapidly delete files, indicating an intent to obstruct efforts of his co-workers to resolve the system disruptions. Lu’s employer suffered hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses as a result of Lu’s actions.

    “Mr. Lu was calculating in his intent to inflict damage to a company that provides products and services to businesses and organizations that span a variety of industries and fields,” said Acting United States Attorney Carol M. Skutnik of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio. “Together with our colleagues from the Criminal Division and the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will prosecute those who intend to disrupt business operations, especially, if it has the potential to inflict greater harm on national and international levels. We will hold perpetrators accountable and pursue justice against vindictive employees who break federal laws.”

    “Sadly, Davis Lu used his education, experience, and skill to purposely harm and hinder not only his employer and their ability to safely conduct business, but also stifle thousands of users worldwide,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen. “The FBI and its cadre of exceptionally qualified agents and analysts will continue to identify, find, and investigate individuals who seek to carry out deliberate and destructive actions against businesses or organizations for retaliatory or malicious purposes.”

    The jury convicted Lu of causing intentional damage to protected computers, for which he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A sentencing date has not been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI Cleveland Division investigated the case.

    Senior Counsel Candina S. Heath of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. Riedl and Brian S. Deckert for the Northern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • Djokovic within two wins of 100th title as he turns 38

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Novak Djokovic marked his 38th birthday in style on Thursday, defeating Matteo Arnaldi 6-4 6-4 to reach the Geneva Open semi-finals and continue his pursuit of a 100th career title.

    The 24-time Grand Slam champion avenged last month’s Madrid Open loss to the Italian and will next face Britain’s Cameron Norrie, who rallied to defeat Australian Alexei Popyrin 7-6 (8-6) 6-4.

    “It’s great to be in the semi-finals again. Hopefully this year I can go at least a step further, that’s the goal,” said Djokovic, who lost to Tomas Machac in last year’s quarter-finals.

    “I think I’m playing really good tennis. A straight-sets win, but it was much closer than the score indicates.”

    After taking the first set, Djokovic trailed 4-1 in the second but stormed back with five consecutive games to seal the win in one hour and 40 minutes.

    The former world No. 1 admitted that smashing his racket in frustration helped him reset mentally and close out the match in straight sets.

    “After the racquet breaking I kind of found my optimal state and balance mentally and emotionally to be able to play my best tennis when it was most needed,” Djokovic, who was presented with a birthday cake on court, said.

    Djokovic is bidding to become only the third man in history to win 100 ATP titles, after Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103).

    -Reuters

  • Markets open higher; Nifty crosses 24,700 mark on broad-based buying

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian equity markets opened on a firm note on Friday, with benchmark indices trading higher amid mixed global cues and strong domestic macroeconomic fundamentals. Early gains were led by buying interest in FMCG, IT, and auto stocks.

    At 9:29 AM, the BSE Sensex was up by 281.75 points, or 0.35%, at 81,233.74, while the NSE Nifty climbed 109.75 points, or 0.45%, to trade at 24,719.45.

    The Nifty Bank index was also in the green, rising 69.85 points, or 0.13%, to 55,011.15. Broader markets mirrored the positive trend, with the Nifty Midcap 100 gaining 258.10 points (0.46%) to 56,582.95 and the Nifty Smallcap 100 advancing 58.30 points (0.33%) to 17,561.40.

    Market experts attributed the upbeat sentiment to India’s robust economic indicators, including steady GDP growth and declining inflation and interest rates.

    Top gainers in the Sensex included ITC, Adani Ports, Infosys, PowerGrid, Tech Mahindra, Tata Steel, SBI, HCL Tech, UltraTech Cement, Tata Motors, and L&T. On the flip side, Sun Pharma, M&M, NTPC, Bajaj Finance, Bharti Airtel, Maruti Suzuki, and ICICI Bank were among the major laggards.

    In Asia, major markets such as China, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Seoul, Jakarta, and Japan were trading in the green, providing a supportive backdrop to Indian equities.

    Overnight in the US, key indices posted a mixed close. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended almost flat at 41,859.09, down 1.35 points. The S&P 500 slipped 2.60 points to 5,842.01, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 53.09 points to 18,925.74.

    Experts noted that US equities were volatile following the retreat of Treasury yields after the passage of tax and spending legislation by the US House of Representatives.

    On the institutional front, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net sellers to the tune of ₹5,045.36 crore on May 22, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought equities worth ₹3,715.00 crore.

    “Even when the market turns weak, domestic demand-driven segments like financials, telecom, and aviation remain resilient. This is evident in the strength of stocks like ICICI Bank, Bharti Airtel, and InterGlobe Aviation. The market is sending a clear signal,” said Dr. V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

    -IANS

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ohio Woman Loses Life Savings in Cryptocurrency Investment Scam

    Source: US FBI

    CLEVELAND – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio (USAO) has filed a civil complaint in forfeiture against 8,207,578 Tether (USDT) cryptocurrency, valued at more than $8.2 million. USDT is a virtual currency which are digital tokens of value circulated over the internet. Its transactions are publicly recorded on what is known as a blockchain.

    According to court documents, the FBI has identified 33 victims of an investment fraud scheme across the country, including a victim from Northeast Ohio residing in the city of Mentor. In total, victims lost approximately $4.9 million. Five more accounts have also been found to be affected and the FBI is attempting to identify the respective owners. The victims associated with the additional accounts have lost approximately $1,071,086.

    Investigators found that scammers initially contacted the victims through seemingly misdirected, or “wrong number,” text messages. The fraudster then gained the victim’s trust and affection using various manipulative tactics. Once trust was established with the victim, the fraudster would share how much success they, or someone they knew, had with investing in cryptocurrency. This personal testimonial lessened any uncertainties the victims may have had about virtual currencies and eventually had the intended effect to persuade the victim to proceed with the investment.

    The fraudster would then guide the victim, step-by-step, on how to open a legitimate cryptocurrency account, most often with a U.S. based virtual currency exchange such as Crypto.com or Coinbase. The scammer would walk the victim through the entire process of transferring money from their bank to the newly created cryptocurrency account. Next, the victim received instructions on how to transfer the purchased cryptocurrency assets to an online “investment platform,” which would turn out to be a fake site created by the fraudsters to look like a legitimate company. Information on the platforms promised lucrative returns which encouraged victims to invest further. However, once the victim transferred their funds to the “investment platform” they unknowingly handed over complete control and ownership of their funds to the scammer. 

    The complaint also outlines that the perpetrators of such investment fraud schemes often allow victims to withdraw a portion of their “profits” early on in the scheme to build trust and reinforce their belief that the “investment platform” was legitimate. But as the scheme progressed, victims were unable to withdraw their funds and given excuses as to why they could not access their funds. For example, the fraudsters referred to a fake “tax” requirement, stating that taxes must be paid on the proceeds generated from the investment platform. Knowing that the scam would run its course soon, the fraudsters used last-ditch efforts to lie to victims that they had to pay a tax. Ultimately, victims were locked out of their account on the investment platform and lost their funds.

    A woman in Lake County, Ohio became the target of such a scam when she responded to a text on her phone from an unknown number in November 2023. She began sharing information via text with the person and the two bonded over topics such as hobbies and religion. Over a period of time, the victim followed instructions from her new “friend” and opened an account at Crypto.com and then transferred funds into the account. When the victim wanted to withdraw funds, her “friend,” relented and said additional payments were needed and she complied. When the victim no longer had any funds left after making additional payments, her “friend” began to threaten her that he would send his friends to “take care of” her friends and family. Having lost her entire life savings of approximately $663,352, including funds from her Roth IRA, the victim filed a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center to report the losses in June 2024. The FBI Cleveland Division subsequently initiated an investigation.

    Investigators conducted a blockchain analysis and determined that a portion of the funds stolen from victims were converted to USDT cryptocurrency and placed into three cryptocurrency addresses. Law enforcement officers executed a federal seizure warrant to recover 8,207,578 USDT tokens, in November 2024. Tether Limited then transferred these funds to a law-enforcement-controlled virtual currency wallet.

    By the Complaint in Forfeiture filed on Feb. 27, 2025, the United States seeks to forfeit the entire 8,207,578 USDT cryptocurrency. In the complaint, the United States alleges that the cryptocurrency accounts also contained additional funds above the victims’ traceable losses and, as proceeds of fraud, are also subject to forfeiture. Additionally, the complaint alleges that such other funds were involved in money laundering violations.     

    The claims asserted in the complaint are allegations only, and the United States must prove these allegations by a preponderance of the evidence at trial.

    If successful in this forfeiture action, the United States would seek to return the stolen funds to the victims.

    The FBI Cleveland Division is actively investigating cryptocurrency fraud schemes perpetrated on victims throughout the United States, including in the Northern District of Ohio. The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant United States Attorney James L. Morford. The USAO would like to acknowledge Tether for its assistance in this matter.

    If you observe something that you believe might be fraudulent conduct involving an older adult, contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 1-833-372-8311 and visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center at IC3.gov to report it.

    View Complaint:

    /usao-ndoh/media/1391461/dl?inline 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: McAlester Resident Sentenced for Felony Assault

    Source: US FBI

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Nathaniel Dewayne Meashintubby, age 42, of McAlester, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 77 months in prison for one count of Assault of a Spouse, Intimate Partner, and Dating Partner by Strangling, Suffocating, or Attempting to Strangle or Suffocate.

    The charge arose from an investigation by the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office, the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    On November 18, 2024, Meashintubby pleaded guilty to the charge.  According to investigators, on March 10, 2024, Meashintubby assaulted the victim by suffocation, resulting in serious bodily injury.  The crime occurred in LeFlore County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.  Meashintubby will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Robinson represented the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Redmond Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Identity Theft and Evading Tax Debt Payments

    Source: US FBI

    EUGENE, Ore.—A Redmond, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison Tuesday for using a stolen identity to open more than 30 bank accounts and credit cards and evading payments on his $1.1 million tax debt.

    Michael David Anastasia, 69, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $777,899 in restitution to his victim. Restitution to the IRS will be determined at a later date.

    According to court documents, from 2002 until January 2020, Anastasia knowingly and intentionally used the social security number of a victim to open numerous bank accounts and credit cards. In addition, between 1991 and 2003, Anastasia received $1.4 million from another victim after convincing them of a fabricated agreement with the United States to secure access to allegedly seized funds. In 2007, Anastasia was convicted of tax evasion for failing to pay federal income taxes on the funds received from the victim.

    In November 2015, following his release from prison, Anastasia entered into an agreement with the IRS whereby he would make payments towards his tax debt if he received more than $4,526 per month. Rather than pay his taxes, Anastasia convinced the victim to send funds over this amount to his roommate. Anastasia instructed his roommate to withdraw the overage in cash, which Anastasia stored in a safe in his residence. Between March 2016 and September 2018, Anastasia evaded paying more than $180,000 to the IRS.

    On February 15, 2024, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a nine-count superseding indictment charging Anastasia with wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, tax evasion, and making false statements to financial institutions.

    On September 4, 2024, Anastasia pleaded guilty to tax evasion and identity theft.

    This case was investigated by the FBI and IRS. It was prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce and William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI and Partners Ask Public to Report Information on Ballot Box Fires

    Source: US FBI

    Observations to consider between October 8, 2024, and now: 

    • Did someone brag or show approval or admiration for the person who placed the devices on the ballot boxes?  
    • Did someone follow the story of these ballot box fires very closely or exhibit an unusual response to the reporting of this story? 
    • Did someone show increased anxiety about the topic or express fears about being identified as a suspect?  
    • Did you notice unusual packages or storing of metal shavings or unexplained fire damage to a home or other structure, a field, or a wilderness area? 
    • Did you notice unusual behaviors such as someone researching thermite, grinding metals, and obtaining small scraps of metal (including pipe endcaps, nuts, and bolts) or welding small projects? 
    • Did someone you know recently dispose of or stop using a Volvo S-60 sedan? 

    Reward 

    The FBI is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person responsible for these crimes. Anyone can view or download the FBI’s seeking information poster and the surveillance video from the Portland incident. 

    CrimeStoppers of Oregon is offering a separate reward on behalf of Portland Police Bureau of up to $2,500. (CrimeStoppers of Oregon and Portland Police Bureau will be responsible for determining any payment for this separate reward.)

    Background information 

    The FBI has been working with our partners at the Portland Police Bureau and Vancouver Police Department to positively identify the person responsible for placing homemade thermite devices on ballot boxes.

    Surveillance Footage: October 28, 2024, Ballot Box Fire in Portland, Oregon

    On October 28, 2024, between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., improvised incendiary devices were placed on ballot drop boxes in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon (this footage is from Portland). Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the FBI’s toll-free tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

    Transcript / Visit Video Source

    Incidents: 

    • October 8, 2024: Ballot box located at the intersection of W 14th Street and Esther Street in Vancouver at approximately 3:45 a.m.
    • October 28, 2024: Ballot box located on the north side of the Fisher’s Landing Transit Center in Vancouver near the SE 162nd Avenue entrance at approximately 2:35 a.m.
    • October 28, 2024: Ballot box located at the intersection of SE Belmont Street and SE 11th Avenue in Portland at approximately 3:08 a.m. 

     
    Vehicle: The suspect was driving a black or dark grey 2004 Volvo S-60 sedan with a light-colored interior. The car has a sunroof and dark after-market wheel rims, and, at the time of the crime, is missing the Volvo logo normally affixed to the front grill. 
     
    Devices: The suspect welded the three devices using metal for the exterior and inserted thermite into the devices. Thermite looks like metal shavings and/or a metal-based powder. The amount of shavings/powder can be small. 

    Tips 

    If you have any information on this suspect or these crimes, please call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or submit your information online at tips.fbi.gov. Tips can remain anonymous. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Seven Chilean Nationals Charged in Connection with Residential Burglaries in Multiple States

    Source: US FBI

    NEWARK, N.J. – Seven members of an interstate burglary crew were charged for conspiring to target homeowners across multiple states in residential burglaries, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

    Christofer Sanguesa Aguirre, Fabiana Prado Scatarzi, Santana Arturo Castillo Gonzalez, Felipe Andres Del Valle Munoz, Carlos Alfredo Calderon Valencia, Diego Antonio Calderon Leiva, and Pedro Alejandro Salgado Vallejos, all Chilean nationals, were each charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to sell and receive stolen property that had crossed state lines and one count of receiving stolen property that had crossed state lines.

    “Residential burglaries have a traumatic and personal impact upon the people whose homes are violated.  Seven Chilean nationals have been charged with conspiring to target homeowners in residential burglaries across multiple states from New Jersey to Massachusetts, resulting in the theft of expensive wristwatches, designer handbags, and thousands of dollars in cash.  This office will continue to pursue those who commit these serious crimes.”

    Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna

    “We allege these men and women ransacked houses here in New Jersey and the East Coast, and then quickly traveled across the country, stealing over one hundred thousand dollars in valuables from private homes.” FBI-Newark Special Agent-in-charge Brian J. Driscoll, Jr. said.  “These alleged criminals are part of South American theft groups who have been coming in and out of the United States for months.  They hit an area and immediately disappear, using fake identifications and short-term rentals to evade getting caught.  It’s like chasing ghosts.  We put in a tremendous amount of hard work with incredible partner agencies from here to Oregon.  We caught this group—and a warning to others, this doesn’t end here.”

    “This is another outstanding example how cooperation, both on a local and national level amongst law enforcement agencies, yields positive outcomes for public safety in our communities,” said Immigrations and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations, Newark Field Office Director John Tsoukaris.  “ERO’s contributions to this investigation, initially with the defendants’ arrests on immigration charges, were critical in facilitating the criminal charges.”

    “To disrupt these fast-moving, well-traveled crime networks, it often takes strong collaboration and state-of-the-art technology.  Thankfully, we have both,” said Port Authority Police Superintendent Edward Cetnar.  “By working together and leveraging our advanced technology, including CCTV and ALPR systems, we were able to track these subjects across state lines so that we could assist our law enforcement partners in apprehending them.  This operation is a testament to the strength of cooperation throughout our vast law enforcement family, including our longtime partners at the FBI Newark Joint Organized Crime Task Force and the New Jersey U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

    Sanguesa Aguirre and Castillo Gonzalez appeared on January 15, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court and were detained.  Del Valle Munoz and Calderon Valencia had their initial appearances on January 15, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Theresa L. Fricke in federal court in Tacoma, Washington, and were detained.  Calderon Leiva had his initial appearance on January 15, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daryl F. Bloom in federal court in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and was detained. Prado Scatarzi appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carol B. Whitehurst in federal court in Lafayette, Louisiana today and was detained.  Salgado Vallejos appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul G. Levenson in federal court in Boston, Massachusetts today and was detained.

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

    The defendants were part of a sophisticated burglary ring that committed multiple residential burglaries in November 2024 in New Jersey and Massachusetts.  The defendants conspired to possess large amounts of jewelry, watches, designer handbags, and other valuable goods, among other items, with the losses totaling over $100,000.

    Law enforcement searched a vehicle the defendants were using to transport the stolen goods and recovered multiple pieces of jewelry, designer handbags and belts, perfume bottles, paper currency, watches, and other valuable items, alongside tools commonly used to burglarize residences. After law enforcement stopped the vehicle, Del Valle Munoz and Calderon Valencia fled across the country, eventually appearing near Seattle, Washington before traveling to a residence in Carlton, Oregon.  Law enforcement searched the residence where Del Valle Munoz, Calderon Valencia, and others had arrived and recovered bags and backpacks containing additional gold jewelry, diamonds, and watches, along with additional burglary tools.

    The charge of conspiracy to sell or receive stolen property carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison; and the charge of receipt of stolen property carries a maximum potential penalty of ten years in prison. Both charges also carry a maximum potential penalty of up to a $250,000 fine, or twice the amount of money involved in the offense, whichever is greater.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited the FBI Newark’s Joint Organized Crime Task Force (JOCTF), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian J. Driscoll, Jr. in Newark; Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations, under the direction of Field Office Director John Tsoukaris; and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent of Police Edward T. Cetnar, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the Colts Neck Police Department, Keansburg Police Department, Fort Lee Police Department, Paramus Police Department, New Jersey State Police, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Spring Valley Police Department (NY), Town of Greenburgh Police Department (NY), Wellesley Police Department (MA), Westwood Police Department (MA), Massachusetts State Police, Renton Police Department (WA), King County Sheriff’s Office (WA), Tukwila Police Department (WA), Oregon State Police, Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office (OR), Carlton Police Department (OR), Denver Police Department (CO), Pennsylvania State Police, Novi Police Department (MI), ICE/ERO Portland, ICE/ERO Seattle, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, FBI New York, FBI Philadelphia, FBI Seattle, FBI Portland, FBI Denver, FBI New Orleans, FBI Boston, and FBI Legal Attaché Santiago, Chile.

    Anyone who believes they may be a victim, or has information about the theft group or burglaries, is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI, submit the information online at tips.fbi.gov, or call a local field office.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trevor A. Chenoweth of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit in Newark.

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

                                                                 ###

    Defense counsel:

    Christofer Sanguesa Aguirre: Claressa Lowe, Esq., Newark, New Jersey

    Fabiana Prado Scatarzi:  James N. Green, Esq., Lafayette, Louisiana

    Santana Arturo Castillo Gonzalez: Michael Simon, Esq., Mountainside, New Jersey

    Felipe Andres Del Valle Munoz: John Carpenter, Esq., Tacoma, Washington

    Carlos Alfredo Calderon Valencia: Thomas Weaver, Esq., Bremerton, Washington

    Diego Antonio Calderon Leiva: Thomas Thornton, Esq., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

    Pedro Alejandro Salgado Vallejos: Michael Tumposky, Esq., Boston, Massachusetts

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Klamath Falls Man Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Kidnapping and Sexually Assaulting Two Women and Holding One in a Cell

    Source: US FBI

    MEDFORD, Ore.— Negasi Zuberi, 31, of Klamath Falls, Oregon, was sentenced to life in federal prison today for kidnapping and sexually assaulting two women, and holding one in a cell he constructed in his garage.

    “There is no place in civil society for this type of terrifying violence,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “I sincerely hope Zuberi’s life sentence will bring some measure of comfort to his victims. Their courage and perseverance are an inspiration to us all.”

    According to court documents, on July 15, 2023, while in Seattle, Zuberi posed as a police officer and used a taser and handcuffs to detain his victim in the backseat of his vehicle. Zuberi then transported the victim approximately 450 miles to his home in Klamath Falls, stopping along the way to sexually assault her.

    At his residence, the victim was moved from his vehicle into a cell he had constructed in his garage. The woman repeatedly banged on the cell door until it broke open and she escaped. The victim retrieved a handgun from Zuberi’s vehicle, fled his garage, and flagged down a passing motorist who called 911.

    On July 16, 2023, Reno Police Department officers and Nevada State Patrol officers located Zuberi in a parking lot in Reno, Nevada. After a short standoff, Zuberi surrendered to law enforcement and was taken into custody.

    While investigating Zuberi’s crimes, federal agents discovered that approximately six weeks prior to the kidnapping in Seattle, on May 6, 2023, Zuberi kidnapped and sexually assaulted another victim. While being held by Zuberi, his first victim observed stacked cinder blocks in his garage that he later used to construct the cell where he detained his second victim.

    On August 2, 2023, a federal grand jury in Medford returned an indictment charging Zuberi with kidnapping and transporting a victim with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Later, on February 15, 2024, a second kidnapping charge and charges for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition.

    On October 18, 2024, a federal jury found Zuberi guilty of all charges.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Portland and Reno, Nevada Field Offices, Klamath Falls Police Department, and Oregon State Police with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada; Klamath County District Attorney’s Office; Reno, Nevada Police Department; Washoe County, Nevada District Attorney’s Office; Nevada State Police; and Klamath Falls Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Jeffrey S. Sweet, Nathan J. Lichvarcik, and Marco A. Boccato, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon, with assistance from Appellate Chief Suzanne Miles, also of the District of Oregon.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to Nine Years for Conspiring to Launder Cybercrime Fraud Proceeds

    Source: US FBI

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A recidivist money launderer from Pennsylvania has been sentenced for his role in an international money laundering conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples.

    U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced Toochukwu Michael Okorie, 46, of Bristol, Pennsylvania, to 108 months in prison.  Okorie was convicted in July of conspiracy to commit money laundering. In 2011, Okorie was convicted of wire fraud and money laundering in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

    According to evidence presented at trial, from June 2017 through May 2019, Okorie helped launder hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraud proceeds through two front companies: TMO Consulting LLC and Collective Intelligence Forensics LLC. During the conspiracy, Okorie and his co-conspirators would receive wire transfers from business email compromise, romance scam, and other frauds—including from victims in the Northern District of Alabama. Okorie and his co-conspirators would then move the fraud proceeds among bank accounts in an effort to disguise their origin and conceal their fraudulent nature. After paying themselves a commission, members of the conspiracy ultimately would wire the proceeds to bank accounts in Nigeria or use them to purchase automobiles that were shipped overseas.

    U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco previously sentenced two other individuals involved in the money laundering conspiracy: On January 20, 2022, Paulinus Ebhodaghe, 40, of Clementon, New Jersey, was sentenced to 37 months in prison; and Ohimai Asikhia, 37, of Glassboro, New Jersey, was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

    The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward J. Canter and John M. Hundscheid prosecuted the case. 

    The U.S. Secret Service Cyber Fraud Task Force provided assistance during the investigation.

    For more resources on cybercrime, visit www.ic3.gov.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Pelham Man Sentenced to 80 Years in Prison on Child Exploitation Charges

    Source: US FBI

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Pelham man was sentenced today on charges of sexual exploitation of a child, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Kelly J. Blackmon.

    U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced Neal Richard Goodacre, 54, to 960 months in prison, followed by a life term of supervised release.  In July, Goodacre pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. These convictions will require Goodacre to register as a sex offender in accordance with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

    According to the plea agreement, in July 2023, the Queensland, Australia, Child Exploitation Task Force discovered images of child pornography on a Russian file-sharing website. Queensland officers connected the account used to post the images to Goodacre at a residence in Pelham, Alabama. On September 13, 2023, HSI executed a search warrant at Goodacre’s residence.  Agents recovered two electronic devices containing 29 images and one video of child pornography. Goodacre produced some of the child pornography he possessed.

    Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case along with the Queensland, Australia, Child Exploitation Task Force and the Pelham Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel S. McBrayer prosecuted the case.

    If you suspect or become aware of possible sexual exploitation of a child, please contact law enforcement. To alert the FBI Birmingham Office, call 205-326-6166. Reports can also be filed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) or online at www.cybertipline.org.

    The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Individuals Charged in Conspiracy to Sexually Exploit Children

    Source: US FBI

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Two individuals have been indicted on multiple child sexual exploitation charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.

    A five-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Wisam A. Sharieff, 43, of Euless, Texas, and Blake Miller Barakat, aka “Hamna,” 50, of Shelby County, Alabama, with conspiracy to engage in the sexual exploitation of children, conspiracy to receive and distribute child pornography, sexual exploitation of children, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. 

    According to the indictment, between September 27, 2024, and October 15, 2024, Sharieff and Barakat conspired together to coerce a minor child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of that conduct; and they conspired to receive and distribute child pornography.

    FBI Birmingham’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated the case along with the FBI Dallas-Fort Worth Violent Crimes Task Force and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney R. Leann White is prosecuting the case.

    The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    An indictment contains only charges.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.    

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Hope Man Pleads Guilty to Cyberstalking, Extortion, and Production of Child Pornography and Agrees to 40-Year Prison Sentence

    Source: US FBI

    HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A New Hope man pleaded guilty today to stalking and extorting a woman and producing child pornography involving two minor victims, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples. 

    Donald Wayne Carmody, 30, of New Hope, Alabama, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Liles C. Burke to cyberstalking, two counts of extortion, and two counts of production of child pornography. 

    According to the plea agreement, Carmody used anonymous text messages to threaten to release pictures of the victim on the internet if she did not send him intimate photographs. Carmody also obtained the victim’s login credentials for her social media accounts and accessed their contents. After Carmody was arrested on cyberstalking and extortion charges for this conduct, investigators discovered a USB thumb drive belonging to him that contained images of child pornography that involved two victims under the age of twelve. The FBI’s Video Forensic Analysis Unit compared the images from the thumb drive, which showed a person’s hand, to pictures of Carmody’s hands taken during the investigation. The Unit identified similar class and distinguishing characteristics between the images, demonstrating that the hand in the images on the thumb drive belonged to Carmody.     

    As part of the plea agreement, Carmody stipulated to a 480-month sentence of imprisonment for the offenses. If the Court rejects the stipulated sentence, Carmody or the United States could withdraw from the plea agreement. 

    The maximum penalty for cyberstalking is five years imprisonment. The maximum penalty for extortion is two years imprisonment. The maximum penalty for production of child pornography is 30 years imprisonment. Each offense also carries the possibility of a $250,000 fine.

    The FBI investigated the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney John M. Hundscheid is prosecuting the case.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) and the National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC) have partnered and released a digital series to educate parents and caretakers about sextortion and how they can help prevent kids and teens from being victims. This series offers three-to-five-minute videos about current online safety topics and provides essential information about the true dangers of online activities.  These videos titled “Sextortion Prevention” can be accessed at https://www.youtube.com/@nationalcac/videos. 

    If you suspect or become aware of possible sexual exploitation of a child, please contact law enforcement. To alert the FBI Birmingham Office, call 205-326-6166. Reports can also be filed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) or online at www.cybertipline.org.

    The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. For more resources on cybercrime, visit www.ic3.gov.

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