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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Files Statement of Interest in Challenge to the Constitutionality of Solitary Confinement of Children in Juvenile Justice Settings

    Source: US State of California

    The Justice Department filed a statement of interest yesterday in a lawsuit brought in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois alleging that conditions in a juvenile detention facility violate the Constitution. The statement explains that the 14th Amendment protects children from illegitimate or excessive use of isolation in juvenile justice and adult correctional settings. It further explains how placing children in isolation seriously harms them, and how a lack of access to essential services while in isolation exacerbates that harm.

    “The federal government recognizes that children are developmentally and constitutionally different than adults and that excessive isolation causes children unique and significant harm,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Harmful conditions of confinement, including isolation, undermine the very purpose of the juvenile justice system, which is to provide children with rehabilitative treatment so they may return to their communities as productive, law-abiding citizens. State and local institutions must ensure that children in institutions are safe from harmful conditions that violate their constitutional rights and undermine that purpose. We are committed to enforcing this obligation.”

    Plaintiffs in J.B.H. v. Knox County allege that the Mary Davis Detention Home (MDH) in Knox County, Illinois, routinely subjects children, including children with mental health conditions and histories of trauma, to prolonged periods of harmful isolation in violation of the Constitution. While in isolation, MDH allegedly deprives children of basic needs, such as education, mental health services, sleep and human contact, exacerbating the harm that children suffer.

    Over the past year, the Justice Department secured a settlement agreement with Connecticut to address unconstitutional conditions for children in the Manson Youth Institution, issued a findings report regarding conditions at five post-adjudication facilities for children in Texas and opened an investigation of conditions at nine juvenile justice facilities in Kentucky. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division’s work protecting children’s rights in the juvenile justice system is available at www.justice.gov/crt/rights-juveniles.

    For more information on the Civil Rights Division and the Special Litigation Section, please visit www.justice.gov/crt/special-litigation-section. Complaints about unlawful confinement practices may be reported to the Civil Rights Division through its internet reporting portal at civilrights.justice.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Georgia Woman Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for $30M COVID-19 Unemployment Fraud Scheme and Firearms Charge

    Source: US State of California

    A Georgia woman was sentenced yesterday for her role in a scheme to defraud the Georgia Department of Labor (GaDOL) out of tens of millions of dollars in benefits meant to assist unemployed individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Tyshion Nautese Hicks, 32, of Vienna, was sentenced to 12 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in an amount to be determined at a later date. Hicks’ total sentence includes a penalty of three consecutive years in prison, imposed yesterday in relation to a separate charge of illegal possession of a machine gun prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.

    According to court documents and evidence presented in court, from March 2020 through November 2022, Hicks and her co-conspirators caused more than 5,000 fraudulent unemployment insurance (UI) claims to be filed with the GaDOL, resulting in at least $30 million in stolen benefits.

    “In one of the largest COVID fraud schemes ever prosecuted, the defendant and her coconspirators filed more than 5,000 fraudulent COVID unemployment insurance claims using stolen identities and unlawfully obtained more than $30 million in benefits,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “In doing so, the defendant and her co-conspirators exploited a program designed to alleviate pandemic-related economic hardship to enrich themselves at the expense of federal taxpayers. Yesterday’s sentence underscores the department’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting those who steal from the public fisc.”

    To execute the scheme, Hicks and others created fictitious employers and fabricated lists of purported employees using personally identifiable information (PII) from thousands of identity theft victims and filed fraudulent unemployment insurance claims on the GaDOL website. The co-conspirators obtained PII for use in the scheme from a variety of sources, including by paying an employee of an Atlanta-area health care and hospital network to unlawfully obtain patients’ PII from the hospital’s databases, and by purchasing PII from other sources over the internet. Using victims’ PII, Hicks and her co-conspirators caused the stolen UI funds to be disbursed via prepaid debit cards mailed to addresses of their choice, many of which were in and around Cordele and Vienna. Hicks additionally paid a local U.S. Postal Service (USPS) carrier to unlawfully divert mail containing debit cards loaded with over $512,000 in fraud proceeds to her and coached another co-conspirator on how to create her own fictitious employer account via Facebook Messenger.

    In February, Hicks pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Seven of Hicks’ co-conspirators have previously pleaded guilty or been sentenced in the investigation.

    “Tyshion Nautese Hicks and her co-conspirators used the stolen PII of unwitting victims to file numerous fraudulent claims for UI benefits with the Georgia Department of Labor,” said Special Agent in Charge Mathew Broadhurst of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG) Southeast Regional Office. “We will continue to work with our federal and state law enforcement partners to safeguard UI benefit programs for those who need them.”

    “The sentence received by the defendant is the outcome of IRS Criminal Investigation’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting those who attempt to defraud various agencies by filing fraudulent claims using another person’s identifying information,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Atlanta Field Office.

    “Postal Inspectors will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold individuals accountable for engaging in fraudulent schemes to manipulate the COVID-19 program for their own financial gain,” said Inspector in Charge Tommy D. Coke of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Atlanta Division. “The sentencing should serve as a deterrence and shows that this type of behavior will not be tolerated.”

    “Yesterday’s sentencing underlines our commitment to holding those who exploit federal relief programs for personal gain accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Ulrich of the USPS Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG). “As proven in this case, our criminal investigators along with our law enforcement partners will work together and diligently pursue anyone who attempts to exploit programs created to help legitimate people and businesses affected by the global pandemic.”

    “Hicks chose to commit fraud, further depleting limited funds designated to help individuals struggling to survive during the pandemic,” said Special Agent in Charge Frederick D. Houston of the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) Atlanta Field Office. “She and her co-conspirators also stole the personally identifiable information, caring only about self-enrichment, not the lives adversely affected. This case signifies our commitment to protect citizens and businesses from fraud and identity theft. We will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to prosecute those who abuse these programs.”

    “Homeland Security Investigations will aggressively pursue those who exploit unemployment benefits meant for those in need, ensuring that justice is served, and resources are preserved for legitimate claimants,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Steven N. Schrank of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Atlanta Office.

    “Yesterday’s sentencing sends a clear message that those committing fraud will be held accountable,” said Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari of the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG). “DHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners will continue to prioritize protecting our country from these kinds of schemes.”

    DOL-OIG, IRS-CI, USPS-OIG, USPIS, USSS, HSI, and DHS-OIG investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys Lyndie Freeman, Siji Moore, Matthew Kahn, and Andrew Jaco of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the fraud case.

    On May 17, 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Justice Department in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Illinois Business Owner Indicted for Tax Crimes

    Source: US State of California

    A federal grand jury in Chicago returned an indictment yesterday charging an Illinois business owner for not paying employment taxes, not filing business tax returns, wire fraud and making false statements on a loan application.

    According to the indictment, Steven Cordell, of Chicago, was the owner and operator of Starfish Transportation Inc., which provided transportation services to students in the Chicago area. He was allegedly responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare and income taxes from his employees’ wages and paying those funds over to the IRS each quarter. For certain quarters from 2018 through 2024, Cordell allegedly withheld taxes from employees’ wages, as required, but did not pay over the full amount withheld to the IRS.

    The indictment further alleges that Cordell submitted on his business’s behalf false applications to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) program, two programs created to provide financial assistance to Americans suffering economic harm because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In both, he allegedly submitted unfiled tax returns and provided false financial data. In addition, Cordell allegedly did not disclose that Starfish Transportation had received a PPP loan on the CERTS grant application, as required. The indictment alleges that Cordell received $247,822.51 in fraudulent PPP loans and $598,574.21 in fraudulent CERTS grants.

    Finally, the indictment alleges Cordell intentionally did not file corporate income tax returns for Starfish Transportation for 2019 through 2023.

    In total, Cordell is alleged to have caused a tax loss to the IRS of over $600,000.

    If convicted, Cordell faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison for filing a false loan application, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for wire fraud, a maximum penalty of five years in prison for not paying employment taxes and a maximum penalty of one year in prison for each charge of failure to file returns. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation and the Small Business Administration’s Office of Inspector General are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Regina Jeon and Thomas Flynn of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tennessee Business Owner Convicted of $35M Fraud Scheme

    Source: US State of California

    A federal jury convicted a Tennessee business owner yesterday for fraudulently billing federal health care programs approximately $35 million for medically unnecessary injections, which were administered over the course of approximately eight years to a population of opioid-dependent patients.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Michael Kestner, 72, of Nashville, at various times owned, operated, and managed pain clinics in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia, which were ultimately branded under the name Pain MD. The trial evidence proved that Kestner, who is not a physician, pressured nurse practitioners and physician assistants employed by clinics in the Pain MD network to provide multiple back injections to many, if not most, patients who came to Pain MD seeking opioid treatment. Witnesses testified that patients who refused to accept regular injections risked being turned away from Pain MD and suffering withdrawals from their opioid medication.

    The evidence further demonstrated that the injections were uniformly billed as Tendon Origin Insertion injections (TOIs), even though almost none of these patients were diagnosed with pain in their tendons, and in many cases, it would have been medically impossible to administer TOIs with the equipment available to the practitioners. Nevertheless, Kestner relentlessly pressured the providers at his clinics to administer and bill for injections.

    The evidence also demonstrated that, to keep billings up, Kestner sent regular emails ranking the practitioners’ “production” against one another, criticizing providers for “below average” performance, and otherwise making providers feel they would lose their jobs or let down their clinic staff if they did not perform an increasing number of injections. He ignored repeated notices — including a lawsuit — from insurance companies alerting him that his clinics were billing these injections improperly. Through these practices, Pain MD became Medicare’s single highest biller of TOI procedures in the country, outranking the next highest biller by approximately eightfold.

    The jury convicted Kestner of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and 12 counts of health care fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 27, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each count. 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; Special Agent in Charge Kelly J. Blackmon of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); Special Agent in Charge Darrin K. Jones of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Southeast Field Office, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General; Special Agent in Charge Kim R. Lampkins of the Department of Veteran Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG) Mid-Atlantic Field Office; and Director David Rausch of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) made the announcement.

    HHS-OIG, DCIS, VA-OIG, and TBI are investigating the case.

    Assistant Chief James V. Hayes and Trial Attorney Victor Yanz, with the assistance of Assistant Chief Kate Payerle, all of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, are prosecuting the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department to Monitor Compliance with Federal Voting Rights Laws in Prince George’s County, Maryland

    Source: US State of California

    The Justice Department announced today that it will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in Prince George’s County, Maryland, during the early voting period and on Election Day.  

    The Justice Department enforces the federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all citizens to access the ballot. The department regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country. In addition, the department also deploys federal observers from the Office of Personnel Management, where authorized by federal court order.

    The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section, working with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Civil Rights Act and Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. Pursuant to the Voting Rights Act, Prince George’s County must provide voting materials and assistance in both English and Spanish.

    Complaints about any possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s internet reporting portal at www.civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931. More information about voting and elections, including guidance documents for language minority voters and other resources, is available at www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Foreign National Convicted of Conspiring to Export US-Made Drill Rigs to Iran in Violation of US Sanctions Laws

    Source: US State of California

    A federal jury convicted Brian Assi, also known as Brahim Assi, yesterday of conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR), attempted unlawful export of goods from the United States to Iran without a license, attempted smuggling goods from the United States, submitting false or misleading export information, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

    “The defendant schemed to unlawfully export U.S.-origin mining drills to Iran, while deceiving his employer into believing that they were being sent to Iraq,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “This conviction affirms the Justice Department’s resolve to disrupt and hold accountable those who evade our sanctions against Iran, wherever in the world they may be.”

    “As this verdict makes clear, no matter how hard you try to obfuscate your scheme to send restricted U.S. items to Iran, we will work tirelessly to bring your conduct to light and ensure you face justice,” said Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod of the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). “We take action whenever we uncover attempts to evade our sanctions, especially when those efforts are designed to support adversaries like Iran.”

    “Efforts to conceal impermissible transactions and circumvent imposed sanctions represent a threat to both the United States economic and national security interests,” said U.S. Attorney Jason R. Coody for the Northern District of Florida. “Today’s verdict demonstrates our collective resolve to hold those who violate regulatory restrictions accountable for their criminal conduct.”

    According to evidence presented at trial, Assi was a Middle East-based salesman of a multinational heavy machinery manufacturer with a U.S.-based subsidiary and production plant located in northern Florida. Assi conspired with individuals affiliated with Sakht Abzar Pars Co. (SAP-Iran), based in Tehran, Iran, to export U.S.-made heavy machinery indirectly to Iran without first obtaining the required licenses from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

    Assi and his Iranian co-conspirators orchestrated the scheme by locating an Iraq-based distributor to serve as the forward-facing purchaser of two U.S.-origin blasthole drills from the U.S. subsidiary of Assi’s employer. The drills are a type of heavy machinery used to create holes in the ground that are then filled with controlled explosives for mining.

    Assi facilitated the sale of the drills and attempted to export them to Iran and used freight forwarding companies to ship the heavy equipment from the U.S. to Turkey. In doing so, Assi concealed any Iranian involvement in the transaction from his employer, claiming the drills were ultimately destined for use in Iraq. But in truth, Assi intended for his Iranian co-conspirators to transship or reexport those items from Turkey to Iran, in circumvention of U.S. export control and sanctions laws.

    In furtherance of the conspiracy, Assi concealed his activities with his Iranian co-conspirators by causing false information to be entered into the Automated Export System (AES), a U.S.-government database containing information about exports from the United States. The U.S.-based plant hired a U.S. freight forwarder to arrange the drill’s export from the United States to Iraq. As part of the shipping process, the freight forwarder submitted information to AES about the shipment, including the ultimate consignee’s name and the ultimate delivery destination. Assi misled his employer by claiming that the Iraqi distributor was the ultimate consignee, and that the ultimate delivery destination was Iraq. In fact, Assi knew that his coconspirators in Iran were the true intended recipients, and Iran was the ultimate intended delivery destination.

    In furtherance of the illicit transaction, Assi and his coconspirators caused the transfer of approximately $2.7 million from Turkey to pass through the United States.

    Sentencing for Brian Assi is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2025.

    The BIS is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew J. Grogan and Harley W. Ferguson for the Northern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Ahmed Almudallal of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: World Bank/IMF Development Committee selects Elisabeth Svantesson, Sweden’s Minister for Finance, as New Chair

    Source: Government of Sweden

    World Bank/IMF Development Committee selects Elisabeth Svantesson, Sweden’s Minister for Finance, as New Chair – Government.se

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    Press release from Ministry of Finance

    Published

    The World Bank Group and IMF member states have selected Sweden’s Minister for Finance, Ms. Elisabeth Svantesson as chair of the joint World Bank Group and IMF Development Committee for a term of two years

    The Development Committee is the World Bank Group and IMF’s highest advisory body for development issues. It is the first time a Swedish national and the first time that a European Minister for Finance holds this prestigious role. Ms. Svantesson will succeed Mr. Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs of United Arab Emirates who has chaired the Development Committee since October 2022. 

    Minister Svantesson is a senior politician who prior to serving as Minister for Finance has held the office of Minister for Employment and was a member of the Swedish Parliament for 16 years. Minister Svantesson has also been a doctoral student and a teacher in economics at Örebro University. During the Swedish EU presidency in 2023 Minister Svantesson chaired the Economic and Financial Affairs Council of the European Union. 

    “I am honored to have been selected as Chair. The Development Committee is an important arena for international economic cooperation and there are many issues on the agenda that will shape this cooperation for years to come. During my chairpersonship I hope to positively contribute to international economic collaboration by leading the Development Committee in an inclusive, constructive, and efficient manner,” says Minister for Finance Elisabeth Svantesson.

    “We are very pleased that our Governors have selected Elisabeth Svantesson to chair the Development Committee,” says World Bank Group President Ajay Banga. “With countries around the globe facing unprecedented challenges, Minister Svantesson’s background in finance, politics, and education will serve the Committee well. I look forward to working with Minister Svantesson to help us deliver innovative solutions for our partner countries,” says Banga.  

    Press contact

    Background Development Committee

    The Committee’s mandate is to advise the Boards of Governors of the Bank and the Fund on critical development issues and on the financial resources required to promote economic development in developing countries. Over the years, the Committee has interpreted this mandate to include trade and global environmental issues in addition to traditional development matters.

    The Committee has 25 members, usually Ministers of Finance or Development, and who represent the full membership of the Bank and Fund. They are appointed by each of the countries, or groups of countries, represented on the Boards of Executive Directors of the Bank and Fund. The Chair is selected from among the Committee’s members and is assisted by an Executive Secretary who is elected by the Committee.

    The Development Committee meets twice a year; in the spring and in the fall at the time of the joint Bank-Fund Annual Meetings. Its meetings are held in tandem with the meetings of the International Monetary and Finance Committee (IMFC) of the Fund.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Delaware Resident Charged with Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

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

    Wilmington, Del. – Alfred E. Daking, Jr., an 81-year-old former Delaware resident currently serving a federal prison sentence in an unrelated case, was charged on October 22, 2024, with possession of child sexual abuse material (“CSAM”), announced David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware.   

    According to the indictment, on an unknown date, Daking buried material depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct in his parents’ then backyard in New Castle County, Delaware.  Later, while serving a sentence in federal prison on an unrelated case, Daking told a fellow inmate that he had buried an ammunition can containing video footage in his parents’ backyard.  Daking also gave that inmate a hand-drawn map of the backyard depicting the location that the ammunition can was buried on the property.  Per the hand-drawn map, law enforcement searched and located an ammunition can buried underground.  Both the ammunition can, and its contents were wrapped in plastic. Inside the can, law enforcement found three videocassettes and an 8mm film containing CSAM. One of the videocassettes contained a latent fingerprint that matched Daking.

    U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “For years the defendant hid evidence of his victimization of children.  Today’s indictment demonstrates the commitment of my office, and our law enforcement partners to protect our communities from predatory individuals like this defendant.  We will never stop working to uncover evidence of sexual exploitation and to bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice.”

    The FBI investigated this case, with the assistance of New Castle County Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Claudia L. Pare and Trial Attorney Angelica Carrasco of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section are assigned to prosecute this case.

    The U.S Attorney’s Office and the FBI are seeking to identify additional victims of Daking’s.  If you, your family member, or anyone that you know had contact with Daking and would like to provide additional information, please contact the FBI Baltimore Field Office at 410-265-8080.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware.  Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER.

    An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Global Anti-Racism Champions Awards

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    These phenomenal civil society leaders demonstrate extraordinary courage, strength, leadership, and commitment in the fight against racism and discrimination worldwide. This year’s Global Anti-Racism Champions from Bolivia, Ghana, Mexico, Nepal, the Netherlands, and North Macedonia share their advice for creating a better world.

    The six awardees this year include:
    Dintie Sule Tayiru:  A human rights advocate for the Fulbe community from Ghana
    Elvis Shakjiri:  A Roma human rights activist from North Macedonia
    Urmila Chaudhary:  A Dalit and labor rights activist from Nepal
    Tanya Duarte:  An Afro-Mexican feminist and anti-racism activist from Mexico
    Tomasa Yarhui Jacomé:  An Indigenous political leader and human rights advocate from Bolivia   
    John Leerdam:  A Black Dutch activist and former parliamentarian from the Netherlands  

    To learn more, visit https://www.state.gov/garc2024/

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
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    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAQ7m_gNMVY

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The results of the work of the Bank of Russia Basic Department at the HSE for the past academic year have been summed up

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    On October 23, the results of the work were summed up Basic Department of the Bank of Russia at the Higher School of Economics for the 2023/24 academic year. The event was opened by Andrey Afonin, Director of the Bank of Russia University.

    He emphasized that over three years of operation, the basic department has become the Bank of Russia’s center of competence in one of the country’s leading universities. The regulator’s employees teach courses and supervise projects; this year, a joint master’s program “Information Security in the Credit and Financial Sphere” was launched – the first such initiative in the history of the Bank of Russia, it was prepared over the course of two years.

    Andrey Afonin reported that more than 40 employees of the Bank of Russia will teach at the HSE this academic year.

    According to the curator of the basic department, advisor to the Chairman of the Bank of Russia Ksenia Yudaeva, the transfer of knowledge to HSE students is a contribution to public welfare, part of the mission of the Bank of Russia. Teachers contribute to a better understanding of its policy, the development of financial literacy, and the reduction of inflation expectations. Students are taught to conduct research and engage in practical activities using data and building theoretical models.

    “It is important that our staff at the Higher School of Economics not only teach, but also conduct research,” added Ksenia Yudaeva.

    First Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Vadim Radaev told the event participants that there are more than 60 basic departments operating at the university.

    “Their level of activity varies, and your department is one of the most active at the moment,” he noted. “You have many courses and projects, you collaborate with different departments – the faculties of economic sciences, world economy and world politics, MIEM, and now also with the faculty of computer science, the Institute of Media. What you do is impressive.”

    According to the First Vice-Rector, this work is important for the university and for the students to whom the Bank of Russia employees transfer their competencies.

    The event participants also discussed current issues in modern education, including the use of online technologies.

    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 Canada: Strengthening self-governance, Anishinabek-led education

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    News release

    October 25, 2024 —North Bay, Ontario — Kinoomaadziwin Education Body and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

    The Kinoomaadziwin Education Body (KEB) and the Government of Canada are taking important steps to strengthen education self-governance and support better education outcomes for Anishinabek First Nations students.

    Today, KEB Vice-Chairperson Lise Kwekkeboom, alongside Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced new funding of more than $20 million per year to support education infrastructure and governance. This means that Anishinabek Education System (AES) participating First Nations will be able to make sure their schools are in the best shape to support students.

    This funding will help ensure communities, including approximately 2,000 students, have the resources they need to succeed while remaining connected to Anishinabek culture and language. Communities know what their kids need, and this funding will ensure they can execute that for the next generation.

    Working collaboratively based on the affirmation of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership is key to achieving reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

    Quotes

    “We are excited to gain access to funding that will assist Anishinabek Education System First Nation communities in self-governance of education for their students. While this funding is an amazing step forward in supporting communities to take control of their own education, we look forward to continuing to work with Canada on how we continue supporting our First Nations in language, culture and academic learning, improving and promoting student success and wellness whether they attend First Nation schools or within the provincial education systems.”

    Lise Kwekkeboom
    Director of Education, Chippewas of Rama First Nation and Secretary, Kinoomaadziwin Education Body

    “The Anishinabek Education System First Nations have been largely operating and supporting their education system though programs and services funding. The increased allocation of governance funding creates more opportunities for the First Nations to hire key education positions and to utilize all programs and services funding for initiatives that directly benefit Anishinabek students.”

    Nancy O’Donnell
    Kinoomaadziwin Education Body, Director of Education

    “All kids deserve a worldclass education, and Indigenous communities know best how to deliver that for their students. This federal funding will support and improve self-governing education. In partnership with Kinoomaadziwin Education Body, we are making sure that Anishinabek Education System (AES) schools are in the best shape to support 2000 students.”

    The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree
    Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

    Quick facts

    • The Kinoomaadziwin Education Body serves 23 of the 39 Anishinabek First Nations in Ontario.

    • The funding provided to the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body is the result of new fiscal policy approaches applied to education sectoral self-governments under Canada’s collaborative self-government fiscal policy, which was co-developed with First Nations partners and implemented in 2019 to better reflect the costs of self-government.

    • Education sectoral self-government agreements provide Indigenous governments with the ability to establish an education system that meets the needs of students in participating communities and is reflective of the educational and cultural priorities of these communities.

    • Strengthening self-governing education aligns with Canada’s efforts to achieve the objectives set out in Article 14 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    For more information, media may contact:

    Bahoz Dara Aziz
    Director, Communications and Issues Management
    Office of the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree
    Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
    bahoz.daraaziz@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
    819-934-2302
    RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@sac-isc.gc.ca

    Eva Brown
    Communications Manager
    Kinoomaadziwin Education Body
    705-333-9732
    Eva.Brown@a-e-s.ca

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    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Appoints Jessica J. Waggoner as District Attorney for the 7th Judicial District

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis appointed Jessica J. Waggoner as the District Attorney for the 7th Judicial District. This appointment is effective Friday, November 1, 2024, and fills a vacancy created by the resignation of District Attorney Seth Ryan. 

    Ms. Waggoner is currently an Assistant District Attorney in the 7th Judicial District Attorney’s Office where she has worked since 2008. Her practice consists of criminal prosecution. Previously, she was an Associate Attorney at Wilderson, O’Hayre, Dawson & Norris, P.C. (2005-2007) and Associate Attorney at Fleming & Kidney, LLC (2004-2005). She earned her B.A. from Western State College in 2000 and her J.D. from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 2002. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Completes International Physical Protection Advisory Service Mission in the Republic of the Congo

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts completed today the first International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) mission to the Republic of the Congo. The mission, conducted at the request of the Government of the Republic of the Congo, took place from 14 to 25 October 2024.  

    Hosted by the Nuclear Regulatory Cell of the Ministry of Justice, Human Rights and Promotion of Indigenous People of the Congo, the five-person mission team reviewed the security of radioactive material, associated facilities and activities in the country. The scope of the mission also included a review of the legislative and regulatory framework for the security of radioactive material.

    The Congo uses nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes in various sectors, including industry, health, mining, education and environment.

    The IPPAS team peer reviewed the country’s implementation of the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM), which the Congo acceded to in 2021 and ratified its amendment in 2023, and of the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources.

    The IPPAS team, led by Frédéric Mariotte from France, included experts from Burkina Faso, Ghana, Jordan, as well as one IAEA staff member. The team held discussions with the Ministry of Justice, Human Rights and Promotion of Indigenous People, the Ministry of Interior, Decentralization and Local Development, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Technological Innovations, and the Ministry of Health and People.

    The team observed that the nuclear security regime in the Congo is in the early phase of establishment. The team provided recommendations and suggestions to support the Congo in developing, enhancing and sustaining nuclear security.

    Heather Looney, Head of the Nuclear Security of Materials and Facilities Section of the IAEA ‘s Division of Nuclear Security, said that the IPPAS mission to the Congo comes amid the national authorities’ efforts to develop and implement all necessary elements required to fulfill their responsibilities in the area of nuclear security. “We trust that the findings of the IPPAS mission will inform the country’s plans to enhance the national nuclear security regime.”

    “The Republic of Congo has welcomed the IPPAS Mission and believes that the recommendations made will help the country improve and enhance its nuclear security regime,” said M. Gaspard Liyoko Mboyo, President of the Nuclear Regulatory Cell. “We thank the IAEA for its continuous assistance to the Republic of Congo.”

    Background

    The mission was the 105th IPPAS mission conducted by the IAEA since the programme began in 1995.

    IPPAS missions are intended to assist States in strengthening their national nuclear security regime. The missions provide peer advice on implementing international instruments, along with IAEA guidance on the protection of nuclear and other radioactive material and associated facilities.

    During missions, a team of international experts observes a nation’s system of physical protection, compares it with international good practices and makes recommendations for improvement. IPPAS missions are conducted both on a nationwide and facility-specific basis.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Senior U.S. Marines Visit Ishigaki

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    OKINAWA, Japan  –  

    Lt. Gen. James Glynn, commander U.S Marine Corps Forces Pacific, joined Lt. Gen. Roger Turner, III Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general, during a recent trip to Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan October 23, 2024.

    During the visit, Glynn and Turner met with Marines from the 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF, who are participating in Exercise Keen Sword 25; and Japan Ground Self Defense Force service members stationed in Ishigaki. Glynn and Turner met with JGSDF leadership to address current security concerns and continued support to the defense of Japan.

    “The strength and depth of integration between US Marines and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force in the Sakishima Islands is impressive,” said Glynn. “The training demonstrated capabilities that affirm should a crisis occur; we will effectively respond in mutual support of the Alliance and Japanese people.”

    This is the first time the Commander of Marine Corps Forces Pacific has visited the Sakishima Islands and marks a significant milestone in the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

    III Marine Expeditionary Force provides the United States with a forward-deployed force in readiness in the Pacific theater. It is a globally responsive, expeditionary, and fully scalable Marine Air-Ground Task Force, capable of deploying forces for operations ranging from crisis response to combat operations.

    For more information on this visit, please contact the III Marine Expeditionary Force Communication Strategy and Operations at IIIMEFmedia@usmc.mil.

    Questions regarding Keen Sword 25 should be directed to the Combined Joint Information Bureau at indopacom.yokota.usfj.mbx.j021@mail.mil.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen, Cortez Masto Announce More Than $300,000 in Funding for Nevada to Help Law Enforcement Fight Drug Trafficking 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    LAS VEGAS, NV – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) announced that Nevada will receive $340,000 in federal funding to help law enforcement crack down on illicit drug trafficking and address regional drug threats. The funding comes from the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program, which coordinates and supports federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies’ efforts to seize illicit drugs like fentanyl, prevent and reduce violent crime associated with drug trafficking, enhance data sharing, and dismantle money laundering organizations. Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto were both part of a bipartisan group of Senators who pushed for funding for the HIDTA Program last year.
    “Drug trafficking fuels Nevada’s fentanyl crisis and destroys families, which is why we need to ensure law enforcement has all the resources needed to crack down on the flow of illicit drugs in our state,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to announce Nevada is receiving more than $300,000 in federal funding to help support our law enforcement’s important work in addressing drug trafficking in our state. I’ll always work across the aisle to ensure Nevada law enforcement has the resources it needs to keep our communities safe.”
    “Nevada’s HIDTA program and law enforcement officers work every day to keep Nevadans safe,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This funding is an important step to make sure our state has the resources it needs to combat drug trafficking. I will continue working on both sides of the aisle in the Senate to support Nevada’s law enforcement and get dangerous drugs off our streets.”
    Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto have consistently worked across the aisle to support law enforcement and stop the flow of illicit drugs. Earlier this year, Senator Rosen signed a letter to Appropriators requesting HIDTA be funded at the highest level possible for Fiscal Year  2025. Both Senators announced more than $3.4 million for Nevada Law Enforcement to address the overdose epidemic and illicit drug trafficking. Senator Rosen’s bipartisan END FENTANYL Act was signed into law to help crack down on drug smuggling by requiring the Customs and Border Protection Commissioner to update its drug interdiction guidance to ensure it is up to date. Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto have also pushed for additional funding to secure the border and stop the flow of fentanyl.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine, Murphy & Blumenthal Lead Colleagues in Asking Administration to Carefully Assess Proposal to Address Submarine Production Delays

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) led a bipartisan group of their colleagues in asking the Biden Administration to address funding shortfalls for submarine programs as they consider funding levels for Fiscal Year 2025. In two separate letters to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shalanda Young and Department of the Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, the lawmakers also urged the Administration to carefully assess the merits of the proposed Shipbuilder Accountability and Workforce Support (SAWS) agreement—which would restructure how the Navy pays for submarines—as a potential solution to address delays and get the programs back on track.

    While Congress has invested over $2.3 billion between 2018 and 2023 and an additional $3 billion this year as part of a national security supplemental in the nation’s submarine industrial base, the Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarine programs face significant delays and are expected to be over budget. The on-time completion of Virginia-class submarines, which are built in Virginia and Connecticut, is especially critical to the fulfillment of the Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) trilateral partnership, through which the United States will sell at least two submarines to Australia to bolster security in the Indo-Pacific.

    In their letter to OMB Director Young, the members wrote, “The United States’ submarine programs provide our nation an undersea advantage that is critical to our national security… Based on the information available so far, the Shipbuilder Accountability and Workforce Support (SAWS) agreement strikes us as a promising approach to ensure our submarine industrial base rises to the occasion, accelerates submarine production, and fully meets the critical and building demand on U.S. shipyards… We request that you give all due consideration to this initiative, while ensuring it includes the accountability and leverage measures necessary to ensure our federal investments in submarine production go as far as possible in getting these critical programs on track.”

    In their letter to Secretary of the Navy Del Toro, the members wrote, “It is our understanding that over months of conversation Pentagon leadership, the Navy, and industry reached an agreement to maximize use of taxpayer funding for construction of the next tranche of Columbia-class and Virginia-class submarines – including by raising wages to attract and retain America’s skilled and organized shipyard workforce, addressing rising costs, and advancing much-needed infrastructure investments, all to improve program reliability and schedule.”

    “We therefore urge more consistent communication with Congress and with OMB so that all parties clearly understand the Navy’s position on SAWS and overall plans to get our nation’s submarine production on track,” they continued. “It is critical that our submarine programs be on schedule and on budget.”

    In addition to Kaine, Murphy, and Blumenthal, the letters were signed by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Angus King (I-ME), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Mark R. Warner (D-VA).

    The letter to OMB is available here. The letter to the Navy is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Maine Delegation Statement on the First Anniversary of Lewiston Shooting

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden today released the following statement on the first anniversary of the Lewiston shooting that took place on October 25th, taking the lives of 18 innocent people:

    “One year ago, the unthinkable happened in Lewiston when a gunman opened fire at a bowling alley and restaurant — shaking the community and Maine to its core,” said the Delegation. “For days, families sheltered in their homes as law enforcement worked to track down the shooter. We are thankful for the diligence and bravery that put an end to this nightmare and allowed our state to begin working through the agony and devastation. But the seats at the kitchen table remain empty, with 18 Mainers absent from the lives of their friends and families. Others injured on that horrific day are still recovering from their wounds. As we continue to process the pain, we renew our commitment to helping one another, to remembering the victims and the lives forever changed that day, and to healing.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins Announces More Than $53 Million for Freight Rail Upgrades in Rural Maine

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that the Maine Department of Transportation has been awarded $53,313,091 for freight rail upgrades to enhance safety, speed, and reliability along two Eastern Maine Railway mainlines in Penobscot, Aroostook, Washington, and Piscataquis counties. This funding will also be used to rehabilitate currently dormant tracks to provide a connection to the One North Bio-Industrial Park in Millinocket. This funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Fiscal Year 2024 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program. Eastern Maine Railway and One North will contribute the 20 percent non-federal match required for this project, for a total project cost of more than $66.6 million.

    “This investment will make critical safety and reliability upgrades to enhance freight rail service in rural Maine,” said Senator Collins. “Repairing and expanding our state’s rail network will strengthen economic opportunities and support jobs throughout the state by connecting our rural communities to national and global markets.”

    The grant will support substantial improvements across 140 miles of rail, including the installation of over 86,000 new crossties and more than 108,000 tons of ballast, replacement of jointed rail with continuously welded rail, installation of Equipment Defect Detectors, and upgrading seven highway grade crossings. By rehabilitating yard tracks and other improvements in the Industrial Park, this project will support the Maine forest products industry and new and sustainable industries in the Katahdin Region.

    According to the FRA, the CRISI Program aims to invest in a wide range of projects within the United States to improve railroad safety, efficiency, and reliability, and to mitigate congestion at both intercity passenger and freight rail chokepoints to support the more efficient movement of both people and goods.

    Since joining the Appropriations Committee in 2009, Senator Collins has helped secure over $1 billion in competitive transportation grants for the State of Maine.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Reverend Warnock, Ossoff Announce $22 Million in Federal Funding to Further Close Digital Divide Across Georgia

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senators Reverend Warnock, Ossoff Announce $22 Million in Federal Funding to Further Close Digital Divide Across Georgia

    Funding will help create programs for working Americans to access laptops and tablets, connecting millions of households to more economic and educational opportunities
    Provisions in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law were based on Senator Reverend Warnock’s Device Access for Every American Act 
    The new funding seeks to make it easier for working families to keep up with the shift to a 21st century digital economy, schooling, and more
    4.4 million households with students lack consistent access to a computer
    ICYMI from May 2024: Touting Continuing Benefits of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Senator Reverend Warnock, Commerce Secretary Raimondo Celebrate New Jobs at Norcross Manufacturing Facility
    Senator Reverend Warnock: “It is not enough to just put fiber cables in the ground. We need to make sure our communities have the devices, resources, training, and low costs that will allow Georgians participate and thrive in our increasingly digital economy”

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) announced $22,455,639 in federal funding for Georgia to create digital literacy programs, expand community access to computers and tablets, lower costs to get connected, and more. These funds were based in part on provisions from Senator Warnock’s Device Access for Every American Act that he successfully included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Eligible uses include funding for digital literacy programs, partnerships with providers to improve internet affordability, and support for community anchor institutions like libraries, schools, community centers, and religious institutions to help connect, train, and educate communities in all aspects of digital connectivity and digital services. The grant will be distributed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to the state. This funding also allows Georgia to begin implementation of its digital equity plans.

    “I am proud to have secured provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make this federal funding possible and help close the digital divide for communities across Georgia–particularly in our rural and underserved communities that for too long have been left behind,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “It is not enough to just put fiber cables in the ground. We need to make sure our communities have the devices, resources, training, and low costs that will allow Georgians participate and thrive in our increasingly digital economy, and this multi-million dollar grant will do just that by creating digital literacy programs, expanding community access to computers and tablets, lowering costs to get connected, and more.”

    “Our historic bipartisan infrastructure law continues to deliver for Georgia, including historic Federal funding Senator Warnock and I have delivered to surge broadband connectivity across our state. Today’s announcement is another major next step toward ensuring every Georgia family, business, and farm has high-speed Internet,” said Senator Ossoff. 

    The growing need for reliable Internet connectivity and access to connected devices was exacerbated during the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced millions of Americans to shift to digital platforms for school, work, and other daily activities. But the evolving 21st century economy and technological revolution is only continuing these trends. Having a reliable broadband connection is increasingly as necessary as having running water or reliable electricity. However, many households struggle to keep up due to the lack of access to connected devices and the cost of acquiring them. Nationwide, 40% of working adults do not own a desktop or laptop computer. Additionally, 4.4 million households with students lack consistent access to a computer, making it difficult for these students to participate in class and complete schoolwork.

    Senator Warnock has been a champion for strengthening broadband access for Georgians across the state. In May 2024, Senator Warnock hosted Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo at Georgia-based OFS Fitel to uplift more $1 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding coming to Georgia for broadband expansion to close the digital divide in communities across the state. Senator Warnock also led an effort urging the FCC to expand the E-Rate program, which would allow schools and libraries to provide Wi-Fi hotspots to students and educators. Additionally, in 2022 Senator Reverend Warnock hosted FCC Chair Rosenworcel in Jackson County to discuss the need for better broadband service in rural communities. Senator Warnock has also worked with Senator Luján to urge the FCC to prevent digital discrimination by facilitating equal access to broadband internet through its rulemaking process. Additionally, in a recent Senate Commerce committee hearing, Senator Warnock called out Congress’ inaction on funding the Affordable Connectivity Program and how a funding lapse would be detrimental to the more than 23 million Americans who depend on it, which includes 720,000 Georgians.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chair’s Statement Fiftieth Meeting of the IMFC – Mr. Mohammed Aljadaan, Minister for Finance of Saudi Arabia

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    October 25, 2024

    In the context of the Fiftieth Meeting of the IMFC that took place in Washington, D.C. on 24th and 25th October, several IMFC members discussed the global macroeconomic and financial impact of current wars and conflicts, including with regard to Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, and in other places. IMFC members underscored that all states must act in a manner consistent with the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter in its entirety. They acknowledged, however, that the IMFC is not a forum to resolve geopolitical and security issues which are discussed in other fora.

     

    ****

    IMFC members agreed on the following text:

     

    Securing a soft landing and breaking from the current low growth-high debt path are the policy priorities for the global economy. We welcome the IMF’s efforts to enhance its surveillance, lending toolkit, and capacity development, and become more representative. Looking ahead, we remain committed to multilateral cooperation to promote global prosperity and address shared challenges.

     

    1. The global economy has moved closer to a soft landing. Economic activity has proven resilient, with global growth steady and inflation continuing to moderate. However, this masks important divergences across countries. Uncertainty remains significant and some downside risks have increased. Ongoing wars and conflicts continue to impose a heavy burden on the global economy. Medium-term growth prospects remain weak, and global public debt has reached record highs.
    1. We will work to further secure a soft landing while stepping up our reform efforts to shift away from a low growth-high debt path and address other medium-term challenges. Fiscal policy should pivot toward consolidation, where needed, to ensure debt sustainability and rebuild buffers. Consolidation should be underpinned by credible medium-term plans and institutional frameworks while protecting the vulnerable and supporting growth-enhancing public and private investments. Monetary policy must ensure inflation returns durably to target, consistent with central bank mandates, remain data-dependent, and be well communicated. Financial sector authorities should continue to closely monitor risks in banks and non-banks, including from property markets. We will continue to enhance financial regulation and supervision, including via timely finalization and implementation of internationally agreed reforms, and harness the benefits of financial and technological innovation, while mitigating the risks. We will pursue well-calibrated and sequenced growth-enhancing structural reforms to ease binding constraints to economic activity, boost productivity, increase labor market participation, promote social cohesion, and support the climate and digital transitions.
    1. We remain committed to international cooperation to improve the resilience of the global economy and build prosperity, while ensuring the smooth functioning of the international monetary system. We reiterate our commitments on exchange rates, addressing excessive global imbalances, and our statement on the rules-based multilateral trading system, as made in April 2021, and reaffirm our commitment to avoid protectionist measures.
    1. We will continue to support countries as they undertake reforms and address debt vulnerabilities and liquidity challenges. We welcome the progress made on debt treatments under the G20 Common Framework (CF) and beyond. We remain committed to addressing global debt vulnerabilities in an effective, comprehensive, and systematic manner, including stepping up the CF’s implementation in a predictable, timely, orderly, and coordinated manner, and enhancing debt transparency. We look forward to further work at the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable on ways to address debt vulnerabilities and restructuring challenges. We encourage the IMF and the World Bank to develop further their proposal to support countries with sustainable debt but experiencing liquidity challenges.
    1. We welcome the policy priorities set out in the Managing Director’s Global Policy Agenda, and welcome the start of Ms. Kristalina Georgieva’s second five-year term as Managing Director.
    1. We support the IMF’s surveillance focus on country-tailored advice to help members assess risks, bolster policy and institutional frameworks, and calibrate macrofinancial and macrostructural policies to enhance resilience, ensure debt sustainability, and boost inclusive and sustainable growth. We look forward to the Comprehensive Surveillance Review that will set future surveillance priorities.
    1. We welcome the recent reforms to the lending toolkit. We welcome the completion of the review of PRGT facilities and financing that aims to bolster the IMF’s capacity to support low-income countries in addressing their balance of payments needs, mindful of their vulnerabilities, while restoring the self-sustainability of the Trust. We welcome the Review of Charges and the Surcharge Policy, which will alleviate the financial cost of Fund lending for borrowing countries, while preserving their intended incentives and safeguarding the Fund’s financial soundness. We welcome the enhanced cooperation with the World Bank on climate action, and with the World Bank and the World Health Organization on pandemic preparedness, which will further enhance the effectiveness of IMF support through the Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST). We look forward to the Review of the GRA Access Limits, the Review of Program Design and Conditionality, the Review of the Short-term Liquidity Line, and the comprehensive Review of the RST. We continue to invite countries to explore voluntary channeling of SDRs, including through MDBs, where legally possible, while preserving their reserve asset status.
    1. We support the IMF’s efforts to strengthen capacity development and to secure appropriate financing. We welcome the ongoing work with the World Bank on the Domestic Resource Mobilization Initiative.
    1. We reaffirm our commitment to a strong, quota-based, and adequately resourced IMF at the center of the global financial safety net. We have secured, or are working to secure, domestic approvals for our consent to the quota increase under the 16th General Review of Quotas (GRQ) by mid-November this year, as well as relevant adjustments under the New Arrangements to Borrow (NAB). As a safeguard to preserve the Fund’s lending capacity in case of a delay in securing timely consent to the quota increase, creditors for Bilateral Borrowing Agreements are working to secure approvals for transitional arrangements for maintaining IMF access to bilateral borrowing. We acknowledge the urgency and importance of realignment in quota shares to better reflect members’ relative positions in the world economy, while protecting the quota shares of the poorest members. We welcome the Executive Board’s ongoing work to develop by June 2025 possible approaches as a guide for further quota realignment, including through a new quota formula, under the 17th
    1. We welcome the new 25th chair on the Executive Board for Sub-Saharan Africa, strengthening the voice and representation of the region. We also welcome Liechtenstein as a new member. We appreciate staff’s high-quality work and dedication to support the membership. We encourage further efforts to improve staff diversity and inclusion. We reiterate our commitment to strengthen gender diversity at the Executive Board and will continue to work to achieve the voluntary objectives to increase the number of women in Board leadership positions.
    1. We reiterate our strong commitment to the Fund on its 80th anniversary and look forward to further discussing at our next meeting ways to ensure the Fund remains well-equipped to meet future challenges, in line with its mandate, and in collaboration with partners and other IFIs. We ask our Deputies to prepare for this discussion.
    1. Our next meeting is expected to be held in April 2025.

    Chair

    Mohammed Aljadaan, Minister of Finance, Saudi Arabia

    Managing Director

    Kristalina Georgieva

    Members or Alternates

     

    Ayman Alsayari, Governor of the Saudi Central Bank, Saudi Arabia (Alternate for Mohammed Aljadaan, Minister of Finance, Saudi Arabia)

    Mohammed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, United Arab Emirates

    Antoine Armand, Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industry, France

    Luis Caputo, Minister of Economy, Argentina

    Jim Chalmers, Treasurer of Australia

    Carlos Cuerpo, Minister of Economy, Trade and Enterprise, Spain

    Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Canada

    Giancarlo Giorgetti, Minister of Economy and Finance, Italy

    Fernando Haddad, Minister of Finance, Brazil

    Eelco Heinen, Minister of Finance, The Netherlands

    Robert Holzmann, Governor of the Austrian National Bank, Austria

    Katsunobu Kato, Minister of Finance, Japan

    Karin Keller-Sutter, Minister of Finance, Switzerland

    Lesetja Kganyago, Governor, South African Reserve Bank, South Africa

    Christian Lindner, Federal Minister of Finance, Germany

    Mays Mouissi, Minister of Economy and Participations, Gabon

    Changneng Xuan, Deputy Governor of the People’s Bank of China (Alternate for Gongsheng Pan, Governor of the People’s Bank of China)

    Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, H.M. Treasury, United Kingdom

    Ivan Chebeskov, Deputy Minister of Finance, Russian Federation (Alternate for Anton Siluanov, Minister of Finance, Russian Federation)

    Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Finance, India

    Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, Governor, Bank of Thailand

    Salah-Eddine Taleb, Governor, Bank of Algeria

    Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, Minister for Finance, Norway

    Janet Yellen, Secretary of the Treasury, United States

    Observers

    Agustín Carstens, General Manager, Bank for International Settlements (BIS)

    Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Chair, Development Committee (DC) and Minister of State for Financial Affairs, United Arab Emirates

    Christine Lagarde, President, European Central Bank (ECB)

    Paolo Gentiloni, Commissioner for Economy, European Commission (EC)

    Klaas Knot, Chair, Financial Stability Board (FSB) and President of De Nederlandsche Bank

    Richard Samans, Director, Research Department, International Labour Organization (ILO)

    Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

    Mohannad Alsuwaidan, Economic Analyst, Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

    Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Assistant Administrator, United Nations (UN)

    Penelope Hawkins, Officer-in-Charge, Debt and Development Finance Branch, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

    Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, The World Bank (WB)

    Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General, World Trade Organization (WTO)

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Randa Elnagar

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/10/25/pr24396-chairs-statement-fiftieth-meeting-of-the-imfc

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS Conducts Removal Flight to the Republic of India

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DHS Conducts Removal Flight to the Republic of India

    DHS continues to enforce U.S. immigration laws and deliver tough consequences for those who enter unlawfully. This includes swiftly returning those without a legal basis to remain in the United States, while encouraging the use of lawful pathways. Since June 2024, when the Securing the Border Presidential Proclamation and accompanying Interim Final Rule went into effect, encounters between ports of entry along the southwest border have decreased by 55%. In Fiscal Year 2024, DHS removed or returned over 160,000 individuals and operated more than 495 international repatriation flights to more than 145 countries—including India. 

    “Indian nationals without a legal basis to remain in the United States are subject to swift removal, and intending migrants should not fall for the lies of smugglers who proclaim otherwise,” said Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Kristie A. Canegallo. “The Department of Homeland Security will continue to enforce our nation’s laws.”  

    DHS regularly engages with foreign governments throughout the hemisphere and around the world to accept repatriations of their nationals without a legal basis to remain in the United States. This is one tool among many DHS uses to reduce irregular migration, promote the use of safe, lawful, and orderly pathways, and hold transnational criminal networks accountable for smuggling and exploitation of vulnerable people. Over the last year, DHS has removed individuals to a range of countries around the world, including Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Egypt, Mauritania, Senegal, Uzbekistan, the PRC, and India. As a result of these efforts, DHS removed or returned more individuals in FY2024 than any year since FY2010, and DHS continues to expand removal flights operations. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Empire of pain: City of London Police foil £1m illegal pharma drug gang with two people jailed and over 1,000,000 pills seized

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    City of London Police

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Friday, October 25, 2024

    Three people have been sentenced today for their role in the large scale importation and distribution of unregulated pharmaceutical drugs into the UK from India where they were then repackaged and distributed internationally.

    The three defendants were found guilty during a 6 week trial and were sentenced today at Southwark Crown Court with the following:

    • Salman Ansari, 33, of Central Road, Wembley, was found guilty of 12 counts of possession with intent to supply drugs (Class A, B and C), one count of conspiracy to supply Class C and one count of money laundering. Salman Ansari received a six year sentence.
    • Waqas Saleem, 33, Sylvia Gardens, Wembley, was found guilty of 12 counts of possession with intent to supply drugs (classes A, B and C), one count of conspiracy to supply Class C and one count of money laundering. Waqas Saleem received a sentence of two and a half years.
    • Juhi Ansari, 32, of Central Road Wembley, was found guilty of one count of money laundering and received a suspended sentence but will be required to complete100 hours unpaid work and 25 days rehab.

    Over 730kg of drugs were seized during the operation. This included strong opioids such as tapentadol and tramadol, and benzodiazepines including zolpidem, zopiclone and nitrazepam. Both types of drugs are commonly misused for their sedation effect and can be fatal when combined. In total there were more than 1,000,000 tablets seized.

    In total, there were nine different drugs that were categorised as being Class C (zolpidem, zopiclone, nitrazepam, tramadol, etizolam, pregabalin, flubromazolam, bromazolam, alprazolam), one Class B (cannabis resin) and one Class A (tapentadol).

    Detective Constable Syed Shah, from the Serious Organised Crime Team, City of London Police said:

    “Today’s result is the culmination of numerous law enforcement agencies, working together from across the world, over a period of more than three years.

    “The illegal importation of drugs has a devastating impact on the public These drugs in particular are subject to an emerging trend of misuse due to their availability and affordability. Many of the drugs seized are unregulated products for the UK market, with the investigation team encountering counterfeited brands such as Xanax with flubromazolam where the pills dose and potency unknown. The withdrawal from drugs such as pregabalin can be more severe than opiate withdrawal and presents the user with a risk to life.

    “This investigation involved partnership working with colleagues from  UK Border Force, as well as crucial support overseas from US law enforcement, principally the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Customs and Border Patrol and the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). From everyone at City of London Police, we thank you all for your hard work.

    “To those individuals which have assisted or benefitted financially from this criminal enterprise, you all now become the focus of future investigations with law enforcement targeting you in the UK and overseas.”

    Special Agent Fernando McMillan, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office said:

    “Selling and importing unapproved pharmaceutical drugs across international borders and into the United States puts the public health at risk. FDA is grateful for the partnership with the City of London and multiple law enforcement agencies to bring these criminals to justice.”

    “Maintaining vigilance and collaboration with our counterparts in the U.K. remains critical to safeguarding public health and safety, and we will continue to enhance international cooperation and enforcement strategies to combat the illegal shipment of regulated products.”

    Special Agent Michael J. Krol, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New England said:

    “This pharmaceutical smuggling ring was systematically disrupted and dismantled through the hard work of law enforcement on both sides of the Atlantic working together towards the same goal: a safe supply chain the public can trust. We live in a global society and crimes do not confine themselves to one country. We must work together to tackle transnational threats to ensure a safer world for all.”

    The investigation can be traced back to October 2020 where US Customs and Border seized numerous shipments sent from the UK found to contain illicit pharmaceutical drugs. A referral was then made to the City of London Police’s Serious Organised Crime Team (SOCT). By tracing the packages being sent from the UK, SOCT were able to identify Salman Ansari and Waqas Saleem being responsible for the shipment of the drugs and the location they were storing the drugs. Information sharing with US counterparts the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  led to successful warrants being executed in June 2021 in Vermont, USA, where pharmaceutical drugs were found at a property.

    By tracing the packages being sent from UK airports to JFK, officers were able to identify drop-off locations of the drugs, as well as vehicles used by Salman Ansari and Waqas Saleem. This led City of London Police officers to a storage unit in Wembley.

    Following a focused and in-depth proactive investigation , Salman Ansari and Waqas Saleem were arrested in July 2021and both were arrested within the storage unit for conspiracy to supply controlled drugs and money laundering.

    Contained within the storage unit were a significant quantity of large cardboard boxes which contained thousands of blister packs of what purported to be pharmaceutical grade drugs. These included Tramadol, Zopiclone, Atizolam, Xanax, Nitrazepam, Zolpidem, Pregabalin as well as what was believed to be cannabis resin. A total of 175 exhibits were seized from the storage location.

    At the same time, SOCT officers attended the Ansari home address and arrested Salman’s wife Juhi Ansari for money laundering.

    Financial investigations revealed that Salman Ansari had over 11 bank accounts in his name, with a credit turnover of £1.09m, which vastly outweighed any declared or legitimate income expressed to HMRC. Between March 2018 and September 2021, over 158 transactions were made from Salman Ansari to his wife Juhi Ansari, totalling more than £265,0000 and during the same time frame Juhi Ansari sent over £147,000 to Salman Ansari. It was also established that Salman Ansari sent Waqas Saleem over £7,000 during April 2021 and July 2021.

    Additionally, various complex money laundering techniques were utilised, where funds from illicit sales were made in various cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and USD and transferred to individuals in India. Additionally, Salman sent funds to India approximating to $62,120 (around £46,458) and similarly, Juhi Ansari sent approximately $55,050 (around £41,194) also to India.

    All defendants put in a plea of not guilty, however during the 6 week trial extensive evidence was put to the jury which outlined the global drug network that Ansari and Saleem had orchestrated. The jury were unanimous in the their verdict of guilty on all counts for all three defendants.

    City of London Police advice to the general public

    Unregulated drugs can have a devastating impact on people’s wellbeing, as without thorough testing and regulation by registered drug distributors, they can have potentially fatal results.

    Never buy any drugs or pharmaceutical medicine on the black market or online, you could be putting yourself and others at risk of serious health complications.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pennsylvania Gets it Done: Governor Shapiro, GSK Leadership Announce the Global Biopharma Company’s Investment of up to $800 Million in Pennsylvania, Expanding its Operations and Creating Jobs in the Commonwealth

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    October 24, 2024 – Marietta, PA

    Pennsylvania Gets it Done: Governor Shapiro, GSK Leadership Announce the Global Biopharma Company’s Investment of up to $800 Million in Pennsylvania, Expanding its Operations and Creating Jobs in the Commonwealth

    Governor Josh Shapiro and GSK leadership announced the global biopharma company’s major investment of up to $800 million in Pennsylvania that will increase its research and development (R&D) and manufacturing footprint at its existing facility in Lancaster County. The Commonwealth is supporting this expansion with a $21 million investment, which will create at least 200 new, high-paying jobs. This is the largest Commonwealth-supported economic development project in Lancaster County history.

    GSK will expand its existing facility at 325 North Bridge Street in Marietta with new facilities to manufacture vaccines and medicines. Currently, one in four Americans are administered a vaccine supplied from the company’s Marietta location. This expansion will double the size and capacity of the site.

    “Pennsylvania is a leader in life sciences – and GSK’s decision to make its largest single investment ever in manufacturing in the United States right here in the Commonwealth is further proof that we are the best state in the nation for business growth and economic development,” said Governor Shapiro. “Our Commonwealth offers the skilled workforce, market access, and innovation infrastructure that biotech and life sciences companies need to thrive. Pennsylvania is getting things done, and my Administration will continue to work with companies like GSK to drive innovation forward and create jobs – and economic opportunity – for people across the Commonwealth.”

    List of Speakers:
    Matteo Leardini
    Governor Shapiro
    Maya Martinez-Davis, President, U.S. GSK
    Secretary Rick Siger

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Shapiro Announces Historic Plan to Revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh with Targeted Investments from the Commonwealth, Local Government, the Private Sector, and Philanthropic Organizations

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    October 25, 2024 – Pittsburgh, PA

    Governor Shapiro Announces Historic Plan to Revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh with Targeted Investments from the Commonwealth, Local Government, the Private Sector, and Philanthropic Organizations

    Governor Josh Shapiro, Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, and Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger assembled elected officials, corporate leaders, private developers, organized labor, nonprofits, and artists from Pittsburgh to announce a major collective effort to improve Downtown Pittsburgh and revitalize the neighborhood as a thriving center for economic growth, culture, and industry. The Governor announced that nearly $600 million has already been committed toward specific, shovel-ready projects as part of the initial phase of this plan – all of those projects are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2028.

    As part of this effort, the Shapiro Administration is investing $62.6 million and the City of Pittsburgh is committing $22.1 million through the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

    A broad coalition of private sector leaders and regional foundations have committed more than $40 million — and counting — in additional funding for this plan, including partners like BNY; Dollar Bank; Duquesne Light Company; Federated Hermes; FNB Bank; Giant Eagle; Highmark; Pitt Ohio; PNC Bank; PPG Industries; Reed Smith; Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC; K&L Gates; the Buhl Foundation; the Eden Hall Foundation; the Heinz Endowments; the Hillman Foundation; the Jewish Healthcare Foundation; the Pittsburgh Steelers; the Pittsburgh Pirates; and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Those public and nonprofit dollars will help spur an additional $376.9 million in private sector investment from real estate developers Downtown.

    Speakers Include:
    Governor Josh Shapiro
    Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis
    DCED Secretary Rick Siger
    Emmai Alaquiva, Vice Chair of Pennsylvania Council on the Arts
    Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato
    Mayor Ed Gainey
    Senator Jay Costa
    Representative Aerion Abney
    David Holmberg, CEO of Highmark Health
    Shawn Fox, President of Oxford Development Company
    Greg Bernarding, Business Manager, Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades Council
    Susheela Nemani-Stanger, Executive Director, Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Alaska — Concerned neighbour calls PEI RCMP regarding break-and-enter at private residence, Police Dog assaulted while tracking suspects

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    PEI RCMP have arrested three people thanks to a 9-1-1 call from a concerned neighbour alerting police to a possible break and enter in progress.

    After receiving a 9-1-1 call regarding a possible break-and-enter in progress, West Prince RCMP attended a private residence in Alaska, PE. Flashlight beams had been seen moving around in the residence which was unoccupied. As Police arrived a 54-year-old Mont Carmel man, was quickly apprehended. Two other people involved in the incident had earlier fled on foot.

    RCMP Police Dog Services attended the scene, and after a short track, the dog located the two people – a 53-year-old man from St. Chrysostome, PE, and a 33-year-old woman from Cape Wolfe, PE. Based on their behaviours, the police dog team was deployed and both the man and woman were bitten by the dog. Through the course of her arrest the woman did assault the police dog. “Any time a police dog is deployed it is under the control of its handler,” says Corporal Gavin Moore, Media Relations Officer with PEI RCMP. “Police provide many opportunities for suspects to cooperate and turn themselves in before a dog is used, and it is used in cases where the dog can help improve police and public safety,” adds Cpl. Moore.

    A vehicle used by the individuals, found at the scene, was towed as it had stolen licence plates, was not insured or registered. All three individuals were charged and later released. They will appear in court at a later date. The investigation into this incident is ongoing.

    This is the second break-and-enter West Prince RCMP have responded to in two weeks, and in both instances have arrested the suspects involved. PEI RCMP thank the public who called 9-1-1 to report this incident and remind all Islanders to call 9-1-1 any time you suspect an emergency requiring police, fire or medical assistance.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DHS Conducts Removal Flight to the Republic of India

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    WASHINGTON – On October 22, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), conducted a large-frame charter removal flight to the Republic of India of Indian nationals who did not establish legal basis to remain in the United States. This week’s flight demonstrates the Department’s continued commitment to pursuing sustained cooperation with the Indian government and other international partners to reduce and deter irregular migration and jointly work to counter human smuggling.    

    DHS continues to enforce U.S. immigration laws and deliver tough consequences for those who enter unlawfully. This includes swiftly returning those without a legal basis to remain in the United States, while encouraging the use of lawful pathways. Since June 2024, when the Securing the Border Presidential Proclamation and accompanying Interim Final Rule went into effect, encounters between ports of entry along the southwest border have decreased by 55%. In Fiscal Year 2024, DHS removed or returned over 160,000 individuals and operated more than 495 international repatriation flights to more than 145 countries—including India. 

    “Indian nationals without a legal basis to remain in the United States are subject to swift removal, and intending migrants should not fall for the lies of smugglers who proclaim otherwise,” said Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Kristie A. Canegallo. “The Department of Homeland Security will continue to enforce our nation’s laws.”  

    DHS regularly engages with foreign governments throughout the hemisphere and around the world to accept repatriations of their nationals without a legal basis to remain in the United States. This is one tool among many DHS uses to reduce irregular migration, promote the use of safe, lawful, and orderly pathways, and hold transnational criminal networks accountable for smuggling and exploitation of vulnerable people. Over the last year, DHS has removed individuals to a range of countries around the world, including Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Egypt, Mauritania, Senegal, Uzbekistan, the PRC, and India. As a result of these efforts, DHS removed or returned more individuals in FY2024 than any year since FY2010, and DHS continues to expand removal flights operations. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sex Offender and Drug Trafficker Receives 10 Years in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WILMINGTON, N.C. –  Roy Cox, 37, of Jacksonville, North Carolina, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release for three counts of distribution of crack cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, and one count of failure to register as a sex offender.  On March 27, 2024, and June 27, 2024, Cox pled guilty to the drug charges and failure to register as a sex offender, respectively.

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office received information that Cox was selling large quantities of cocaine in the Jacksonville area.  They further received information that Cox was involved in the transportation of controlled substances from Florida to the Eastern District of North Carolina.  During May 2023, law enforcement made three controlled purchases of crack cocaine from Cox in Jacksonville.  In June 2023, law enforcement received information that Cox was traveling from Florida back to Jacksonville.  On June 4, 2023, law enforcement arrested Cox when he arrived at his residence.  Law enforcement found a bag that contained 470 grams of cocaine in the car in which he was a passenger.

    Cox has a prior conviction for a sex offense in Florida that required him to register as a sex offender.  Cox left the state of Florida to live in North Carolina without registering as a sex offender in North Carolina.  Cox had lived in North Carolina for more than a year at the time of his arrest.  The United States Marshal Service (USMS) had been independently investigating him for this at the time of his arrest in this case.

    Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, USMS, the Jacksonville Police Department and the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:23-CR-113.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Little Rock Man Sentenced to 15 Years In Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

          LITTLE ROCK—Bryant Cordell Hart, a multi-convicted felon, will spend the next 15 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on Thursday, October 24, 2024, by United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky.

          On August 8, 2022, Hart, 38, of North Little Rock, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Rudofsky also sentenced Hart to four years supervised release. Hart was indicted on December 8, 2021, on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

          An investigation revealed that on June 7, 2021, officers from the Little Rock Police Department conducted a traffic stop. During the stop, officers located a Glock, model 23, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol wedged between the driver’s seat and the center console of the vehicle Hart was driving. Additionally, officers located marijuana, two digital scales, and a glass pipe in the center console. During a search of the vehicle’s trunk, officers recovered an extended Glock magazine loaded with ammunition that functioned with the firearm found in Hart’s possession.

          Hart is classified as an armed career criminal offender due to his criminal history that includes multiple convictions for attempted delivery of cocaine, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of cocaine. There is no parole in the federal system.

          The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Little Rock Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda Fields.

    # # #

    Additional information about the office of the

    United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    X (formerly known as Twitter):

    @USAO_EDAR 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney Parker honors community, law enforcement efforts in third annual awards ceremony

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CINCINNATI – Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, presented the 2024 Law Enforcement and Community Awards, honoring individuals and groups for their work to reduce gun violence and provide comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence, human trafficking and exploitation.

    “The recipients of this year’s awards embody the spirit and dedication of what it means to come together and work hard for the greater good,” said U.S. Attorney Parker. “These fine individuals exemplify being part of a positive community every day. They deserve our recognition and gratitude.”

    The awards include:

    Kaia Grant Badge of Bravery and Sacrifice Award

    Springboro Police Officer Christopher Heath Martin

    Officer Heath Martin, a 20-year veteran of the Springboro Police Department, was first to the scene of a fire inside a home in June 2023. Officer Martin rescued a 36-year-old man, who uses a wheelchair, from a back bedroom of the home. The victim’s battery-operated wheelchair is believed to be the cause of the fire and had exploded. The officer’s body worn camera captured his life-saving actions of finding the victim and bringing him to safety.

    Law Enforcement Excellence Award

    FBI Special Agent Robert Buzzard

    Special Agent Buzzard serves as the lead agent on the FBI’s Southern Ohio Safe Streets Task Force (SOSSTF) and is known throughout the Miami Valley for his law enforcement excellence and expertise. The depth of his drug trafficking investigations often leads to the sources of supply outside of the United States. Examples of cases in which he was the lead agent include U.S. v. Walton et al – in which the United States successfully dismantled a sophisticated long-running drug trafficking organization led by two brothers – and U.S. v. Goddard et al – a case involving two Dayton men who were convicted on all counts for crimes related to the 2019 death of Dayton Detective and DEA Task Force Officer Jorge DelRio. The defendants were each sentenced to life in prison.

    Project Safe Neighborhood’s Guardian Award

    ATF Special Agent Derek Graham

    Special Agent Graham has effectively and creatively investigated a significant number of firearms-related crimes in the Southern District of Ohio. He has developed a special expertise in investigating straw purchasing cases. In recent months, Special Agent Graham has investigated and solved cases involving more than 20 defendants and approximately 100 firearms. One case involved a murder and five armed robberies across jurisdictions. The shooter and getaway driver have since been sentenced to 40 years and 23 years in prison respectively. In 2024 alone, Special Agent Graham has also either completed or assisted with 57 call detail records, 61 pen registers, 92 ping orders, 69 location mappings and 21 forensic extractions for agents and task force officers, as well as local police departments.

    The Project Safe Childhood Shield of Innocence Award

    HSI Special Agent Sara Sellers

    Since joining Homeland Security Investigations Columbus in December 2020, Special Agent Sellers has initiated more than 80 criminal investigations. Special Agent Sellers joined the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force in July 2023 and has developed the reputation as an extremely hardworking and diligent investigator. An example of her unwavering commitment to the investigation and prosecution of child predators around the world occurred in December 2023, when Special Agent Sellers was called after hours with an investigative referral from Australia regarding a potential minor victim currently being sexually abused in Ohio. Special Agent Sellers left the restaurant at which she was dining to begin the task of locating the victim and perpetrator immediately. Within 24 hours, Special Agent Sellers had confirmed the identity of the suspect, located her and the minor victim and secured warrants to arrest the suspect and execute a search warrant to obtain additional evidence in this investigation that also spawned new leads. Special Agent Sellers continues to dedicate her efforts to protect minor victims and is helping lead an investigation abroad into an international ring of exploiters who create and distribute child sexual abuse material.

    Polaris Community Service Award

    Department of Veteran Affairs’ Mobile Evaluation Team, Columbus Division of Police Mobile Crisis Response Team & Columbus Public Health

    The partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Police, Veterans Evaluation Team, and the Columbus Division of Police’s Mobile Crisis Response Team exemplifies exceptional innovation, collaboration, and dedication in community service. U.S. Attorney Parker recognized VMET’s Clinical Director Dr. Heather Robinson, Investigator Jesse King, Benjamin Stark and Alexandra Woodruff, Columbus Police Lt. Michael Voorhis, Sgt. John Cheatham and Officers Francis Scalfani, Veronica Poehler, Robert Heinzman and Anthony Roberts, and Columbus Public Health Supervisor Kerith Palletti and Social Workers Kierstin Dettmers, Kevin Kincaid, Zach Simmons and Jason Cole for the collaboration that has created a vital connection between law enforcement and the Veteran community, addressing the unique challenges faced by veterans in crisis.

    By merging the specialized expertise of the VA Police Veterans Response Team with the crisis intervention skills of the Columbus Division of Police Mobile Crisis Response Team, they have established a comprehensive support system that is both empathetic and effective. Together, these teams have introduced innovative crisis intervention strategies. Through joint protocols and training sessions, they have ensured both teams are well-prepared to handle the complexities of veteran-specific mental health crises. This partnership has pioneered the integration of mental health professionals into crisis response scenarios, leading to more informed and compassionate interactions with veterans in distress.

    Serve Thy Neighbor Award (Columbus)

    Center for Family Safety & Healing and the Columbus Division of Police’s ACT-DV program

    U.S. Attorney Parker recognized Center for Family Safety & Healing’s Interim Director Nancy Cunningham, President Melissa Graves, Justice System In-Research Supervisor Amber Howell and Sheronda Paramore, as well as Columbus Police Assistant Chief Greg Bodker and Commander Joseph Curmode for their work developing bridges to effectively link justice, advocacy and health systems and to build trust between residents and law enforcement.

    Through ACT-DV, trained victim advocates respond with police officers at the scene of domestic violence crimes. This important public safety and victim services partnership increases access to support resources by offering safety planning, shelter and linkage to health/ mental health services immediately after a traumatic incident. Advocates also prepare victims for what to expect through the criminal prosecution process. Having advocates and officers work side by side supports the victims’ best interest and builds trust between community and law enforcement. This effort also helps police officers develop a deeper understanding of domestic violence and the complexity, power and danger that far too often keeps women in abusive homes.

    Serve Thy Neighbor Award (Dayton)

    Ms. Lisa Lucchesi, CareSource Health Plan

    Ms. Lucchesi serves as the National Human Trafficking Project Manager for CareSource Health Plan, and her passion is to advocate for children who are being trafficked or at high risk of trafficking. She coordinated with local law enforcement agencies and service providers to organize a highly successful CareSource Human Trafficking Awareness Summit in Dayton. Ms. Lucchesi continues to host meetings with local and national stakeholders to focus on the crime of the sexual trafficking of minors, how to identify the victims, what resources are available for them and how to help these minor victims to improve their lives.  Thanks to Ms. Lucchesi, the Dayton Police Department, Montgomery County Childrens Services and Montgomery County Juvenile Court have improved their processes in looking below the surface in identifying youth victims of sex trafficking who sadly sometimes don’t see themselves as victims.

    Serve Thy Neighbor Award (Cincinnati)

    John McConnaughey, Cincinnati Citizens Police Association

    Mr. McConnaughey’s service to his community has included serving on the Board of Directors for the FBI Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association, as an Associate Member of the Hamilton County Police Association and as the President of the Cincinnati Citizens’ Police Association (CCPA), which provides support to the Cincinnati law enforcement community. He was one of the founders of the Gang Initiative Project and the Southern Ohio Chapter of the Midwest Gang Investigators Association. Both organizations work with the Cincinnati public schools to combat gang activity. Mr. McConnaughey is a dedicated advocate for reducing crime and violence amongst youth.

    Mitch Morris, Cincinnati Works

    Mr. Morris is a dedicated community servant leader, working to end gun violence in the community. He connects at-risk youth with mentors and helps them find work through Cincinnati Works. Cincinnati Works partners with people in poverty to assist them in advancing economic self-sufficiency. Mr. Morris oversees the organization’s Phoenix Program Outreach & Mentoring. His dedication to ending poverty and gun violence is unwavering.

    For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s annual law enforcement awards, please contact Law Enforcement Coordinator Mitchell Seckman at 614-469-5715.

    # # # 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Guilty of Violating Federal Gun Control and Federal Controlled Substances Acts

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LYNDELL MIMS (“MIMS”), age 34, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on October 25, 2024, before United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier to violating the Federal Gun Control and the Federal Controlled Substances Acts, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

    According to court records, New Orleans Police Department officers stopped MIMS while he was in a vehicle, detected a strong odor of marijuana and got a search warrant.  During the search of the vehicle, the officers found a Diamondback Firearms Model DB15, 5.56-millimeter pistol, bearing serial number DB2907140, a Glock Model 22, .40 caliber pistol, bearing serial number CML528, as well as a third gun in his female passenger’s purse.  MIMS was a convicted felon and was not allowed to possess firearms.

    Officers also found several types of drugs and three digital scales.  The drugs, included 21.08 grams of methamphetamine; 30 grams of a mixture of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl; 2.22 grams of methamphetamine; 4.46 grams of cocaine; 1.55 grams of cocaine; 10.66 grams of psilocyn; approximately 300 grams of marijuana in over 100 smaller bags; 31 Tramadol pills; 75 packets of Buprenorphine/suboxone; 175 Tapentadol pills; 1.52 grams of a heroin/fentanyl mixture; 2.21 grams of fentanyl; several oxycodone pills; several pills that tested positive for fentanyl; 50.64 grams of methamphetamine; and additional miscellaneous pills.       

    The federal indictment against MIMS states that he possessed the various drugs found during the search with the intent to distribute them, possessed the firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and was a felon in possession of firearms.

    Judge Barbier set sentencing for January 30, 2025.  On the drug count, MIMS faces a maximum term of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release.  On the possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking count, MIMS faces a mandatory minimum of five years up to life, which must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release.  On the felon in possession of a firearm count, MIMS faces a maximum term of fifteen years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.  As to each count, MIMS also faces payment of a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

    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.

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller, who is Senior Litigation Counsel and PSN Coordinator.

    MIL Security OSI –