NewzIntel.com

Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE investigation leads to Nevada man’s 11-year sentence for sex trafficking a minor

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Tyree Eugene Rideaux, 31, of Henderson, Nevada, was sentenced, Feb. 25, to 132 months in prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, and subject to registering as lifetime sex offender due to an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations with significant assistance provided by the Mesa Police Department.

    Rideaux pleaded guilty to Sex Trafficking of a Minor on Sept. 16, 2024.  

    “As law enforcement officers, we are used to handling difficult encounters, but few can prepare us for working on human trafficking investigations involving vulnerable children,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Arizona Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola.

    Rideaux met the 16-year-old minor, Jane Doe, at a party in Phoenix a short time before Aug. 15, 2021. Jane Doe traveled with Rideaux and two other females to Inglewood, California. Rideaux told Jane Doe to pretend that she was 18 years old. Once in California, Rideaux placed Jane Doe on the “blade,” an area in a city known for high rates of prostitution. Rideaux assigned a fictitious name to Jane Doe and posted commercial sex advertisements of her online for sex buyers. Jane Doe gave the money she earned to Rideaux, as he directed her to do. On August 15, 2021, Jane Doe convinced a sex buyer to take her to a hospital where she could notify police and family, who returned her home.

    “Predators who traffic in teenagers and force them into prostitution to support the trafficker’s own lifestyle are deserving of the harshest sentences,” stated Rachel C. Hernandez, Acting United States Attorney. “I’m pleased with the excellent results in this case that came about through the diligent efforts of our law enforcement partners and our prosecutors.”

    “HSI is committed to ensuring sex traffickers face the fullest extent of the law by putting them behind bars for years – significant prison time rightly awaits this trafficker,” Burrola concluded.

    ICE HSI conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecutions.

    Report suspicious criminal activity to the ICE Tip Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Philadelphia Resident Who Led Large-Scale Drug Trafficking Organization Pleads Guilty to Narcotics Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    Mikal Davis, 47, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan to Counts One, Three, and Four of the Superseding Indictment.

    In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around April 2019 to July 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Davis conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of a mixture of heroin, five kilograms or more of a mixture of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine, and 28 grams or more of crack. Davis, who led the drug trafficking organization’s activity in Philadelphia and Johnstown, was one of the targets of a federal wiretap and was intercepted obtaining quantities of the drugs that he distributed to others. Accompanied by distributors below him, Davis frequently traveled between Philadelphia and Johnstown with drug shipments which were then stored and processed at “stash houses” throughout the Western District of Pennsylvania for distribution. During a meeting with a drug source in California for a resupply, Davis arranged for the drug parcels to be mailed to Johnstown for distribution. In the Philadelphia area, Davis met with drug sources and purchased over 2,000 grams of heroin and fentanyl and over 5,000 grams of cocaine from a source in New Jersey.

    Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for June 26, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

    Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Davis. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Turkish national arrested for allegedly selling counterfeit goods at mall kiosks

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DAYTON, Ohio – A man who operates kiosks at a local mall was arrested today by federal agents for allegedly trafficking counterfeit goods.

    Emre Teski, 25, is a citizen of Turkey and illegally entered the United States of America from Mexico on September 10, 2022. Teski admitted to illegally crossing the international boundary without being inspected by an immigration officer at a designated Port of Entry. On January 3, 2024, Teski was ordered removed from the United States, but has since appealed this decision and was permitted employment authorization while his appeal is pending. Teski operates kiosks selling counterfeit goods at the Mall at Fairfield Commons in Beavercreek.

    According to charging documents, Teski ran one kiosk that primarily sold replica professional soccer jerseys and hats containing trademarked soccer teams, including FC Barcelona, Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami, Manchester City and Arsenal. Teski operated another kiosk that sold primarily oversized slippers that look like sneakers and included Nike and Air Jordan trademarks.

    Teski allegedly sold an investigator counterfeit Nike slippers that illegally used the trademark Nike Swoosh. It is alleged that he also sold a counterfeit pink Messi jersey.

    Agents executed a search warrant at the kiosks today and seized numerous items containing confirmed or suspected counterfeit trademarks.

    Trafficking counterfeit goods is a federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders is representing the United States in this case.

    A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bridgeport Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Vehicle Theft Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that STEPHANIE PEREZ, 40, of Bridgeport, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 14 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for her participation in a multistate identity theft and vehicle theft scheme that defrauded dozens of individuals and businesses out of more than $1 million.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Perez was involved in a multistate identity theft scheme led by her husband, Tyshon Walker.  Beginning in September 2020, Walker obtained personal information stolen from residents of Connecticut and other states and used it to apply for vehicle loans at dealerships in Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Rhode Island for luxury and performance vehicles, motorcycles, an all-terrain vehicle, and a boat.  Once the loan was approved by the dealership using the identity theft victim’s information, Walker would send “runners,” to pick up the vehicle utilizing a fictitious driver’s license that included the identity theft victim’s information and a photograph of the runner.  The vehicle was then transported back to Connecticut for resale on Facebook Marketplace.

    Perez helped Walker select coconspirators, including Ryan Testa, to be runners, provided them with payment to make trips to acquire vehicles, and picked up the vehicles from the coconspirators once they returned to Connecticut.  Perez recruited and supervised Testa after two other runners involved in the scheme were arrested and charged with related offenses.  Between March and May 2023, at the direction of Perez and Walker, Testa used stolen identities to acquire at least nine vehicles with a total value of more than $500,000.

    Perez was arrested on April 10, 2024.  On December 6, 2024, she pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud.

    Walker and Testa have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

    This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department, the Hopkinton (R.I.) Police Department, the Westtown – East Goshen Regional (Pa.) Police Department, and the Washington Township (N.J.) Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and Heather M. Cherry.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brevard County Man Pleads Guilty To Distributing Fentanyl And Methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Orlando, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces that Christopher Fitzgerald Spivey, Jr. (40, Melbourne) has pleaded guilty to four counts of distribution of controlled substances. By virtue of Spivey’s prior serious violent felony conviction, he faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

    According to court documents, on four occasions between November 5 and December 10, 2024, Spivey distributed fentanyl and methamphetamine to a confidential source. In total, Spivey distributed over 55 grams of fentanyl and nearly 1,300 grams of pure methamphetamine. Prior to Spivey distributing these drugs, he had a felony conviction for a serious violent felony—aggravated assault upon a law enforcement officer—for which he received a 10-year sentence. Additionally, Spivey is on notice that the United States intends to forfeit $10,500, which represents the proceeds of the offenses.

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grove City Resident Indicted on Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Grove City, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal law regarding the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    The four-count Indictment named Michael William Boston, 40, as the sole defendant.

    According to the Indictment, on three separate occasions between October 2022 and July 2023, Boston transported material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor in interstate commerce. The Indictment further alleges that Boston possessed material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor as recently on October 11, 2024.

    The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

    Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

    Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

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

    An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine & Cornyn Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Security, Combat Corruption and Drug Trafficking in the Caribbean

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, and U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced the Caribbean Basin Security Authorization Act, bipartisan legislation to improve security cooperation, combat drug trafficking, strengthen the rule of law, counter malign influence from China and Russia, and expand natural disaster resilience in the Caribbean region.

    “What happens in the Caribbean affects the security and economic prosperity of the United States,” said Kaine. “This bipartisan legislation is critical to promoting stability, countering China’s growing influence, and combating drug cartel activity in the region. Not only will I continue to urge the Administration to carry out the foreign assistance investments that Congress has previously voted to fund, I will continue to push for legislation like this one to work with our partners to protect our national security.”

    The Caribbean Basin Security Authorization Act would boost support for the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), a foreign assistance program that began in 2009 and includes Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad, and Tobago. Specifically, the legislation would:

    • Authorize funding between Fiscal Years 2025-2029 for CBSI to promote citizen safety, security, and rule of law; prioritize efforts to combat corruption; counter malign influence from the China, Russia, Iran, and other authoritarian regimes; and promote strategic engagement, including consultation with civil society and the private sector.
    • Require the Secretary of State, in consultation with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, and the Inter-American Foundation, to promote efforts to improve disaster response and resilience.
    • Require the Secretary of State, in consultation with USAID, to submit an implementation plan for CBSI within 180 days of enactment.
    • Encourage increased law enforcement collaboration between CBSI beneficiaries and Haiti – a country that is on the brink of collapse.
    • Promote greater U.S. interagency cooperation in implementing CBSI.

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Lobbying and transparency rules regarding the new position of Diederik Samsom – P-001371/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Diederik Samsom informed the Commission about his appointment by the Dutch Minister of Finance to the function of chair of the Supervisory Board of Gasunie, a transmission system operator in charge of large-scale energy infrastructure for transport and storage which is 100% owned by the Dutch State.

    After a thorough examination of Mr Samsom’s responsibilities in the Commission during his last three years in the service and of his envisaged activity as well as of risks resulting thereof for the interests and reputation of the institution, the Commission issued a decision authorising the employment subject to the respect of strict restrictions.

    These restrictions will be disclosed at a later stage, as part of the Commission’s annual publication of information concerning the occupational activities of senior officials after leaving the service.

    As regards Mr Samsom’s late notification of his intended employment, the Commission would like to recall that, according to Article 16(2) of the Staff Regulations[1], staff members must inform their institution of their intention to engage in an occupational post-service activity, during the two years after leaving the service.

    The Investigation and Disciplinary Office of the Commission has been mandated to establish whether Mr Samsom was in breach of this obligation. Information on individual cases is confidential.

    • [1] Regulation No 31 (EEC), 11 (EAEC), laying down the Staff Regulations of Officials and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Economic Community and the European Atomic Energy Community.
    Last updated: 6 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: €10 million EIB Global and WHO initiative to strengthen public health across Lebanon

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • The European Investment Bank and the World Health Organization signed the agreement today at the EIB Group Forum in Luxembourg
    • Lebanon’s health system is under significant economic and financial strain.
    • The donor-funded initiative will re-establish Lebanon’s Central Public Health Laboratory and prioritise medication provision and healthcare support to over 50,000 people with chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and cancer.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have formally launched a €10 million grant support to boost health resilience across Lebanon, including combating medicine scarcity and fragmented laboratory services.

    The cooperation was signed at the EIB Forum in Luxembourg by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and EIB Vice President Thomas Östros and will support the re-establishment of the Central Public Health Laboratory in Lebanon crucial for enhancing the detection capacity for emerging infectious diseases. It will test for emergency infectious diseases, promptly confirming potential pathogens to prevent outbreaks, which will be especially relevant among vulnerable displaced populations and refugees. The CPHL will also test all blood donations to ensure safe transfusions.

    Today’s agreement will also unlock provision of essential medicines and expert support to primary healthcare centres across Lebanon. This will enable public healthcare centres to restore services, including reproductive health and prevention of gender-based violence, addressing specific gender gaps in services.

    EIB Group President Nadia Calviño said, “Strategic partnerships and win-win solutions are more important than ever in these challenging times. This important European Union financing for Lebanon’s public health system is also the fruit of our good cooperation with our fellow multilateral institutions and the excellent partnership with the World Health Organisation whose expertise on the ground is vital to deliver projects like this one.”

    WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros said: “This initiative comes at a critical time for Lebanon and will make a real difference in strengthening Lebanon’s capacity to detect and respond rapidly to health emergencies, and in expanding access to lifesaving medicines. It’s a perfect example of the impact that WHO, EIB and other multilateral development banks aim to have around the world through the Health Impact Investment Platform.”

    “We are grateful for the EIB and WHO’s support for Lebanon’s health sector. This initiative will help us address critical needs, improve the quality of care, and build a more resilient health system for people living across Lebanon,” said Ambassador of Lebanon to Belgium and Luxembourg Fadi Hajali.

    “This joint initiative by the European Investment Bank and implemented by WHO is a crucial step towards strengthening Lebanon’s health system and ensuring that vital services reach the most vulnerable. By supporting the re-establishment of the central public health laboratory and bolstering primary healthcare centres, we are addressing immediate needs and building long-term resilience. This initiative is a prime example of the Team Europe approach, aligning with the European Union’s priorities in Lebanon and complementing our existing support for the health sector, particularly in ensuring access to essential medicines,” said Sandra De Waele, Ambassador of the European Union to Lebanon.

    The grant is provided by the donor-financed EIB’s Economic Resilience Initiative (ERI) Fund, supported by EU member states

    This project in Lebanon builds on previous projects co-managed by WHO and the EIB in Palestine, Rwanda and Angola.  It paves the way for the operational launch of the Health Investment Platform- a unique financing approach that has seen several multilateral development banks, including the Islamic Development Bank and African Development Bank join the EIB and WHO to provide a targeted and strategic approach to primary health care financing. 

    Lebanon’s health system is under significant strain due to a severe economic and financial collapse, compounded by multiple crises, including conflict in southern Lebanon, the Beirut port explosion, the Syrian conflict and a cholera epidemic. Humanitarian challenges continue to escalate, making the population increasingly vulnerable.

    The initiative will prioritise medication provision and healthcare support, including supporting over 50,000 people with chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and cancer. Vulnerable populations, including those affected by the current conflict, Syrian refugees, and others will benefit from this initiative. Lebanon hosts approximately 1.5 million Syrian refugees and around 200,000 Palestinian refugees, constituting about one-third of the total Lebanese population. In addition, in 2025, the number of displaced people within Lebanon has risen to over 950,000.

    The initiative will be implemented by the World Health Organization and is fully endorsed by the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. The initiative will contribute to the Ministry of Public Health’s strategy to strengthen the health services among vulnerable populations, including those affected by the current conflict.

    Background information

    About EIB Global

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives.  

    EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of Global Gateway. We aim to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027 — around one-third of the overall target of this EU initiative. Within Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to people, companies and institutions through our offices across the world. 

    About the Economic Resilience Initiative (ERI) Fund

    The Economic Resilience Initiative (ERI) Fund, which backs this grant, was established by the EIB in 2017 to channel donors resources to impactful projects in the Southern Neighbourhood and Western Balkans to address the challenges posed by forced displacement and migration. The ERI Fund donors are Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Poland, and the United Kingdom.

    Lebanon WHO Health Resilience Initiative
    €10 million EIB Global and WHO initiative to strengthen public health across Lebanon
    ©EIB
    Download original
    Lebanon WHO Health Resilience Initiative
    €10 million EIB Global and WHO initiative to strengthen public health across Lebanon
    ©EIB
    Download original

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MeitY launches AIKosha, a secured platform that provides a repository of datasets, models and use cases to enable AI innovation. It also features AI sandbox capabilities through an integrated development environment along with tools and tutorials.

    Source: Government of India (2)

    MeitY launches AIKosha, a secured platform that provides a repository of datasets, models and use cases to enable AI innovation. It also features AI sandbox capabilities through an integrated development environment along with tools and tutorials.

    Ashwini Vaishnaw unveils India AI compute portal, AIKosha and other AI initiatives on IndiaAI Mission anniversary to enable India’s AI research and innovation ecosystem

    The IndiaAI Compute Portal launched for providing accessible and affordable AI compute, network, storage, platform, and cloud services

    AI Competency Framework released to equip public sector officials with skills related to AI competency mapping, and upskilling initiatives

    Launch of iGOT-AI: An advanced AI-powered personalized content recommendation system, developed to enhance the learning experience for government officials on the iGOT Karmayogi platform

    Launch of IndiaAI Startups Global Acceleration Program: A collaborative acceleration program with Station F and HEC Paris that will provide ten selected Indian AI startups with a four-month immersive acceleration program in Paris

    30 AI solutions addressing critical challenges shortlisted under IndiaAI Innovation Challenge, from over 900 submissions, for the next stage

    Introducing the IndiaAI Fellowship Students under IndiaAI Futureskills Pillar

    Posted On: 06 MAR 2025 10:40PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology, Railways, and Information & Broadcasting, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw marked a major milestone in India’s AI journey with the launch of several key initiatives under the IndiaAI Mission during its anniversary celebration in New Delhi today.

    The newly introduced initiatives include AIKosha: IndiaAI Datasets Platform, the AI Compute Portal, the AI Competency Framework for Public Sector Officials, iGOT-AI Mission Karmayogi, the IndiaAI Startups Global Acceleration Program with Station F, the IndiaAI Application Development Initiative and IndiaAI FutureSkills all aimed at strengthening AI-driven research, innovation, and skill development.
     

    While speaking at the event in New Delhi, Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that the launch of AIKosha: IndiaAI Datasets Platform and the AI Compute Portal marks a major milestone in enabling AI research and innovation in India. He highlighted that the AI Compute Portal will initially provide access to 10,000 GPUs, with 8,693 more to be added, offering AI compute services at a highly subsidized rate to support startups, researchers, and enterprises. He also noted India’s remarkable progress in global AI rankings, securing Rank 1 in AI skill penetration and being recognized among the Top 10 AI nations.

    He further stressed India’s DPI framework for AI, which ensures ethically sourced, consent-based datasets, reducing reliance on synthetic and foreign data. Speaking on AIKosha, he highlighted that the platform hosts over 300  datasets and over 80 models, fostering the development of diverse and unbiased AI solutions. Shri Vaishnaw also underscored the role of AI in governance and capacity building, mentioning the iGOT-AI Mission Karmayogi, which integrates AI-driven learning recommendations for public officials.

    Speaking on this occasion, MeitY Secretary Shri S. Krishnan emphasized that the launch of the AI Compute Portal is set to revolutionize AI deployment across the country. He highlighted that this portal represents the largest component of the IndiaAI Mission, with nearly 45% of the mission’s funding allocated to it. He further noted that AI is a cross-cutting technology that can enhance productivity and prosperity across government, corporate, and social sectors. Shri Krishnan stressed that leveraging AI is essential to realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, requiring a technological leap to drive economic growth. Addressing comparisons with global AI investments, he pointed out that India’s Rs, 10,372 crore AI Mission is a structured, government-led initiative with seven clear verticals to ensure nationwide AI adoption.

    The IndiaAI Mission, approved in March 2024, is a landmark initiative dedicated to fortifying India’s AI ecosystem through strategic programs and partnerships spanning both public and private sectors. With a vision to democratize AI access, enhance data quality, cultivate indigenous AI capabilities, and ensure ethical AI practices, the Mission is structured around seven core pillars:

    ●       IndiaAI Compute

    ●       IndiaAI Datasets Platform

    ●       IndiaAI Application Development Initiatives

    ●       IndiaAI FutureSkills

    ●       IndiaAI Innovation Center

    ●       IndiaAI Startup Financing

    ●       Safe & Trusted AI

     

    Last month, Union Minister, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, launched several initiatives under the aforementioned pillars. These included a call for proposals for developing and deploying indigenous foundation models which garnered 67 submissions within just 15 days—the establishment of an AI Safety Institute for adoption of a techno-legal approach, and the announcement of eight selected projects under the Safe & Trusted AI pillar.

    Applauding the series of new ground-breaking developments by IndiaAI Mission, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said “Prime Minister Shri Modi’s last 10 years of efforts are culminating in unexpected growth for India. His vision and investments in technologies such as AI, semiconductors, and deep tech will propel India among the top 5 countries. Our Prime Minister’s vision has always been to democratize tech—imagine DPI enhanced by AI.” These initiatives will serve as a pivotal enabler for AI research, innovation, and application development in India, fostering an inclusive and responsible AI ecosystem.

    Launch of AIKosha: IndiaAI Datasets Platform

    To provide a unified portal for seamless access to datasets, tools and AI models, Hon’ble Union Minister has launched AIKosha: IndiaAI Datasets Platform. AIKosha is a secured platform that provides a repository of datasets, models and use cases to enable AI innovation. It also features AI sandbox capabilities through an integrated development environment along with tools and tutorials. The platform is equipped with the features like content discoverability, AI readiness scoring of datasets, permission based access & security mechanisms like data encryption at rest and in motion, secure API, and firewalls for real-time filtering of malicious traffic.

    Launch of IndiaAI Compute Portal

    IndiaAI had published a Request for Empanelment (RFE) inviting applications for the empanelment of AI services on the cloud. A competitive bidding process saw the participation of 19 bidders, offering diverse AI services, including GPUs and AI platforms. Following a rigorous technical evaluation, 10 bidders were shortlisted for the commercial bid opening. To ensure equitable access to computational resources, Hon’ble Union Minister has launched the IndiaAI Compute Portal that will offer AI compute, network, storage, platform and cloud services at discounted rates to startups, MSMEs, academia, researchers, PhD scholars, students, startups and government agencies. The portal will facilitate easy access to high end and mid range GPUs such as NVIDIA H100, H200, A100, L40S, and L4, AMD MI300x and 325X, Intel Gaudi 2, AWS Tranium and Inferentia along with network and storage services, ensuring cost-effective AI development capabilities and innovation. Eligible AI users will receive up to 40% subsidy on AI compute services on cloud. RFE for Inviting Applications for Continuous Empanelment of Agencies for providing AI services on Cloud is live.

    AI Competency Framework for Public Sector Officials

    Recognizing the critical role of AI in governance the AI Competency Framework was released at the event. The competency framework aims to equip public sector officials with skills related to AI competency mapping, and upskilling initiatives. This framework aligns with global best practices to ensure informed AI policy-making and implementation.

    iGOT-AI: AI-Powered Personalized Learning for Government Officials

    An advanced AI-powered personalized content recommendation system, developed to enhance the learning experience for government officials on the iGOT Karmayogi platform.

    IndiaAI Startups Global Acceleration Program with Station F

    In collaboration with STATION F and HEC Paris, the IndiaAI Mission will launch an acceleration program for Indian AI startups. This four-month immersive program (1 month online, 3 months onsite at STATION F in Paris) at the world’s largest startup campus will provide 10 selected AI startups with access to mentorship, networking, and global market expansion opportunities in Europe. A call for applications has been announced at the event.

    IndiaAI Innovation Challenge: Felicitation of AI Innovators

    The IndiaAI Application Development Initiative (IADI) pillar under the IndiaAI Mission focuses on developing, scaling, and promoting the adoption of impactful AI solutions with the potential for large-scale socio-economic transformation. Under this pillar IndiaAI has launched the IndiaAI innovation challenge which seeks to promote impactful AI solutions in critical sectors, over 900 AI solutions were submitted to address pressing challenges in Healthcare, Climate Change & Disaster Management, Governance, Agriculture, and Learning Disabilities. These solutions aim to improve healthcare outcomes, enhance access to public services, boost agricultural productivity, support individuals with learning disabilities, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Following a rigorous evaluation process, 30 AI solutions have been shortlisted for the next stage across three stages of maturity: Idea, Prototype, and Existing Solutions.

    IndiaAI FutureSkills Fellowship: Introducing the IndiaAI Fellowship Student

    The IndiaAI FutureSkills initiative is conceptualized to mitigate barriers to entry into AI programs and will increase AI courses in undergraduate, masters-level, and Ph.D. programs. IndiaAI Fellowship students were introduced who  demonstrated their skills in AI Projects and shared their experiences how IndiaAI Fellowship has supported them in AI research. IndiaAI is disbursing tranches of the IndiaAI Fellowship, UG students PG students from various centrally funded institutes, including IITs, NITs, IIITs, as well as other government and private academic institutes.

    Additionally, IndiaAI Data Labs are being established in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across India to impart foundational level courses. IndiaAI has developed two courses for the roles of Data Annotator and Data Curator, focusing on sectors such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, and agriculture to be imparted in IndiaAI Data Labs across NIELIT and ITI centres.

    The Launch of AIKosha, AI Compute Portal and other IndiaAI initiatives signifies a major step in democratizing AI access, enabling research-driven innovation, and strengthening India’s global AI leadership. The event brought together key stakeholders from the AI ecosystem, including government officials, researchers, industry leaders, and startups, fostering collaboration to build a robust AI-powered future for India.

    Click Here to see List of team selected for next stage of IndiaAI Innovation challenge & IndiaAI Fellowship students felicitated at the launch event

    ***

    Dharmendra Tewari/ Navin Sreejith/ Shatrunjay Kumar

    (Release ID: 2108961) Visitor Counter : 77

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Debate Needed To Address The Shift From Democracy To ‘Emocracy’—Emotion-Driven Policies Threaten Good Governance, Says VP

    Source: Government of India (2)

    National Debate Needed To Address The Shift From Democracy To ‘Emocracy’—Emotion-Driven Policies Threaten Good Governance, Says VP

    Excessive Spending On Electoral Promises Reduces The State’s Ability To Invest In Infrastructure, Says VP

    Election Is Important In Democracy But Not The End Of It, Cautions VP

    Good Governance Demands Fiscal Prudence, Not Short-Term Populism, Says VP

    Historically, Populism Is Bad Economics; Once A Leader Gets Attached To Populism, It Is Difficult To Get Out Of The Crisis, Warns VP

    Leadership Is Not A Pedestal But A Pilgrimage Of Service, Says VP

    True Leadership Empowers People To Empower Themselves, Not Just Momentarily, Says VP

    Vice-President Delivers Inaugural Address At The First ‘Murli Deora Memorial Dialogues’ On The Theme ‘Leadership And Governance’ In Mumbai

    Posted On: 06 MAR 2025 10:08PM by PIB Delhi

    The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, today called for a national debate on the shift from democracy to ‘Emocracy, saying, “National debate is required so that we take note of shift from Democracy to Emocracy. Emotion-driven policies, emotion-driven debates, discourses threaten good governance. Historically, populism is bad economics. And once a leader gets attached to populism it is difficult to get out of the crisis. The central factor must be the good of the people, the largest good of the people, the lasting good of the people. Empower people to empower themselves rather than empower them momentarily because that affects their productivity.”

    Delivering the inaugural address at the first ‘Murli Deora Memorial Dialogues’ on the theme ‘Leadership and Governance’ in Mumbai, Maharashtra today, Shri Dhankhar expressed deep concern over the emergence of appeasement politics and placatory strategies across the political spectrum, saying, ” There is emergence of a new strategy, and the strategy is of appeasement or being placatory. If there is excessive spending on electoral promises, then the state’s ability to invest in infrastructure is correspondingly reduced. This is detrimental to the growth scenario. Election is important in democracy but not the end of it. I would call upon the leadership of all political parties in the interest of democratic values to generate a consensus that engaging in such electoral promises, which can be performed only at the cost of CAPEX expenditure of the state, must be reviewed. Some governments that took recourse to this appeasement and placatory mechanisms are finding it very difficult to sustain in power.”

    He clarified that affirmative action for marginalized communities is distinct from appeasement politics, stating, “I should not be misunderstood, ladies and gentlemen, because while the Indian Constitution has given us the right of equality, it does provide in Article 14, 15, and 16 an acceptable category of affirmative governance—affirmative action, the reservation for SC, ST, for those who are in the economically weaker section. That is sanctified. There are exceptional situations for rural India, for the farmer, where affirmative steps are required to be taken. But this is very distinct from the other aspects I was talking about. This is not placatory or appeasing. It is justifiable economic policy. And therefore, it is good leadership that can take a call on where to draw the line in the fiscal sense in the matter of political foresight and leadership spine.”

    Highlighting demographic challenges and illegal migration, Shri Dhankhar said, “The Nation houses millions of illegal migrants causing a demographic upheaval. Millions of illegal migrants are in this country making a huge demand on our health services, education services. They are depriving our people of employment opportunities. Such elements have alarmingly secured electoral relevance in some areas and their securing electoral relevance is shaping the essence of our democracy. Emerging dangers can be evaluated through historical reference where nations were swept of their ethnic identity by similar demographic invasions.”
    Expressing deep concern over mass conversions through allurements, the Vice-President remarked, “This malaise, far more severe than COVID, is aggravatingly intersected with conversions through allurements, with vulnerable sections trying to be trapped. The marginalized, the tribal, the weaker become easy prey to these temptations and allurements. Faith is your own. Faith is dictated by conscience. The Indian Constitution gives freedom of faith. But if this faith is held hostage by temptations, it is, according to me, defacing freedom of faith.”

    Shri Dhankhar asserted that the sovereignty of ‘We the People’ must not be diluted, “Bharat, home to one-sixth of humanity, is the oldest, largest, most vibrant, and functional democracy. Bharat is the only nation in the world that has constitutionally structured democratic institutions from the village to the national level. Our Constitution’s Preamble indicates ‘We the People’ as the foundational source and premise of governance. Preamble of the Constitution also reveals the purpose of governance as Justice, Equality, and Fraternity for all. We must appreciate the contours of ‘We the People’—the ultimate repository of sovereignty. A sovereignty that we cannot afford to dilute or to be taken away.”

    Honoring the late Murli Deora, the Vice-President described him as one of the finest public figures in politics, “Murli Deora was one of the finest public figures in politics, who nurtured all his life friendships. He bridged the differences and was loved by all. In his life, he missed one thing—he had no adversaries. That was his stature. Murali bhai, as fondly reminisced by his peers, exemplified public spirit and dedication to worthy societal causes.”

    The Vice-President praised Murli Deora’s pioneering role in securing a ban on smoking in public places, stating, “Murli Deora will always be remembered for his proactive efforts to save the country from the hazards of smoking. He approached the highest court of the land and sought affirmative intervention to secure a ban on smoking in public places.”

    Concluding his address, Shri Dhankhar described Murli Deora’s life as a testament to leadership as a journey of service, “Life of Murli Deora Ji was a testament to the idea of leadership—that this idea is not a pedestal but a pilgrimage, a journey of service to the last, the least, and the lonely.”

    Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Milind Deora, MP Rajya Sabha & Senior Kotak
    Representative, Shri Raghavendra Singh, President, Kotak Mahindra Bank and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

    ****

    JK/RC/SM

    (Release ID: 2108956) Visitor Counter : 45

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “The vision of Investment in People stands on three pillars – Education, Skill and Healthcare” – Shri Narendra Modi

    Source: Government of India

    “The vision of Investment in People stands on three pillars – Education, Skill and Healthcare” – Shri Narendra Modi

    “The government is committed to equip youth with future-ready digital skills” – Shri Jayant Chaudhary

    Industries should collaborate, connect and leverage global expertise: Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari

    Posted On: 06 MAR 2025 6:31PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) organized a Breakout session, on  “National Centres of Excellence for Skilling”, announced in the Union Budget 2025-26. The session brought together representatives from state governments, industry, international organizations and academia to discuss the roadmap for effective implementation of the budget announcements.

    The Breakout Session on the “National Centres of Excellence for Skilling” was moderated by Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE and convened by Ms. Archana Mayaram, Economic Adviser, MSDE. The Panellists included  Ms. Rashmita Panda, CEO, World Skills Centre, Odisha, Ms. Ragapriya, CITE and MD, KSDC, Government of Karnataka, Dr. Vinod Rao, Secretary, Labour, Skill Development & Employment, Government of Gujarat, Ms. Xiaoyan Liang, Lead Education Specialist, World Bank, Shri N Varaprasad, Founder & Partner, Singapore Education Consulting Group, Mr. Suresh Natarajan, CEO, ITE Education Services, Singapore, Shri Amit Kapoor, Chair, Institute of Competitiveness, Shri Sabyasachi Das, CEO, Tata Indian Institute of Skills, Shri Sudarshan, Head-Skilling, Reliance Foundation, and Shri Ashish Singh, Head – Vocational Education & Skill, J&K Cements Ltd.

    Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE while steering the discussions emphasized on the importance of industry collaboration and connect and leveraging global expertise by engaging with the international stakeholders. He also highlighted the need for forging strong partnerships with the state governments and academia and that all stakeholders must come together for effective implementation of the budget announcement.

    The breakout session was one of the eleven such sessions which were held in the follow up to the Post-budget webinar on “Investing in People”, which was conducted on March 5 for which Department of Higher Education was the Lead Department along with MSDE. During the webinar, Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi said, that the vision of investment in people stands on three pillars – education, skill and healthcare. Since 2014, we have provided skill training to over 3 crore youth, announced plans to upgrade 1000 ITIs, and are establishing five Centres of Excellence with global partnership to ensure that our youth can compete at the global level. The Hon’ble Prime Minister also stated that the PM Internship Scheme is providing fresh opportunities and practical skills to the youth by collaborating with industries. In his closing remarks, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State, Ministry of Education, Govt of India highlighted the government’s commitment to equipping India’s youth with future-ready digital competencies. He said that the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship is developing Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) Program, aimed at integrating AI literacy with vocational training from as early as Class 6. The Minister emphasized that SOAR aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s vision of skill-based education and aims to foster computational thinking, problem-solving, and industry-aligned AI skills. Moreover through stackable micro-credentials, digital platforms, and partnerships with global tech leaders, students will be able to seamlessly transition from foundational AI learning to advanced careers, strengthening India’s position as an AI powerhouse. He further noted that as technology evolves rapidly, India is not just preparing its workforce for AI-driven industries but shaping the next generation of AI innovators and leaders, ensuring inclusive growth and global competitiveness. As we approach closer to the International Women’s Day, the Minister also reaffirmed government’s commitment to provide greater opportunities for women in education, skill development, and entrepreneurship. The webinar concluded with several key recommendations, such as, enhancing quality of trainers, bringing about greater autonomy and accountability within the CoEs, stronger industry connect, global partnerships, increased focus on PPP, making curriculum industry-aligned, and focus on new-age courses. All the panellists appreciated and welcomed this budget announcement which would contribute towards India’s skilling journey to prepare its youth for future ready jobs and compete at global level.

    *******************

    Pawan Singh Faujdar/Divyanshu Kumar

    (Release ID: 2108876) Visitor Counter : 30

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Statement at Deputy Treasury Secretary Nomination Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
    Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at a hearing to consider the nomination of Michael Falkender to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury.
    As prepared for delivery:
    “Today we will consider the nomination of Mike Faulkender to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury.  
    “Mr. Faulkender, congratulations on your well-deserved nomination and thank you for your willingness to serve in this important position.  
    “The U.S. Treasury Department is responsible for overseeing several issues of importance to the U.S. economy.  This includes economic policy and financial markets, managing the U.S. government’s finances and debt, the Social Security and Medicare trust funds and financial sanctions, to name just a few.  
    “The Deputy Treasury Secretary plays a primary role in the formulation and execution of Treasury policies and programs in all aspects of the Department’s activities.  Along with Secretary Bessent, the Deputy Treasury Secretary will be thoroughly involved in Congress’s efforts to craft pro-growth tax policies that will benefit all Americans and allow U.S. businesses to compete on the global stage.  If confirmed, I look forward to working with you to achieve these goals. 
    “Mr. Faulkender previously served as the Assistant Secretary for Economic Policy at the Treasury Department during the first Trump Administration.  During that time, he played a key role in important policy discussions, like the CARES Act, among other critical initiatives.  For his devoted service, he was awarded the Alexander Hamilton Award for Distinguished Leadership, the highest service award granted at Treasury.  
    “As a university professor and leading economist, Mr. Faulkender’s work has focused on an array of topics relevant to the position for which he has been nominated, including investment considerations for multinational corporations, the corporate capital structure, risk management, corporate liquidity and executive compensation. 
    “Mr. Faulkender, I have reviewed your background and responses to all questions we posed to you during our rigorous review process.  Based upon your public and private sector experience, academic credentials and areas of focus and training, you are highly qualified to serve as Deputy Treasury Secretary in this Administration.  
    “As Ranking Member for the last four years, I have both supported and opposed nominees put forth by the Biden Administration, but I have never objected to a nomination hearing.  The Finance Committee has an arduous nomination process and once the nominee completes all the steps, he or she deserves a public hearing, followed by a vote. 
    “I thank Mr. Faulkender for his cooperation and responsiveness during this exacting process.  He has met with members and staff of this Committee, has gone through our rigorous review and has been open in answering all of our questions.  
    “My colleagues have sent several letters requesting information on Department of Government Efficiency-related work at Treasury and the IRS, and it is important that Treasury and the IRS be transparent about their actions.   
    “To date, meaningful information has been provided on both topics, and I expect this will continue. 
    “For example: on February 4, 2025, Treasury provided a letter outlining the review and access of Treasury’s IT infrastructure and payment systems, including Mr. Krause’s role; on February 12, Treasury provided a follow-up letter attaching detailed witness declarations of the four Treasury employees that are involved in pending legal cases related to the Administration’s government efficiency initiatives; and on February 26, Treasury provided the memorandum of agreement between OPM and IRS for an OPM detailee to the IRS.   
    “During the committee due diligence meetings, Mr. Faulkender stated that if he was confirmed, he would ensure the requested briefing would be provided to Congress on the Treasury payment systems, as well as be responsive to all questions put forward by Members of Congress, including this Committee. 
    “As a reminder, I and other Republicans sent several letters to Treasury and the IRS during the Biden Administration with questions on numerous issues including the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), safeguarding taxpayer information, the American Rescue Plan Act and reducing return inventory during tax season, to name a few.  Many times, I did not receive a response for several months.  
    “Mr. Faulkender, I appreciate your commitment to respond to Members of this Committee, including as part of this hearing.  
    “Congratulations again on your nomination, and I look forward to working with you.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland Council agrees a budget for investment and growth

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council has agreed a budget which will see over £4.5 million of revenue investments for 2025 – 2026, over £17 million additional reserves investment for major developments and the creation of over 100 jobs across the Highlands.

    Members agreed a 7% increase in Council Tax, one of the lowest increases in Scotland, with 2% of this allocated to create capital investment fund for schools and roads as part of the Highland Investment Plan.

    A package of an additional £14 million savings, efficiencies and income generation was agreed, without the need for use of Reserves to balance the budget. This will add to existing saving plans, resulting in a total of £36.7m to be delivered over 3 years.  These new savings are described under the themes of improvements to our operating model, efficiencies and mechanisms to generate additional income for the council.

    Leader of the Council Raymond Bremner said: “I am delighted that Members have today supported the creation of a Poverty and Equality Commission for the Highland area, underpinned by £870k, to focus on tackling poverty and inequality across Highland communities. This in addition to our planned investment programme will help to sustain our Highland communities, with affordable homes, better access to renewable energy, job opportunities and economic prosperity.”

    Convener of the Council Bill Lobban said: “Long term financial planning has enabled us to be in the position today of being able to invest rather than cut. Our savings and income generation plans will mean we can focus a large proportion of our Reserves on investing in huge projects such as an £8m energy investment fund and a £6m transport expansion fund, which will benefit Highland people for many years to come.”

    The full budget report can be found on the Council’s website.

    6 Mar 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New York Woman Pleads Guilty for Role in Deadly Alien Smuggling Conspiracy on the Northern Border

    Source: US State of California

    A New York woman pleaded guilty today for her role in a deadly human smuggling conspiracy that left a family of four, including two children under the age of three, dead in the St. Lawrence River.

    According to court documents, Janet Terrance, 45, of Hogansburg, conspired with five others to bring Indian and Romanian nationals into the United States for private financial gain. Co-conspirators Dakota Montour, 31, and Kawisiiostha Celecia Sharrow, 43, both of Akwesasne-Mohawk, New York, entered guilty pleas on Jan. 23, 2025, and Oct. 8, 2024, respectively.

    “The defendant and her coconspirators — fueled by greed, indifference, and recklessness — smuggled aliens via vehicle and boat across the U.S.-Canada border in dangerous weather conditions,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “They endangered the lives of two small children and their parents for profit, resulting in the family’s tragic deaths. Dismantling transnational criminal organizations that smuggle people into and throughout the United States is a top priority for the Department of Justice.”

    “A family of four died because a smuggling organization put them in harm’s way for profit,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel Hanlon for the Northern District of New York. “Our top priority is the prosecution and dismantling of smuggling organizations. By securing our northern border, we aim to avoid more tragedies like this one.”

    According to court documents, Terrance, Montour, and Sharrow worked with a human smuggling organization (HSO) on the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation (AMIR) and in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada, that smuggled aliens from mainland Cornwall to Cornwall Island, and then into northern New York. The HSO routinely smuggled aliens from various countries into the United States. The HSO arranged for aliens to stay in local motels in Cornwall before transporting the aliens to the AMIR to stage the aliens on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. Members of the HSO would then transport the aliens by boat across the St. Lawrence River to later be driven into New York.

    Terrance, Montour, and Sharrow admitted in their plea agreements that in late March 2023, the co-conspirators were employed to illegally transport a Romanian family of four — mother, father, one-year-old boy, and two-year-old girl — from Cornwall into New York. The children were Canadian citizens. Both Montour and Terrance admitted that they were hired to transport the Romanian family to the AMIR from mainland Cornwall.

    Montour admitted that he was aware of the dangerous weather conditions on March 29, 2023 — high winds, freezing temperatures, and limited visibility — yet the family of four was loaded into a small boat by another co-conspirator to cross the St. Lawrence River. The boat capsized, and the family died as a result.

    “The tragic deaths of two innocent, unknowing toddlers and their parents underscores the devastating impacts of alien smuggling,” said Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Buffalo. “Janet Terrance and her co-conspirators moved forward with this smuggling attempt despite the dangerous conditions and sheer illegality of the act, placing these victims in the situation that ultimately killed them. ICE HSI Massena is committed to enforcing U.S. laws at our border to protect the safety and the security of our communities.”

    “The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service is dedicated to keeping our community safe,” said Acting AMPS Chief Ranatiiostha Swamp. “By working closely with Homeland Security on this investigation, we are enhancing efforts to combat human smuggling and cross-border illegal activity, ensuring the safety and security of our territory.”

    Montour pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit alien smuggling, four counts of alien smuggling for financial gain, and three counts of alien smuggling resulting in death. Montour faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each of the conspiracy and alien smuggling for financial gain counts and a mandatory penalty of life in prison on the alien smuggling resulting in death counts.

    Sharrow and Terrance pleaded guilty to two counts and one count of conspiracy to commit alien smuggling, respectively, and each to four counts of alien smuggling for financial gain. They each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the conspiracy counts and two of the alien smuggling for financial gain counts and a mandatory minimum of five years and maximum penalty of 15 years in prison on two of the alien smuggling for financial gain counts.

    A federal district court judge will determine the defendants’ sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    HSI Massena engaged in an extensive years-long investigation of the case, with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., CBP’s National Targeting Center, New York State Police, Canada Border Services Agency, AMPS, St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department, Ontario Provincial Police, Sûreté du Québec, St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Cornwall Police Service. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant support with foreign legal assistance requests.

    Trial Attorney Jenna E. Reed of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Stitt for the Northern District of New York are prosecuting the case.

    The investigation is being conducted under the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a joint partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence and prosecutorial resources. ECT coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Addiction Treatment Center Supervisor Sentenced in Scheme to Defraud Federal, State, and Private Health Care Insurers

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

    Insurers were billed for more full client sessions than could be provided in a 24-hour day

    PROVIDENCE, RI – A clinical social worker nicknamed by her co-workers as the “Five Minute Queen” who, at times, substituted a one or two sentence conversation for a billed 45-minute therapy session for her addicted patients has been sentenced to three years of supervised release, the first three months to be served in home detention with electronic monitoring, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

    In pleading guilty in November 2023 to a charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, Mi Ok Song Bruining, 64, admitted that, while employed as a supervisor at Recovery Connections Centers of America, Inc. (RCCA) in Providence, she helped devise and execute a scheme that shortchanged Rhode Island and Massachusetts substance abuse disorder patients out of counseling and treatment services while, at the same time, defrauding Medicare, Medicaid, and other health insurers out of more than $3.5 million dollars.

    Bruining, and others working at her direction, routinely submitted false and fraudulent claims for psychotherapy and counseling services that did not occur for the length of time billed, consistently billing for far more patients than was possible for RCCA staff to have seen during office hours. Bruining, known at RCCA as the “Five Minute Queen” for her speed in seeing patients for so-called counseling sessions, billed for 45-minute sessions when she actually saw patients for no more than 5-10 minutes, at times asking patients only one question before she ended a session.

    According to information presented to the court, to facilitate this fraud, Ms. Bruining directed counselors and others at RCCA to record in their notes that they were providing counseling in 45-minute intervals, but without listing AM or PM for the start time. Ms. Bruining gave this instruction so that it was not clear that they were seeing more patients than possible within a single hour. She also instructed other counselors to copy and paste the last visit’s note into each entry to make the bill look complete. As a result, many of the patient notes for patients billed by RCCA were simply identical cut-and paste copies of the same note.

    Bruining was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Mary S. McElroy to three years of supervised release, the first three months to be served in home detention with electronic monitoring, 100 hours of community service, and to pay restitution in the amount of $100,000.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sara Miron Bloom and Kevin Love Hubbard.

    The matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. United States Attorney Cunha thanks the IRS, Customs and Border Protection, and the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General for their assistance in the investigation.   

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: A Dozen Illegal Aliens Charged with Assaulting Federal Officers

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

    McALLEN, Texas – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging 12 illegal aliens for assaulting two federal correctional officers in January 2025, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    All are expected to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Juan F. Alanis at 9 a.m.

    Those charged include Mexican nationals Bryan Hernandez-Ruiz, 25, Francisco Antonio Hernandez-Mora, 27, Ivan Ramirez-Zapata, 40, Adrian David Guzman-Salas, 28, David Ramirez-Bautista, 21, Roberto Fabian Garza-Castaneda, 49, Jose Alberto Resendez-Hernandez, 27, Jose Ramos-Lerma, 45, Ruben Gonzalez-Balderas, 29, and Oscar Ambrocio Hernandez, 25, as well as Osman Joel Hernandez-Pavon, 22, and Roger Emmanuel Lemus, 42, both of Guatemala.

    The charges allege that all 12 men aided and abetted the assault of two federal corrections officers at the East Hidalgo Detention Center in La Villa.

    “The Department of Justice has zero tolerance for violence against law enforcement officers,” said Ganjei. “The grand jury has returned an indictment that alleges a serious attack on two corrections officers, and, rest assured, the Southern District of Texas will hold accountable all those found guilty.”

    If convicted, each face up to eight years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

    All have been and will remain in custody.

    FBI and U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura Garcia and Avery Benitez prosecuted the case.

    An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Woman Pleads Guilty for Role in Deadly Alien Smuggling Conspiracy on the Northern Border

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    A New York woman pleaded guilty today for her role in a deadly human smuggling conspiracy that left a family of four, including two children under the age of three, dead in the St. Lawrence River.

    According to court documents, Janet Terrance, 45, of Hogansburg, conspired with five others to bring Indian and Romanian nationals into the United States for private financial gain. Co-conspirators Dakota Montour, 31, and Kawisiiostha Celecia Sharrow, 43, both of Akwesasne-Mohawk, New York, entered guilty pleas on Jan. 23, 2025, and Oct. 8, 2024, respectively.

    “The defendant and her coconspirators — fueled by greed, indifference, and recklessness — smuggled aliens via vehicle and boat across the U.S.-Canada border in dangerous weather conditions,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “They endangered the lives of two small children and their parents for profit, resulting in the family’s tragic deaths. Dismantling transnational criminal organizations that smuggle people into and throughout the United States is a top priority for the Department of Justice.”

    “A family of four died because a smuggling organization put them in harm’s way for profit,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel Hanlon for the Northern District of New York. “Our top priority is the prosecution and dismantling of smuggling organizations. By securing our northern border, we aim to avoid more tragedies like this one.”

    According to court documents, Terrance, Montour, and Sharrow worked with a human smuggling organization (HSO) on the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation (AMIR) and in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada, that smuggled aliens from mainland Cornwall to Cornwall Island, and then into northern New York. The HSO routinely smuggled aliens from various countries into the United States. The HSO arranged for aliens to stay in local motels in Cornwall before transporting the aliens to the AMIR to stage the aliens on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. Members of the HSO would then transport the aliens by boat across the St. Lawrence River to later be driven into New York.

    Terrance, Montour, and Sharrow admitted in their plea agreements that in late March 2023, the co-conspirators were employed to illegally transport a Romanian family of four — mother, father, one-year-old boy, and two-year-old girl — from Cornwall into New York. The children were Canadian citizens. Both Montour and Terrance admitted that they were hired to transport the Romanian family to the AMIR from mainland Cornwall.

    Montour admitted that he was aware of the dangerous weather conditions on March 29, 2023 — high winds, freezing temperatures, and limited visibility — yet the family of four was loaded into a small boat by another co-conspirator to cross the St. Lawrence River. The boat capsized, and the family died as a result.

    “The tragic deaths of two innocent, unknowing toddlers and their parents underscores the devastating impacts of alien smuggling,” said Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Buffalo. “Janet Terrance and her co-conspirators moved forward with this smuggling attempt despite the dangerous conditions and sheer illegality of the act, placing these victims in the situation that ultimately killed them. ICE HSI Massena is committed to enforcing U.S. laws at our border to protect the safety and the security of our communities.”

    “The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service is dedicated to keeping our community safe,” said Acting AMPS Chief Ranatiiostha Swamp. “By working closely with Homeland Security on this investigation, we are enhancing efforts to combat human smuggling and cross-border illegal activity, ensuring the safety and security of our territory.”

    Montour pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit alien smuggling, four counts of alien smuggling for financial gain, and three counts of alien smuggling resulting in death. Montour faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each of the conspiracy and alien smuggling for financial gain counts and a mandatory penalty of life in prison on the alien smuggling resulting in death counts.

    Sharrow and Terrance pleaded guilty to two counts and one count of conspiracy to commit alien smuggling, respectively, and each to four counts of alien smuggling for financial gain. They each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the conspiracy counts and two of the alien smuggling for financial gain counts and a mandatory minimum of five years and maximum penalty of 15 years in prison on two of the alien smuggling for financial gain counts.

    A federal district court judge will determine the defendants’ sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    HSI Massena engaged in an extensive years-long investigation of the case, with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., CBP’s National Targeting Center, New York State Police, Canada Border Services Agency, AMPS, St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department, Ontario Provincial Police, Sûreté du Québec, St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Cornwall Police Service. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant support with foreign legal assistance requests.

    Trial Attorney Jenna E. Reed of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Stitt for the Northern District of New York are prosecuting the case.

    The investigation is being conducted under the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a joint partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence and prosecutorial resources. ECT coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE arrests 4 during worksite enforcement action in Philadelphia

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted a worksite enforcement operation at Jumbo Meat Market in Philadelphia, Feb. 27. The operation resulted in the administrative arrest of four Brazilian nationals who had no status to enter or remain in the United States legally, or who had violated the terms of their lawful admission into the U.S.

    “Worksite enforcement is a crucial component in ensuring the integrity of our nation’s employment laws. By conducting these operations, we not only uphold the law but also protect the rights of legal workers and create a level playing field for businesses that comply with regulations,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge Edward V. Owens. “ICE remains steadfast in its commitment to targeting employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers, as well as those undocumented aliens who exploit the system. This worksite enforcement operation underscores our dedication to maintaining lawful employment practices and securing our nation’s economic and public safety interests.”

    Employers are required by federal law to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all individuals they hire, and to document that information using the Employment Eligibility Verification Form, or I-9. ICE uses the I-9 inspection program to promote compliance with the law, part of a comprehensive strategy to address and deter illegal employment. Inspections are one of the most powerful tools the federal government uses to ensure that businesses are complying with U.S. employment laws.

    ICE is focused on public safety and national security threats first and foremost. However, any individual illegally present in the United States who is encountered during an enforcement operation may be taken into custody and processed for removal as stated by law.

    Members of the public with information can report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE Philadelphia’s mission to increase public safety in our Pennsylvania and Delaware communities on X at @HSIPhiladelphia.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2 Mexican nationals, defendants in ICE cases secured in Arizona

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Two Mexican nationals who are targets of an ongoing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigation appeared for their initial appearances Feb. 28, after they were secured from Mexico the previous day.

    Jose Bibiano Cabrera-Cabrera, 37 and Jesus Humberto Limon-Lopez, 43, were taken into U.S. custody after members of drug cartels were recently designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists, such as the Sinaloa Cartel, Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, Cártel del Noreste, La Nueva Familia Michoacana, and Cártel de Golfo.

    These defendants are collectively alleged to have been responsible for the importation into the United States of massive quantities of poison, including cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin, as well as associated acts of violence.

    Limon-Lopez is charged with Continuing Criminal Enterprise; Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Heroin, and Cocaine; Conspiracy to Import Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Heroin, and Cocaine; Distribution of Methamphetamine; Distribution of Fentanyl; Distribution of Heroin; Distribution of Cocaine; and Conspiracy to Unlawfully Export Firearms and Ammunition. He faces up to life imprisonment.

    Cabrera-Cabrera is charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Heroin, and Cocaine; Conspiracy to Import Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Heroin, and Cocaine; and Conspiracy to Unlawfully Export Firearms and Ammunition. He faces up to life imprisonment.

    An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.

    The OCDETF Arizona Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Homeland Security, ICE Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Postal Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Arizona Army National Guard, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, the Pima County Sheriff’s Office, and the Scottsdale Police Department.

    The prosecution is being handled by the United States Attorney Office for the District of Arizona.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eight Charged in North Charleston Public Corruption Schemes, Including Three City Councilmen

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

    CHARLESTON, S.C. — Eight people have been charged in federal court for a series of bribery, kickback, extortion, and money laundering schemes following a public corruption investigation in North Charleston. Three of the individuals charged are elected members of the North Charleston City Council.

    Four individuals have been charged by Information and have agreed to plead guilty:

    Jerome Sydney Heyward, 61, North Charleston City Councilmember;

    Sandino Savalas Moses, 50, North Charleston City Councilmember;

    Donavan Laval Moten, 46, founder of Core4Success Foundation; and

    Aaron Charles-Lee Hicks, 37, resident of North Charleston.

    A federal grand jury returned indictments against four others:

    Mike A. Brown, 46, North Charleston City Council Member;

    Hason Tatorian (“Tory”) Fields, 51, a Goose Creek resident;

    Rose Emily Lorenzo, 65, a North Carolina resident; and

    Michelle Stent-Hilton, 56, a North Charleston resident.

    Heyward is charged in three separate schemes with corruptly using his position as a North Charleston City Councilman to personally enrich himself through bribes, kickbacks, and extortion and to deprive the citizens and the government of North Charleston of their intangible right to the honest and faithful services of the North Charleston City Council. In the first scheme, Heyward extorted a businessman by soliciting payments in exchange for his official action as a City Councilman. In the second scheme, Heyward conspired with Mike A. Brown and Aaron Hicks to solicit and accept bribes from Aaron Hicks—working on behalf of a company with business before North Charleston City Council—in exchange for his support of the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site. In the third scheme, Heyward conspired with Donavan Moten, Rose Lorenzo, and Michelle Stent-Hilton to embezzle funds belonging to North Charleston by soliciting and accepting kickbacks from non-profit organizations run by Moten and Stent-Hilton that received violence reduction grant funds from the City.

    Heyward has agreed to plead guilty to: extortion under color of official right and using fear of economic harm; multiple counts of conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud; multiple counts of bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud; theft with respect to programs receiving federal funds; and multiple counts of money laundering. Heyward faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $500,000, and a term of supervised release of three years. Heyward has agreed to cooperate with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

    Mike A. Brown is charged with conspiring with Heyward and Hicks to commit bribery and honest services wire fraud. The indictment alleges that Mike A. Brown, while serving as a North Charleston City Councilmember, solicited and accepted bribes from Hicks—working on behalf of a company requesting the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site—in exchange for his support of the rezoning application. Mike A. Brown faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of three years. He will be arraigned on these charges in March.

    Aaron Hicks is charged with a conspiracy to pay bribes to Mike A. Brown and Jerome Heyward and a separate conspiracy with Hason Tatorian Fields to bribe Sandino Moses in exchange for their influence on North Charleston City Council and their support of the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site. Hicks has agreed to plead guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud; bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, and honest services wire fraud. Hicks has agreed to cooperate fully with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Hicks faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of three years.

    Hason Tatorian (“Tory”) Fields is charged with conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud, bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, and honest services wire fraud. The indictment alleges that Fields conspired with Hicks to pay bribes to Sandino Moses. Thereafter, Fields paid Moses two bribes in an attempt to influence him in connection with his official action regarding the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site. Fields faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $250,000 and a term of supervised release of three years.

    Sandino Moses is charged with misprision of a felony. The Information alleges that Moses knew that Fields and others attempted to bribe him and paid him bribes but he failed to disclose that criminal conduct and instead took steps to conceal the bribes by returning the money to Fields. Moses has agreed to plead guilty and to cooperate fully with federal state and local law enforcement agencies. He faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years, a fine of $250,000, and a maximum term of supervised release of one year.

    Donavan Laval Moten has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud, theft with respect to programs receiving federal funds, bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering. The information alleges that Moten conspired with Jerome Heyward and Rose Lorenzo to kick back a portion of funds that Moten’s nonprofit received from North Charleston to Heyward, who at the time was on North Charleston’s City Council. The indictment further alleges that after receiving the money from North Charleston, Moten laundered Heyward’s portion through Lorenzo. Moten has agreed to cooperate fully with federal, state, and local enforcement officials. Moten faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $500,000 and a term of supervised release of three years.

    Michelle Stent-Hilton is charged with conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud, theft with respect to programs receiving federal funds, bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering. The indictment alleges that Stent-Hilton, who is affiliated with a non-profit and served as Jerome Heyward’s personal assistant, promised to pay Heyward a portion of money the non-profit received from the city of North Charleston. At the time, Heyward was serving on North Charleston City Council and voted on the grant proposal to distribute funds to non-profits, including Stent-Hilton’s. The indictment further alleges that after receiving money from North Charleston, Stent-Hilton laundered Heyward’s kick back through Rose Lorenzo. Stent-Hilton faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $500,000 and a term of supervised release of three years.

    Rose Emily Lorenzo is charged with conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud, theft with respect to programs receiving federal funds, bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering. The indictment alleges that Lorenzo conspired with Jerome Heyward and others to kick back a portion of City of North Charleston grant funds that were awarded to non-profits affiliated with Donavan Moten and Michelle Stent-Hilton to Heyward. The indictment further alleges that Lorenzo agreed to launder the funds by acting as an intermediary who received the funds from Moten and Stent-Hilton, and then wired them to Heyward for the purpose of concealing the true purpose of the transaction. Lorenzo faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $500,000 and a term of supervised release of three years.

    Heyward, Moten, Hicks, and Moses are scheduled to plead guilty before the Honorable Richard M. Gergel on Friday, Feb. 28.

    “When elected officials take their oath of office, they make a sacred promise to the people they serve.  They pledge to uphold the law, to act with integrity, and to place the public interest above their own,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “Public service should never merely be a job – it is a public trust. The allegations in this case describe a profound betrayal of that trust.”

    “Public corruption at any level of government cannot be tolerated,” said Steve Jensen Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “Citizens have a right to expect honesty, fairness, and integrity from their leaders. The FBI, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, is dedicated to aggressively investigating corruption and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.”

    “SLED Agents worked hand-in-hand with our federal partners to ensure that justice will be served,” said SLED Chief Mark Keel. “No matter who you are, or what position you hold, you will be held accountable for breaking the law. Elected officials and citizens should be working together to better their community, not exploiting others.”

    The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Limehouse and Whit Sowards are prosecuting the case.

    All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran Nationals Accused of Distributing Fentanyl in Utah

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment today charging Honduran nationals with distributing fentanyl in the District of Utah, and with other drug and immigration crimes.

    Jerez Navarro-Zuniga aka “Jeren Navarro” 27, a Honduran national and U.S. citizen living in West Valley City, Utah, was charged by complaint on February 18, 2025.  Helen Coello-Turcios, 20, of West Valley City, Jose Amilcar Zuniga-Acosta, 25, of West Valley City, and Naaman Navarro-Hernandez, 35, of Taylorsville, Utah, were charged by complaint on February 20, 2025.

    According to court documents, beginning in December 2024, agents with the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) began investigating a drug trafficking organization. A controlled drug purchase was arranged, and law enforcement officers observed Navarro-Zuniga provide fentanyl to a middleman to deliver to a customer. The fentanyl was later seized and tested positive for fentanyl.

    On January 7, 2025, law enforcement watched a female later identified as Coello-Turcios, conduct an alleged drug transaction. A traffic stop was conducted on the suspected customer and law enforcement seized approximately 10 fentanyl pills.

    During the investigation, on February 12, 2025, SBI agents observed Navarro-Zuniga make a short term stop at a storage unit registered under his name, and conduct an alleged drug transaction with the driver of a Nissan Sentra. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver of the Nissan consented to search the vehicle. Agents seized approximately 4,500 fentanyl pills in the vehicle. On February 13, 2025, surveillance footage showed Navarro-Zuniga entering and exiting his storage unit with a backpack. A traffic stop was conducted on a Chrysler 200 registered to, and driven by Navarro-Zuniga. Coello-Turcios was at passenger.  Law enforcement seized $34,199.00 from the vehicle.  During the investigation, agents also seized approximately 10 pounds of pills that tested positive for the presence of fentanyl at Navarro’s and Coello-Turcios’ residence.

    On February 13, 2025, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a Nissan Altima driven by Navarro-Hernandez and seized 2,500 fentanyl pills that were separated into approximately sale-ready 100 pill baggies. On the same day, a search warrant was executed at Navarro-Hernandez’s residence in Taylorsville and 11,000 fentanyl pills were seized.

    According to court documents, Zuniga-Acosta and Navarro Hernandez are in the United States illegally. They were both previously deported and reentered the United States illegally.  

    Navarro-Zuniga, Coello-Turcios, Zuniga-Acosta and Naaman Navarro-Hernandez are charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, and other charges. Zuniga-Acosta and Navarro-Hernandez are also charged with reentry of a previously removed alien. All defendants’ initial appearances on the indictment are scheduled for March 10, 2025 at 2:15 and 2:30 p.m. in courtroom 7.1 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.

    Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.

    The case is being investigated jointly by the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Narcotics Squad, and the Utah County Major Crimes (UCMC) Task Force. Valuable assistance was provided by the Utah Highway Patrol.

    Assistant United States Attorney Peter Reichman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.

    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 gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Finds Owner and Captain of Southern Comfort Guilty of Seaman’s Manslaughter and Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MIAMI – This week, a federal jury in Fort Pierce found Dustin Sean McCabe, 49, of Ocala, Florida, guilty of seaman’s manslaughter (both in his capacity as boat owner and boat captain of the vessel named Southern Comfort), lying to the Coast Guard, and committing Covid-19 pandemic relief fraud.

    South Florida Assistant U.S. Attorneys presented the following evidence at trial: In early March 2020, McCabe purchased a 48-foot boat, named it Southern Comfort, and falsely claimed on Coast Guard forms that he intended to use the boat recreationally. The truth was that McCabe planned to use the Southern Comfort to run paid scuba charters. He refitted the boat for that purpose by removing the vessel’s main deck engine controls, among other things. 

    On March 28, 2020, McCabe took paying passengers on a scuba trip aboard the Southern Comfort, but things did not go well. During the day’s two scuba dives, the Southern Comfort experienced significant mechanical malfunctions that included one of the vessel’s propellers activating unexpectedly, the loss of steering, and the vessel running aground. One of the incidents involved the port side propeller engaging when the vessel was in neutral during the pickup of a diver, which led to the diver being sucked toward the propeller and narrowly escaping.     

    Despite the close calls, McCabe took more paying divers out the next day, on March 29, 2020, without reporting the prior day’s incidents to the Coast Guard, warning his passengers of what had occurred, or fixing the boat. Again, the port side propeller engaged while the boat was sitting in neutral over a dive spot. As the victim diver and her spouse boarded the vessel, the propeller sucked the victim towards it – as it had done to a diver the day before. This time, unfortunately, there was no narrow escape, only tragedy: The propeller sucked the victim into it, mangling and cutting her. It twisted her leg up in its shaft, holding her under water. A medical examiner testified that while the victim’s many deep chop wounds and leg fractures were not fatal on their own, they caused serious pain that contributed to the victim’s death by drowning.

    As a result of the March 29 death, McCabe was prohibited from operating the Southern Comfort. He was never again seen working at the marina. As federal prosecutors proved during trial, this did not stop McCabe from applying for two loans from the Covid-19 era Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – a federal relief program meant to help small businesses financially survive the pandemic. To secure the loans (and later their forgiveness), McCabe falsely claimed in the applications that his business was operational and submitted fraudulent payroll information and fake tax documents to support the lie.

    Sentencing is scheduled for June 12 at 10 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon. McCabe faces up to 10 years in prison for seaman’s manslaughter, up to five years for making false statements, and up to 20 years for wire fraud.

    United States Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Josh W. Packer of the Coast Guard Investigative Service (“CGIS”) Southeast Field Office made the announcement.

    CGIS Southeast Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Lake Worth and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Office of Law Enforcement.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller, Coast Guard Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanner Stiehl, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Koffsky are prosecuting this case.

    You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 24-cr-80103.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Top 5 Reasons to Attend Congo Energy & Investment Forum 2025

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), March 6, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Serving as the inaugural edition, this year’s Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025, scheduled for March 25-26 in Brazzaville, underscores the Republic of Congo’s growing role in Africa’s energy landscape. Under the leadership of Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons for Congo, the country has affirmed its commitment to maximizing its energy potential and streamlining licensing and regulatory processes, leading to a series of recent acquisitions and project developments.

    Gain Insights into Congo’s Gas Master Plan

    The Congolese government will unveil its new Gas Master Plan at CEIF 2025, which is designed to consolidate the position of existing companies and attract new investments to the sector. Developed in collaboration with global data and analytics provider Wood Mackenzie, the plan sets out a clear roadmap to capitalize on Congo’s gas resources, highlighting gas as a significant economic opportunity to diversify the country’s economy. The plan will allow Congo to engage more confidently with advanced regional and international players in the industry.

    Participate in Congo’s 2025 Licensing Round

    With aims to attract investment in both marginal and deepwater blocks, Congo is set to launch its 2025 international oil and gas licensing round. This initiative is part of the country’s strategy to increase oil production from the current 280,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 500,000 bpd and is expected to usher in a new wave of investment in sub-Saharan Africa’s fourth largest oil producing market.

    This licensing round is designed to attract international oil companies (IOCs) with technical expertise and financial capacity to develop deepwater resources, as well as local and independent companies to exploit marginal fields.

    Explore Congo’s Investment Potential

    Congo is offering a number of investment opportunities for international and local companies and firms across all levels of the value chain.

    A series of dedicated panel sessions, technical workshops and presentations at CEIF 2025 will provide an in-depth look at Congo’s efforts to sustainably increase its oil production. The conference will highlight crucial developments across the country’s energy sector as well as the broader strategic importance of Congo’s energy ambitions. CEIF 2025 will provide attendees with valuable insights into how ongoing and upcoming projects are helping the country meet its production goals while fostering economic growth and diversification in the sector.

    Connect with Industry Leaders

    Supported by Congo’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons and national oil company (NOC) Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, CEIF 2025 will serve as an opportunity for local, regional and international delegates to collaborate and discover new avenues for partnerships. Delegates can connect with top energy investors and executives – from operators, IOCs, NOCs and independents – as well as government officials, industry innovators and financiers to expand their professional network.

    Help Fuel Sustainable Development

    Boasting immense potential for renewable energy, Congo is well-positioned to leverage Congo’s strong slate of upcoming projects to transform its energy landscape. In recent years, the country has implemented a number of initiatives to diversify its energy matrix and expand the share of renewable energy. The Congolese government is also making strategic investments in downstream infrastructure, including new refineries and gas-to-power projects, which will be on display at CEIF 2025 and are set to help drive electrification and socioeconomic development. 

    The inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum, set for March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025 Set to Drive Investment, Growth with Business Management Participation

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), March 6, 2025/APO Group/ —

    As part of a strategy to spur energy investment and socioeconomic development, the Republic of Congo has initiated a number of strategies to drive resource monetization, project development and local capacity building. As such, the nation has attracted a wave of international companies across its energy value chain, leading to a series of recent acquisitions and project developments in the country.

    In light of Congo’s favorable legislative and fiscal landscape, the inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF), taking place from March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, will feature a strong lineup of legal firms and business management companies. This year’s conference will feature the participation of Louis-Raymond Gomes, Managing Attorney at Cabinet Gomes; Ileana Ferber, CEO and Local Content Expert at Colibri Business Development; and Eric Williams, President and Principal Consultant at Royal Triangle Energy Solutions.

    The inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum, set for March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country.

    Serving as one of the country’s foremost legal service companies, Cabinet Gomes offers services in labor law; banking and finance; hydrocarbons and mining law; and mergers and acquisitions. Earlier this year, oil and gas company Trident Energy finalized its acquisition of energy majors Chevron and TotalEnergies’ interests in operational fields in Congo. Set to add approximately 30,000 barrels of oil per day to Congo’s production capacity, this acquisition highlights the country’s immense potential for international companies to meet the country’s development goals.

    Meanwhile, the participation of Colibri Business Development at CEIF 2025 is expected to show a unique insight into how international companies can participate in Congo’s burgeoning hydrocarbons sector. The country will launch its 2025 licensing round at CEIF 2025, offering onshore, offshore and marginal acreage to potential investors and developers while aligning with national efforts to increase output.

    Set to showcase how Congo’s regulatory framework and fiscal regime can accelerate monetization of the country’s natural resources, Royal Triangle Energy Solutions’ experience in the African market has the potential to empower businesses with effective change management skills and knowledge for participating in Congo’s energy sector. The Congolese government is also set to release its Gas Master Plan at CEIF 2025, which will serve as a roadmap to Congo’s gas resources for both domestic consumption and export.

    “The exchange of knowledge and expertise is vital to unlocking the full potential of Congo’s natural resources, driving economic growth and positioning the country as a key player in the global energy market. The participation of Cabinet Gomes, Colibri Business Development and Royal Triangle Energy Solutions at CEIF 2025 underscores the immense opportunities the country offers for international investment and collaboration,” states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director, Energy Capital & Power.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: New York Woman Pleads Guilty for Role in Deadly Alien Smuggling Conspiracy on the Northern Border

    Source: United States Department of Justice 2

    A New York woman pleaded guilty today for her role in a deadly human smuggling conspiracy that left a family of four, including two children under the age of three, dead in the St. Lawrence River.

    According to court documents, Janet Terrance, 45, of Hogansburg, conspired with five others to bring Indian and Romanian nationals into the United States for private financial gain. Co-conspirators Dakota Montour, 31, and Kawisiiostha Celecia Sharrow, 43, both of Akwesasne-Mohawk, New York, entered guilty pleas on Jan. 23, 2025, and Oct. 8, 2024, respectively.

    “The defendant and her coconspirators — fueled by greed, indifference, and recklessness — smuggled aliens via vehicle and boat across the U.S.-Canada border in dangerous weather conditions,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “They endangered the lives of two small children and their parents for profit, resulting in the family’s tragic deaths. Dismantling transnational criminal organizations that smuggle people into and throughout the United States is a top priority for the Department of Justice.”

    “A family of four died because a smuggling organization put them in harm’s way for profit,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel Hanlon for the Northern District of New York. “Our top priority is the prosecution and dismantling of smuggling organizations. By securing our northern border, we aim to avoid more tragedies like this one.”

    According to court documents, Terrance, Montour, and Sharrow worked with a human smuggling organization (HSO) on the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation (AMIR) and in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada, that smuggled aliens from mainland Cornwall to Cornwall Island, and then into northern New York. The HSO routinely smuggled aliens from various countries into the United States. The HSO arranged for aliens to stay in local motels in Cornwall before transporting the aliens to the AMIR to stage the aliens on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. Members of the HSO would then transport the aliens by boat across the St. Lawrence River to later be driven into New York.

    Terrance, Montour, and Sharrow admitted in their plea agreements that in late March 2023, the co-conspirators were employed to illegally transport a Romanian family of four — mother, father, one-year-old boy, and two-year-old girl — from Cornwall into New York. The children were Canadian citizens. Both Montour and Terrance admitted that they were hired to transport the Romanian family to the AMIR from mainland Cornwall.

    Montour admitted that he was aware of the dangerous weather conditions on March 29, 2023 — high winds, freezing temperatures, and limited visibility — yet the family of four was loaded into a small boat by another co-conspirator to cross the St. Lawrence River. The boat capsized, and the family died as a result.

    “The tragic deaths of two innocent, unknowing toddlers and their parents underscores the devastating impacts of alien smuggling,” said Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Buffalo. “Janet Terrance and her co-conspirators moved forward with this smuggling attempt despite the dangerous conditions and sheer illegality of the act, placing these victims in the situation that ultimately killed them. ICE HSI Massena is committed to enforcing U.S. laws at our border to protect the safety and the security of our communities.”

    “The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service is dedicated to keeping our community safe,” said Acting AMPS Chief Ranatiiostha Swamp. “By working closely with Homeland Security on this investigation, we are enhancing efforts to combat human smuggling and cross-border illegal activity, ensuring the safety and security of our territory.”

    Montour pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit alien smuggling, four counts of alien smuggling for financial gain, and three counts of alien smuggling resulting in death. Montour faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each of the conspiracy and alien smuggling for financial gain counts and a mandatory penalty of life in prison on the alien smuggling resulting in death counts.

    Sharrow and Terrance pleaded guilty to two counts and one count of conspiracy to commit alien smuggling, respectively, and each to four counts of alien smuggling for financial gain. They each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the conspiracy counts and two of the alien smuggling for financial gain counts and a mandatory minimum of five years and maximum penalty of 15 years in prison on two of the alien smuggling for financial gain counts.

    A federal district court judge will determine the defendants’ sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    HSI Massena engaged in an extensive years-long investigation of the case, with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., CBP’s National Targeting Center, New York State Police, Canada Border Services Agency, AMPS, St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department, Ontario Provincial Police, Sûreté du Québec, St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Cornwall Police Service. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant support with foreign legal assistance requests.

    Trial Attorney Jenna E. Reed of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Stitt for the Northern District of New York are prosecuting the case.

    The investigation is being conducted under the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a joint partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence and prosecutorial resources. ECT coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LANCASTER – Shapiro-Davis Administration Highlights Importance of Proposed 2025-26 State Budget Investment for Victims Compensation and the Critical Role of the Program for Victims and Survivors of Crime

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    March 07, 2025 – Lancaster, PA

    ADVISORY – LANCASTER – Shapiro-Davis Administration Highlights Importance of Proposed 2025-26 State Budget Investment for Victims Compensation and the Critical Role of the Program for Victims and Survivors of Crime

    The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) will join Lancaster County Victim/Witness Services, Lancaster County Children Alliance, Community Action Partnership, and YWCA Lancaster to highlight the importance of supporting victims and survivors of crime and to encourage support for the Shapiro-Davis Administration’s proposed $9 million investment in the Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) in the 2025-26 state budget.

    Over the past five years, PCCD has paid more than 67,000 VCAP claims totaling $67 million to financially support victims of crime across all 67 Pennsylvania counties with medical costs, counseling, relocation, and more.

    WHO:
    Kathy Buckley, Office of Victims’ Services Director, PCCD
    Deanna Weaver, Victim/Witness Services Program Director, Lancaster County DA’s Office
    Mary Halye, Lancaster County Children’s Alliance Manager
    Christine Gilfillan, Domestic Violence Services of Lancaster County Director, Community Action Partnership
    Mandy Billman, Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center Director, YWCA Lancaster

    WHEN:
    Friday, March 7, 2025 at 10:30 AM.

    WHERE:
    Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office
    50 North Duke Street, 6th Floor (Media Center)
    Lancaster, PA 17608

    RSVP:
    Press who are interested in attending must RSVP to algantz@pa.gov.

    Photos will be available on PAcast following the event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Health Care Providers and Laboratory Marketers Agree to Pay Over $1.9 Million to Settle Kickback Allegations

    Source: US State of California

    Gerald Congdon, M.D., of Pawleys Island, South Carolina; Gbenga Aluko, M.D., of Charlotte, North Carolina; and Anup Banerjee, M.D., of Gastonia, North Carolina, and their medical practices; as well as Curis Healthcare Inc., of Chicago, Illinois, Omar Hussain, of South Miami, Florida, and Saeed Medical Group Ltd. doing business as Alliance Immediate and Primary Care of Chicago, Illinois, agreed to pay a total of $1,913,808 to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations arising from their involvement in laboratory kickback schemes. The parties have agreed to cooperate with the Department of Justice’s investigations of other participants in the alleged schemes.

    “We will continue to hold accountable individuals and entities that accept money to steer federal health care beneficiaries to a particular laboratory for testing,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Kickbacks can undermine the integrity of taxpayer-funded health care programs, distort medical decisions, and result in unnecessary services.”

    The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting, or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare, TRICARE, and other federally funded health care programs. The Anti-Kickback Statute is intended to ensure that medical providers’ judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives and are instead based on the best interests of their patients.

    The settlements announced today resolve allegations that health care providers received kickbacks in return for their referrals to a laboratory in Anderson, South Carolina, and that a marketer and his marketing company received kickbacks from that South Carolina laboratory to arrange for laboratory testing referrals, in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute. The kickbacks allegedly resulted in the submission of false or fraudulent laboratory testing claims to Medicare and TRICARE in violation of the False Claims Act.

    • Dr. Gerald Congdon, Coastal Urgent Care LLC, and Coastal Wellness Center LLC. Dr. Congdon and his medical practices in Pawleys Island and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, agreed to pay $400,000 to resolve allegations that from May 2016 to November 2021, they received thousands of dollars in remuneration disguised as purported office space rental and phlebotomy payments from the South Carolina laboratory in return for ordering testing.
    • Dr. Gbenga Aluko and Eagle Medical Center PC. Dr. Aluko and his medical practice in Charlotte, North Carolina, agreed to pay $250,000 to resolve allegations that from May 2016 to November 2021, they received thousands of dollars in remuneration disguised as purported office space rental, phlebotomy, and toxicology payments from the South Carolina laboratory in return for ordering testing.
    • Dr. Anup Banerjee and Gastonia Medical Specialty Clinic P.A. Dr. Banerjee and his medical practice in Gastonia, North Carolina, agreed to pay $206,000 to resolve allegations that from April 2017 to November 2021, they received thousands of dollars in remuneration disguised as purported office space rental and phlebotomy payments from the South Carolina laboratory in return for ordering testing.
    • Omar Hussain and Curis Healthcare Inc. Hussain and his marketing company agreed to pay $817,808 to resolve allegations that from April 2020 to August 2021, Hussain and his company received commissions from the South Carolina laboratory as independent contractors based on the volume and value of the Medicare and TRICARE referrals for laboratory testing that they arranged for and recommended.
    • Saeed Medical Group Ltd., Omar Hussain, and Curis Healthcare Inc. Saeed Medical Group and Hussain and his marketing company agreed to pay $240,000 to resolve allegations that from April 2020 to August 2021, Saeed Medical Group received thousands of dollars in remuneration in the form of cash payments from Hussain and his company in return for ordering testing from the South Carolina laboratory.

    “Integrity must be the standard in our health care system,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “Kickback schemes divert funds and focus away from patients and their medical needs.”

    “The public puts immense trust in medical professionals, and disdain for the rule of law damages that trust and erodes their credibility,” said Special Agent in Charge Steve Jensen of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “These settlements should serve as a reminder that the FBI and its partners are committed to holding medical practitioners accountable for kickbacks.”

    “Kickback schemes undermine medical decision-making and jeopardize the integrity of federally funded health care programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly Blackmon of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Our commitment is to safeguard taxpayer-funded health care and the patients who rely on it, and we will rigorously pursue any allegations of False Claims Act violations.”

    “The trust of the American taxpayer and the wellbeing of our service members are undermined when laboratories and physicians engage in collusive financial relationships,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “DCIS will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice medical providers who illegally enrich themselves by prioritizing kickbacks over patient care.”

    The settlements were the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, with assistance from HHS-OIG, DCIS, and the FBI. The settlements announced today were handled by Senior Trial Counsel Christopher Terranova in the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth C. Warren for the District of South Carolina. The United States previously resolved allegations that physicians in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Texas received kickbacks from the same South Carolina laboratory.

    The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Health Care Providers and Laboratory Marketers Agree to Pay Over $1.9 Million to Settle Kickback Allegations

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Gerald Congdon, M.D., of Pawleys Island, South Carolina; Gbenga Aluko, M.D., of Charlotte, North Carolina; and Anup Banerjee, M.D., of Gastonia, North Carolina, and their medical practices; as well as Curis Healthcare Inc., of Chicago, Illinois, Omar Hussain, of South Miami, Florida, and Saeed Medical Group Ltd. doing business as Alliance Immediate and Primary Care of Chicago, Illinois, agreed to pay a total of $1,913,808 to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations arising from their involvement in laboratory kickback schemes. The parties have agreed to cooperate with the Department of Justice’s investigations of other participants in the alleged schemes.

    “We will continue to hold accountable individuals and entities that accept money to steer federal health care beneficiaries to a particular laboratory for testing,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Kickbacks can undermine the integrity of taxpayer-funded health care programs, distort medical decisions, and result in unnecessary services.”

    The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting, or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare, TRICARE, and other federally funded health care programs. The Anti-Kickback Statute is intended to ensure that medical providers’ judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives and are instead based on the best interests of their patients.

    The settlements announced today resolve allegations that health care providers received kickbacks in return for their referrals to a laboratory in Anderson, South Carolina, and that a marketer and his marketing company received kickbacks from that South Carolina laboratory to arrange for laboratory testing referrals, in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute. The kickbacks allegedly resulted in the submission of false or fraudulent laboratory testing claims to Medicare and TRICARE in violation of the False Claims Act.

    • Dr. Gerald Congdon, Coastal Urgent Care LLC, and Coastal Wellness Center LLC. Dr. Congdon and his medical practices in Pawleys Island and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, agreed to pay $400,000 to resolve allegations that from May 2016 to November 2021, they received thousands of dollars in remuneration disguised as purported office space rental and phlebotomy payments from the South Carolina laboratory in return for ordering testing.
    • Dr. Gbenga Aluko and Eagle Medical Center PC. Dr. Aluko and his medical practice in Charlotte, North Carolina, agreed to pay $250,000 to resolve allegations that from May 2016 to November 2021, they received thousands of dollars in remuneration disguised as purported office space rental, phlebotomy, and toxicology payments from the South Carolina laboratory in return for ordering testing.
    • Dr. Anup Banerjee and Gastonia Medical Specialty Clinic P.A. Dr. Banerjee and his medical practice in Gastonia, North Carolina, agreed to pay $206,000 to resolve allegations that from April 2017 to November 2021, they received thousands of dollars in remuneration disguised as purported office space rental and phlebotomy payments from the South Carolina laboratory in return for ordering testing.
    • Omar Hussain and Curis Healthcare Inc. Hussain and his marketing company agreed to pay $817,808 to resolve allegations that from April 2020 to August 2021, Hussain and his company received commissions from the South Carolina laboratory as independent contractors based on the volume and value of the Medicare and TRICARE referrals for laboratory testing that they arranged for and recommended.
    • Saeed Medical Group Ltd., Omar Hussain, and Curis Healthcare Inc. Saeed Medical Group and Hussain and his marketing company agreed to pay $240,000 to resolve allegations that from April 2020 to August 2021, Saeed Medical Group received thousands of dollars in remuneration in the form of cash payments from Hussain and his company in return for ordering testing from the South Carolina laboratory.

    “Integrity must be the standard in our health care system,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “Kickback schemes divert funds and focus away from patients and their medical needs.”

    “The public puts immense trust in medical professionals, and disdain for the rule of law damages that trust and erodes their credibility,” said Special Agent in Charge Steve Jensen of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “These settlements should serve as a reminder that the FBI and its partners are committed to holding medical practitioners accountable for kickbacks.”

    “Kickback schemes undermine medical decision-making and jeopardize the integrity of federally funded health care programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly Blackmon of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Our commitment is to safeguard taxpayer-funded health care and the patients who rely on it, and we will rigorously pursue any allegations of False Claims Act violations.”

    “The trust of the American taxpayer and the wellbeing of our service members are undermined when laboratories and physicians engage in collusive financial relationships,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “DCIS will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice medical providers who illegally enrich themselves by prioritizing kickbacks over patient care.”

    The settlements were the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, with assistance from HHS-OIG, DCIS, and the FBI. The settlements announced today were handled by Senior Trial Counsel Christopher Terranova in the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth C. Warren for the District of South Carolina. The United States previously resolved allegations that physicians in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Texas received kickbacks from the same South Carolina laboratory.

    The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four Plead Guilty in N. Charleston Public Corruption Scheme

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

    CHARLESTON, S.C. —Following Wednesday’s announcement of eight people charged in a public corruption scheme, four have pleaded guilty. The four men, including two former city council members, were each granted release pending sentencing on unsecured bonds.

    These four defendants entered guilty pleas in federal court today:

    Jerome Sydney Heyward, 61, Former North Charleston City Councilmember;

    Sandino Savalas Moses, 50, Former North Charleston City Councilmember;

    Donavan Laval Moten, 46, founder of Core4Success Foundation; and

    Aaron Charles-Lee Hicks, 37, resident of North Charleston.

    United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel accepted the guilty pleas and will sentence Heyward, Moses, Moten, and Hicks after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. Heyward and Moten each face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $500,000, and a term of supervised release of three years. Hicks faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of three years. Moses faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years, a fine of $250,000, and a maximum term of supervised release of one year.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Limehouse and Whit Sowards are prosecuting the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –