NewzIntel.com

Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Prosecutors Charge 126 Previously Removed Illegal Aliens, Many with Felony Criminal Records, with Illegally Re-Entering the U.S.

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – Working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal law enforcement partners, federal prosecutors in recent weeks filed charges against 126 defendants who allegedly illegally re-entered the United States after being removed, the Justice Department announced today.

    Many of the defendants charged in this operation were previously convicted of felony offenses before they were removed from the U.S., offenses that include manslaughter and crimes against children.

    Filed as part of immigration enforcement activities  across the region over the past week, the criminal cases charge each defendant with being an illegal alien found in the United States following a previous removal from the United States. The criminal complaints and indictments were filed in federal court in Los Angeles, Santa Ana, and Riverside. The recently filed illegal re-entry cases resulted in nearly three dozen arrests over the past week.

    The crime of being found in the United States following removal carries a base sentence of up to two years in federal prison, defendants who were removed after being convicted of a felony face a maximum 10-year sentence, and defendants removed after being convicted of an aggravated felony face a maximum of 20 years in federal prison.

    “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is enforcing long-standing immigration laws, and Illegal aliens who defy lawful removal orders by returning to this nation will be prosecuted,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally. “These charges promote respect for the immigration laws. The individuals charged over the past week include sex offenders, narcotics dealers, violent criminals, and others who pose a danger to the public.”

    “This result represents a brand new, whole-of-government approach to immigration enforcement,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles Acting Special Agent in Charge John Pasciucco. “Our primary goal, along with our federal law enforcement partners, is to ensure those who commit transnational crimes such as drug trafficking, financial fraud and child exploitation can no longer commit it in the U.S.”

    Some of the recently filed cases are summarized below with information contained in court documents. Most of these defendants were arrested February 23. Each of these defendants are Mexican nationals.

    • Ricardo Reynoso-Garcia, 59, of Arleta, was convicted in federal court of illegal reentry into the United States in September 2013 and sentenced to 46 months in prison. He was separately removed four other times between 1984 and 2018. Reynoso-Garcia was convicted in Los Angeles Superior Court of voluntary manslaughter in January 1995 and sentenced to 24 years in prison. He also was convicted in U.S. District Court of fraud and misuse of visas in April 2017 and sentenced to 18 months in prison.
    • Oscar Parra-Reyes, 50, of El Monte, was removed four previous times between 1995 and 2006. He was convicted in Los Angeles Superior Court in February 1993 for sale/transportation of marijuana and sentenced to two years in prison. He subsequently was convicted in Los Angeles Superior Court of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, corporal injury to a child’s parent and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
    • Luis Roberto Calderon Collantes, 52, of Rialto, was removed from the United States in August 2021 following his February 2017 conviction in San Bernardino County Superior Court for transporting methamphetamine, a felony offense for which he was sentenced to five years in California state prison. In March 2024, Collantes was found in the United States when FBI agents identified his fingerprints on a package of fentanyl they obtained through an undercover purchase on the dark web, a package investigators believe originated from his Rialto home.
    • Valentin Vidal-Lopez, 35, of Granada Hills, was removed from the United States in April 2018. He was convicted of attempted murder in January 2011 in Los Angeles County Superior Court and was sentenced to 10 years in California state prison. According to court documents, immigration authorities were notified on January 26 that Vidal-Lopez was in the custody of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office after his arrested on the charges of resisting, delaying or obstructing a peace officer, DUI alcohol, and possessing a forged driver’s license. At the time of his arrest, Vidal-Lopez allegedly ignored officer commands to step out of his vehicle and then began to drive away. Vidal-Lopez allegedly continued to ignore officer commands and verbally threatened to fight the officers. When taken into custody, Vidal-Lopez allegedly possessed a driver’s license and a Social Security card in other people’s names, along with a bogus lawful permanent resident card, commonly known as a “green card.”
    • Erasmo Hermosillo-Martin, 69, of Inglewood, was removed from the United States to Mexico in March 1994. He was convicted of kidnapping and terrorist threats in May 1991 in Los Angeles County Superior Court and was sentenced to five years and eight months in California state prison. On January 14, law enforcement was notified via the HSI Tipline that Hermosillo-Martin had returned to the United States.
    • Angel Navarro-Camarillo, 42, was removed from the United States four times between 2007 and 2021. He was convicted in Orange County Superior Court in August 2004 for lewd and lascivious acts upon a child under 14 and sentenced to five years’ probation and 202 days in jail. In October 2005, but his probation was revoked, and he was sentenced to three years in prison. Navarro-Camarillo was convicted in U.S. District Court in February 2019 for being an illegal alien found in the United States following removal and was sentenced to 46 months in prison.
    • Isidro Jimenez-Ibanez, 51, of Coachella, was arrested February 24. Jimenez-Ibanez was removed in 1995 following a conviction for possession for sale of methamphetamine in Riverside County Superior Court. According to the criminal complaint, Jimenez-Ibanez returned to the United States and was convicted in 2023 of assault with a deadly weapon in Riverside County.

    Criminal complaints and indictments contain allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    The illegal re-entry cases filed as part of the past week’s immigration enforcement activities are being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations.

    The FBI; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the United States Marshals Service; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service provided substantial support during the enforcement activities this week.

    The criminal cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys in the Domestic Security and Immigration Crimes Section and the General Crimes Section.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Shelton Man Admits Fraudulently Obtaining COVID-19 Relief Funds

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on February 28, 2025, VINCENZO MINUTOLO, 38, of Shelton, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to offenses related to his fraudulent receipt of COVID-19 relief funds.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).  In April 2020, Congress authorized more than $300 billion in additional PPP funding.  The PPP allowed qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive unsecured loans at an interest rate of 1%.  PPP loan proceeds were to be used by businesses on payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. The PPP allowed the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spent the proceeds on these expenses within a certain period of time of receipt and used at least a certain percentage of the amount to be forgiven for payroll.

    The PPP was overseen by the Small Business Administration, which has authority over all PPP loans.  Individual PPP loans, however, were issued by private approved lenders, which received and processed PPP applications and supporting documentation, and then made loans using the lenders’ own funds, which were guaranteed by the SBA.

    Minutolo claimed an ownership interest or representative relationship with City Sounds Productions LLC (“City Sounds”).  Between March and September 2021, Minutolo defrauded the PPP loan program of more than $145,000 by providing false information on loan applications for City Sounds, including overstating the yearly gross income for City Sounds; misrepresenting that similar PPP loans had not been or would not be sought when he had, in fact, sought and obtained, and intended to seek and obtain, such loans; and providing fraudulent IRS tax filings and tax payment vouchers for City Sounds that had, in fact, never been filed with the IRS.  Similarly, on the forgiveness applications he submitted, Minutolo materially misrepresented having complied with all the requirements of the PPP rules.

    In addition, the CARES Act created a new temporary federal unemployment insurance program for pandemic unemployment assistance (“Pandemic Unemployment Assistance”).  Pandemic Unemployment Assistance provided unemployment insurance (“UI”) benefits for employed individuals who are not eligible for other types of UI due to their employment status.  The CARES Act also created a new temporary federal program called Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (“FPUC”) that provided additional weekly benefits to those eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance or regular UI.  The Connecticut Department of Labor (CT-DOL) administers UI benefits for residents of Connecticut.

    Between March 2020 and April 2021, Minutolo defrauded the CT-DOL of at least $86,000, and as much as approximately $273,000, by providing the CT-DOL with fraudulent Pandemic Unemployment Assistance applications seeking unemployment insurance payments in others’ names, including individuals who had died, and individuals who did not know that their name and sometimes other personal information was being used.  One fraudulent application was for Minutolo’s grandfather, who died in 2014, and included a telephone number associated with Minutolo.  Minutolo continued to make online weekly certifications to the CT-DOL attesting that the information contained in his grandfather’s application, and other applications, were true in order to receive continued unemployment insurance benefits.

    Minutolo pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.  Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for May 23.  Minutolo is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.

    This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.

    Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Malden Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Malden man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine.

    Logan Pierre, a/k/a “LO,” 33, pleaded guilty conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine, 40 grams and more of fentanyl and cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Brian E. Murphy scheduled sentencing for June 5, 2025. Logan Pierre was charged along with his brother and co-defendant, Isaiah Pierre in June 2024. Isaiah Pierre fled apprehension and is a fugitive.

    In the fall of 2023, an investigation began into drug trafficking activities conducted by Logan and, allegedly, Isaiah Pierre. The investigation revealed that the Pierre brothers were allegedly actively selling methamphetamine in the greater Boston area. Between October 2023 and May 2024, Logan Pierre and, allegedly, Isaiah Pierre sold or arranged the sale of a pound methamphetamine on at least five separate controlled purchases. During a search of Logan Pierre’s apartment, an additional 1000g of methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine was recovered.

    The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine, 40 grams and more of fentanyl, and cocaine provides for a sentence of a mandatory minimum term of 10 years and up to life in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Malden Police Chief Glenn Cronin; and Revere Police Chief David Callahan made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit 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 https://www.justice.gov/PSN. 
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Hochul is a Guest on CNN’s ‘The Situation Room’

    Source: US State of New York

    arlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul was a guest on CNN’s “The Situation Room” with Wolf Blitzer. The Governor spoke on the New York City mayoral race, her “You’re Hired” initiative for those impacted by the Department of Government Efficiency’s layoffs and on how the Trump administration’s tariffs on Canada affect New York State residents.

    AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

    Wolf Blitzer, CNN:  New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is now plotting a major political comeback, announcing over the weekend his candidacy for mayor of New York City. Cuomo resigned from office back in 2021 amid a sexual harassment scandal — he denies all those allegations.

    Joining us now is New York’s current governor, Kathy Hochul. She served as Lieutenant Governor during the Cuomo administration. Governor Hochul, thanks so much for joining us. When Cuomo stepped down, back in 2021, you called his behavior, and I’m quoting you now, “repulsive.” Do you think he is fit to serve as New York’s mayor?

    Governor Hochul: First of all, Wolf, congratulations on the new show, delighted to be on your first episode. Also, here’s what I’m going to tell you about the mayor’s race — and this is the position you’re going to hear today, all the way up until the election’s over for the primary in June — I will work with whomever the really smart voters of New York City decide they want to be their mayor. That is not up for me to decide. I don’t even vote in the city.

    But I will say, also, I will support people — ultimately, after they’re elected — who support my agenda of increasing public safety, dealing with the homelessness crisis, people with mental health problems, closing down illegal cannabis shops, making our streets safer.

    So, I’m looking forward to working with whomever wants to partner with me to lift this city up. But in the meantime, I’m not focused on the politics. I have a state to run, I’ve got multiple crises — many of them emanating from Washington. I was with children yesterday who are severely ill, where parents are terrified of losing Medicaid. So, I will say this will all work itself out, but I’m focused on governing the State of New York, nothing else.

    Wolf Blitzer, CNN: The Governor of New York, as you well know, and the Mayor of New York City have to work together very, very closely. If Cuomo wins that race and becomes the next mayor of New York, would you be able to work with him despite some of that history?

    Governor Hochul: It’s up to the voters, Wolf. I’m not injecting my voice into this election. There’s a lot of people that have put their names forward. I admire anybody who wants to run for office. I’m in my 16th election — I know how challenging it is, but I want people who will put the city first, who will understand that I have done more to help this city than anybody in a long time. Investing money — I’m literally paying for overtime for our police officers, NYPD, to be on the subways, and guess what? Subway crimes are way down. I’m working on getting more homeless off the streets, building more housing. No one has ever taken this on the way I have — to reduce the cost of living here in this great city.

    My agenda is broad-based. It’s very supportive of the city. I had to work with Bill de Blasio as mayor, I worked with Eric Adams for the last number of years and, whatever the voters decide, I will respect that.

    Wolf Blitzer, CNN: Governor, I want to turn now to President Trump’s sweeping efforts right now to slash the entire federal government. You hosted a roundtable this morning with workers hit by those federal job cuts. What kind of impact is this having in my home State of New York?

    Governor Hochul: It is absolutely devastating. Some people are on the verge of tears. I gathered about ten people who, unceremoniously, were dumped, some of them on Valentine’s Day. People that were working to fight consumer fraud, making sure that the huge corporations that are trying to evade taxes have to pay it; people who take care of our veterans; people who are making us safe — all of them were just dumped.

    And I know the Trump-Musk administration doesn’t have regard for them — they think they’re disposable, that they make no contributions, but guess what? These are people who keep our skies safe. They’re the ones who are researching, making sure we can have cures so our kids don’t get sick; taking care of vaccinations. Countless ways that these are highly valuable people, but in New York, we’re saying, “You get fired by them? In New York, you’re hired.”

    And just literally today, you’ll start seeing in Washington at Union Station, you’ll see ads that show basically this message, that you want a job in public service? We respect you, we want you to stay and so here it is.

    We want you to come back and work for us. I will hire you. I need you. We have 7,000 openings in the State of New York, and we value public service. Public servants take care of our people. That’s what it’s all about. Come onboard. We’ll hire you.

    Wolf Blitzer, CNN: On another very sensitive issue, Governor, I want to get your thoughts. President Trump is now pushing ahead with plans to slap 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico starting tomorrow. Canada, of course, borders New York State. You and I grew up in western New York, right on the border with Canada. How is this going to affect New York State, which has such close economic ties with Canada, especially Ontario?

    Governor Hochul: It’ll be devastating. You know the synergy there is to us in Western York. It’s not another country, it’s just our neighbors across the bridge. And the jobs, the people who go get their education back and forth, the close connections, but also the businesses that thrive in New York and in Canada because they’re our largest trading partner. $5 billion worth of trade across our borders every single year. That’s going to affect the cost of steel and aluminum as we’re trying to build up.

    We’re building Micron, the largest semiconductor manufacturing plant going on right now, the largest [private] investment in [New York State] history, going on in Syracuse, New York. I have to keep that going.

    And for our businesses to think that some of their commodities, their products, are now going to cost 25 percent more, how is that about reducing people’s costs? We were promised lower prices on day one, Inauguration Day. Not only is everything going to go up, even eggs — eggs now cost $11 in New York City, up 20 percent from what they’ve been on Inauguration Day.

    This is not the trend. This is not what people have promised. And I encourage the administration to look closely at how they can keep the promise of reducing the cost of living for every American, but particularly people who are hard hit here in New York.

    Wolf Blitzer, CNN: Yeah. Very hard hit indeed. Governor, the Trump administration has already delayed the implementation of these tariffs before. Do you foresee that happening again?

    Governor Hochul: I hope so. I hope they understand that what is a good sound bite is not going to help in reality, especially the businesses and the people who voted for you. These are people in the North Country of New York. It is a predominantly red area. They voted for you, Mr. President, and now their jobs in manufacturing are on the line. And I’d be terrified to know that the damage that could happen is people losing their jobs in New York and all across America. We can’t let that happen. So continue to delay. Let’s work this out, let’s find a solution, but let’s not drive up the cost on people all across this country. That’s the last thing we need right now.

    Wolf Blitzer, CNN: The President has repeatedly tied his proposal for a lot of tariffs to the flow of drugs crossing the border, including the Canadian border, into the United States. Are you seeing evidence of significant drug trafficking from New York’s border with Canada?

    Governor Hochul: There was a time when there was a spike, but I have deployed more people on the border, the Canadians are working closely with us, the Border Patrol — it is a fraction of what is being talked about. It is a problem, of course, we don’t want a single drug to come across the border. But it does not justify the cataclysmic impact the tariffs will have on the State of New York.

    So, we can solve the problem at the border. We don’t want drugs coming over, we don’t want gangs coming over, we don’t want human traffickers coming over, we get that. We’ll work with you. We’ll work with the federal administration on this. But this is such an extreme remedy that is going to have a ripple effect across our entire economy, and especially in a place like this state.

    Wolf Blitzer, CNN: New York Governor Kathy Hochul, as usual, thank you very much. Appreciate it. We’ll continue this conversation down the road.

    Governor Hochul: Sounds good. Thanks, Wolf.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Orlando Woman Ordered To Pay Over $3 Million For Her Involvement In Wire And Tax Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Marielys Feliciano Rodriguez (47, Orlando) to one year of house arrest and ordered her to pay $3,338,558 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service for wire fraud and tax fraud. She was also ordered to serve a five-year term of supervised release. The court also entered a money judgment against Rodriguez in the amount of $347,760, representing the proceeds of the wire fraud. 

    According to court documents, Rodriguez established a shell company that purported to be involved in the construction industry. She obtained a workers’ compensation insurance policy in the name of the shell company to cover a minimal payroll for a few purported employees, then “rented” the workers’ compensation insurance to work crews who had obtained subcontracts with construction contractors on projects in various Florida counties as well as contractors in other states. Rodriguez sent the contractors a certificate as “proof” that the work crews had workers’ compensation insurance, as required by Florida law. By sending the certificate Rodriguez falsely represented that the work crews worked for the shell company. Over the course of the scheme, Rodriguez “rented” the certificates to dozens of work crews, defrauding the worker’s compensation carrier, typically allowing numerous undocumented illegal workers to be employed unlawfully.

    As part of the scheme, the contractors issued payroll checks for the workers’ wages to the shell companies and Rodriguez cashed these checks, then distributed the cash to the work crews, after deducting their fee, which was typically about 6% of the payroll. During the scheme, Rodriguez cashed payroll checks totaling approximately $13 million. Neither the shell company nor the contractors reported to government authorities the wages that were paid to the workers, nor did they pay either the employees’ or the employer’s portion of payroll taxes – including Social Security, Medicare, and federal income tax. The amount of payroll taxes due on wages collected by Rodriguez totaled over $3 million.

    The scheme also facilitated the avoidance of the higher cost of obtaining adequate workers’ compensation insurance for the numerous workers on the work crews to whom Rodriguez “rented” the workers’ compensation insurance. The policy that Rodriguez purchased and then “rented” out was for an estimated payroll of $121,800 and the insurance company issued a policy for a premium of approximately $8,006. Had a workers’ compensation insurance policy been purchased for the actual payroll totaling approximately $5 million dollars, the policy premium would have totaled about $461,679.

    “Fraudulent schemes that provide under-the-table cash payments ultimately exploit undocumented aliens for large profits and undermines the integrity of the industry, endangering both the workers and the system that’s meant to protect them,” said Homeland Security Investigations Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tim Hemker. “HSI, alongside our law enforcement partners, will investigate those who engage in illegal practices and hold them accountable for their actions.”

    “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that off the books payroll schemes which enable illegal immigrants the ability to work without paying taxes will not be tolerated.  These schemes are violations of a number of serious federal criminal statutes including wire fraud and tax evasion. The impact of this scheme, and others like it, harm law-abiding businesses and legal workers who are unable to compete against the tax-free labor of illegal immigrants,” said Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker, of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Tampa Field Office.  “We are proud to work alongside our partners at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) on this case, and we will continue this partnership to ensure all employers are on an even playing field.”

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the Florida Department of Financial Services. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Scranton Man Sentenced To 41 Months’ Imprisonment For Wire Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that James G. Miller, Jr., age 53, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 28, 2025, to 41 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for wire fraud.   

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, between February of 2020 and January of 2022, Miller assisted coconspirators in transferring $1,582,179 in fraudulently obtained Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Lost Wage Assistance Payments (LWAPs), and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) benefits through various bank accounts, Bitcoin transactions, and mailings.  Miller acted as a money mule, receiving small sums of money in exchange for the use of his mailing address and bank accounts to transfer the fraudulently obtained funds to counterparts overseas.

    The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Office of Inspector General Departments of Labor (OIG-DOL) and Homeland Security (OIG-DHS), and the Office of Inspector General Social Security Administration (OIG-SSA).  The case was prosecuted by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd.

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

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Columbus men sentenced to decades in prison for their roles in drug & human trafficking rings, overdose & violent deaths

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – Two Columbus men were sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 25years and 23 years in prison for drug crimes, sex trafficking crimes and their roles in the deaths of a local man and woman. The defendants are two of nearly two dozen individuals charged in a case involving large-scale drug and human trafficking rings, the overdose death of at least one individual and the violent death of a second victim.

    Dustin A. Speakman, 35, of Columbus, was sentenced to 276 months in prison. He pleaded guilty in March 2024 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances within 1,000 of an elementary school. As part of his plea, Speakman admitted to his role in the violent death of one victim that occurred during the time he was operating a drug distribution house.

    Tyler Bourdo, 31, of Columbus, was sentenced to 300 months in prison. He also pleaded guilty in March 2024 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances within 1,000 of an elementary school, as well as distributing fentanyl and cocaine that resulted in death and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.

    Speakman and Bourdo are two of 23 defendants charged in a narcotics and human trafficking case that involves at least two deaths. Two of the defendants were found guilty following a jury trial last month. All 23 defendants have been convicted or pleaded guilty.

    According to court documents, from 2008 until June 2022, lead defendants Patrick Saultz and Cordell Washington ran a large-scale drug trafficking organization in Columbus that included sex trafficking, labor trafficking and money laundering.

    Court documents detail that the drug trafficking organization brought large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, alprazolam and marijuana into Columbus. These drugs were sold or used to coerce individuals into sexual activity for some members of the drug ring and their profit.

    Speakman joined the drug trafficking organization after being released from jail in 2022, where he was housed with Saultz. Speakman was a mid-level drug distributor for the group out of residences on South Ogden and South Warren.

    As part of his guilty plea, Speakman admitted to severely beating one of his drug runners in May 2022 and then providing him with free drugs to make up for the attack. Witnesses said the male was beaten by Speakman and then given cocaine and fentanyl as compensation. Shortly after, the victim began to seize and foam at the mouth and did not respond to Narcan. The victim was driven to an alley near Grant Hospital where he was found unconscious by Columbus Fire Department personnel with severe trauma to the face and head. His cause of death was ultimately determined to be blunt force trauma caused by Speakman.

    Bourdo supplied and oversaw the drug distribution at one of the stash houses on North Warren. He was providing the property’s owners approximately $100 in illegal narcotics per day for use of the residence.

    According to Bourdo’s plea agreement, on Oct. 14, 2021, an individual was found deceased in an alley between Bourdo’s primary residence and a drug distribution house. The woman was found with a needle in her hand and another needle in her pocket and had been dead for approximately 18 hours.

    Further investigation revealed that, on Oct. 10, 2021, the woman had overdosed on crack cocaine and fentanyl at one of the organization’s drug houses that Bourdo supplied on North Warren. Witnesses on site immediately placed the woman in a bathtub and soaked her in cold water. The witnesses provided multiple rounds of Narcan, CPR and chest compressions, eventually resuscitating her. The woman left and, over the next 48 hours, met up with Bourdo on more than one occasion to get and use more drugs.

    Video surveillance of the alley shows Bourdo walking to the deceased woman’s body just moments before police personnel arrived to attempt (unsuccessfully) to obtain her phone to prevent further investigation into her death.

    As part of his plea, Bourdo admitted to coercing adult drug-addicted females into performing commercial sex acts by using violence as well as providing and then withholding or threatening to withhold narcotics and lodging.

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

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

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mercer County Accounting Professor Convicted Of Tax Evasion And Filing False Tax Returns Sentenced To 24 Months In Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TRENTON, N.J. – A Mercer County, New Jersey man was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for evading federal income taxes and filing false tax returns, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

    Gordian A. Ndubizu, of Princeton Junction, New Jersey, was convicted on Aug. 15, 2024, of all eight counts of an indictment charging him with four counts of tax evasion and four counts of filing false tax returns in tax years 2014 through 2017, following a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi, who imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court.

    According to documents filed in this case and evidence introduced at trial:

    During tax years 2014 through 2017, Ndubizu was a professor of accounting at a university in Pennsylvania as well as the co-owner of Healthcare Pharmacy in Trenton, New Jersey. Healthcare Pharmacy was organized as an S corporation, the income of which flowed through to Ndubizu and his wife and was to be reported on their personal income tax returns. Ndubizu prepared fraudulent books and records for Healthcare Pharmacy inflating the pharmacy’s costs of goods sold to reduce and underreport the pharmacy’s actual profits flowing through to Ndubizu and his wife. In the fraudulent books and records, among other things, Ndubizu identified certain wire transfers as payments to purchase goods sold by the pharmacy when those wire transfers were in fact made to personal bank accounts under Ndubizu’s control and to bank accounts in Nigeria associated with an automotive company under Ndubizu’s control. Each of Ndubizu’s tax returns for tax years 2014 through 2017 falsely underreported his income and falsely reported that he had no financial interest in or signature authority over any foreign bank accounts. Ndubizu failed to report approximately $3.28 million in income from the pharmacy, resulting in the evasion of approximately $1.25 million in tax due and owing.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins in Newark, with the investigation leading to the sentencing. He also thanked special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and officers of the Trenton Police Department and Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office for their work on this case.  

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander E. Ramey and Ashley Super Pitts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Opening remarks by Commissioner Kadis at the European Ocean Days Event

    Source: EuroStat – European Statistics

    Good morning, friends of the ocean,

    It is truly an honour to be here today as we kick off the second edition of the European Ocean Days.

    I am pleased to see all of you here in Brussels, and I also want to extend a warm welcome to everyone joining us online. We have ocean experts, marine scientists, fishers, policymakers, community leaders, youth, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders from across Europe gathered here to discuss the importance of our ocean, seas and waters. I would like to take a moment to thank all my colleagues across the European Commission services and our partners for organising this week of inspiring events.

    The European Ocean Days are more than just a week of events. They represent the European Union’s strong commitment to a sustainable blue economy and to the protection of our ocean. They also celebrate the hard work many of you have done to help shape the policies we are building on today.

    As you well know, the ocean covers more than 70% of the Earth’s surface. It regulates our climate and provides essential resources that sustain life, both at sea and on land. Yet the ocean still faces many challenges, such as overfishing, plastic pollution and the effects of climate change. This year’s European Ocean Days are filled with exciting events to explore the future of our ocean, share success stories, and discuss innovative solutions to the challenges at hand. This is a unique opportunity to share ideas, learn from each other, and take steps towards our shared ocean goals.

    But before I get into the details of what we have planned for you, I would like to tell you more about an initiative that we are working on – the European Ocean Pact.

    With this pact, we want to ensure coherence across all EU policy areas linked to the ocean, with clear objectives:

    • Developing a competitive and sustainable European blue economy;
    • Protecting and restoring ocean health, productivity and resilience;
    • Building a robust marine knowledge framework;
    • Establishing a global ocean governance and diplomacy;
    • Enhancing the resilience of coastal communities and cities;
    • And putting in place a governance model that will ensure implementation.

    In the coming days, you will hear a lot about the Ocean Pact and I hope that our discussions will feed into it.

    Now let me tell you what we have planned for you:

    We begin today with Young Voices for the Ocean and the first Youth Policy Dialogue, where I will have the opportunity to discuss ocean policies with 16 young people from across the European Union. Young people’s voices matter and it is important that we hear your views, because the future of our ocean largely rests in your hands. Your opinions and needs must contribute to the upcoming European Ocean Pact and help shape the future of the blue economy. Let me emphasise that listening to the views of the youth is among the priorities of this European Commission as it is clearly stated in the political guidelines of President Von Der Leyen.

    In the afternoon, we have three panels lined up, focusing on key topics for young people: career opportunities in the blue economy, youth engagement in ocean conservation and restoration projects, and what it means to be a blue citizen. During breaks, I invite you to visit the art exhibition by the JRC SciArt project, relax with ocean sounds, or network and discover new initiatives and partners at the Ocean Literacy Island. Before we close today, our Ocean Literacy Coalition will launch the campaign #MakeEUBlue: Cities on board!. This initiative calls on cities across Europe to take action for the ocean, from supporting blue education to organizing beach clean-ups and restoration projects. We encourage you all to get involved and ensure no city is left behind on our shared journey toward ocean sustainability.

    The rest of the week is just as full of important events. We will host the 3rd Mission Restore Our Ocean and Waters Forum to highlight what we are doing to restore our ocean and waters, as well as what else needs to be done to meet our 2030 goals. Then, the Fisheries and Ocean Dialogues will bring together stakeholders from the fisheries, aquaculture, and blue economy sectors. These dialogues will play a crucial role in shaping the European Ocean Pact, addressing issues such as the future of fisheries, biodiversity protection, and the health and resilience of our ocean.

    We will also hold a session on the European Institute of Technology’s call for a new Knowledge and Innovation Community on Water, Marine, and Maritime Sectors and Ecosystems. This session will provide essential information on funding opportunities for innovative projects. And, once again, investors and innovators will gather at the Blue Invest event to explore investment opportunities and sustainable solutions for the blue economy, with workshops and networking sessions on innovation and sustainability. To close the week, we will discuss Marine Knowledge for the European Ocean Pact, focussing on how observation, data, research, marine knowledge and citizen science can drive informed decision-making and help shape ocean-related policies, including the Oceans Pact. Finally, the Fisheries and Ocean Science Seminar will offer insights into the current state of scientific research and advice related to fisheries and ocean health. As you can see, we have a week full of activities that promise to be both informative and engaging.

    So let’s make this week all about learning, sharing, and working together to build a better future for our ocean.

    I wish you all an enjoyable and productive week and I look forward to the discussions, ideas, and actions that will emerge.

    Thank you

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Owner of Oahu Physical Therapy Clinic Sentenced to Nine Months in Federal Prison for Health Care Fraud

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

    HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson announced that Stephen Timothy Wells, 41, of Waialua, was sentenced yesterday in federal court by U.S. District Judge Jill A. Otake to 9 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release for health care fraud. Wells, the owner of Oahu Spine and Rehab, a physical therapy clinic with locations in Kailua and Aiea, pleaded guilty to the charge on September 27, 2024. As part of his sentence, Wells was also ordered to pay restitution to TRICARE, a healthcare program for United States military service members and their families, and Medicare totaling $392,157.20.

    In his plea agreement, Wells admitted that from July 2013 through early 2020, he submitted false claims for payment for physical therapy services to TRICARE and Medicare. Wells used individuals not trained in physical therapy, including massage therapists, athletic trainers, personal trainers, and an individual who had no professional licenses or certifications whatsoever, to provide physical therapy services to patients. Wells admitted that he knew these individuals were not authorized providers and that he could not legitimately bill TRICARE and Medicare for physical therapy services rendered by them, even under supervision. Nevertheless, Wells billed the programs as though the services had been provided by licensed practitioners.

    “Tens of billions of dollars are lost to health care fraud each year, robbing Americans of vitally needed quality health services,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “Over a nearly seven-year period, the defendant endeavored to bilk our nation’s taxpayer-funded TRICARE and Medicare programs out of as much money as possible. He diverted scarce program dollars from military service members and their families, as well as elderly and disabled Americans—some the most deserving and physically and financially vulnerable members of our society. Today’s sentence should serve as a warning to those who attempt to cheat our taxpayer funded insurance programs: you will be caught and when you are, a prison sentence awaits.”

    This case was investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mohammad Khatib and Rebecca Perlmutter prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Temple Terrace Man Indicted for Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death

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

    Tampa, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the return of an indictment charging Charles Zumbahlen (31, Temple Terrace) with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. If convicted, Zumbahlen faces a minimum penalty of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Zumbahlen that the United States intends to forfeit all assets which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense.

    According to the indictment, on November 24, 2024, Zumbahlen distributed a lethal amount of fentanyl that resulted in the death of Victim-1. 

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

    This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Candace Garcia Rich.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM to participate in three Post- Budget webinars on 4th March

    Source: Government of India

    PM to participate in three Post- Budget webinars on 4th March

    Webinars on: MSME as an Engine of Growth; Manufacturing, Exports and Nuclear Energy Missions; Regulatory, Investment and Ease of doing business Reforms

    Webinars to act as a collaborative platform to develop action plans for operationalising transformative Budget announcements

    Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 9:43PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will participate in three Post- Budget webinars at around 12:30 PM via video conferencing. These webinars are being held on MSME as an Engine of Growth; Manufacturing, Exports and Nuclear Energy Missions; Regulatory, Investment and Ease of doing business Reforms. He will also address the gathering on the occasion.

    The webinars will provide a collaborative platform for government officials, industry leaders, and trade experts to deliberate on India’s industrial, trade, and energy strategies. The discussions will focus on policy execution, investment facilitation, and technology adoption, ensuring seamless implementation of the Budget’s transformative measures. The webinars will engage private sector experts, industry representatives, and subject matter specialists to align efforts and drive impactful implementation of Budget announcements.

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2107938) Visitor Counter : 50

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Invest Hong Kong provides updates on information security incident

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Invest Hong Kong provides updates on information security incident
    Invest Hong Kong provides updates on information security incident
    ******************************************************************

         ​Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) provided an update today (March 3) on the information security incident identified on February 22 which involved a malicious ransomware attack to part of InvestHK’s computer systems. According to InvestHK’s investigation findings, there was no evidence indicating leakage of personal information. No further suspicious activities have been identified. InvestHK is very grateful for the support and assistance rendered by the Police and the Digital Policy Office (DPO) during the incident. The department’s computer systems have largely resumed normal operations today.     The spokesman for InvestHK said that as the global cybersecurity landscape was evolving, the department would continue to enhance its cyber resilience level and cybersecurity risk management. It will also follow the suggestions from the DPO and experts in tightening its IT security systems to prevent similar incidents from happening again .     The spokesman reminded members of the public to stay alert and to refrain from clicking on any embedded links or providing any personal or financial information such as credit card information, or making any payment to suspicious emails or SMS messages.     The department condemns such malicious attacks again and hopes that the culprits can be brought to justice as soon as possible so as to safeguard information and cybersecurity.

     
    Ends/Monday, March 3, 2025Issued at HKT 22:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah chairs a meeting with Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant in New Delhi to review implementation of three New Criminal Laws in the State

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah chairs a meeting with Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant in New Delhi to review implementation of three New Criminal Laws in the State

    Primary objective of the three New Criminal Laws introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is to ensure swift justice

    Goa should become a model state in effectively implementing New Criminal Laws

    To ensure speedy justice timelines in investigation and prosecution should be strictly adhered

    Set a target to achieve 90% conviction rate in criminal cases having more than 7 years of punishment

    Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 7:37PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, chaired a review meeting on the implementation of three new criminal laws in Goa, in the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, in New Delhi today. The meeting reviewed the implementation and present status of various new provisions related to police, prisons, courts, prosecution, and forensics in Goa. The meeting was attended by the Union Home Secretary, Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Goa, the Director General of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), the Director, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), and other senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the government of Goa.

    During the meeting, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah underlined that the primary objective of the three new criminal laws, introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is to ensure swift justice. He said that Goa should become a model state in effectively implementing three New Criminal Laws.

    Shri Amit Shah emphasized the importance of strictly adhering to timelines in investigation and prosecution to ensure speedy justice. He highlighted the need to achieve a 90% conviction rate in criminal cases of having provision of more than seven years of punishment. The Home Minister also stressed the mandatory registration of all Investigation Officers (IOs) on the e-Sakshya platform and directed the full implementation of e-Summons in Goa by March 31, 2025.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah reiterated that senior police officers must regularly monitor cases related to organized crime, terrorism, and mob lynching to prevent the misuse of relevant provisions. Permission from a Superintendent of Police-level officer should be taken before registering cases under these sections. Shri Shah also directed the police to ensure that property recovered from criminals is returned to its rightful owners in accordance with the provisions of the new criminal laws.

    Shri Amit Shah stressed the need to achieve 100% forensic sample testing and instructed strict adherence to this goal. He urged the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and Director General of Police of Goa to continuously review the implementation progress of the three new laws.

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    RK/VV/ASH/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2107850) Visitor Counter : 101

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Workshop on Sustainability in the Dairy Sector and Circularity Inaugurated by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Workshop on Sustainability in the Dairy Sector and Circularity Inaugurated by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, in New Delhi

    MoUs signed between NDDB and 26 Milk Unions of 15 States for Establishment of Biogas Plants and Dairy Cooperatives

    Guidelines Released for Greening of the Dairy Sector; NDDB Sustain Plus Project Launched

    Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 7:08PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying successfully organized the Workshop on Sustainability in the Dairy Sector and Circularity at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on 3rd March 2025. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, inaugurated the workshop today in the august presence of Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj. Union Ministers of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and Shri George Kurian also graced the occasion. Alongside key stakeholders from the dairy sector, senior officials from the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG), Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), Department of Fertilizers, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL), and various milk cooperatives also participated in the workshop.

    The workshop marked significant milestones in the field of sustainability and circularity with the signing of MoU between NDDB and NABARD to promote sustainable and inclusive growth in the dairy sector by leveraging the technical, financial and implementation support. For setting up Biogas Plants across the country NDDB has signed MoUs with 26 Milk Unions of 15 States. On this occasion,  Comprehensive Guidelines aimed at sustainability in the dairy sector (Click here) was released along with the launch of Financing Initiatives under NDDB’s (National Dairy Development Board) Small  Scale Biogas, Large Scale Biogas/Compressed Biogas projects ( Click here)  and the NDDB Sustain Plus Project for financing sustainable dairying interventions (Click here). These initiatives are expected to accelerate the adoption of circular practices in dairy farming, promoting efficient manure management and energy generation while reducing environmental impact. This national workshop has provided a crucial platform for policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to discuss and develop strategies for enhancing sustainability, reducing carbon emissions, and ensuring financial viability for small and marginal dairy farmers.

    In his address, Union Minister Shri Amit Shah said that today when we are moving towards the White Revolution 2.0, the importance of sustainability and circularity takes precedence. He said that apart from what we have achieved so far with the help of first White Revolution, sustainability and circularity in dairy sector are still to be fully accomplished. Shri Amit Shah said that India’s agriculture system is based on small farmers and their migration from villages to cities is associated with their prosperity. He said that dairy is an important option to make small farmers prosperous along with overcoming the problem of rural migration.

    Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, said that with focus on circularity and sustainability in the dairy sector, use of cow dung to produce fuel will help in increasing income of farmers. Shri Singh highlighted that from the huge livestock resource of more than 53 crores, approximately 30 crore constitutes cows and buffaloes in the country. He said that a large quantity of cow dung is hence available that can be used for organic fertilizer, biofuels etc., that will boost productivity.  While thanking the Union Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh said that due to dedicated efforts of the government, the dairy sector has largely moved from unorganised to an organised sector. He highlighted the importance of circular economy practices, renewable energy initiatives, and public-private partnerships to drive green growth and farmer welfare in the country. Addressing the stakeholders, he stated that integrating eco-friendly practices with innovation will not only drive green growth but also uplift millions of farmers ensuring their prosperity.

    In her address, Smt. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, emphasized the need for sustainable practices in the dairy sector and the government’s vision of integrating circular economy principles. Highlighting that India is the “Dairy of the World,” she noted that the dairy sector contributes 30 percent of the agriculture GVA. To support these sustainable practices, NDDB has introduced a new financing scheme with an allocation of Rs 1,000 crores, aimed at providing financial assistance through credit support for small biogas, large-scale biogas plants, and Compressed Biogas (CBG) projects, thereby facilitating the scaling up of various manure management models over the next 10 years.

    During the workshop, key discussions revolved around the Policy framework and financial mechanisms required to scale up circularity initiatives in dairying. Senior officials from DAHD, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Department of Fertilizers, NABARD, ONGC, NDDB, Maruti Suzuki, GCMMF (Amul), Banaskantha Milk Union, AMUL, GIZ, and EKI Energy Services shared valuable insights. Key themes for deliberations included successful circular economy models, carbon credit opportunities for small dairy farmers, and the role of carbon trading in promoting sustainable practices. The dairy sector, supported by the Government of India and led by the NDDB, has initiated key manure management practices to enhance sustainability and circularity. Three notable models include the Zakariyapura Model, Banas Model and Varanasi Model which highlight dung’s potential as a valuable commodity alongside milk, contributing to a more sustainable and circular dairy ecosystem. The session concluded with a call for a structured roadmap to ensure a financially viable and environmentally responsible dairy sector.

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    Aditi Agrawal

    (Release ID: 2107835) Visitor Counter : 21

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government Scales Up PLI Budget to Accelerate Manufacturing

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Government Scales Up PLI Budget to Accelerate Manufacturing

    A Push for Domestic and Global Competitiveness

    Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 6:51PM by PIB Delhi

    Introduction

    India’s manufacturing sector is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by visionary policies aimed at redefining its global standing. At the heart of this transformation is the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to establish India as a global manufacturing powerhouse while promoting innovation, efficiency, and competitiveness across key industries.

    In a strong push to accelerate industrial growth, the Government has significantly increased budget allocations for key sectors under the PLI Scheme in 2025-26, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening domestic manufacturing. Several sectors have witnessed substantial hikes, with allocations for Electronics and IT Hardware soaring from ₹5,777 crore (revised estimate for 2024-25) to ₹9,000 crore, and Automobiles and Auto Components seeing a remarkable jump from ₹346.87 crore to ₹2,818.85 crore. The Textile sector has also received a major boost, with its allocation surging from ₹45 crore to ₹1,148 crore.

    PLI Schemes with the Highest Budget Allocation (2025-26)

    Name of the Scheme

    Revised Estimates 2024-25 (₹ Crores)

    Budget Estimates 2025-26 (₹ Crores)

    Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
    in electronics manufacturing and IT hardware.

    5777.00

    9000.00

    PLI for Automobiles and Auto Components

    346.87

    2818.85

    PLI for Pharmaceuticals

    2150.50

    2444.93

    PLI for Textile

    45.00

    1148.00

    PLI for White Goods (ACs and LED Lights)

    213.57

    444.54

    PLI for Specialty Steel

    55.00

    305.00

    PLI for National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage

    15.42

    155.76

     

    Launched in 2020, the PLI Scheme is more than just a policy; it is a strategic leap toward self-reliance. By targeting industries like electronics, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles, the initiative offers financial incentives tied directly to measurable outcomes such as higher production and incremental sales. This performance-driven approach not only attracts investments from domestic and global players but also encourages businesses to embrace cutting-edge technologies and achieve economies of scale.

    Sectors Covered Under PLI Scheme

    With an impressive outlay of ₹1.97 lakh crore (over US$26 billion), the PLI Schemes focus on 14 critical sectors, each strategically chosen to enhance the country’s manufacturing prowess, foster technological advancements, and elevate India’s position in global markets. These sectors are aligned with the government’s goal of strengthening domestic production and expanding exports, contributing to the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

    The 14 sectors covered under the PLI Scheme include:

     Achievements and Impact

    The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes have made significant strides in transforming India’s manufacturing landscape. As of August 2024, actual investments totalling ₹1.46 lakh crore have been realized, with projections suggesting this figure will cross ₹2 lakh crore within the next year. These investments have already led to a remarkable boost in production and sales, amounting to ₹12.50 lakh crore, while directly and indirectly generating approximately 9.5 lakh jobs—this number is expected to rise to 12 lakhs in the near future.

    Exports have also seen a substantial uptick, surpassing ₹4 lakh crore, driven by key sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. The success of these schemes is evident in the accelerated growth of domestic industries, the increasing global competitiveness of Indian products, and the creation of millions of employment opportunities, all contributing to the nation’s broader economic goals.

    FDI Reforms and their Impact

    The PLI Scheme focuses on attracting investment in high-tech industries, strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities, and enhancing India’s global competitiveness. By targeting key sectors, it aims to boost industrial growth and position India as a major manufacturing hub.

    To support this objective, the Government of India has introduced a liberalized Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy to promote manufacturing and economic expansion. Most sectors, including manufacturing, allow 100% FDI under the automatic route, removing the need for prior government approval. Between 2019 and 2024, significant FDI reforms were implemented, such as permitting 100% FDI in coal and contract manufacturing (2019), increasing the FDI limit in insurance to 74% while bringing the telecom sector under the automatic route (2021), and liberalizing the space sector (2024). These measures aim to attract global investors, enhance industrial capabilities, and boost domestic production.

    As a result of these reforms, FDI equity inflow in the manufacturing sector increased by 69%, rising from USD 98 billion (2004-2014) to USD 165 billion (2014-2024). With an investor-friendly approach and streamlined approval processes, the government continues to strengthen India’s position as a leading global manufacturing destination.

    Other sector specific achievements include:

    Largescale Electronics Manufacturing (LSEM)

    India’s electronics manufacturing sector has flourished under the PLI scheme, transforming from a net importer to a net exporter of mobile phones. Domestic production grew from 5.8 crore units in 2014-15 to 33 crore units in 2023-24, with imports dropping significantly. Exports reached 5 crore units, and Foreign Direct Investment increased by 254%, highlighting the scheme’s role in boosting manufacturing and investment.

    Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, and Bulk Drugs

    The PLI scheme has strengthened India’s position in the global pharmaceuticals market, making it the third-largest player by volume. Exports now account for 50% of production, and the country has reduced reliance on imports by manufacturing key bulk drugs like Penicillin G. Additionally, global companies have transferred advanced medical device technology, enabling India to produce critical equipment like CT scanners and MRI machines locally.

    Automotive Industry

    With an outlay of US$ 3.5 billion (₹20,750 crore), the automotive PLI scheme has driven significant investments and boosted production of high-tech automotive products. Over 115 companies applied, with 85 approved for incentives, attracting US$ 8.15 billion (₹67,690 crore) in investments, far exceeding the target. This success has strengthened India’s position in the global automotive sector.

    Renewable Energy and Solar PV

    The PLI scheme for solar PV modules has accelerated India’s renewable energy goals. The first phase, with an outlay of US$ 541.8 million (₹4,500 crore), established manufacturing capacity, while the second tranche aims to build 65 GW of capacity with US$ 2.35 billion (₹19,500 crore). The initiative is expected to create jobs, reduce imports, and drive solar innovation.

    Telecom and Networking Products

    India has achieved 60% import substitution in telecom products under the PLI scheme. Global tech companies have set up manufacturing units, turning India into a major exporter of 4G and 5G telecom equipment. This growth strengthens India’s telecom infrastructure and enhances its position in the global supply chain.

    Drones and Drone Components

    The drone sector has experienced rapid growth, with turnover increasing seven-fold under the PLI scheme. Driven by MSMEs and start-ups, this success has attracted significant investments and job creation, positioning India as a global leader in drone manufacturing.

    Conclusion

    The PLI Scheme stands as a cornerstone of India’s vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, driving self-reliance, innovation, and global competitiveness. With increased budget allocations, rising investments, and expanding exports, it is transforming key industries while reducing import dependence. By fostering a resilient and technologically advanced manufacturing ecosystem, the scheme is set to propel India toward sustained economic growth and leadership in global supply chains.

    References:

    Kindly find the pdf file 

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    Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Anchal Patiyal

    (Release ID: 2107825) Visitor Counter : 82

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE: Serious crash at Port Adelaide

    Source: South Australia Police

    A man has been seriously injured in a crash at Port Adelaide.

    About 6.15pm on Monday 3 March, police were called to the intersection of Grand Junction Road and Commercial Road following a crash between a Hyundai sedan and a motor scooter.

    The scooter rider, a 30-year-old man from Alberton, was seriously injured in the crash. His injuries are considered life threatening.

    The Hyundai driver, a 29-year-old woman from Semaphore South was not injured.

    Major Crash Investigators attended the scene.

    There were traffic restrictions in place for several hours surrounding the intersection and for eastbound lanes on Grand Junction Road but was cleared just after midnight.

    Anyone who witnessed the crash who hasn’t yet spoken to police is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India’s Wildlife Conservation Milestones

    Source: Government of India

    India’s Wildlife Conservation Milestones

    Policies, Achievements and Global Commitments

    Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 6:47PM by PIB Delhi

    “Today, on World Wildlife Day, let’s reiterate our commitment to protect and preserve the incredible biodiversity of our planet. Every species plays a vital role—let’s safeguard their future for generations to come! We also take pride in India’s contributions towards preserving and protecting wildlife.”

    Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India[1]

     

    Introduction

    Every year on March 3rd, the world celebrates United Nations World Wildlife Day (WWD) to honour the vital role of wild animals and plants in our lives and the planet’s health. This day is a reminder of the need to protect and preserve biodiversity for future generations. The theme for WWD 2025 is “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.” [2]

    [3]

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited Gir National Park in Gujarat today to chair the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife. The Board reviewed the Government’s key wildlife conservation efforts, including the expansion of protected areas and flagship programs like Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and Project Snow Leopard. Discussions also covered initiatives for the conservation of dolphins and Asiatic lions, along with the establishment of the International Big Cats Alliance.[4]

    [5]Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Gir National Park

    India is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, even though it covers only 2.4% of the Earth’s land. It is home to 7-8% of all known species, including over 45,000 types of plants and 91,000 types of animals. The country’s varied landscapes and climate have created different ecosystems like forests, wetlands, grasslands, deserts, and coastal and marine habitats. These ecosystems support rich biodiversity and benefit people in many ways. India also has 4 of the world’s 34 major biodiversity hotspots—the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, the Northeast region, and the Nicobar Islands—making it an important region for global conservation.[6]

    The Government of India, primarily through the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), has instituted a comprehensive framework of policies, legislative measures, and initiatives aimed at conserving and protecting this natural heritage.

    Budgetary Allocations[7]

    In the Union Budget 2025-26, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change has been allocated ₹3,412.82 crores, which is 9% higher than the 2024-25 revised estimates of Rs. 3125.96 crores.

    • ₹3,276.82 crore (96%) is for revenue expenditure, which has increased by 8%.
    • ₹136 crore (4%) is for capital expenditure, which has risen by 46% from 93.25 crore from 2024-25 revised estimates.

    For 2025-26, the central government has allocated ₹450 crore for the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats under its centrally sponsored scheme. Additionally, ₹290 crore (64% of the total allocation) has been earmarked for Project Tiger and Elephant, reflecting an 18% increase from the 2024-25 revised estimates.[8]

    National Wildlife Database Cell

    The National Wildlife Database Centre of Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has been developing a National Wildlife Information System (NWIS) on the Protected Areas of the country. As of 27th November, 2023 India has a network of 1014 Protected Areas including 106 National Parks, 573 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 115 Conservation Reserves and 220 Community Reserves covering a total of 1,75,169.42 km2 of geographical area of the country which is approximately 5.32%. [9]

     

    Category

    Number

    National Parks

    106

    Wildlife Sanctuaries

    573

    Conservation Reserves

    115

    Community Reserves

    220

    Total

    1014

     

    The National Wildlife Database Centre (NWDC) is providing information on the conservation status of animal species, biogeographic regions, administrative units, habitat types and the network of protected areas in India, in a variety of formats and also providing an extensive bibliographic support for wildlife research.

    1. Legislative and Policy Framework

    • National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031): This strategic plan emphasizes landscape-level conservation, community involvement, and the integration of climate change considerations into wildlife management.[10]
    • National Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Strategy and Action Plan: The National Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Strategy and Action Plan (2021-26) (HWC-NAP) aims to systematically reduce human-wildlife conflict (HWC) while ensuring wildlife conservation, ecosystem protection, and sustainable development. Developed through a four-year consultative process under the Indo-German Project on HWC Mitigation, it integrates scientific, policy, and community-driven approaches to balance human well-being with wildlife protection. [11]

    2. Species-Specific Conservation Initiatives – Success Stories

    2.1 Project Dolphin: Key Developments and Conservation Efforts[12]

    Launched on 15th August 2020, Project Dolphin aims to conserve both marine and riverine dolphins, along with associated cetaceans, through habitat protection, scientific research, and community awareness. In 2022-23, ₹241.73 lakhs and in 2023-24, ₹248.18 lakhs were allocated under the CSS: Development of Wildlife Habitats for conservation activities. Key dolphin hotspots have been identified in Assam, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Lakshadweep, with focused efforts on species protection, habitat improvement, monitoring, patrolling, and awareness programs. A Comprehensive Action Plan (2022-2047) has been finalized and shared with relevant Ministries for execution.

    Policy & Governance Enhancements

    • The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 was amended in December 2022, empowering the Indian Coast Guard with enforcement powers and recognizing Gangetic & Indus River Dolphins as distinct species under Schedule I.
    • The Project Dolphin Steering Committee was reconstituted, with the first committee meeting held on 6th September 2023, where the first edition of the Project Dolphin Newsletter was launched.
    • States have been urged to align with International Whaling Commission regulations, appointing Dolphin and Whaling Commissioners for conservation efforts.

    Scientific Research & International Engagement

    • Population estimation of riverine dolphins has been completed, with the report under finalization.
    • A meeting on Irrawaddy dolphins was conducted in Odisha with the Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change in attendance.
    • India participated in discussions on the Global Declaration for River Dolphins (23-24 October 2023, Bogotá, Colombia), reinforcing its commitment to global dolphin conservation.
    • Chambal River Conservation Zone: A 200 km stretch in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh has been recommended for designation as a Dolphin Conservation Zone for targeted protection efforts.

    India’s First-Ever Ganges River Dolphin Tagging: A Historic Conservation Milestone[13]

    On 18th December 2024, India achieved a groundbreaking milestone by successfully satellite-tagging the first-ever Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) in Assam under Project Dolphin. Led by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department and Aaranyak, and funded by the National CAMPA Authority (MoEFCC), this initiative marks a global first in dolphin conservation.

    • With 90% of the global population found in India, knowledge gaps on their movement and ecology have hindered conservation efforts.
    • This initiative will study their habitat use, migration patterns, and environmental stressors, aiding better conservation strategies.

    Technology & Future Steps

    • Advanced lightweight satellite tags compatible with Argos satellite systems enable tracking despite dolphins’ minimal surfacing time.
    • Plans are underway to expand tagging across other states, creating a comprehensive conservation roadmap.

    2.2  50 Years of Project Tiger: [14]

    Project Tiger, initiated in 1973, has been India’s flagship conservation initiative, successfully completing 50 years in 2023. Focused on tiger conservation through dedicated reserves and strict protection measures, it has played a crucial role in reviving tiger populations. Marking this milestone, the Prime Minister inaugurated a commemorative event in Mysuru, Karnataka, on April 9, 2023. As per the 5th cycle of All India Tiger Estimation 2022, India now hosts over 70% of the world’s wild tiger population, reaffirming its leadership in global tiger conservation.

    Statistic

    Value

    India’s Share of Global Wild Tigers

    Over 70%

    Minimum Tiger Population

    3,167

    Estimated Upper Limit

    3,925

    Average Population

    3,682

    Annual Growth Rate

    6.1%

    India has reaffirmed its position as a global leader in tiger conservation, with the tiger population rising to 3,682 (range 3,167-3,925) as per the All India Tiger Estimation 2022, marking a steady increase from 2,967 in 2018 and 2,226 in 2014. The population is growing at 6.1% per annum in consistently sampled areas.[15]

    To commemorate 50 years of Project Tiger, the Prime Minister released key reports, including the ‘Amrit Kaal Ka Vision for Tiger Conservation’, the 5th cycle of Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of Tiger Reserves, and the official summary of All India Tiger Estimation 2022. A commemorative coin was also issued.

    Major Conservation Efforts

    Tiger Reserve Expansion & Management

    • India now has 54 tiger reserves, covering over 78,000 sq. km (2.30% of the country’s geographical area), with Rani Durgavati Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) being the latest addition.
    • MEE 2022 assessed 51 reserves, ranking 12 as ‘Excellent’, 21 as ‘Very Good’, 13 as ‘Good’, and 5 as ‘Fair’.

    Reintroduction of Tigers in Extinct Areas

    • Tigers have been reintroduced in Rajaji (Uttarakhand), Madhav (Madhya Pradesh), Mukundra Hills (Rajasthan), and Ramgarh Vishdhari (Rajasthan) Tiger Reserves, with plans for Buxa Tiger Reserve next.

    Global Conservation Recognition & Collaboration

    • 23 Indian tiger reserves are now CA|TS-accredited, ensuring global best practices in conservation, with six new reserves receiving accreditation this year.
    • Pench and Satpura Tiger Reserves received the prestigious Tx2 Award for doubling their tiger populations.
    • India signed MoUs with Cambodia for tiger reintroduction and held bilateral discussions with Bangladesh for transboundary conservation in the Sundarbans.

    2.3 International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Becomes a Treaty-Based Organization[16]

    The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) officially became a treaty-based intergovernmental organization on January 23, 2025, with Nicaragua, Eswatini, India, Somalia, and Liberia ratifying the agreement. With 27 countries onboard, IBCA aims to drive global big cat conservation through cross-border collaboration.

    About IBCA

    • Launched by PM Narendra Modi on April 9, 2023, during the 50 Years of Project Tiger event.
    • Union Cabinet approved its establishment in February 2024, with headquarters in India.
    • Founded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under MoEFCC on March 12, 2024.
    • Focuses on the conservation of seven big cat species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.

    Key Objectives & Impact

    • Enhances global collaboration among governments, conservationists, and NGOs.
    • Establishes a central fund and technical hub for research and conservation efforts.
    • Strengthens habitat protection, anti-poaching strategies, and wildlife law enforcement.
    • Combats illegal wildlife trade and promotes sustainable conservation practices.
    • Integrates climate change mitigation into conservation strategies.

    With IBCA’s legal status now formalized, it marks a historic milestone in global big cat conservation, fostering stronger international cooperation to protect these apex predators and their ecosystems.

    In collaboration with Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, the IBCA organized an executive course on capacity building for wildlife and conservation practitioners, bringing together officials from 27 countries, underscoring the shared global commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable development. ​[17]

    2.4 Project Cheetah

    Project Cheetah is a landmark wildlife conservation initiative launched on September 17, 2022 aimed at reintroducing cheetahs to India after their extinction in the late 1940s and early 1950s. As the world’s first intercontinental large wild carnivore translocation project, it operates under the umbrella of Project Tiger and aligns with the Cheetah Action Plan to restore and conserve the species. Efforts are underway to expand suitable habitats, ensuring long-term survival and ecological balance in India’s grassland ecosystems.

     Key Achievements:

    • Transcontinental Relocation: In September 2022, eight cheetahs from Namibia were translocated to Kuno National Park, followed by twelve cheetahs from South Africa in February 2023. [18]
    • Successful Adaptation: The majority of these cheetahs have adapted well to their new environment, exhibiting natural behaviours such as hunting, territory establishment, and mating. Notably, a female cheetah gave birth to cubs on Indian soil after 75 years, with one surviving cub reported to be six months old and showing normal growth patterns as of September 2023.[19] On 3rd January, 2024 three cubs were born to Namibian Cheetah Aasha at the Kuno National Park.[20]
    • Community Engagement: The project has actively involved local communities, providing direct and indirect employment opportunities. Over 350 ‘Cheetah Mitras’ (Cheetah Friends) from surrounding villages have been engaged to educate the public on cheetah behaviour and human-wildlife conflict mitigation, fostering peaceful coexistence. [21]

    2.5 Project Elephant:

    India, home to over 60% of the global Asian elephant population, has undertaken significant measures to protect and conserve these majestic animals. Project Elephant, launched by the Government of India, is a flagship initiative aimed at ensuring the long-term survival of elephants in their natural habitats. This program focuses on habitat preservation, human-elephant conflict mitigation, and the welfare of captive elephants, reflecting India’s deep-rooted cultural and ecological commitment to elephant conservation. [22]

    Key Achievements and Initiatives

    1. Growing Elephant Population: India’s wild elephant population has increased from 26,786 (2018 census) to 29,964 in 2022, reinforcing the country’s successful conservation efforts.[23]

    Year

    Elephant Population in India

    2018

    26,786

    2022

    29,964

    2. Expanding Protected Areas: India has 33 Elephant Reserves across 14 states, covering a vast 80,777 km², ensuring elephants have safe migratory corridors and protected habitats.[24]

    3.Integrated Wildlife Protection: Elephant Reserves are often overlapping with Tiger Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Reserved Forests, ensuring comprehensive protection under multiple forest and wildlife laws.[25]

    4. Financial Investment in Conservation: Under the 15th Finance Commission cycle, the Government has approved a total outlay of ₹2,602.98 crores for wildlife conservation, with ₹236.58 crores specifically allocated for Project Elephant to strengthen conservation measures and reduce human-elephant conflicts.[26]

    2.6 Conservation of the Asiatic Lion in India

    The Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), once teetering on the brink of extinction, has witnessed a remarkable resurgence in India, primarily within Gir National Park and its surrounding landscapes in Gujarat. This conservation success is attributed to dedicated efforts by the Government of India, the Gujarat State Government, and local communities.

    Key Initiatives

    • Project Lion:[27]
      Launched as a flagship initiative, Project Lion focuses on:
      • Landscape ecology-based conservation, ensuring sustainable lion habitats.
      • Habitat restoration and securing additional areas for lions.
      • Community participation, creating livelihood opportunities for local residents.
      • Disease management, establishing India as a global hub for big cat health research and treatment.

     

    Significance and Achievements

    1. Population Recovery:[28]
    Through rigorous conservation efforts, the Asiatic lion population has shown a consistent upward trend:

    • 2010: 411 lions
    • 2015: 523 lions
    • 2020: 674 lions
    1. Increased Conservation Funding:[29]
      The Gujarat Government has steadily increased its financial commitment to lion conservation, ₹155.53 crore in 2023-24.
    2. International Recognition:[30]
      Due to India’s conservation initiatives, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reclassified the Asiatic lion from “Critically Endangered” to ‘Endangered’ in 2008, acknowledging the success of India’s efforts.

    2.7 Conserving the One-Horned Rhinoceros in India

    The Government of India has implemented several strategic initiatives to conserve and protect the one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), leading to significant achievements in their population recovery and habitat preservation,

    Key Conservation Initiatives:

    • National Conservation Strategy for the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros (2019): Launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2019, this strategy aims to repopulate rhinoceros populations in areas where they previously existed by augmenting existing conservation efforts through scientific and administrative measures. [31]
    • Indian Rhino Vision (IRV) 2020: This program focuses on increasing the rhino population and expanding their distribution by translocating individuals to suitable habitats, thereby enhancing genetic diversity and reducing the risk of localized threats. [32]

    Impact and Achievements:

    • Population Growth: As of 2022, Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to 2,613 greater one-horned rhinoceroses, reflecting effective conservation efforts.[33]
    • Global Significance: Assam’s rhino population accounts for approximately 68% of the world’s greater one-horned rhinoceroses, underscoring the state’s pivotal role in global conservation.[34]
    • Community Engagement: Initiatives such as World Rhino Day celebrations in Kaziranga National Park involve local communities and raise public awareness about rhino conservation, fostering a collective sense of responsibility towards protecting this iconic species. [35]

    3. Habitat and Ecosystem Conservation

    • Digitization of Flora, Fauna and herbarium records: In 2024, the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has carried out the digitization of 16500 specimens with 45000 images of the Type and Non-Type of Indian Faunal specimens. ZSI has completed faunal documentation from 27 States and Union Territories as well as all of the 10 Biogeographic Zones across the country. Data of 6124 springs in 11 IHR States and 1 UT (J&K) has been geo-tagged spatially online on the HIMAL Geo portal.[36]
    • Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI): Launched on World Environment Day 2024, MISHTI focuses on the restoration of mangroves to bolster coastal sustainability. Approximately 22,561 hectares of degraded mangroves have been restored across 13 states and union territories. [37]
    • National Mission for Green India (GIM): As part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change, GIM was launched in February, 2014 aiming to protect, restore, and enhance India’s forest cover, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation.[38]
    • Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH): This centrally sponsored scheme provides financial and technical assistance to state and union territory governments for wildlife conservation activities. The scheme encompasses the development of wildlife habitats, Project Tiger, and Project Elephant, with a total outlay of ₹2,602.98 crores for the 15th Finance Commission cycle.[39]

    4. Research and Monitoring

    • Advanced Research Facilities: In December 2024, the MoEFCC inaugurated a Next Generation DNA Sequencing facility at the Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun. This facility enhances research capabilities in wildlife genetics, aiding in the development of effective conservation strategies.[40]

    5. Community Involvement and Awareness

    • ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign: Launched on World Environment Day 2024, this initiative encourages individuals to plant trees in honour of their mothers and Mother Earth. By December 2024, over 102 crore trees had been planted under this campaign, with a target of 140 crore trees by March 2025.[41]
    • World Wildlife Day Celebrations: The 2024 World Wildlife Day, themed “Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation,” was celebrated at Okhla Bird Sanctuary. The event featured eco-trails, poster-making competitions, and interactive sessions to raise awareness about wildlife conservation.[42]

    6. Conservation of Marine Species

    • National Marine Turtle Action Plan: Released by the MoEFCC, this plan focuses on the conservation of marine turtles and their habitats along the Indian coastline.[43]
    • Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019: This regulation emphasizes the conservation of ecologically sensitive areas such as mangroves, coral reefs, and turtle nesting grounds, ensuring their protection from unregulated developmental activities.[44]

    7. Combating Wildlife Crime

    • Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB): Established to combat organized wildlife crime, the WCCB coordinates enforcement actions, gathers intelligence, and assists in international efforts to curb illegal wildlife trade. Between 2019 and 2023, the WCCB conducted 166 joint operations in the North Eastern Region, leading to the arrest of 375 wildlife offenders.[45]

    Key Announcements by the Government of India on World Wildlife Day 2025[46]

    • Release of India’s first-ever riverine dolphin estimation report, covering 28 rivers across eight states. Encouragement of local community participation in dolphin conservation.
    • Foundation stone laid for the National Referral Centre for Wildlife at Junagadh to enhance coordination in wildlife health management.
    • Establishment of a Centre of Excellence at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) – SACON, Coimbatore to tackle human-wildlife conflict.
    • Deployment of Rapid Response Teams with advanced tracking technology, surveillance systems, and AI-driven intrusion detection.
    • Collaboration between Forest Survey of India, Dehradun, and BISAG-N to enhance forest fire prediction, detection, prevention, and control using space technology.
    • Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for wildlife conservation and conflict mitigation.
    • New sites identified for cheetah reintroduction, including Gandhisagar Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh) and Banni Grasslands (Gujarat).
    • Announcement of a Tiger Conservation Scheme focused on protecting tigers and co-predators outside traditional tiger reserves.
    • Launch of a dedicated Project on Gharials to address their dwindling population.
    • Announcement of a National Great Indian Bustard Conservation Action Plan to upscale conservation efforts.
    • Documentation and research on India’s traditional forest and wildlife conservation practices using AI.
    • Expansion of India’s engagement with the United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) for enhanced international cooperation.

    Conclusion

    India’s unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is reflected in a series of transformative initiatives that blend tradition with cutting-edge technology. From strengthening flagship programs like Project Tiger and Project Elephant to pioneering new conservation efforts for species such as the gharial and the Great Indian Bustard, the Government has adopted a holistic and science-driven approach. The integration of artificial intelligence, geospatial mapping, and community-led conservation underscores India’s global leadership in biodiversity preservation. The remarkable resurgence of endangered species, strengthened legal frameworks, and a strategic integration of technology underscore the Government of India’s proactive approach to environmental stewardship. Moreover, India’s collaboration with international organizations, multilateral bodies, and conservation partners has reinforced its leadership in addressing global biodiversity challenges. By fostering cross-border cooperation, leveraging scientific innovation, and ensuring community participation, India continues to drive a holistic and inclusive conservation agenda. As we mark World Wildlife Day 2025, the nation reaffirms its resolve to protect and restore ecosystems, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.

    References

    Kindly find the pdf file 

    ***

    Santosh Kumar / Sheetal Angral / Vatsla Srivastava

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fifteenth Finance Commission Releases Grants worth Rs.699 Crores for Rural Local Bodies of West Bengal

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 5:38PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Government has released Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) Grants during Financial Year 2024–25, for Rural Local Bodies in West Bengal, 2nd installment of Untied Grants amounting to Rs.694.4446 crores and withheld portion of 1st installment of Untied Grants amounting to Rs.4.9323 crores. These funds are for the 21 eligible District Panchayats, 326 eligible Block Panchayats and 3220 eligible Gram Panchayats.

    The Untied Grants will be utilized by Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)/ Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) for location-specific felt needs, under the Twenty-Nine (29) Subjects enshrined in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution, except for salaries and other establishment costs. The Tied Grants can be used for the basic services of (a) sanitation and maintenance of ODF status, and this should include management and treatment of household waste, and human excreta and fecal sludge management in particular and (b) supply of drinking water, rainwater harvesting and water recycling.

    Government of India through Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation) recommends release of Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) Grants to States for Rural Local Bodies which are then released by Ministry of Finance. The allocated Grants are recommended and released in 2 installments in a Financial Year. This financial support helps in improving rural local governance, enhancing accountability, and promoting self-reliance in villages in India.

    ***

    Aditi Agrawal

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 12th High-Level Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific

    Source: Government of India (2)

    12th High-Level Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific

    India’s Leadership in Circular Economy

    Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 5:22PM by PIB Delhi

    Introduction

    The 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific has been inaugurated today in Jaipur, India, marking a significant milestone in regional cooperation for sustainable waste management and circular economy initiatives. This Forum provides a critical platform for policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and development partners to discuss and implement sustainable solutions for waste management and resource efficiency. As economies in the Asia-Pacific region experience rapid urbanization and industrialization, the need for a shift towards a circular economy model has never been more urgent.

    The Forum will focus on the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R), aiming to create a roadmap for sustainable production and consumption patterns. Through insightful discussions, policy recommendations, and collaborative partnerships, the Forum will help strengthen global and regional commitments with a focus on resource efficiency, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability.

    The last Forum was hosted in 2023 by Cambodia. India has previously hosted the Forum in 2018, when the 8th edition was held in Indore.

    Inauguration of the 2025 Forum

    The inaugural session of the 2025 Forum was attended by the Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs, and the Chief Minister of Rajasthan. Further, international dignitaries of countries like Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Maldives and Japan also joined the session. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi shared a special written message with the delegates of the Forum emphasising that India follows & strongly advocates the P-3 (Pro Planet People) approach. He has also mentioned that India has always been more than willing to share it experiences and learnings in its journey towards Circular Economy.

    Taking forward PM Modi’s vision, the Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs announced the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3), a multi-nation alliance for city-to-city collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and private sector partnerships.

    Further, during the event, a key Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for CITIIS 2.0 was signed, marking a significant milestone in urban sustainability initiatives. CITIIS 2.0 is a flagship initiative driving integrated waste management and climate action. The Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs announced that agreements worth ₹1,800 crores will be signed under this initiative, benefiting 18 cities across 14 states, and serving as lighthouse projects for other urban areas.

    History of the High-Level Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific

    The Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific was launched in 2009 to promote sustainable waste management, resource efficiency, and circular economy principles across the region. Recognizing the environmental challenges posed by rapid economic growth, resource depletion, and rising waste generation, the Forum has served as a key platform for policy dialogue and capacity building. A major milestone was the adoption of the Hanoi 3R Declaration (2013-2023), which outlined 33 voluntary goals for shifting towards a more resource-efficient and circular economy. Over the years, the Forum has played a crucial role in aligning regional efforts with global sustainability commitments, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement, and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030).

    Building on the momentum of past initiatives, the new 3R and Circular Economy Declaration (2025-2034) aims to catalyze transformational changes in resource and waste management. The Forum continues to support multi-stakeholder collaboration, particularly in tackling plastic pollution through initiatives such as the negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty. With Asia-Pacific accounting for the largest share of global material use, the Forum emphasizes the region’s pivotal role in achieving carbon neutrality, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience.

    Key Details of the 2025 Forum

     

    Theme: Realizing Circular Societies Towards Achieving SDGs and Carbon Neutrality in Asia-Pacific.

     

    Dates: March 3-5, 2025

     

    Venue: Rajasthan International Centre, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

     

    Organized by: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (India), United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD), and Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES).

     

    Supported by: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Japan’s Ministry of Environment, and various other international and regional organizations.

     

     

    The Forum will feature high-level plenary sessions, technical discussions, roundtables and knowledge-sharing opportunities to explore innovative policies, practices, institutional arrangements and technologies. A curtain-raiser event was organized on 24 February 2025 at the National Media Centre, New Delhi as a precursor to the main Forum.

    Objectives of the 2025 Forum

    The Forum serves as a collaborative platform to:

    • Promote circular economy principles for sustainable resource use.
    • Discuss circular economy policies and practices to accelerate achievement of the SDGs.
    • Discuss how circular economy strategies can be integrated into national and regional policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and achieving net-zero targets.
    • Discuss how to strengthen regional cooperation and foster collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society to accelerate the transition from traditional linear economy to more resource efficient and circular societies across Asia-Pacific.
    • Discuss challenges (policy regulatory gaps, financial barriers, infrastructure gaps, technological limitations) and opportunities in addressing circular economy principles for various sectors and waste streams.
    • Discuss and agree a new voluntary and legally non-binding 3R and Circular Economy Declaration (2025-2034) for achieving resource efficient, clean, resilient, sound material cycle and low-carbon society in Asia and the Pacific.
    • Discuss and pave way towards realization of a Circular Economy Alliance Network (CEAN) towards Zero Waste Cities and Societies – a digital multi-faceted collaboration platform involving key stakeholders – government (national and local), private and industry sector, including MSMEs, academic and research institutions, donors and development banks, and NGOs, among others, in support of the effective implementation of the new 3R and Circular Economy Declaration for Asia and the Pacific (2025-2034).

    Participants in the 2025 Forum

    Participation in the Forum is by invitation only. Approximately 500 delegates will be participating, including 300 international and 200 local participants. These will include:

    1. High level government representatives from Asia-Pacific countries and policy makers from relevant Indian Ministries such as Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Local Government, etc.
    2. City Mayors/Local Government representatives.
    3. Experts and international resource persons, including representatives of scientific and Research and Development (R&D) institutions in the areas of 3R/resource efficiency/waste management/life cycle assessment and management.
    4. Representatives of the UN and international organizations, including international financial institutions, multi-lateral development banks and donor agencies.
    5. Representatives of the private and business sector and NGOs etc.

    Key Theme and Discussion Points

    The key points to be discussed include:

    1. Policy and Governance

    Effective governance is key to achieving a successful circular economy. The Forum will examine the role of governments in fostering an enabling environment for sustainability.

    2. Technological Innovations in Waste Management

    Advancements in technology can play a transformative role in achieving sustainability goals. This segment will highlight new and emerging technologies in waste management.

    3. Financing Circular Economy and 3R Initiatives

    A successful circular economy transition requires strong financial backing. The discussion will revolve around investment opportunities and sustainable financing models.

    4. Circular Economy for Climate Action

    The Forum will explore how circular economy initiatives can contribute to climate resilience and emissions reduction.

    Highlights at the 2025 Forum

    1. Delegates will have an opportunity to undertake technical field visits to the solid and liquid waste management facilities and visit key heritage sites in Jaipur.
    2. A dedicated ‘India Pavilion’ will showcase India’s remarkable initiatives and achievements in the 3R and circular economy domain. This Pavilion will feature exhibitions from key line ministries and national missions, reflecting India’s whole-of-government approach to sustainable development. It will also serve as a hub for interactive knowledge-sharing, with sessions such as the ‘Ministers & Ambassadors Roundtable Dialogue,’ ‘Mayors’ Dialogue,’ ‘Policy Dialogue’ and the signing of agreements under the CITIIS 2.0 program.
    3. Multiple launches of knowledge products will take place at the Forum including a compendium of over 100 best practices put together by the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA).
    4. The Forum will host an international ‘3R trade and technology exhibition’, providing a platform for over 40 Indian and Japanese businesses and start-ups to showcase best practices, ideas and solutions that support circularity and 3R principles while encouraging cross-learning.
    5. ‘Waste-to-wealth’ initiatives by NGOs and self-help groups across India will also be showcased at the Forum promoting sustainability-driven entrepreneurship and community engagement.

    India’s Leadership in Circular Economy and 3R Policies

    India has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable development and circular economy principles. The country has implemented several landmark policies and initiatives aimed at addressing waste management challenges. Some of the key initiatives include:

    • Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM-U) – Strengthening urban waste management with 3R principles. Under SBM-U, India has achieved 108.62% success in household toilet construction, where the mission target was 58,99,637 and the constructed number stands at 63,74,355 as of 27 February 2025. Further 80.29% of solid waste in India is being processed successfully.
    • GOBAR-Dhan Scheme – Promoting waste-to-wealth initiatives through biogas and organic waste processing. This scheme currently covers 67.8% of total number of districts in India, with 1008 biogas plants being fully operational as of 27 February 2025.
    • E-Waste Management Rules (2022) – Strengthening circular economy practices in electronic waste disposal. As of December 2024, for FY 2024-25, the quantity of e-waste collected and recycled stood at 5,82,769 MT and 5,18,240 MT respectively. The quantity of e-waste collected and recycled in the FY 2023-24 were 7,98,493 MT and 7,68,406 MT respectively.
    • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Plastic – Encouraging industries to take accountability for plastic waste. India banned single use plastic on 1st July 2022.

    Conclusion

    The 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Jaipur is a landmark Forum that will shape the future of waste management and circular economy strategies in Asia and the Pacific. As economies in the region seek sustainable solutions to address growing environmental challenges, this Forum will provide a critical avenue for knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and policy advocacy.

    By fostering cross-sectoral collaborations, discussing innovative policy approaches, and advancing 3R principles, the Forum will contribute significantly to achieving a zero-waste and circular economy-driven future. The discussions and commitments made at this Forum will not only guide policy implementation but also drive investments in sustainable infrastructure and technological innovations.

    References

    https://uncrd.un.org/sites/uncrd.un.org//files/20240806_lldcs-consultation_p2-uncrd.pdf

    https://3rcefindia.sbmurban.org/

    https://uncrd.un.org/content/12th-3r-ce-Forum

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2105805

    https://uncrd.un.org/sites/uncrd.un.org//files/12th-3r-ce_draft-concecpt-note_prov-programme_24feb2025.pdf

    https://x.com/MoHUA_India/status/1894002736670056803

    https://gobardhan.sbm.gov.in/state-biogas

    https://sbmurban.org/

    https://greentribunal.gov.in/sites/default/files/news_updates/Report%20of%20CPCB%20in%20EA%20No.%2004%20of%202024%20IN%20OA%20No.%20512%20of%202018%20(Shailesh%20Singh%20Vs.%20State%20of%20U.P%20&%20Ors.).pdf

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2107712

    Kindly find the pdf file 

    ****

    Santosh Kumar | Ritu Kataria | Rishita Aggarwal

    (Release ID: 2107789) Visitor Counter : 166

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Addressing the impact of the housing crisis on teachers and other categories of public servants in Greece – E-001890/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In the Political Guidelines for 2024-2029, and in the Mission Letter addressed to the Commissioner for Energy and Housing, the Commission President announced ambitious actions to address the housing crisis and help all citizens facing issues to find affordable housing.

    The first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan will aim at offering technical assistance to cities and Member States and focus on investment and skills needed .

    Furthermore, to promote investments, the Commission envisages to work on a pan-European investment platform together with the European Investment Bank, international financial institutions, national promotional banks and other stakeholders.

    The Commission also plans to inject liquidity into the market by allowing Member States to double the planned cohesion policy investments in affordable housing.

    Support is already available under the Recovery and Resilience Facility, an option that is planned by Greece, notably with the new ‘Affordable Housing Programme My Home II’, of EUR 1 billion, which provides financial incentives to individuals for the acquisition of an affordable primary residence.

    The Commission has also been tasked with making proposals aimed to tackle systemic issues arising from short-term accommodation rentals and the inefficient use of the current housing stock.

    The Commission is working on the implementation of the short-term rental Regulation, adopted in April 2024[1]. It foresees the provision of reliable data on short-term rentals, to help Member States design the most appropriate and targeted measures.

    The Commission will also lead on conducting an analysis of the impact of housing speculation and its economic consequences, as well as propose follow up actions where needed.

    • [1]  OJ L, 2024/1028, 29.4.2024 — https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024R1028#:~:text=Regulation%20%28EU%29%202024%2F1028%20of%20the%20European%20Parliament%20and,Regulation%20%28EU%29%202018%2F1724%20%28Text%20with%20EEA%20relevance%29%20PE%2F77%2F2023%2FREV%2F1

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – 36th Working Group meeting on the Scrutiny of the Recovery and Resilience Facility – Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    On 4 March 2025, the Working Group on the Scrutiny of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) will hold its first meeting of the 10th parliamentary term.

    Discussions will focus on the ‘State of play of the RRF: economic and social impact and RRF budgetary execution’. The following speakers have been invited to contribute to the debate: Céline Gauer (Director General and Head of the Reform and Investment Task Force, European Commission), Ettore Dorrucci (Head of Division for Fiscal Policies, ECB), Zsolt Darvas (Senior Fellow, Bruegel) and Marco Cilento (Head of Institutional Policy, European Trade Union Confederation).

    The meeting will be web streamed.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – ‘Demographic change in Europe: a toolbox for action’ – support for rural areas – E-000217/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission adopted on 27 March 2024 its report on the long-term vision for EU’s rural areas. Key achievements to date include: the rural revitalisation platform[1], the rural energy community advisory hub[2], the EU Rural Observatory[3], the Startup Village Forum platform[4] and the Rural toolkit[5], in addition to a number of concrete projects[6].

    In June 2024, the Commission designated 146 regions as Regional Innovation Valleys under the New European Innovation Agenda as a recognition to their commitment.

    The EU backed this initiative with EUR 116 million through the European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) part of Horizon Europe and the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument of the European Regional Development Fund.

    The I3 project implementation usually takes two to three years and cover a variety of technological and economic sectors relevant for the twin transition[7]. The EIE project implementation takes three to five years.

    Approximately 30 calls were launched under the Horizon Europe programme[8] between 2021 and 2024 for proposals with a direct impact on rural areas in three clusters (cluster 2 ‘Culture, creativity and inclusive society’, cluster 5 ‘Climate, energy and mobility’, cluster 6 ‘Food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture and environment’).

    The 60 projects selected under the calls have a budget of EUR 253 million available for rural areas.

    • [1] https://ruralpact.rural-vision.europa.eu/rural-revitalisation_en
    • [2] https://rural-energy-community-hub.ec.europa.eu/index_en
    • [3] https://observatory.rural-vision.europa.eu/
    • [4] https://startup-forum.rural-vision.europa.eu/?lng=en
    • [5] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_656
    • [6] E.g. 2025 Commission report on policy implications of demographic trends in the EU’s rural regions: https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC140514
    • [7] EU Funded projects: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/projects-results;programCode=I3?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=title&isExactMatch=true&frameworkProgramme=44416173
    • [8] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en
    Last updated: 3 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – BUDG-ECON – 36th Working Group on scrutinizing the Recovery and Resilience Facility – Committee on Budgets

    Source: European Parliament

    © Image used under the license from Adobe Stock

    On 4 March 2025, the Working Group on the Scrutiny of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) will hold its first meeting of the 10th parliamentary term. Discussions will focus on the ‘State of play of the RRF: economic and social impact and RRF budgetary execution’.

    The following speakers have been invited to contribute to the debate: Céline Gauer (Director General and Head of the Reform and Investment Task Force, European Commission), Ettore Dorrucci (Head of Division for Fiscal Policies, ECB), Zsolt Darvas (Senior Fellow, Bruegel) and Marco Cilento, (Head of Institutional Policy, European Trade Union Confederation).
    The meeting will be webstreamed.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB Group Forum: Investing in a more sustainable and secure Europe

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • The third edition of the EIB Group Forum will be held in Luxembourg from 5-7 March, focusing on action to boost Europe’s prosperity, security, and fostering global cooperation.  
    • EIB Group President Nadia Calviño will open the Forum on 5 March, with EIB Chief Economist Debora Revoltella launching the EIB Investment Report, which analyses investment trends of more than 12,000 European companies.
    • President Nadia Calviño and European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jorgensen, will outline latest joint efforts to support access to affordable housing in Europe. 
    • President Calviño will also participate in sessions alongside European Commissioners, national ministers, international partners and European business leaders.

    The European Investment Bank Group (EIB) President Nadia Calviño will open the EIB Group Forum on Wednesday, 5 March, in Luxembourg. The three-day event, held at the European Convention Centre, will bring together leaders and experts to discuss and put forward concrete solutions to the challenges and the opportunities facing Europe and the world today across the economy, society and global politics. 

    “Now is the time to act. The global order which has provided peace and prosperity for the last 80 years is changing. In these turbulent times it is more important than ever that Europe provides stability and certainty – founded on our strengths, with unity and determination”, said EIB President Nadia Calviño. “Europe is a superpower when it comes to trade, research and innovation. The EIB Group Forum offers a timely opportunity for European leaders and innovators to come together with companies and international partners to put concrete solutions on the table in key areas like green tech, health, security and defense, building a more secure, competitive, and prosperous future for all of us.”

    The Forum will feature a diverse lineup of speeches and panels over its three days. Highlights include:

    5 March:

    • A session on decarbonising Europe’s industry, with a keynote by Luca De Meo, CEO of Renault Group, one of the world’s largest carmakers.
    • Launch of the EIB Group Investment report, presenting insights on EU investment trends based the EIB Group’s annual survey of more than 12,000 companies.
    • Panels covering Europe’s increased need for security investments; the connection between digitalisation and growth; and the role of capital markets in advancing gender equality.

    6 March:

    • Keynote address by Antonio Costa, President of the European Council (by video).
    • Keynote by Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, in charge of Clean, Just and Competitive Transition.
    • Keynote address by World Health Organisation Head Dr Ghebreyesus Tedros
    • A session on affordable and sustainable housing in Europe, featuring EIB President Nadia Calviño and European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, laying the foundations for a new pan-European affordable housing initiative

    6-7 March:

    • EIB Global Days: Sessions on Europe’s role in the world, including discussions on expanding the EU, support for Ukraine, energy transition beyond EU borders, critical raw materials, and health.
    • On the eve of International Women’s Day (8 March), discussions will focus on scaling up solutions for diversity, inclusion and economic growth with the second meeting of the Women Climate Leaders’ Network on the Forum margins.  

    For the full agenda and speakers please visit the EIB website. The Forum will be entirely livestreamed on the EIB YouTube channel, while the opening speech of the President and other key moments will be available on EBS.

    Journalists interested in interviews with Forum participants are invited to contact us. We will facilitate connections with their respective spokespersons where possible.

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world. 

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.   

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland Council proposes £14 million investment in bus expansion projects and renewable energy

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    As part of The Highland Council’s proposed three-year Medium Term Financial Plan, £14 million has been allocated for expansion of bus company operations across the Highlands and shared investment in renewable energy opportunities.

    £6 million is proposed to be allocated for an ‘Investment in Community Transport’ programme to build on the success of the Council’s in-house bus service by expanding its services to benefit more communities across the Highlands.

    Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: “A big part of our budget setting process is focussing on investing in our Highland transport services. In our My Future Highland Programme we gave a commitment to develop affordable and reliable public transport, as part of our work to develop sustainable communities.

    “Since we established our In-House Bus Service it has grown from strength to strength. The Council spends around £25m on school and public transport throughout the region, with well over 300 separate contracts.  The last tendering round saw an increase of £8m in one financial year, which led to the Council setting up an in-house bus team. The new £6m being proposed will enable us to expand our operations, increase the availability of service provision and facilitate improved cost effectiveness in the next round of bus contract tenders.”

    Last month Highland Council took over the operations of D&E Coaches who had operated a significant number of school contracts which will now be serviced in-house by the council.

    Cllr Michael Green, Vice Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said: “The public are set to benefit with greater control in the ways in which public and school transport is managed across the Highlands. This investment may well have positive impacts on older and younger age groups, and disabled people reliant on bus services, also those on lower incomes by supporting access to employment and training especially in rural areas through more accessible service provision.”

    £8 million is proposed to be allocated for shared investment in renewable energy opportunities created by the Social Value Charter for Renewables. Agreed by the Council in June 2024, the Charter aims to maximise economic benefits from natural resources by setting out the community benefit expectations from developers wishing to invest in renewables in the Highlands and the way in which public, private and community partnerships can support and enable this contribution.

    Leader of The Highland Council, Cllr Raymond Bremner, said: “If approved, an £8 million investment in renewable energy projects will reaffirm the Council’s vision as a centre for global renewable energy by capitalising on the wealth of resources and expanding renewables development in the Highlands. Significant investment opportunities in renewable energy schemes are being created through the Social Value Charter for Renewables, and we hope these investments could support a sustainable, long-term income stream for Highland Council. The Charter was developed as a way of unlocking economic opportunities for the Highlands and this investment would strengthen our commitment to community wealth building and enabling this wealth to remain within the local area.”

    Convener of The Highland Council, Cllr Bill Lobban, said: “By capitalising on natural resources to deliver alternative energy solutions, the Council aims to create a more sustainable Highland environment for our communities. We must ensure that those living in the Highlands can benefit from potential income from renewables and the economic growth that these developments can support. The scale of renewable investment opportunities is considerable and a long-term revenue income for the Council and community partners could leave an important legacy that would have lasting benefits and positive impacts for local communities whilst addressing climate challenges.”

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

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Democracy’s bad eggs: corruption, pork-barrelling and abuses of power

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yee-Fui Ng, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, Monash University

    The question of how best to eliminate corruption has exercised the minds of philosophers as much as the practical drafters of legislation from Ancient Greek and Roman times.

    Within the political sphere, the notion of “corruption” has fluctuated between broad and narrow conceptions.

    The broad conception relates to the decay of institutions or of the stature of the individuals who comprise them. On the other hand, the narrow conception focuses on the abuse of public office for private gain.

    There is also “grey corruption” – which involves questionable behaviour involving a breach of integrity standards that does not necessarily amount to criminal conduct.

    This could include where a person has undue influence over a politician, such as by essentially buying that power through making large donations or hiring expensive lobbyists, particularly where it causes public officials to behave in corrupt ways.

    However the notion is defined, it is clear the fight against corruption is one of the basic tasks of a liberal democracy, perhaps even of an effectively functioning civil society.

    Corruption control is a pressing issue worldwide: the United Nations estimated the economic cost of corruption at 5% of global domestic product or $3.6 trillion annually.

    Australia has had a number of major corruption scandals throughout its history. Corruption was rife in the colonial era, where wealthy landholders sought to influence parliamentarians with monetary bribes.

    This has been followed by several major corruption scandals, such as the Fitzgerald inquiry, which revealed widespread police corruption involving illegal gambling and prostitution.

    What are anti-corruption commissions?

    Anti-corruption commissions are arguably the most significant tool developed in liberal democracies to fight corruption in recent times.

    The first anti-corruption commission in Australia, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), was established in New South Wales in 1988 by then premier Nick Greiner.

    Infamously, a few years later, Greiner became the first premier to resign due to an ICAC investigation.

    Over the next few decades, all states and territories have set up their own anti-corruption or integrity commissions.

    In 2023, the Commonwealth followed suit with the introduction of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), a promise made by Anthony Albanese in the lead-up to the 2022 election after considerable pressure from the public and from within parliament.

    As a result, Australia now has a comprehensive network of broad-based public sector anti-corruption agencies covering all levels of government – a significant development nationally and internationally.

    Anti-corruption commissions are tasked with investigating serious and systemic corrupt conduct in government. This includes not just members of the House and Senate, but their staff and public servants.

    In performing their functions, these commissions have strong coercive powers, equivalent to the powers of a royal commission. This includes the power to compel documents and witnesses.

    Some anti-corruption commissions such as the NACC and NSW’s ICAC have the power to conduct public hearings if they believe it’s in the public interest. This increases transparency in government. But concerns have been expressed about reputational damage for those subject to investigations.

    Anti-corruption commissions also have corruption prevention functions. They are tasked with educating the public about the detrimental effects of corruption on public administration.

    Reports of anti-corruption commissions are often attended by significant media publicity, leading to public awareness of corruption in government.

    Why are anti-corruption commissions needed?

    It has become well accepted that effective anti-corruption institutions play an important role as institutions supporting constitutional democracy.

    The state anti-corruption bodies have brought to light many indiscretions by politicians that would have otherwise remained hidden.

    Without these commissions, corruption in the public sector can take root without us knowing about it. An anti-corruption agency is a powerful deterrent against improper behaviour.

    Yet anti-corruption commissions tend to be unpopular within governments because they scrutinise government action. This means the a commission may expose improper conduct or corruption within their ranks.

    It is common for governments hostile to anti-corruption commissions to attack them, including by reducing their powers or funding.

    This is despite their integral role in our democracy. Alongside other oversight bodies such as the ombudsman (who investigates maladministration within government) and auditor-general (who performs audits of government expenditure), anti-corruption commissions form part of an intricate, interlocking integrity framework that monitors executive action.

    Who watches the watchdogs?

    A big question is about how we ensure anti-corruption commissions do not overstep their bounds. Given their broad coercive powers, how do we hold them to account?

    From their inception, concerns have been expressed about the potential for anti-corruption bodies to infringe on civil liberties, and the possibility they may exceed or abuse their powers.

    In Australia, anti-corruption commissions are subject to a strong system of accountability through parliaments and the courts. They report to dedicated parliamentary committees who scrutinise their actions and decisions. Complaints against anti-corruption commissions can be made to a dedicated inspectorate – an independent statutory officer who oversees their actions.

    Anti-corruption commissions are also subject to judicial review by the courts to ensure they don’t exceed their legal boundaries. Court scrutiny occurs when a person investigated by an anti-corruption commission takes their grievance to court.

    To be effective, anti-corruption commissions require strong powers and institutional independence. But this needs to be balanced with accountability and the protection of individual rights.

    What is pork barrelling and what are some recent examples?

    Pork barrelling involves governments channelling public funds to seats they hold or seats they would like to win from an opponent, as a way of winning voters’ favour. This means the money is used for political purposes, rather than proper allocation according to merit.

    We have been inundated with pork barrelling scandals in recent years. This includes the car park rorts scandal, where 77% of the commuter car park sites selected were in electorates held by the then Coalition government, rather than in areas of real need with congestion issues.

    This followed close on the heels of the “sports rorts” scandal. Minister Bridget McKenzie resigned from cabinet following allegations she had intervened in the sport grants program to benefit the Coalition government while in a position of conflict of interest.

    My research has shown that pork barrelling is an intractable problem across multiple governments over many decades. It takes different forms based on electoral systems.

    Australia has a single member electorate parliamentary system, which makes it more susceptible to pork barrelling than multi-member electorates such as Norway or Spain. The belief is that politicians who “bring home the bacon” for their constituents are electorally rewarded for doing so.

    This means there are incentives for the central cabinet to strategically apportion benefits to marginal electorates to increase prospects of electoral success. There is also an incentive to bias the apportionment of funds towards the party in power.

    In short, rorts scandals keep happening because governments believe that channelling money to marginal and government electorates will win them elections.

    Potentially the NACC could investigate rorts scandals, but only where it amounts to serious or systemic corrupt conduct.

    How do we fix the grants system?

    At the federal level, we have sophisticated financial management legislation that provides a framework for grant rules. The Commonwealth grant rules provide a detailed set of guidelines that ministers and government officials must follow on grant application and selection processes.

    However, there are significant loopholes in the rules. For example, the “car park rorts” scandal is not covered by these rules because it involves money being channelled through the states.

    Also, there are no sanctions for breaching the rules. So ministers and government officials can break the rules without any repercussions.

    To fix the system, we need to reform the rules about grants allocation and close the loopholes. We also need to impose punishment for breaching the rules.

    It is imperative our grants administration system be reformed to ensure that taxpayer funds are protected from governmental abuse. If the ministerial discretion available in grants processes is improperly used, this can give rise to political favouritism and corruption.

    How corrupt is Australia compared to other countries?

    There is a public perception that a small elite is reaping large benefits in Australian society in terms of political influence and its flow-on dividends.

    In Australia, the “game of mates” is flourishing. There’s now a revolving door in politics with many politicians, advisers and senior government officials leaving the public sector to become well-paid lobbyists.

    Add to that the appointments of political “mates” to commissions, tribunals and cushy ambassadorships and the blatant misuse of parliamentary entitlements such as helicopter trips on taxpayer funds.

    Political parties are also accepting millions of dollars in donations from lobbyists and others interested in influencing policy outcomes.

    All of this adds to the perception that the system is rigged – and not in favour of the person on the street.

    Australia has fallen steadily in Transparency International’s global corruption index, from 8th place in 2012 to 14th in 2024. But even so, Australia is the 14th-least corrupt country in the world, which is still a respectable ranking.

    More alarming is the fact that one in 30 Australian public servants said in a survey last year they had seen a colleague acting in a corrupt manner.

    The types of corruption witnessed included cronyism or nepotism (favourable treatment of friends or family members without proper regard to merit). Fraud, forgery, embezzlement and conflicts of interest were also reported.

    In the 1980s, there were incidences of large-scale corruption that rocked the country, culminating in the Fitzgerald Inquiry in Queensland and the WA Inc Royal Commission in Western Australia. These scandals led to the resignations and imprisonments of various former ministers and officials.

    Although we have not sunk to such depths since then, state anti-corruption commissions, such as the NSW ICAC, have uncovered various instances of corruption in recent years. The NSW ICAC’s inquiries have led to the resignations of several politicians, as well as the conviction of former Labor MP Eric Obeid.

    Another classic case of corruption exposed by the ICAC led to the downfall of former Newcastle lord mayor, Jeff McCloy. McCloy famously bragged that politicians treated him like a “walking ATM” and admitted to giving two MPs envelopes of cash amounting to $10,000.

    In Victoria, the Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission’s (IBAC) revealed that a lobbyist funnelled suitcases of cash totalling more than $100,000 from a property developer to a councillor, under the guise of sham transactions.

    These explosive scandals involving corrupt conduct by public officials have eroded public trust in politicians. But the exposure of these scandals by anti-corruption commissions have an important deterrent and educative effect on public officials and the broader public.

    Our faith in government has been eroded by a lack of transparency and the perception that those in power are enjoying unfair benefits. The active investigations by robust institutions such as anti-corruption commissions will act as checks and balances on governmental power – and are key to a vibrant democracy.

    This is an edited extract from How Australian Democracy Works, a new book from leading authors at The Conversation on all aspects of our political system and its history, out March 4.

    Yee-Fui Ng does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Democracy’s bad eggs: corruption, pork-barrelling and abuses of power – https://theconversation.com/democracys-bad-eggs-corruption-pork-barrelling-and-abuses-of-power-229888

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements Under Oath in a Bankruptcy Case

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Travis Lee Harry, 40, of Kernersville, North Carolina, pleaded guilty today to making false statements under oath in a bankruptcy case.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Harry had owned and lived in a house in Princeton, West Virginia, which he sold on December 23, 2019. On February 5, 2020, Harry filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. On the Statement of Financial Affairs he submitted as part of the bankruptcy filing, and which he signed under penalty of perjury, Harry falsely stated that he and his spouse co-owned the house and sold it together. At a March 6, 2020, meeting of creditors as part of the bankruptcy proceeding, Harry falsely testified under oath that he had co-owned the house with his spouse. Harry admitted as part of his guilty plea that he solely owned the house, and that his spouse was never a co-owner. Harry further admitted that he falsely indicated during the creditors’ meeting that all of the proceeds from selling the house went to pay taxes.

    Harry is scheduled to be sentenced on July 7, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

    Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The United States Trustee’s Charleston field office, which serves West Virginia, made the criminal referral of this case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The United States Trustee Program is a component of the Department of Justice whose mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders — debtors, creditors and the public.

    Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage is prosecuting the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-143.

    ###

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Paul W. Brown Named Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Office

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

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation has named Paul W. Brown as the special agent in charge of the Atlanta Field Office. Mr. Brown most recently served as the special agent in charge of the Mobile Field Office.

    Mr. Brown joined the FBI as a special agent in 2006 and was first assigned to the Bedford Resident Agency in New Hampshire.

    In 2012, Mr. Brown was promoted to supervisory special agent and moved to the Counterterrorism Division at FBI Headquarters. He was promoted to unit chief in 2013 and served as a program manager over U.S.-based international terrorism investigations.

    Mr. Brown transferred in 2015 to the Jacksonville Field Office, where he led the North Florida Joint Terrorism Task Force.

    In 2018, Mr. Brown was selected to serve as the assistant special agent in charge of cyber, counterintelligence, and crisis response programs of the Phoenix Field Office. He left in 2019 when he was promoted to section chief and appointed director of the FBI’s High-Value Detainee Interrogation Group.

    Mr. Brown was promoted again in 2020 to deputy assistant director of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate. In 2022, he moved to Alabama to serve as the special agent in charge of the Mobile Field Office.

    Prior to joining the FBI, Mr. Brown served as an officer in the U.S. Army and worked as a business consultant for a multinational professional services company.  He earned a bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University and an MBA from Tarleton State University in Texas.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cartel Boss Tied to Southlake Murder-for-Hire Among Defendants Expelled From Mexico

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Among the 29 cartel bosses expelled from Mexico and transferred to the custody of the United States on Thursday was Northern District of Texas defendant Jose Rodolfo Villarreal Hernandez, aka “El Gato,” announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad Meacham. 

    Mr. Villarreal Hernandez, a Mexican national who held a high-level position in the Beltran-Leyva Organization (BLO) Drug Cartel, was charged in June 2018 with interstate stalking and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire in the brutal slaying of a 43-year-old Southlake, Texas lawyer in 2013. 

    He was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List in October 2020 and arrested by Mexican law enforcement agents in Atizapán de Zaragoza, Mexico in January 2023.

    Attorney General Pam Bondi announced his successful extradition yesterday, pledging to prosecute all extradited cartel bosses “to the fullest extent of the law in honor of the brave law enforcement agents who have dedicated their careers — and in some cases, given their lives — to protect innocent people from the scourge of violent cartels.” 

    Mr. Villarreal Hernandez will make his initial appearance in federal court next week.

    According to evidence presented at the trial of his coconspirators, Mr. Villarreal Hernandez allegedly directed and financed a multi-year effort to locate and assassinate his victim, an attorney with ties to a rival cartel. Testimony revealed that Mr. Villarreal Hernandez allegedly believed the attorney was involved with the death of Mr. Villarreal Hernandez’s father and wanted revenge. 

    The victim was shot while sitting in the passenger seat of his vehicle outside an upscale shopping center in  Southlake on May 22, 2013. His wife was standing near the driver’s side door when her husband was killed. 

    Three men who, acting on orders from Mr. Villarreal Hernandez, tracked the victim prior to his death were convicted and sentenced in 2016: Jose Luis Cepeda-Cortes and Jesus Gerardo Ledezma-Cepeda were convicted at trial of interstate stalking and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire; Mr. Cepeda-Cortez was also convicted of tampering with documents or proceedings. Both men received life sentences. Jesus Gerardo Ledezma-Campano, son of Mr. Ledezma-Cepeda, pleaded guilty prior to trial to one count of interstate stalking and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

    A fourth defendant, Ramon Villarreal-Hernandez, the brother of Jose Rodolfo, was arrested in Mexico and extradited to the United States in 2020. He pleaded guilty to interstate stalking in June 2022 and was sentenced to ten years in prison.

    According to the U.S. State Department, in addition to allegedly ordering the Southlake murder, Mr. Villarreal Hernandez is believed to have overseen the importation of large quantities of cocaine into the United States as well as committing violent acts within the Republic of Mexico and the United States to maintain his organization’s power and status.

    “After more than a decade, Mr. Villarreal Hernandez will have to answer for his alleged crimes in an American courtroom,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham. “Since the victim was gunned down in a public parking lot in 2013, law enforcement’s commitment to this case has never wavered. I extend my sincere thanks to the federal, state, local, and international partners who have pulled together to ensure this defendant will be brought to justice.”

    “FBI Dallas and the Southlake Police Department have been determined to bring this individual to justice since he orchestrated a brutal murder in one of the many communities we serve in North Texas,” said R. Joseph Rothrock, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Dallas Field Office. “We would like to thank the United States Marshals Service for ensuring that Villarreal-Hernandez arrived safely and is now in federal custody on U.S. soil.”

    “An investigative success such as this one does not come easily or through individual efforts.  Policing is a team sport,” said DEA Dallas Special Agent in Charge, Eduardo A. Chávez. “We are proud to stand hand-in-hand with our colleagues from the FBI to secure Villarreal Hernández’ indictment, arrest, and transfer.  Violence and drug trafficking are evil bedfellows, but together we will ensure communities remain safe and criminals face justice.”

    An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. Mr. Villarreal Hernandez is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

    The statutory maximum penalty for interstate stalking is life in prison; the statutory maximum for the murder-for-hire charge is life in prison or death.

    The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Division, with assistance from the Southlake Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, US. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office, the Fort Worth Police Department, and the Grapevine Police Department. The  Mexican Secretariat of the Navy, Fiscalía Generalde la República (FGR), Coordinación Nacional Antisecuestro (CONASE) coordinated in the arrest of Mr. Villarreal-Hernandez.  The U.S. Marshal Service for the Northern District of Texas assisted in securing the defendant upon his arrival in Texas. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the FBI’s Legal Attaché Office in Mexico City, and the U.S. Marshals Mexico City Foreign Field Office provided valuable assistance.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Burgess (fmr) and Aisha Saleem prosecuted the case against Mr. Luis Cepeda-Cortes, Mr. Ledezma-Cepeda, and Mr. Ledezma-Campano. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn Smith and Laura Montes are prosecuting the case against Mr. Villarreal Hernandez.

    MIL Security OSI –