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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Wales to benefit from recent trade deals

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Wales to benefit from recent trade deals

    Trade deals with India, US and the EU that have seen tariffs on key industries slashed are set to help drive growth in Wales.

    • Prime Minister to meet with the First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan to discuss the benefits of his recent trade deals
    • Comes as we’ve nailed three trade deals in as many weeks to deliver growth that is a priority for the Plan for Change
    • Delivers job security for workers in Wales and more opportunities for Welsh Industry

    Trade deals with India, US and the EU that have seen tariffs on key industries slashed are set to help drive growth in Wales. 

    These deals will deliver benefits that communities across Wales will feel – supporting job creation, reducing costs and expanding export opportunities.

    This means stronger economic growth across Wales – delivering our Plan for Change.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    These trade deals deliver long term security for people in Wales. They will create opportunities for more seamless trade and attract inward investment to grow the economy, making a difference to people’s lives.  

    These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it’s lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across Wales.

    The Prime Minister will tell the English Mayors and the Leaders from the Devolved Governments at a meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in London today (Friday 23 May) that his trade deals with India, the United States and the EU will deliver economic growth that will improve people’s lives at home.  

    He will challenge those in attendance to drive economic growth in their local areas to deliver for working people.  

    Russell Greenslade, Director, CBI Wales, said:

    As an export-led economy, the government’s commitment to free and fair trade will be welcomed by firms across Wales.

    Amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and economic headwinds, these agreements with the US, India and the EU will reduce existing barriers to trade and provide Welsh firms with a renewed sense of optimism as they look to seize new international opportunities.

    Deals like these will be critical to driving growth, creating jobs and raising living standards across our nation.

    Over 200 Welsh businesses exported goods worth £226 million to India last year and this could grow even further under the new trade deal.

    Welsh farmers will benefit from the India deal with tariffs on lamb reduced from 33% to 0%. Wales has a vibrant creative sector, and the deal provides enhanced copyright protections for producers so they can be confident that works will continue to be protected for at least 60 years.

    Welsh food and drink producers will also no longer face huge delays and red tape to export into the EU while some products like Welsh sausages and lamb mince will no longer be blocked. The deal has been welcomed by the Head of Wales at the Federation of Small Businesses and by the National Farmers Union Cymru who highlighted that Wales exports £813m of food and drink a year to the EU – 75% of all exports and more than the UK level of 57%. 

    Wales is also home to a thriving clean energy sector employing over 58,000 people and generating over £4.8 billion in revenue – this deal will support further development as we gain unprecedented access to India’s procurement market as they transition towards a net zero economy. The sector will also benefit from the new EU deal which agrees cooperate on clean energy and link our schemes for emissions trading – worth up to £3.8 billion a year to our economy in the long run.

    Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

    The trade deals with India, the US and the EU are great news for Welsh consumers, Welsh business, and Welsh jobs.

    Taken together these deals mean a huge boost for our key industries, from farming to green energy and the creative sector. We want to grow our economy and create secure well-paid jobs and by unlocking new markets and opportunities we can deliver on that promise.

    Our increased trade with India will unlock opportunities for every region in the UK to access the world’s fastest growing economy, including for Wales.

    Wales’s steel industry has also been supported by the US trade deal which has eliminated the previous steel tariffs of 25% and our deal with the EU adds further protection for steel by safeguarding steel exports from new EU tariffs.

    Under the historic deal reached with the US last week, we have agreed reciprocal market access on beef that will benefit farmers in Wales, will a total UK quota of 13,000 metric tonnes. There will be no weakening of UK food standards on imports.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    The three landmark deals secured this month with the US, India, and the EU have shown this government is serious about striking the deals that our businesses want and need.

    We are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year as part of our Plan for Change. For Welsh businesses, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners.

    Just this week, the Prime Minister continued to act in Britain’s national interest by confirming a new agreement with the European Union that will deliver on his core mission to grow the economy, create more jobs in Wales, raising living standards and put more money in people’s pockets.

    At today’s meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions the Prime Minister will also lead discussions about spreading AI to help working people access the services that they need in their local areas.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scotland to benefit from recent trade deals

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Scotland to benefit from recent trade deals

    Trade deals with India, US and the EU slashing tariffs on key industries and opening markets are set to help drive growth in Scotland and put money in Scots’ pockets.

    • Prime Minister to meet with the First Minister of Scotland to discuss recent trade deals and the boon for Scotland.
    • Comes as we’ve nailed three trade deals in as many weeks to deliver growth that is a priority for the Plan for Change.
    • Iconic Scottish produce such as Salmon, Whisky, Gin and Irn Bru boosted by easier access to international markets.

    Trade deals with India, US and the EU slashing tariffs on key industries and opening markets are set to help drive growth in Scotland and put money in Scots’ pockets.

    These deals represent tangible benefits for communities throughout Scotland, supporting jobs, reducing costs, expanding export opportunities for iconic Scottish products and making it easier to go on holiday.

    This means stronger economic growth for firms across Scotland – delivering on our Plan for Change.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    These trade deals deliver long term security for people in Scotland. They will create opportunities for more seamless trade and attract inward investment to grow the economy, making a difference to people’s lives.   

    These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it’s lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across Scotland.

    The new agreement with the European Union, the UK’s largest trading market, will directly address challenges faced by Scottish exporters since 2019. The Scottish salmon industry has estimated that between 2019 and 2023, Scottish Salmon export values experienced a net loss of around £75 million. Our deal makes it significantly easier to sell Scottish goods to European markets. We’ve also unlocked a new salmon market through our deal with India, with tariffs dropping from 33% to 0%.

    Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said: 

    We welcome the UK Government’s efforts in moving at pace to secure trade deals that will grow and strengthen market opportunities for our farmers.

    Ministers rightly recognise salmon as the jewel in the crown of our world-class produce and its vital role in the economy of coastal communities and across the UK.

    Securing frictionless access to key markets such as the EU, along with expanding opportunities in India, is crucial to protect our producers from unnecessary barriers like tariffs and red tape.

    Scottish salmon’s high standards of quality and sustainability set it apart globally, helping to drive investment and support 12,500 jobs across the Highlands and Islands and beyond.

    We look forward to continuing to work with government to build on this momentum, including further progress with the US, and to ensure Scotland’s salmon sector continues to thrive on the world stage.

    The landmark deal with India has slashed tariffs on Scotland’s most iconic products. Scottish distillers will immediately see these halved from 150% to 75% and eventually to just 40% over the next decade.

    Other industries boosted by the deal include soft drinks and food that will ramp up Scotland’s export economy, supporting jobs and increasing prosperity across the country.

    Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said:

    Our trio of trade deals shows we are championing Scottish products and businesses on the global stage. From our world-renowned whisky distilleries to our cutting-edge green energy sector, Scotland has so much to offer international markets. But more importantly as part of our Plan for Change this means more money in people’s pockets.

    By securing better access to the European Union, United States and India, we’re creating real opportunities for Scottish businesses to grow, supporting jobs in communities from the Highlands to the Borders.

    The Prime Minister will tell the English Mayors and the Leaders from the Devolved Governments at a meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in London today (Friday 23 May) that his trade deals with India, the United States and the EU will deliver economic growth that will improve people’s lives at home.   

    He will challenge those in attendance to drive economic growth in their local areas to deliver for working people.   

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    The three landmark deals secured this month with the US, India, and the EU have shown this government is serious about striking the deals that our businesses want and need.

    We are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year as part of our Plan for Change. For Scottish businesses, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners.

    In the US Tariffs on British steel and aluminium will be removed. In addition to vital assurances for life science, there are reductions for the automotive industry with US tariffs cut from 27.5% to 10% for 100,000 vehicles every year and Indian tariffs dropping from 110% to 10% under a quota.

    New reciprocal market access has also been agreed on beef – with UK farmers given a tariff free quota for 13,000 metric tonnes without compromising the sector’s high standards.

    At today’s meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions the Prime Minister will also lead discussions about spreading AI to help working people access the services that they need in their local areas.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: North East of England to benefit from recent trade deals

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    North East of England to benefit from recent trade deals

    Top job creators in the North East of England’s automotive industry are set to benefit from new trade deals with India and the US that slashes tariffs and boosts access to the world’s fastest growing economy.

    • Prime Minister to meet with the Mayor of North East England Kim McGuiness to discuss the benefits of his recent trade deals.
    • Comes as we’ve nailed three trade deals in as many weeks to deliver growth that is a priority for the Plan for Change.
    • Boost for top job creators and delivers long term security for 14,000 workers employed in the automotive industry locally.

    Top job creators in the North East of England’s automotive industry are set to benefit from new trade deals with India and the US that slashes tariffs and boosts access to the world’s fastest growing economy.

    This means long-term stability for 14,000 people employed in the sector and security for their families. 

    It will also deliver opportunities for major job creators in the region like Nissan, Hitachi and Caterpillar to grow – the first priority of our Plan for Change.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

      These trade deals that we have closed delivers stability for the 14,000 workers employed in the automotive manufacturing in the North East.    It also will create opportunities for more seamless trade, attracting inward investment that will grow the local economy and make a difference to people’s lives.    These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it’s lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across the North East Combined Authority.

    10,123 people employed in agriculture across the North East are also set to benefit from our trade deal with the EU. It means less checks and red tape, meaning farmers and producers who grow food across the region now have easy access to the EU, the UK’s biggest trading partner.

    This deal also protects British steel exports from new rules and restrictive tariffs, helping to protect 3,050 people working in the steel industry across the North East.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

      The three landmark deals secured this month with the US, India, and the EU have shown this government is serious about striking the deals that our businesses want and need.

    We are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year as part of our Plan for Change. For businesses in the North East, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners.

    The Prime Minister will tell the English Mayors and the Leaders from the Devolved Governments at a meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in London today (Friday 23 May) that his trade deals with India, the United States and the EU will deliver economic growth that will improve people’s lives at home.  

    He will challenge those in attendance to drive economic growth in their local areas to deliver for working people.  

    The benefits of the India deal for local businesses and workers have been praised by Professor Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter, Chairman of Coltraco Ultrasonics Limited & Director General of The Durham Institute of Research, Development & Innovation. 

    Professor Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter OBE said:  

      Coltraco Ultrasonics is strongly supportive of the India Free Trade Agrement and proud to have modestly contributed to and advising the British negotiating team on various chapters.   The UK private sector can now, because of the India FTA, the Windsor Framework CPTPP, and a variety of other UK FTAs, look out to the world, balancing our exporting and investment opportunities between the USA, the EU and Asia Pacific.    It is a tremendous success and we thank British and Indian Civil Servants for their public service in the UK-India FTA.

    Our increased trade with India will unlock opportunities for every region in the UK to access the world’s fastest growing economy, including the North East.

    Under the Free Trade Deal that was concluded, tariffs on cars sold to India will come down from over 100% to 10% under a quota.  

    In the same week, we negotiated a first of its kind agreement with the US that will reduce tariffs on car exports to 10% for the first 100,000 vehicles per year, almost the total number of UK vehicles exported to the country last year. 

    Just this week, the Prime Minister acted in the national interest by confirming a new agreement with the European Union that will deliver on his core mission to grow the economy, creating more jobs in the North East, raising living standards and putting more money in people’s pockets.  

    At today’s meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions the Prime Minister will also lead discussions about spreading AI to help working people access the services that they need in their local areas.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Grand Gulf Nuclear Station

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Entergy’s Grand Gulf Nuclear Station is located in Port Gibson, Mississippi and generates 16% of the state’s power.

    It is the first and only reactor in the state and the nation’s most powerful reactor—generating enough power for 850,000 homes in the region.

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Quad Cities Nuclear Plant

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    The Quad Cities Clean Energy Center is located in Cordova, Illinois and generates enough reliable power for 1 million homes.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr_QkalMZ8k

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: D.C. Attack, Gaza & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (22 May 2025) | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    D.C. Statement
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    Lebanon/Israel
    Chagos Islands
    Sudan
    CERF
    Security Council
    Senior Personnel Appointment
    Biological Diversity
    Financial Contribution

    D.C. statement
    The Secretary-General strongly condemns the appalling killing on Wednesday night of two Israeli Embassy officials in Washington, D.C. Nothing can justify such a horrific act.
    The Secretary-General reiterates his consistent condemnation of attacks against diplomatic officials.
    The Secretary-General calls for the perpetrator to be brought to justice and extends his sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims and to the Government of Israel.

    OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
    The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tells us that yesterday, about 90 loaded trucks left Kerem Shalom to multiple destinations inside Gaza. They carried nutrition supplies, flour, medicines and other critical stocks that were allowed in.
    Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher commended humanitarians for their courage, noting they continue to face huge challenges getting goods out of the crossing to where they are needed.
    This shipment is limited in quantity and nowhere near sufficient to meet the scale and scope of the needs of Gaza’s 2.1 million people. OCHA tells us that other supplies as basic as fresh food, hygiene items, water purification agents, and fuel to power hospitals have not been let in for over 80 days.
    What the UN is currently allowed to bring in includes nutrition products, some food ingredients, and medical supplies.
    Of yesterday’s supplies, over 500 pallets with nutrition supplies were safely offloaded in UNICEF’s warehouse in Deir al Balah. This is nearly 20 truckloads. They include ready-to-use therapeutic food and lipid-based nutritional supplements. These life-saving supplies are now being unpacked and repackaged so that smaller loads can reach people in need via dozens of distribution points.
    A handful of bakeries in south and central Gaza, supported by the World Food Programme (WFP), have resumed bread production. These bakeries are now operational distributing bread via hot meal kitchens. However, after nearly 80 days of a total blockade of humanitarian assistance, families still face a high risk of famine, and far more aid is needed across all of Gaza.
    The shipments of flour we received recently – over 50 truckloads – have helped bakeries in Deir al Balah resume operations.
    As a reminder, the latest analysis from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification concluded that people across Gaza are at risk of famine, with nearly half a million people teetering on the edge of starvation. OCHA underscores that it is critical for Israeli authorities to facilitate the movement of humanitarian convoys, including from southern Gaza to the north, so that all supplies can reach people in need wherever they are across the Gaza Strip.
    Also, just a note on access to and from Kerem Shalom: Reaching the crossing on the Palestinian side requires humanitarians to travel through an Israeli-militarized area.
    This means that our teams need to wait, often for hours, for military activities to pause – for their safety – and for a green light to be given by the Israeli authorities to proceed. We also need to ensure the use of secure routes from Kerem Shalom onward into Gaza, as we did last night and hope to do again today.
    Meanwhile, military operations continue across the Gaza Strip, with reports of strikes, shelling and fresh ground incursions. In recent days, our colleagues on the ground report that attacks have struck tents and buildings where people are sheltering, causing scores of casualties.
    Today, Al Awda hospital of North Gaza caught fire, reportedly after being attacked. Through coordination with Israeli authorities, OCHA facilitated the access of the Palestinian Civil Defense to the area, where they spent hours working to extinguish the fire. According to initial reports, the medicine warehouse was heavily damaged.
    Meanwhile, water wells in some areas of Gaza are shutting down as they remain out of reach or lack fuel. OCHA reports that Israeli authorities continue to deny attempts to retrieve fuel from areas where coordination is required. 

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=22%20May%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WNVf-svLhw

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures Plea in Case Involving Sexual Contact with Minors

    Source: US FBI

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Newcomb man pleaded guilty to federal charges of sexual contact with two minors.

    According to court documents, Roderick Bitsilly, 61, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, admitted to engaging in sexual contact with Jane Doe 1, a child under 12, between February and August 2014. Additionally, Bitsilly pleaded guilty to similar charges involving Jane Doe 2, also under 12, between September 2019 and September 2020.

    Bitsilly will remain in third-party custody at a halfway house pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, Bitsilly faces up 75 months in prison. Upon his release from prison, Bitsilly will be subject to no less than five years up to life of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Schenectady Man Sentenced to More Than 15 Years on Methamphetamine Conviction

    Source: US FBI

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Ocyris Morgan, age 36, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced today to 188 months in prison for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to sell it.

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

    Morgan admitted that he intended to sell the 21.4 grams of methamphetamine law enforcement seized from his house on June 1, 2023, and when he overheard agents saying they found between one-half and one ounce of methamphetamine, Morgan corrected them, “21.7, to be exact.”  Morgan also admitted to receiving $10,130 over the course of 12 instances in which he sold a total of 93 grams of methamphetamine and 50 grams of cocaine base to several customers.  He further admitted to possessing a firearm and bullet-proof vest.

    Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also imposed a 4-year term of supervised release and ordered Morgan to forfeit the $10,130 he made from the drug sales. 

    The FBI’s Capital District Safe Streets Task Force—made up of FBI Special Agents as well as members of other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Schenectady Police Department—investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner prosecuted.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: The Grand Health Care System and 12 Affiliated Skilled Nursing Facilities to Pay $21.3 Million for Allegedly Providing and Billing for Fraudulent Rehabilitation Therapy Services

    Source: US FBI

    Company Admits that Supervisory Officials Falsified Information in Medical Records

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Strauss Ventures LLC doing business as The Grand Health Care System and 12 affiliated skilled nursing facilities (collectively, the Grand), have agreed to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly billing federal health care programs for therapy services that were unreasonable, unnecessary, unskilled, or that simply did not occur as billed. Many of the settling facilities are located in upstate and central New York, including in Albany, Oneida, Madison, Columbia, and Herkimer counties.

    “Today’s settlement protects patients and taxpayers by ensuring that medical treatment is dictated by patient need and not by financial motive,” said United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman.  “Skilled nursing facilities provide important services to a vulnerable population, and we will continue to hold them accountable when they provide patients with unnecessary services and falsify records.”

    The settlement resolves allegations that from as early as January 1, 2014 to September 30, 2019, the Grand knowingly submitted false claims for rehabilitation therapy for residents at 12 facilities Strauss Ventures owned and operated. During this period, Medicare Part A (Medicare’s hospital insurance, which also pays for care in a skilled nursing facility in some circumstances) and TRICARE (the federal health care program for the Department of Defense) paid for such services at rates that varied based on the number of minutes of skilled rehabilitation therapy provided. The Grand allegedly submitted bills where the reimbursement claimed was based on providing more therapy than was reasonable and necessary, or in some cases where the therapists did not provide the amount of therapy reported. 

    As part of the settlement, the Grand admitted that certain now-former Grand management level employees implemented quotas that each of the 12 facilities was expected to reach, including quotas relating to beneficiaries’ lengths of stay and to the percentage of beneficiaries billed at the highest reimbursement level. To meet these quotas, facilities often scheduled patients to receive therapy without consideration of what was reasonable and necessary based on the individual patients’ clinical condition. In addition, the Grand directed that no more than three patients be discharged from any facility per week and instructed that no Medicare Part A patients should be discharged from rehabilitation therapy unless it had been discussed with corporate officials. The Grand admitted that this resulted in some Medicare beneficiaries “staying on therapy longer than was reasonable and medically necessary.” 

    The Grand acknowledged that there were various instances where supervisory officials, who did not personally evaluate or treat patients, set or adjusted the number of minutes of therapy that a Medicare patient would receive. The Grand also acknowledged that there were instances where supervisory personnel falsified the number of therapy minutes in the Grand’s electronic recordkeeping system or instructed subordinates to do so, well after the therapy was allegedly rendered.

    “We expect nursing facilities to provide only reasonable and appropriate amounts of skilled rehabilitation therapy service to their residents and to bill government healthcare programs only for the services actually provided,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton, head of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “The department is committed to protecting both vulnerable nursing home patients and taxpayers against fraudulent conduct by unscrupulous actors.” 

    The settlement also resolves federal allegations that the Grand submitted false claims to Medicaid for services rendered at its Pawling, New York nursing home between January 1, 2016 and June 30, 2021. These claims were allegedly false because the reimbursement rate was inflated by data inaccurately reflecting the degree of care, including rehabilitation therapy services, needed by Medicaid patients there. 

    The Grand has also entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) that requires an independent review organization to annually assess the medical necessity and appropriateness of therapy services billed to Medicare.

    “Violations of the False Claims Act are absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the FBI and its partners,” said Executive Assistant Director Michael Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response and Services Branch. “We will continue our work of protecting the American taxpayer by relentlessly pursuing businesses that do not comply with the rule of law. If you bill federal health care programs in an unnecessary manner, there will be consequences.”

    “The Grand admitted to providing unnecessary care to our most vulnerable, to include knowingly keeping patients in their facilities and away from their loved ones when they needed them most,” said Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albay Field Office. “This settlement illustrates the FBI’s commitment to working with our partners to protect federally funded healthcare programs from abuse by companies looking to line their pockets with taxpayer dollars.”

    “As a part of this settlement, the defendants acknowledged that they obtained funds from the Medicare program to which they were not entitled,” stated Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz of HHS-OIG. “Individuals and entities that participate in the federal health care system are required to obey the laws meant to preserve the integrity of program funds and the provision of appropriate, quality services to patients.”

    “Protecting the integrity of the healthcare system for our military members and their families is a top priority of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the law enforcement arm of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General,” stated Acting Special Agent in Charge Brian J. Solecki of DCIS Northeast Field Office. “DCIS will continue to work with its law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to hold DoD contractors accountable for their fraudulent activity and ensure America’s service members are not subject to unnecessary risk.”

    The settlement resolves a whistleblower lawsuit filed under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act by two former providers of rehabilitation therapy at the Grand. The Act allows private persons to file civil actions on behalf of the government and share in any recovery. Under the settlement, the whistleblowers will receive approximately $4,047,000 of the settlement proceeds. The case is docketed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York under number 1:19-cv-1311.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York; the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section; HHS-OIG’s New York Region; the FBI, Albany Field Office; DCIS, Syracuse Resident Agency, and the New York State Attorney General’s Office investigated the matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam J. Katz and Senior Trial Counsel Christelle Klovers represented the United States.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Arkansas Man Admits Traveling to Albany for Sexual Contact with Minor and Transporting Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kyle Biswell, age 38, of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, pled guilty today to traveling from Arkansas to Albany, with the intent to engage in illicit sexual contact with a child, and to transporting child pornography in interstate commerce.

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

    Biswell admitted that between January and April 2023, he communicated with an individual he believed was the mother of an 11-year-old girl through an internet-based social networking application and using his cellular phone.  Over the course of those communications, Biswell expressed his interest in engaging in sexual contact with the 11-year-old and ultimately purchased airfare to travel from his home in Arkansas to Albany, with the intent to engage in illicit sexual contact with the child on April 8, 2023.  Upon his arrival in the Capital Region on April 8, 2023, Biswell was arrested by FBI agents, and admitted that he had traveled from Arkansas to Albany for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with a child he believed to be 11 years old.  Biswell further admitted that he brought child pornography with him on his cell phone.  The cell phone was subsequently searched by the FBI and found to contain numerous videos and images depicting child pornography, including several videos depicting the sexual abuse and rape of children under the age of 5.   

    At sentencing on November 13, 2024, before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci, Biswell faces at least 5 years and up to 30 years in prison.  The judge will also be required to impose a term of post-release supervision of at least 5 years and up to a life term.  The court may also impose a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and forfeiture of the cell phone Biswell used to commit his offenses.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.  Biswell will also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. 

    The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin S. Clark is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.  Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS).  Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Sex Offender Convicted on New Child Pornography Charge

    Source: US FBI

    ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jordan E. Brodie, 37, of LeRoy, NY, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography following a previous conviction for possession of child pornography, before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. The charge carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that in May 2023, Brodie, a convicted sex offender under the active supervision of the Genesee County Probation Department, became involved in a chat application in which he and others traded child pornography. Brodie uploaded at least one of the images to a different platform, which then reported the image to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.  An investigation by the New York State Police determined that the upload took place from Brodie’s home in LeRoy. A search warrant was executed at Brodie’s residence during which investigators seized his phone, and the contents of the social media account that uploaded the image. Images of child pornography depicting children less than 12 years old were recovered from both the phone and the social media account.  Some of images included violence against children. Brodie was previously convicted of a child pornography charge in May 2021 in Genesee County, for which he was being actively supervised at the time of the current offense. 

    The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Miklos Szoczei II, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

    Sentencing is scheduled for October 21, 2024, at 9:15 a.m. before Judge Siragusa.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Member of Cypress Gangsta Crips Gang Charged with 2015 Murder

    Source: US FBI

    Earlier today, a two-count indictment was unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn charging Jason Soto, also known as “Twin,” a member of the Cypress Gangsta Crips (CGC), a subgroup of the Eight Trey Crips based in the Cypress Hills Houses of East New York, Brooklyn, with the February 2015 murder of Shakim Rivera, the leader of the CGC.   The defendant was arrested this morning and will be arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Sanket J. Bulsara.

    Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the arrest and indictment.

    “This indictment makes clear that my Office and our law enforcement partners are relentless in our pursuit of violent gang members who have committed murders and harmed communities like the Cypress Hills Houses for far too long,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “We are reducing gang and gun-related violence and saving lives through a coordinated effort to target the most violent offenders, like this defendant.”

    “Jason Soto, a Crips gang member, allegedly appointed himself as judge, jury, and executioner to murder his own leader as twisted justice for the death of a fellow member. Soto’s alleged actions contributed to the infestation of gang violence plaguing a Brooklyn housing complex and endangered the lives of thousands of its residents. With the assistance of our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to apprehend any gang member wreaking havoc in our communities,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy.

    “The residents of the Cypress Hills Houses, along with all New Yorkers in every neighborhood, deserve to live their lives without fear,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch.  “The NYPD and our law enforcement partners are dedicated to systematically dismantling the gangs and crews responsible for crime and violence in New York City. I commend the collaborative efforts of our NYPD investigators, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York in identifying and holding accountable those who terrorize our communities.”

    As detailed in the indictment and other court documents, since at least February of 2015, Soto was a member of the CGC, which operated in the Cypress Hills Houses and elsewhere.  CGC members committed acts of violence to promote the gang, enforce the rules of the gang, keep rivals in fear of CGC and earn money for the gang through firearm and narcotics trafficking and robberies.

    The investigation revealed a deadly gang turf war fought in the Cypress Hill Houses—in the midst of residential buildings, stores and a playground—between gangs that have aligned themselves by where their members live within the housing complex.  The Bloods gang associated with the “Frontside” section of Cypress feuded with the CGC members of the “Backside” and “Teamside” sections of Cypress.  An internal war broke out in 2015 within the CGC when high-ranking member Demetrius Graham, also known as “Duke,” was murdered on February 19, 2015. Believing that CGC leader Shakim Rivera was responsible for Graham’s murder, members of CGC planned retaliation.

    On February 19, 2015, Soto traveled from Pennsylvania to Brooklyn to carry out Rivera’s murder.  On February 22, 2015, Soto lured Rivera to the vicinity of 9011 Bayview Place in the Canarsie neighborhood of Brooklyn.  As alleged, Soto and another member of the CGC shot and killed Rivera, the leader of CGC, in retaliation for Graham’s murder.

    The indictment is the result of a long-term investigation initiated by the FBI, the NYPD and the Office in 2015 in response to gang-related violence in and around the Cypress Hills Houses.  The investigation has resulted in charges against over 20 defendants for drug trafficking, illegal weapons possession, robbery and murder.

    If convicted, the defendant faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison, or possibly the death penalty.

    The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States  Attorneys Emily J. Dean and Andy Palacio are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Theodore Rader.

    The Defendant:

    JASON SOTO
    Age:  36
    Queens, New York

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-511 (RER)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Carolina Man Found Guilty of Assaulting Law Enforcement and Other Charges During January 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

              WASHINGTON— A North Carolina man was found guilty of assaulting law enforcement and other felony and misdemeanor offenses related to his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

              A federal jury in the District of Columbia found Brett Alan Rotella, also known as Brett Ostrander, 35, of Kannapolis, North Carolina, guilty on Sept. 11, 2024, of three felony offenses, including obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder, and two counts of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers. In addition to the felonies, Rotella was convicted of three misdemeanor offenses of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, and impeding passage through the Capitol grounds or buildings.

              U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss will sentence Rotella on Dec. 13, 2024.

              According to court documents and evidence presented during the trial, on Jan. 6, 2021, at approximately 2:24 p.m., Rotella was identified among a crowd of rioters amassed on the West Plaza of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., wearing distinctive clothing that included a red skull cap, a black sleeveless puffy vest over a red sleeveless shirt, and white or gray long shorts. He carried a long pole with at least two flags affixed to it at various points during the day.

               According to police body-worn camera footage, just minutes after his arrival at the West Font, Rotella approached a police barricade and forcibly pushed it toward a Metropolitan Police Department officer, while shouting inflammatory remarks.

              At approximately 2:33 p.m., as the police line on the West Plaza became overwhelmed and was forced to retreat, Rotella was observed taking charge of a group of rioters, directing their movements by periodically signaling with his hand to “hold” and leading them up the southwest stairs toward the Capitol.

              Video footage from the Lower West Terrace showed that at approximately 2:40 p.m., Rotella followed retreating officers into the Lower West Terrace Tunnel, the site of some of the most violent attacks against law enforcement that day. Inside the Tunnel, as officers attempted to hold back the rioters, Rotella continued his advance, even after pepper balls containing chemical irritant were fired at him.

              Evidence during the trial showed that the mob, including Rotella, breached the Capitol entrance at the Tunnel by smashing the glass pane of one of the locked doors and forcing the doors open. CCTV and body-worn camera footage depicted Rotella entering the Tunnel and joining others in a concerted effort to physically assault police officers inside. Inside the Tunnel, Rotella pushed against police shields and attempted to leverage his body to push through the police line and into the building.

              Rotella left the Tunnel at approximately 2:55 p.m., but remained in the vicinity for approximately ninety more minutes, joining a large crowd that repeatedly surged against the police line.. Further video evidence depicted Rotella counting down and leading a coordinated push by the mob against the officers.

              Rotella was later observed grabbing a large orange ladder and handing it toward the front of the crowd in an apparent attempt to use it against the officers. Video footage showed Rotella pushing the ladder into the Tunnel and pushing against other rioters near him in an effort to collectively breach the police line.

              The FBI arrested Rotella on Aug. 29, 2023, in Mooresville, North Carolina.

              This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina.

              This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Charlotte and Washington Field Offices, which identified Rotella as BOLO (Be on the Lookout) #82 on its seeking information photos. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

              In the 44 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,504 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 560 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

              Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Twelve Defendants Sentenced for Violent Home Invasion Robberies to Steal Cryptocurrency

    Source: US FBI

    A Florida man was sentenced to 47 years in prison on Wednesday for his role in a scheme involving a series of home invasion robberies targeting cryptocurrency. Between Sept. 5 and Sept. 12, a total of 12 men have been sentenced for their role in the scheme.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at the trial, Remy Ra St Felix, 25, of West Palm Beach, and his co-conspirators stole over $3.5 million from victims through SIM swapping and violent home invasions in which they held victims at gunpoint, assaulted them, and bound them with plastic cable ties. St Felix was convicted on June 25 by a federal jury in Greensboro, North Carolina, after a six-day trial. In addition to his sentence of incarceration, St Felix was sentenced to five years of supervised release and ordered to pay $524,153.39 in restitution.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, beginning in late 2020, St Felix’s co-conspirator, Jarod Gabriel Seemungal, 23, of West Palm Beach, and foreign co-conspirators stole cryptocurrency from victims’ accounts at exchanges. They obtained access to the accounts by gaining control of the victims’ phone numbers through SIM swapping. In 2022, Seemungal and his co-conspirators devised the home invasion scheme and recruited St Felix and others to assist with the invasions. St Felix later became the leader of the home invasion crew. In September 2022, St Felix and members of the crew committed violent home invasions in Delray Beach and Homestead, Florida. In Delray Beach, the victims were held at gunpoint in their home. In Homestead, a man and his family were held at gunpoint in their home, and then the man was abducted, held hostage, and beaten, before the man was found by law enforcement 120 miles from his home.

    Later in 2022, St Felix and his crew targeted a Little Elm, Texas, man and made several trips to attempt the robbery. In December 2022, Seemungal and a Houston-based crew comprised of Deangelo Lee Contreras, 21, Tristian Rene Gamez, 21, Victor Gonzalez, 27, Jesus Salazar, 24, Cristian Valdez, 21, and Jesus Gerardo Valdez, Jr., 27, all of Houston, Texas, committed the home invasion. The Little Elm man and members of his family were held at gunpoint and restrained in their home for over three hours, during which time members of the crew tortured the man and his mother. The perpetrators stole approximately $150,000.00 in cash, two Rolex watches, and a valuable necklace and pendant.

    In April 2023, St Felix and Elmer Ruben Castro, 23, of West Palm Beach, invaded the home of a wife and a husband in Durham, North Carolina. Prior to the invasion, St Felix’s co-conspirators obtained unauthorized access to the couple’s email account and conducted multiple days of surveillance on their home. During the invasion, the men violently assaulted the couple, threatened them with guns, and restrained them with plastic cable ties. They forced the man to provide access to his computer and cryptocurrency exchange account. Seemungal then remotely accessed the computer and stole over $150,000.00 worth of cryptocurrency. Conspirators laundered the funds through anonymity-enhanced cryptocurrencies, as well as “instant exchanges” and decentralized finance platforms that did not conduct know-your-customer checks.

    In July 2023, St Felix traveled from Florida to Long Island, New York, to commit a home invasion of a family of five. Before St Felix could do so, however, he was arrested. At the time of his arrest, St Felix was in possession of two firearms and plastic cable ties.

    Throughout the conspiracy, the conspirators communicated via an encrypted messaging application to plan their crimes. They identified targets and discussed how to gain entry to homes, the tools required to carry out the crimes, the technical aspects of cryptocurrency, and the patterns of life of their targets.

    They also circulated pictures of their targets and their targets’ homes. In addition to the home invasions described above, conspirators used the encrypted messaging application to plan additional home invasion robberies in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Orlando, Florida; and Georgia. Seemungal and the foreign co-conspirators financed the purchase of rental cars, hotel rooms, and firearms by co-conspirators Haisel Daily, 22, of West Palm Beach, and Ruben Matias Nicolopulos Silva, 22, of Lake Worth, Florida, to use during the robberies.

    Seemungal was also sentenced yesterday to 20 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release and ordered to pay $4,038,479.39 in restitution. Seemungal pleaded guilty on December 19, 2023, for his role in the scheme to steal cryptocurrency by hacking victims’ cryptocurrency accounts as well as the home invasion and robbery scheme.

    On Feb. 6, Castro pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 1.

    On May 29 and 30, nine of St Felix’s and Seemungal’s co-conspirators pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit kidnapping, and were sentenced as follows:

    • Jose Alfredo Avila, 27, of West Palm Beach, was sentenced on Sept. 11, to 20 years in prison, followed by four years of supervised release and ordered to pay $365,100.00 in restitution.
    • Contreras was sentenced on Sept. 5, to 15 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release and ordered to pay $355,800.00 in restitution.
    • Daily was sentenced on Sept. 5, to 25 years in prison, followed by four years of supervised release and ordered to pay $524,153.39 in restitution.
    • Gonzalez was sentenced on Sept. 6, to 12 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $355,800.00 in restitution.
    • Nathan Noel Quintana, 24, of Royal Palm Beach, Florida, was sentenced on Sept. 6, to 16 years in prison, followed by four years of supervised release and ordered to pay $365,100.00 in restitution.
    • Silva was sentenced on Sept. 5, to 12 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release and ordered to pay $524,153.39 in restitution.
    • Cristian Valdez was sentenced on Sept. 6, to 12 years in prison, followed by four years of supervised release and ordered to pay $355,800.00 in restitution.
    • Jesus Valdez was sentenced on Sept. 6, to 12 years in prison, followed by four years of supervised release and ordered to pay $355,800.00 in restitution.
    • Jesus Manuel Santiago, III, 23, of West Palm Beach, is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 1.

    Also, on May 29 and 30, Salazar and Gamez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to interfere with commerce through robbery. Salazar was sentenced on Sept. 5, to five years in prison, followed by four years of supervised release and ordered to pay $355,800.00 in restitution. Gamez was sentenced on Sept. 11, to eight years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $355,800.00 in restitution.

    Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Sandra J. Hairston for the Middle District of North Carolina; and Special Agent in Charge Robert M. DeWitt of the FBI Charlotte Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Charlotte Field Office investigated the case, with valuable assistance from the Durham Police Department and the FBI New York, Miami, Houston, Mobile, and Newark Field Offices.

    The National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET) of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) is partnered with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina in prosecuting the case. CCIPS/NCET Trial Attorney and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Iverson for the Middle District of North Carolina and CCIPS Trial Attorney Brian Mund are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Southern District of Florida, Southern District of Texas, and Eastern District of Texas provided valuable assistance.

    NCET was established to combat the growing illicit use of cryptocurrencies and digital assets. Within CCIPS, NCET conducts and supports investigations into individuals and entities that enable the use of digital assets to commit and facilitate a variety of crimes, with a particular focus on virtual currency exchanges, obfuscation services, and infrastructure providers. NCET also sets strategic priorities regarding digital asset technologies, identifies areas for increased investigative and prosecutorial focus, and leads the department’s efforts to collaborate with domestic and foreign government agencies as well as the private sector to aggressively investigate and prosecute crimes involving cryptocurrency and digital assets.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Columbus Police Officers Arrested on Drug Charges Related to Stealing, Selling Multiple Kilograms of Cocaine

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – Two Columbus police officers have been arrested on federal charges alleging they stole multiple kilograms of cocaine and provided it to others to sell.

    John Castillo, 31, of Grove City, and Joel M. Mefford, 34, of London, Ohio, were arrested today and appeared in federal court this afternoon, at which point their cases were unsealed.

    According to Mefford’s indictment, in February 2020, he was investigating a drug crime and unlawfully gained access to a detached garage belonging to the subject of the investigation. It is alleged Mefford, without a warrant, discovered two kilograms of cocaine in the rafters of the garage. Mefford allegedly unlawfully seized one of the kilograms and left the other to be found during the execution of a search warrant the next morning. The defendant allegedly gave the stolen narcotics to an individual to sell.

    Similarly, in February and March 2020, Mefford was investigating drug-trafficking activity at houses on Ambleside Drive and Kilbourne Avenue in Columbus. On March 7, 2020, the officer allegedly took a bag containing multiple kilograms of cocaine from the house on Ambleside Drive and arrested an individual there. He then allegedly traveled to the house on Kilbourne Avenue and removed a kilogram of cocaine. That same day, it is alleged Mefford turned in one kilogram of cocaine to evidence and stole the other kilograms to be sold.

    It is further alleged that Mefford stole 20 kilograms of cocaine from the Columbus police property room in April 2020, replacing it with fake cocaine.

    Mefford also allegedly deposited more than $72,000 in cash derived from the cocaine sales into his personal bank account.

    Castillo’s indictment alleges that in February 2021, Castillo took approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine from a house on North Everett Avenue and did not turn it into evidence. He allegedly planted two additional kilograms of cocaine for law enforcement discovery later that day at the house. The 10 kilograms of cocaine were allegedly stored in another person’s basement before they were given to another individual to sell.

    Castillo and Mefford are charged in separate indictments with possessing with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, a federal crime punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison. Mefford is also charged with money laundering and two counts of possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Zrinka Dilber, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and Elizabeth A. Geraghty are representing the United States in this case. The case was investigated by the FBI’s Southern Ohio Public Corruption Task Force, which includes special agents and officers from the FBI, Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations, the Ohio Auditor of State’s Office and the Columbus Division of Police.

    An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Columbus Woman Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping Infant Twins

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus woman pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to two counts of kidnapping a minor.

    As part of the plea, parties involved in the case have recommended a sentence of 20 years in prison for Nalah T. Jackson, 25.

    “There is no greater responsibility than protecting our youth,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “This community watched in horror as Nalah Jackson preyed on two vulnerable babies. Today, she admitted her crime and agreed to spend 20 years in prison for her actions.” 

    According to court documents, between Dec. 19, 2022, and Dec. 22, 2022, Jackson kidnapped two minor children in Columbus and traveled interstate with one of them. 

    Specifically, close to 10pm on the night of Dec. 19, Jackson walked out of Donatos Pizza on North High Street in Columbus and drove away in a black Honda Accord that had been left running in the parking lot. Two twin five-month-old infants were buckled in the back seat. The infants’ mother was inside Donatos to pick up a delivery order at the time.

    Over the next several hours, Jackson drove from Columbus to Dayton and to various other locations in central and western Ohio.

    Jackson arrived at the Dayton International Airport close to 3am. She parked in an economy lot and left the infants in the car while she entered the airport. Jackson attempted to hire an Uber to find the stolen car in the economy lot, but could not pay, and ultimately found the stolen car on foot. After finding the vehicle, Jackson left one of the infants in the parking lot at approximately 4am. A passerby parking their vehicle saw the baby in his car seat wrapped in a quilt between two vehicles and alerted security.

    After Jackson left the Dayton International Airport parking lot at high speeds, she traveled to Indianapolis with the second baby still in the vehicle.

    She arrived at a Papa Johns Pizza on Indiana Avenue near the university district at approximately 8am on Dec. 20, and exited the stolen car on foot. She never returned to the vehicle, leaving the second baby strapped in his car seat in the back seat of the car.

    The baby remained strapped in the car seat for the next two-and-a-half-days while family members, concerned citizens and law enforcement officers continued to search for him.

    By happenstance, an Indianapolis woman encountered Jackson after she abandoned the stolen vehicle on Dec. 20. Jackson was selling stolen merchandise outside of a local gas station. The woman gave Jackson a ride to a nearby shopping plaza and gave Jackson her cell phone number in case Jackson came across any more holiday gifts for resale.

    That night, the woman noticed several social media posts regarding the kidnapping and recognized Jackson as the alleged kidnapper. The woman called her cousin, and together they formulated a plan to meet up with Jackson to confirm her identity, recover the infant if possible and lead Jackson to law enforcement.

    On Dec. 22, the women met up with Jackson, whom they traced to a local residence through a phone number Jackson had previously used to call one of them. The women confirmed that Jackson was the same person identified as the kidnapping suspect and drove her to several shopping centers in Indianapolis, all-the-while surreptitiously attempting to contact law enforcement in Columbus and Indianapolis.

    Eventually, one of the women was able to route local law enforcement to their vehicle over the phone by pretending that she was speaking with her boyfriend and providing updates on her location. The women tried to signal to Indianapolis police that Jackson was the kidnapping suspect, and eventually told officers when they were removed from Jackson’s immediate presence.  Jackson provided a false name and another individual’s identification card to the officers. After some time, the officers confirmed Jackson’s identity and arrested her for kidnapping. After the arrest, they let the two women go without interviewing them about their time spent with Jackson.

    The two women decided to continue searching for the missing infant. They discovered a bus schedule that Jackson left behind in the backseat of their vehicle and decided to focus their search on a bus route near the university district.

    While driving around searching that area to no avail, and with driving conditions worsening quickly due to an impending snowstorm, the women decided to get something to eat before heading home. As they were pulling into a Blaze Pizza, they noticed a black Honda Accord at the nearby Papa Johns and noticed snow had already accumulated on the car.

    They drove up to the stolen car and attempted to open the back door, which was locked. The driver’s door did open. Due to an overwhelming foul smell coming from the car, and the silence of the baby, one of the women screamed, assuming the baby was deceased. Upon hearing the scream, the baby alerted and began crying. One of the women removed the baby from his car seat and began comforting him.

    The women then noticed an empty Indianapolis police cruiser parked nearby and began looking for officers, who they found on their lunch break inside the Blaze Pizza. Indianapolis police then relocated to Papa Johns Pizza and took custody of the baby, taking him to a local hospital. The infant was treated for dehydration, heart abnormalities due to the dehydration, extreme diaper rash and skin deterioration due to him being buckled in a car seat for three days while sitting in his own excrement.

    U.S. Attorney Parker acknowledged the numerous law enforcement agencies who have assisted in this case, including FBI offices in Columbus, Dayton and Indianapolis; the Columbus, Dayton, Huber Heights, Riverside, Vandalia, Dayton International Airport and Indianapolis police departments; the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office; Ohio State Highway Patrol and U.S. Marshals Service’s Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST).

    Assistant United States Attorneys Emily K. Czerniejewski and Noah R. Litton are representing the United States in this case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Cleveland Area Brothers Indicted for Fraud and Money Laundering Schemes

    Source: US FBI

    CLEVELAND – Rebecca C. Lutzko, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio announced today that a federal grand jury sitting in Cleveland returned a twenty-two count indictment charging two Cleveland area brothers with multiple fraud and money laundering schemes.

    Zubair Mehmet Abdur Razzaq Al Zubair, 41, recently of Bratenahl, Ohio, and his brother Muzzammil Muhammad Al Zubair, 30, recently of Pepper Pike, Ohio, face one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 14 counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to engage in money laundering, four counts of money laundering, and one count of theft of government funds. Zubair Al Zubair also faces one count of harboring a fugitive.

    The indictment charges that from June 2020 through August 2023, the Al Zubair brothers engaged in multiple schemes, including an investment fraud scheme, a Small Business Administration COVID-19 relief Emergency Income Disaster Loan scheme, a cryptocurrency mining scheme, a commercial real estate lease scheme, and a residential real estate lease scheme. According to the facts alleged in the indictment, the Al Zubair brothers obtained funds and property from victims under false pretenses and spent the proceeds on luxury items, such as cars, travel, entertainment, firearms, and jewelry. They allegedly falsely claimed to have extraordinary wealth and government connections. Zubair Al Zubair also allegedly falsely claimed to be married to a princess and to be a member of a royal family in the United Arab Emirates. The defendants also allegedly made false claims about potential investments returns, about property they owned or controlled, and about their intentions, among other falsehoods alleged in the indictment. Through these false claims, the Al Zubair brothers allegedly obtained millions of dollars from their victims. In addition to the fraud and money laundering charges, Zubair Al Zubair is also charged with providing a place to stay and transportation to a fugitive wanted on federal criminal charges.

    An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

    The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew W. Shepherd.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Cleveland Shares Recap and Highlights From FY 2023

    Source: US FBI

    Drug and Weapons Trafficking, Crime, and Fraud Continue to be a Problem Across Northern Ohio

    CLEVELAND, OH—FBI Cleveland and its eight Resident Agencies closed out a busy fiscal year facing a myriad of growing and evolving threats across the 40 northern-most counties of Ohio. FBI Cleveland covers the 40 northern-most counties in the State of Ohio.

    “The trends we are seeing are not unique to the big cities in America, whether it’s violent crime, threats of terrorism, cybercrime, or drugs, guns, or human trafficking. From smallest and most rural towns to the larger and more populous cities, criminal enterprises are here, and operating in the backyard of all our communities,” said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen.

    In fiscal year 2023, the division noted the following accomplishments:

    • Over 600 drug seizures.
    • Nearly 500 weapons recovered.
    • Over 400 arrests and indictments, each.
    • Nearly 400 convictions.
    • Just over 400 sentencings.
    • Over 15 children identified.
    • Just under 20 children located.

    The division conducted over 115 disruptions, which is an operation in which we can articulate the routine operation of a criminal street gang (CSG) or group of criminals working together that was disrupted by an action or set of arrests conducted.

    Additionally, the division recorded 15 dismantles, which are a set of operations or close of an investigation in which the FBI can articulate complete dismantlement of a CSG or group. Disruptions and Dismantlement’s must be approved by FBI headquarters.

    A few of the highlights from the year include the arrest of 31 individuals of a drug trafficking organization in Marion, Ohio in June 2023. Arrest warrants led to the discoveries of 3 kilograms of fentanyl, 2 kilograms of cocaine, more than a kilogram of meth, 15 firearms and more than $25,000 in cash. That is enough fentanyl to kill every person in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.

    Additionally, the sentencing of Discovery Tours CEO Joseph Cipolletti who embezzled over $550,000 and $1.5 million from his family’s student travel company for his personal use, bilking schools, students, and their families of destination field trips to Washington D.C.

    Finally, the sentencing of a 37-year-old Massillon man sentenced to 30 Years in prison and lifetime supervision for kidnapping a 5-Year-Old child and possession of child pornography.

    “Our focus is unwavering; to protect the American public and uphold the U.S. Constitution. The nearly 300 special agents and professional staff of the division work tirelessly every day of the year; the FBI doesn’t close. We all want the same thing – to feel safe in our homes, at work or school, in our community, and, to build a brighter future for the next generation, Nelsen added.”

    FBI Cleveland is headquartered in downtown Cleveland with Resident Agencies in Painesville, Youngstown, Akron, Canton, Mansfield, Lima, Toledo, and Sandusky. To report a federal violation of law to the FBI Cleveland, or to any FBI field office, call 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ferocity, fitness and fast bowling: how Virat Kohli revolutionised Indian cricket

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Vaughan Cruickshank, Senior Lecturer in Health and Physical Education, University of Tasmania

    Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday.

    While his Instagram message just said this was the “right time”, his poor recent Test form, mental fatigue and desire to spend more time with his family, charity foundation and expanding business empire have been suggested as other influential factors.

    During his 14-year Test career “King Kohli” has been the backbone of the Indian batting line-up, and his absence is a huge blow as the Indians prepare to tour England next month.

    The megastar scored 9,230 runs in 123 Tests at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries.

    These numbers put him in the top five Indian test batsmen of all time, but his legacy extends far beyond his batting achievements.

    Kohli, 36, quit Twenty20 Internationals last year (after India won its second world title). He may continue to play one-day internationals.

    Rising to the top of Test cricket

    Kohli has been the greatest Indian batsman of his generation.

    He made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies and played his final match against Australia in January.

    He scored centuries against every country he played against, with more than half of these coming overseas.

    His seven Test centuries in Australia is the second most by an overseas batsman.

    He was at his peak between 2014 and 2019, when he averaged more than 60 in Test cricket and became one of the “fab four” (the world’s best Test batsmen) alongside Steve Smith, Kane Williamson and Joe Root.



    Read more:
    Is Steve Smith set to become the best? What data says about Test cricket’s elite 10,000+ run club

    This period also included six double-hundreds in 18 months, and 13 months as the number one ranked Test batsman in the world.

    Kohli the leader

    Kohli is India’s greatest ever Test captain.

    His tenure from 2014 to 2022 was a golden age for Indian Test cricket.

    India won 40 of 68 Tests (59%) in this period and did not lose a Test series at home. India was the number one ranked Test team in the world from 2016–20 and won its first Test series in Australia in 2018–19.

    These statistics make Kohli one of the most successful Test captains of all time.

    Beyond these numbers, he was a charismatic and aggressive captain who redefined India’s approach to Test cricket by bringing a more competitive edge to the team.

    He drove higher expectations around fitness, training intensity and fast bowling that continue to shape Indian cricket.

    Mandatory fitness testing and improved dieting and recovery practices, which redefined the team’s standards, are attributed to Kohli’s leadership.

    Similarly, Indian success was strongly contributed to by Kohli encouraging the development of a world-class pace bowling attack, which marked a significant shift from the spin-heavy approach of Indian cricket.

    Controversies

    While Kohli’s energy, passion and intensity contributed to his success as batsman and captain, they also led to numerous confrontations with opposition players, which some believed to be disrespectful and arrogant.

    His intense celebrations and assertive body language also drew criticism from conservative cricketing audiences.

    Kohli’s collision with Sam Konstas during the Boxing Day Test versus Australia.

    Many of these controversies have occurred in Australia, where Kohli enjoyed a love-hate relationship with Australian players and crowds.

    Examples include flipping the bird to the crowd, making sandpaper gestures (in reference to the 2018 Australian ball tampering scandal, also known as Sandpapergate) and shoulder-barging young Australian batsman Sam Konstas.

    What will his Test legacy be?

    For more than a decade, Kohli has been the heartbeat of the Indian Test team, and his retirement marks the end of an era.

    He reshaped the mindset of Indian cricket and cultivated a faster, fitter, fiercer, more successful team.

    Kohli was also one of the greatest ambassadors of Test cricket, and has played a significant role in ensuring the game remains relevant in an era increasingly dominated by T20 cricket.

    He made Test cricket aspirational again because he wanted it to thrive. He knew India needed to dominate the hardest format to be respected.

    His social media reach (272 million followers on Instagram and 67.8 million on X) is more than Tiger Woods, LeBron James and Tom Brady combined, and was even referred to by LA2028 Olympics organisers when they announced cricket’s entry into the games.

    In recent days, Kohli has been described as “a modern-day giant”, a “provocateur in chief”, and “his generation’s most profound figure”.

    Love him or hate him, he elevated the spectacle of Test cricket. His electric energy brought the best out of India and its opponents and made him impossible to ignore when batting or fielding.

    As respected cricket writer Peter Lalor noted recently:

    Nobody is irreplaceable, but nobody can replace Virat.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Ferocity, fitness and fast bowling: how Virat Kohli revolutionised Indian cricket – https://theconversation.com/ferocity-fitness-and-fast-bowling-how-virat-kohli-revolutionised-indian-cricket-256560

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Russia’s invasion united different parts of Ukraine against a common enemy – 3 years on, that unanimity still holds

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Ben Horne, Assistant Professor in the School of Information Sciences, University of Tennessee

    Russian aggression has united Ukrainians around the flag. Omer Messinger/Getty Images

    When Russia invaded Ukraine in the spring of 2022, President Vladimir Putin incorrectly assumed it would be a swift takeover.

    In fact, three years on, negotiators from both countries are tentatively exploring the idea of a negotiated way out of a largely stalemated conflict.

    So what did the Kremlin’s initial assessment get wrong? Aside from underestimating the vulnerabilities of Russia’s military, analysts have suggested that Moscow also miscalculated the support Russia would receive from Ukrainians in the country’s east who have close ethnic ties to Russia.

    Our recently published study on Ukrainian sentiment toward Russia before and after the invasion backs up that assertion. It demonstrates that even those Ukrainians who had close ties to Russia based on ethnicity, language, religion or location dramatically changed allegiances immediately following the invasion. For example, just prior to the invasion of 2022, native Russian speakers in Ukraine’s east tended to blame the West for tensions with Russia. But immediately after the invasion, they blamed Moscow in roughly the same numbers as non-Russian-speaking Ukrainians.

    Moreover, this shift was not just a short-lived reaction. Three years after the invasion, we followed up on our survey and found that Ukrainians still blame Russia for tensions to a degree that was never so unanimous before 2022.

    A natural experiment

    Our study is part of a larger project exploring how effective Russian propaganda has been at influencing Russian-speaking adults in certain former Soviet states. Our inaugural survey was launched in the fall of 2020, while the question regarding tensions between Ukraine and Russia was first posed in February 2022, immediately prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

    Surveys were completed by over 1,000 Russian-speaking people in Ukraine − excluding Crimea and the breakaway Donbas region for security reasons − and in Belarus. While the spring surveys in Ukraine were conducted in person, the others were done by telephone due to the political situation in each country.

    Belarus was chosen because it shares a similar historical, linguistic and ethnic background to Ukraine, but the two nations have diverged in their geopolitical paths. Shortly after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Belarus, like Ukraine, forged ahead in attempting to build democratic systems. But after Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko came to power in 1994, the country become an authoritarian state with a high dependence on Russia for political and economic support.

    In broad terms, Ukraine has had an opposite trajectory. Relations between Ukraine and Russia fluctuated over the initial years of independence. But since the Maidan revolution of November 2013 to February 2014, a staunch pro-Western leadership has emerged.

    Still, certain segments of the population in Ukraine continued to hold affinities toward Russia – most notably, the Russian-speaking older generation in the country’s east.

    Our surveys provide a kind of natural experiment looking at the impact of a Russian invasion on previous pro-Russian public sentiment.

    Ukraine serves as the “treatment” group and Belarus as a “quasi-control” group, with the distinguishing factor being a Russian invasion. The questions we asked: “Who do you think is responsible for the worsening tensions between Russia and Ukraine?” and “In general, how do Russian policies affect your country?”

    Ukrainian, American and Russian delegates meet for peace talks on May 16, 2025, in Istanbul, Turkey.
    Arda Kucukkaya/Turkish Foreign Ministry via Getty Images

    Converging blame

    We found that in Ukraine, but not in Belarus, geopolitical views were sharply unified by the experience of the invasion. On one level, this is not surprising – after all, the people of a country being invaded would be expected to hold some degree of resentment to the invading army.

    But what we found most interesting is that this effect in Ukraine massively overrode the split among various identities before the invasion. This was most prominent in people’s perceptions of who was to blame for rising tensions.

    Prior to the invasion, 69.7% of respondents in Ukraine overall blamed Russia for the tensions between the two countries, with 30.3% blaming NATO, Ukraine or the U.S. By August 2022, 97.3% of respondents in Ukraine blamed Russia for the tensions, with only 2.7% blaming NATO, Ukraine or the U.S.

    By comparison, in the neighboring country of Belarus, 15.5% of respondents blamed Russia for the tensions prior to the invasion, and only 21.9% of respondents blamed Russia for the tensions after the invasion.

    This near unanimity in Ukraine masks the massive shifts you see when broken down for demographic differences. For example, blame varied widely across regions of Ukraine before the invasion but converged after the invasion. Prior to the invasion, only 36.0% of respondents in the east of Ukraine and 51.4% of respondents in the south of Ukraine blamed Russia for the tensions. After the invasion, over 96% of respondents in both regions blamed Russia.

    A similar effect can be seen across other demographic differences. Only 30.6% of Catholics in Ukraine blamed Russia for the tensions prior to the invasion, while 83.0% blamed Russia later on.

    What were once stratified opinions before the invasion became uniform afterward.

    To check that this trend was not just an immediate post-invasion blip, we conducted the surveys again in September 2024 and February 2025. The overall proportion of Ukrainians who blamed Russia for the tensions remained high, with 85.7% and 84.5%, respectively. And again, these results held across the various demographic breakdowns.

    In February 2025, the most recent survey, 77.2% of respondents in the east of Ukraine and 83.0% of respondents in the south blamed Russia. Catholics across Ukraine continued to blame Russia, with 90.7% in September 2024 and 90.6% in February 2025. Overall, there has been a small drop in the percentages of those blaming Russia – with war fatigue a possible reason.

    Consequences for peace

    Our findings suggest that in times of collective threat, divisions within a society tend to fade as people come together to face a common enemy.

    And that could have huge consequences now, as various parties, including the U.S., look at peace proposals to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Among the options being explored is a scenario in which the current front lines are frozen.

    This would entail recognizing the Russian-occupied territory of Crimea and the separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk as part of Russia. But it would also effectively relinquish Ukraine’s southeastern provinces of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia to Russia.

    While our surveys cannot speak to how this will go down among the people of Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk, the study did include Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. And our findings show that the sense of Ukrainian identity strengthened even among Russian-speaking people in those areas.

    Ben Horne has received funding from the Office of Naval Research through the Minerva Research Initiative (Grant: N000142012618).

    Catherine Luther has received funding from the Office of Naval Research through the Minerva Research Initiative (Grant: N000142012618).

    R. Alexander Bentley has received funding from the Office of Naval Research through the Minerva Research Initiative (Grant: N000142012618)

    – ref. Russia’s invasion united different parts of Ukraine against a common enemy – 3 years on, that unanimity still holds – https://theconversation.com/russias-invasion-united-different-parts-of-ukraine-against-a-common-enemy-3-years-on-that-unanimity-still-holds-255092

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: “Clean, green, renewable power not tied to the old fossil gas market is what we need to bring down bills sustainably.”

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    by Green Party

    Responding to the news that the price cap for energy bills is set to drop, Green Party Deputy Leader Zack Polanski said,

    “£129 off energy bills will be felt as a welcome relief to families up and down the country who are struggling with the cost of living crisis. However, this reduction won’t scratch the surface for many who will still be worrying about how they will heat their houses over the winter ahead. It also highlights the folly of coupling our energy prices to the volatile gas market. Research shows that breaking this market mechanism that ties our energy bills to gas markets added £43 billion to UK energy bills. That’s £367 per household. This one step would allow us to utilise cheap renewable power to provide cheap renewable energy for British homes. Clean, green, renewable power not tied to the old fossil gas market is what we need to bring down bills sustainably.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: South Yorkshire to benefit from recent trade deals

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    South Yorkshire to benefit from recent trade deals

    Trade deals with India, US and the EU that have seen tariffs on key industries slashed are set to help drive growth in South Yorkshire.

    • Prime Minister to meet with the Mayor of South Yorkshire Oliver Coppard to discuss the benefits of his recent trade deals.  
    • Comes as we’ve nailed three trade deals in as many weeks to deliver growth that is a priority for the Plan for Change.   
    • Delivers job security for 5,000 workers in the region and will create more highly skilled jobs in communities.

    Trade deals with India, US and the EU that have seen tariffs on key industries slashed are set to help drive growth in South Yorkshire. 
      
    Reductions in tariffs on the steel and auto exports have provided security for nearly 5,000 workers, their families and the biggest two employers in the region.  

    It also will deliver opportunities for major job creators like Rolls Royce and Mclaren based in Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District to grow – a priority of our Plan for Change

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    These trade deals deliver long term security for nearly 5,000 workers, their families and for steel and auto manufacturing in South Yorkshire.  

    It also will create opportunities for more seamless trade, attracting inward investment that will grow the local economy and make a difference to people’s lives.   

    These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it’s lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across South Yorkshire.

    Over 31,000 people employed in agriculture across the region will also benefit from our agreement with the EU, which reduces red tape and burdens on business, meaning regional specialties like crab, Yorkshire Pudding and cheeses will face easy access to the UK’s biggest trading market. 

    The agreement also protects British steel exports from new EU rules and restrictive, providing further security for 8,400 jobs in the steel industry across Yorkshire and the Humber. 

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    The three landmark deals secured this month with the US, India, and the EU have shown this government is serious about striking the deals that our businesses want and need. 

    We are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year as part of our Plan for Change. For businesses in South Yorkshire, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners.

    The Prime Minister will tell the English Mayors and the Leaders from the Devolved Governments at a meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in London today (Friday 23 May) that his trade deals with India, the United States and the EU will deliver economic growth that will improve people’s lives at home.   

    He will challenge those in attendance to drive economic growth in their local areas to deliver for working people.   

    Liam Bates, President of Long Products, Marcegaglia said:

    The intention to remove tariffs is a very positive step, which when implemented secures both our own production in USA as well as our customers. 

    Getting this deal across the line needs to be a priority, because supply chains are currently in a state of flux awaiting the details and the effective date.

    Our increased trade with India will unlock opportunities for every region in the UK to access the world’s fastest growing economy, including South Yorkshire.  

    Under the Free Trade Deal that was concluded, tariffs on cars sold to India will come down from over 100% to 10% under a quota.  

    In the same week, we negotiated a first of its kind agreement with the US that reduces tariffs on car exports to 10% for the first 100,000 vehicles per year, almost the total number of UK vehicles exported to the country last year.  

    Both of these deals secure greater certainty for the sector, the 5,000 workers in South Yorkshire and their families, while also enhancing opportunities for manufacturing in the region to grow. 

    Just this week, the Prime Minister continued to act in Britain’s national interest by confirming a new agreement that will deliver on his core mission to grow the economy, creating more jobs in South Yorkshire, raising living standards and putting more money in people’s pockets.   

    At today’s meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions the Prime Minister will also lead discussions about spreading AI to help working people access the services that they need in their local areas.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Georgia: Women protesters targeted with escalating gender-based violence – new briefing

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Sexist insults, threats of sexual violence and unlawful and degrading strip searches against women protesters

    Opposition leader, Elene Khoshtaria, described being violently restrained by police, stripped and forced to lie naked on the floor during detention on 28 March 2025

    Full undressing during searches violates Georgian and international human rights law

    Amnesty witnessed police officers calling women protesters “whores” and threatening them and their family members

    ‘The Georgian authorities must immediately end all forms of gender-based reprisals and all unlawful use of force by law enforcement, investigate every allegation of abuse during the protests, and ensure accountability at all levels’ – Denis Krivosheev

    Police in Georgia are increasingly using gender-based violence including sexist insults, threats of sexual violence and unlawful and degrading strip searches against women involved in protests as part of their larger campaign to intimidate and punish peaceful protestors, Amnesty International said in a new briefing published today.

    Scenes of police brutality as well as violent physical attacks by unidentified individuals against peaceful protestors in Georgia have become disturbingly common since a powerful surge of pro-European, anti-government protests broke out in the country last year. Defying state repression, women protesters have become symbols of courage – but also the target of humiliation, abuse and psychological violence both by law enforcement officers and unidentified assistants.

    Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Deputy Director, said:

    “The authorities may have hoped that by targeting women with threats of sexual violence, raids in their homes, unlawful strip searches, and arbitrary detention, they would crush the spirit of resistance, deter protesters from further gatherings, and silence them. Instead, women in Georgia have risen more boldly, denouncing the abuse, demanding justice and turning repressions into resistance and defiance.

    “Unlawful, invasive and degrading strip searches in Georgia appear to be being weaponised to humiliate and intimidate protestors, especially women. This is a clear violation of both domestic and international law. The Georgian authorities must immediately end all forms of gender-based reprisals and all unlawful use of force by law enforcement, investigate every allegation of abuse during the protests, and ensure accountability at all levels.”

    State violence and dehumanising strip searches

    In recent months, Amnesty has documented numerous accounts of protesters subjected to sexist insults and threats of sexual violence, as well as humiliating strip searches. Such treatment appears to be increasingly targeting women protesters and affecting them disproportionately. These abuses not only violate Georgian law, which prohibits full undressing during searches, but also international human rights law and standards aimed at safeguarding human dignity and protecting people from gender-based violence.

    Elene Khoshtaria, an opposition leader, described being violently restrained by police, stripped and forced to lie naked on the floor during detention on 28 March 2025. Despite her medical condition, officers denied her access to medication and restrooms even after she developed hypertension and suffered repeated vomiting.

    Kristina Botkoveli, a co-founder of a protest Facebook group, was forced to strip naked in front of her elderly mother, in addition to being subjected to threats during a raid by police on their home on 1 February 2025. Kristina suffered a panic attack requiring emergency medical care.

    Activist Nino Makharadze was detained during a peaceful protest on 13 January 2025 and subjected to an invasive strip search in a temporary detention centre. She was not allowed to inform her family and friends of her whereabouts and was only given access to her lawyer after the strip search. On 5 May, she reported being ambushed along with two women friends while returning home from a protest. An unknown assailant sprayed them with pepper spray and green paint while hurling insults. All three women reportedly sustained injuries, including chemical burns that required hospitalisation.

    Verbal abuse and gendered intimidation

    Sexist verbal abuse and threats of sexual violence against peaceful protesters are another common tactic used by law enforcement to intimidate and harass. During the 2 February 2025 demonstration near Tbilisi Mall, an Amnesty representative witnessed police officers calling women protesters “whores” and threatening them and their family members. Several women also reported being threatened with rape by masked officers.

    Natia Dzidziguri, after being detained during protests on 19 November 2024, was forced to kneel in a police van surrounded by men while officers hurled sexually charged insults and gestures at her.

    Mzia Amaghlobeli, a prominent journalist, was detained twice on 11 January 2025 during peaceful protests. On both occasions, she was subjected to sexist abuse by police, with the Batumi police chief allegedly spitting on her and threatening violence. The authorities have used the video in which Mzia Amaghlobeli smacks the police chief, following their verbal altercation, to prosecute her. They have ignored the video in which the police chief hurls sexist insults and verbal abuse at her. Mzia Amaghlobeli was remanded in custody following a swift hearing during which she faced further injustice in court when the judge refused to admit any of her defence evidence. The authorities to date have failed to investigate any police officers who allegedly ill-treated and otherwise abused her and other protesters. Not a single officer against whom serious allegations have been made, by Mzia Amaghlobeli or others, was suspended from their duties during the investigation.

    A pattern of abuse

    These reports are not isolated but appear to form a broader pattern of abuse by and impunity for Georgia’s law enforcement agencies. The humiliation, sexist rhetoric and physical violence directed at women protesters in Georgia align with broader efforts to intimidate those participating in ongoing protests. Local human rights defenders highlight that many victims of humiliating treatment by police, both women and men, remain silent out of fear or shame.

    Such actions may constitute torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and violate not only Georgia’s Constitution and national legislation but also its obligations under international law, including the UN Convention Against Torture, and international standards.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Georgia: Women protesters are targeted with escalating violence and gender-based reprisals

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Police in Georgia are increasingly using gender-based violence including sexist insults, threats of sexual violence and unlawful and degrading strip searches against women involved in protests as part of their larger campaign to intimidate and punish peaceful protestors, Amnesty International said in a new briefing published today.

    Scenes of police brutality as well as violent physical attacks by unidentified individuals against peaceful protestors in Georgia have become disturbingly common since a powerful surge of pro-European, anti-government protests broke out in the country last year. Defying state repression, women protesters have become symbols of courage – but also the target of humiliation, abuse and psychological violence both by law enforcement officers and unidentified assistants.

    “The authorities may have hoped that by targeting women with threats of sexual violence, raids in their homes, unlawful strip searches, and arbitrary detention, they would crush the spirit of resistance, deter protesters from further gatherings, and silence them. Instead, women in Georgia have risen more boldly, denouncing the abuse, demanding justice and turning repressions into resistance and defiance,” said Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Deputy Director.

    State violence and dehumanizing strip searches

    In recent months, Amnesty International has documented numerous accounts of protesters subjected to sexist insults and threats of sexual violence, as well as humiliating strip searches. Such treatment appears to be increasingly targeting women protesters and affecting them disproportionately. These abuses not only violate Georgian law, which prohibits full undressing during searches, but also international human rights law and standards aimed at safeguarding human dignity and protecting people from gender-based violence.

    Elene Khoshtaria, an opposition leader, described being violently restrained by police, stripped and forced to lie naked on the floor during detention on 28 March 2025. Despite her medical condition, officers denied her access to medication and restrooms even after she developed hypertension and suffered repeated vomiting.

    Kristina Botkoveli, a co-founder of a protest Facebook group, was forced to strip naked in front of her elderly mother, in addition to being subjected to threats during a raid by police on their home on 1 February 2025. Kristina suffered a panic attack requiring emergency medical care.

    Activist Nino Makharadze was detained during a peaceful protest on 13 January 2025 and subjected to an invasive strip search in a temporary detention centre. She was not allowed to inform her family and friends of her whereabouts and was only given access to her lawyer after the strip search. On 5 May, she reported being ambushed along with two women friends while returning home from a protest. An unknown assailant sprayed them with pepper spray and green paint while hurling insults. All three women reportedly sustained injuries, including chemical burns that required hospitalization.

    Verbal abuse and gendered intimidation

    Sexist verbal abuse and threats of sexual violence against peaceful protesters are another common tactic used by law enforcement to intimidate and harass. During the 2 February 2025 demonstration near Tbilisi Mall, an Amnesty International representative witnessed police officers calling women protesters “whores” and threatening them and their family members. Several women also reported being threatened with rape by masked officers.

    Natia Dzidziguri, after being detained during protests on 19 November 2024, was forced to kneel in a police van surrounded by men while officers hurled sexually charged insults and gestures at her.

    Mzia Amaghlobeli, a prominent journalist, was detained twice on 11 January 2025 during peaceful protests. On both occasions, she was subjected to sexist abuse by police, with the Batumi police chief allegedly spitting on her and threatening violence. The authorities have used the video in which Mzia Amaghlobeli smacks the police chief, following their verbal altercation, to prosecute her. They have ignored the video in which the police chief hurls sexist insults and verbal abuse at her.Mzia Amaghlobeli was remanded in custody following a swift hearing during which she faced further injustice in court when the judge refused to admit any of her defence evidence. The authorities to date, have failed to investigate any police officers who allegedly ill-treated and otherwise abused her and other protesters. Not a single officer against whom serious allegations have been made, by Mzia Amaghlobeli or others, was suspended in their duties during the investigation

    A pattern of abuse, not isolated incidents

    These reports are not isolated but appear to form a broader pattern of abuse by and impunity for Georgia’s law enforcement agencies. The humiliation, sexist rhetoric and physical violence directed at women protesters in Georgia align with broader efforts to intimidate those participating in ongoing protests. Local human rights defenders highlight that many victims of humiliating treatment by police, both women and men, remain silent out of fear or shame.

    Such actions may constitute torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and violate not only Georgia’s Constitution and national legislation but also its obligations under international law, including the UN Convention Against Torture, and international standards.

    “Unlawful, invasive and degrading strip searches in Georgia appear to be being weaponized to humiliate and intimidate protestors, especially women This is a clear violation of both domestic and international law. The Georgian authorities must immediately end all forms of gender-based reprisals and all unlawful use of force by law enforcement, investigate every allegation of abuse during the protests, and ensure accountability at all levels,” said Denis Krivosheev.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tennessee Man Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison for Felony Charges Related to January 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

    Defendant Admitted Advance Planning To Interfere With Peaceful Transition of Power, Assaulting Law Enforcement Officers

                WASHINGTON – A Tennessee man was sentenced today to 63 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding and assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers during the January 6, 2021 breach of the U.S. Capitol.  His and others’ actions disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

                Ronald Sandlin, 35, of Millington, Tennessee, was sentenced in the District of Columbia.

                According to court documents, Sandlin and two co-conspirators – Nathaniel DeGrave and Josiah Colt – planned to interfere with the peaceful transition of presidential power, beginning in December 2020. For example, on Dec. 31, 2020, Sandlin posted to Facebook that he was organizing a caravan to travel to Washington and sought donations on a GoFundMe site. The same day, he, DeGrave, and Colt began a private chat on Facebook to plan for Jan. 6. In the chat, they discussed “shipping guns” to Sandlin’s residence in Tennessee, where they planned to meet prior to their trip.

                On Jan. 4, 2021, before heading to Washington, Sandlin posted to Facebook a picture of Colt lying on a bed holding a firearm, with the caption, “My fellow patriot sleeping ready for the boogaloo Jan 6.”  Sandlin understood at the time that the term “boogaloo” referred to civil war.

                On Jan. 6, after watching live television coverage of the “Stop the Steal” rally near the Ellipse, at a nearby restaurant, Sandlin live-streamed a video in which he called on “other patriots” to “take the Capitol.”  In the video, Sandlin stated four times that “freedom is paid for with blood.” 

                Sandlin, DeGrave, and Colt then traveled together to the Capitol wearing protective gear, including gas/face masks, helmets, and shin guards. Sandlin was armed with a knife, while DeGrave carried bear spray.  The trio then marched towards the Capitol.  After arriving on the Capitol grounds, the men scaled dismantled bike barricades and past law enforcement officers, pushing past members of the crowd to get closer to the Capitol Building. Sandlin repeatedly yelled things such as “we’re not here to spectate anymore,” “the time to talk is over,” and “if you’re not breaching the building, move out of the way.”

                 The three men entered the Capitol through the Upper West Terrace door, at approximately 2:35 p.m. While inside, Sandlin and DeGrave pushed against officers guarding an exterior door to the Capitol Rotunda, slowly forcing the door open and letting a mob stream inside. Sandlin shouted at the officers, “you’re going to die, get out of the way,” before later grabbing an officer’s helmet.

                The three men then went together up a set of stairs and to a hallway outside the Senate Chamber. Sandlin incited others in the mob to prevent U.S. Capitol Police officers from locking the doors to the Senate Gallery, shouting “grab the door.” He began shoving officers in an attempt to keep the doors open. As he did this, his hand made contact with the side of an officer’s head. The trio and dozens of other rioters then gained access to the Senate Gallery, where Sandlin recorded a selfie-style video with his cellphone, exclaiming: “We took it. We did it.”

                After leaving the Senate Gallery, Sandlin smoked a marijuana joint in the Rotunda of the Capitol. He also stole a book from a desk in a Senate-side office, which he later described to Colt as a “souvenir.” He also picked up an oil painting from the Capitol and slung it over his shoulder before others in the mob took it off his shoulder. He finally exited the Capitol at approximately 3:16 p.m.

                Shortly after the riot, Sandlin deleted photographs and messages regarding the events of Jan. 6 from his group chats with Colt, DeGrave, and others.

                Colt, 35, of Meridian, Idaho, pleaded guilty on July 14, 2021, to obstruction of an official proceeding. DeGrave, 33, of Las Vegas, Nevada, pleaded guilty on June 27, 2022, to conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding and assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers. Both are awaiting sentencing.

                In addition to the term of incarceration, Sandlin was ordered to pay a $20,000 fine and $2,000 in restitution.

                The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Justice Department’s National Security Division are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the District of Nevada and the Western District of Tennessee.

                The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI’s Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, and Memphis Field Offices, the U.S. Capitol Police, and the Metropolitan Police Department.

                In the 23 months since Jan. 6, 2021, close to 900 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more 270 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing. 

                Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Prison for Attempted Receipt of Child Sexual Abuse Material Via Instant Messaging App

    Source: US FBI

    LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon to 84 months in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for attempted receipt and possession of hundreds of child sexual abuse material.

    Jonathan Robert Risse-Santos (30) pleaded guilty in February 2022 to attempted receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography. In addition to imprisonment, Risse-Santos will be required under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act to register as a sex offender.

    According to court documents, on March 1, 2021, Risse-Santos contacted who he believed to be a 14-year-old child through Kik Messenger. He repeatedly asked the child to send nude images of herself. The next day, Risse-Santos exchanged messages via TextNow, another messaging application, and discussed engaging in sexual activity with the child. He agreed to meet the child at her home where law enforcement arrested him. During the search of Risse-Santos’ cell phone, 259 images and six videos of child sexual abuse material were discovered.

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

    This case was investigated by the FBI, the North Las Vegas Police Department, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Supriya Prasad prosecuted the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI Charge Nageezi Man with Sexual Abuse

    Source: US FBI

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Nageezi man has been charged with sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact in Indian Country.

    Patrick Wayne Platero, 46, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge and will remain in the third-party custody of La Pasada halfway house pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

    According to the indictment, between on or about January 1, 2024, and on or about April 30, 2024, Platero allegedly sexually abused and engaged in abusive sexual contact with Jane Doe.

    If convicted, Platero faces up to life in prison followed by not less than five years and up to life on supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Northfield Man Sentenced to 27 Months for Embezzling $558,625 From ValleyNet

    Source: US FBI

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on June 27, 2024, John Van Vught, 73, of Northfield, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 27 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Van Vught was also ordered to pay $558,625 of restitution to ValleyNet. Van Vught previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud on February 22, 2024.

    According to court records, from 2010 through July 2022, Van Vught was employed as an accountant for ValleyNet, a non-profit operator of fiber-to-the-home internet networks in east-central Vermont. As part of this work, Van Vught provided accounting services, including managing company bank accounts, which allowed him to execute electronic funds transfers and pay bills from ValleyNet accounts. Between approximately 2013 until July 2022, Van Vught embezzled approximately $558,625 from ValleyNet’s accounts by conducting electronic transfers. After Van Vught’s embezzlement was suspected in the summer of 2022, Van Vught provided intentionally erroneous documentation to ValleyNet leadership in an attempt to further obfuscate his theft. After being confronted with evidence of his crime by ValleyNet leadership, Van Vught fled Vermont, initially traveling west to New Mexico, then back east to Brunswick, Georgia, where he was apprehended by the FBI.

    United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt. Van Vught was represented by Federal Public Defender Michael Desautels.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Proud Boy Arrested on Felony and Misdemeanor Charges for Actions During January 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

                WASHINGTON — A New York man has been arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges related to his alleged conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His alleged actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

                Walter Joseph Wentland, 31, of Sparrow Bush, New York, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with a felony offense of obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder and misdemeanor offenses of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a Capitol building or grounds, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

                The FBI arrested Wentland today in New York, and he will make his initial appearance in the Southern District of New York.

                According to court documents, Wentland, a member of the Hudson Valley New York Proud Boys, was identified in open-source images and video footage on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, D.C., marching with other members of the local chapter toward the U.S. Capitol building.

                Wentland was identified marching in front of a row of assembled law enforcement officers inside the restricted perimeter of the Capitol and, using a bullhorn, stated to police, “Where’s your f— oath?”; “Your values mean nothing”; and “We used to back the blue, but now you’re Oathbreakers and we can’t stand you”.

                Court documents say that Wentland continued into the restricted perimeter toward a walkway near the Northwest Stairs of the Capitol. At approximately 1:59 p.m., a line of Metropolitan Police Officers (MPD) dressed in riot gear moved towards the Capitol to assist in its defense. As the MPD officers walked by, it is alleged that Wentland engaged with multiple officers, including by physically grabbing an officer. It is alleged that Wentland continued to engage with police and physically grabbed a second officer.

                Wentland then moved onto the Upper West Terrace and entered into the Capitol building via the Senate Wing Door at about 2:26 p.m. Once inside, Wentland continued down the hallway before he turned around and exited the building at approximately 2:29 p.m. via a broken window next to the Senate Wing Door.

                This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

                This case is being investigated by the FBI’s New York and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

                In the 46 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,561 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 590 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

                Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

                A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Tennessee Man Convicted of Armed Bank Robbery is Sentenced to Over 12 Years in Prison

    Source: US FBI

    ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Paul Gordon Day, 37, of Brentwood, Tennessee, was sentenced today to 147 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for the armed robbery of a bank in Asheville, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

    Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in North Carolina and Chief Michael Lamb of the Asheville Police Department, join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.

    According to filed court documents and evidence presented at Day’s trial, on November 9, 2022, at approximately 4:20 p.m., Day rode a bicycle to the PNC Bank branch

    located at 8 O’Henry Avenue, in Asheville, which is across the street from the federal courthouse. Day parked the bicycle and entered the bank wearing a blue cap, sunglasses, a blue surgical mask, a grey sweatshirt, and gloves. Upon entering the bank, Day drew from his waistband a firearm wrapped in a black plastic bag secured to the barrel with rubber bands and approached the bank tellers. Day held up a firearm, ordered a customer who was in the bank to the ground, and demanded money from tellers. The tellers complied and gave Day the cash, including a GPS tracking device concealed within the money. Day then fled the scene on the bicycle.

    Court documents show that law enforcement tracked the GPS device and determined it was located inside a vehicle traveling on Interstate 26 toward Weaverville, North Carolina. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle and arrested Day, who was alone in the vehicle. Law enforcement searched the vehicle and recovered the firearm Day used during the robbery, the stolen cash and the GPS tracking device, the bicycle, and numerous articles of clothing worn by Day during the commission of the robbery.

    On January 10, 2024, a federal jury found Day guilty of bank robbery using a dangerous weapon, and possessing and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Day remains in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
    In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the FBI, the Asheville Police Department, and the Weaverville Police Department for their investigation of the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex M. Scott of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted 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 violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
     

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