NewzIntel.com

Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Two arrested after Birkenhead aggravated robbery

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police pulled out all the stops after a man was allegedly carjacked on the North Shore early this morning.

    Two offenders face serious charges after being arrested in Manukau.

    At around 1.22am, Police were called to Waratah Street in Birkenhead.

    “A man was parked outside an address, when a stolen vehicle carrying a group of offenders arrived,” Detective Senior Sergeant Megan Goldie, of Waitematā Crime Squad, says.

    “The victim was assaulted and pulled from his vehicle, before it was stolen by these offenders.”

    The vehicle was soon picked up on cameras on the North-Western motorway, heading west.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Goldie says the Police Eagle helicopter also deployed and monitored the vehicle’s movements.

    “It carried onto the South-Western motorway, stopping briefly on Dominion Road where two passengers exited and carried on southbound,” she says.

    Spikes were successfully deployed on the Lambie Drive off-ramp.

    “Our staff took both remaining occupants into custody quickly and without incident,” Detective Senior Sergeant Goldie says.

    “Those arrested were the 16-year-old driver and 17-year-old passenger.

    “Both vehicles involved in the offending this morning have been seized and will be examined.”

    In the vehicle dumped in Birkenhead, Police have located a range of items stolen from other car break-ins across the Albany area.

    Both males arrested this morning will face the North Shore Youth Court, charged with aggravated robbery.

    The driver will also face a charge of dangerous driving.

    Police will oppose both teenagers’ bail when they appear in court.

    “There is no tolerance for the blatant violence that occurred, and I want to acknowledge the raft of Police staff that responded this morning,” Detective Senior Sergeant Goldie says.

    “The victim in this case did not suffer serious physical injuries, and enquiries are ongoing into the two passengers that exited near Dominion Road.”

    ENDS. 

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Whatcom County Man Sentenced to Four Plus Years in Prison for Brutal and Lengthy Assault of Intimate Partner

    Source: US FBI

    Member of Lummi Nation committed assault on tribal land; obstructed justice following tribal charges

    Seattle – A 50-year-old member of the Lummi Nation was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 51 months in prison for assault resulting in serious bodily injury, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller.  Jason Sieber Sr. was charged federally in February 2024, for the October 20, 2023, assault of his then intimate partner. Sieber has been detained at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac since his arrest in February 2024. At today’s sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez said, “This was a horrific attack over a long period of time – it could have ended her life.”

    According to records filed in the case, Sieber became angry with the victim over the amount of time it was taking her to cook dinner. He struck her repeatedly in the face and head and kept her from leaving the home to get help. The blows with his closed fist caused the victim to suffer facial fractures, extreme pain, and disfigurement.

    Prosecutors described the assault in their sentencing memo: “Sieber’s assault of Victim 1 on October 20, 2023, was brutal and prolonged. Over the course of multiple hours, Sieber repeatedly beat his intimate partner, breaking her nose and fracturing bones in her face. As Sieber himself admitted, his actions ‘caused her to suffer extreme physical pain, as well as protracted and obvious disfigurement.’ In addition to punching and slapping Victim 1, Sieber tied Victim 1’s feet to hooks in his bedroom ceiling, leaving her suspended and trapped for 45 minutes. He burned her using a cigarette and strangled her, while telling her how easily he could end her life.” In court today, Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn Forstein recounted those threats Sieber made to the victim. “He said ‘I could kill you right now and stuff you in a crab pot and no one would ever find you.’”

    The victim reported the assault to Lummi Nation Police ten days after the assault. Sieber was originally charged in tribal court. The case was ultimately referred to federal prosecutors.

    Even after Sieber was charged with the assault he attempted to have the victim change her account of what happened. For that conduct the judge determined that he had tried to obstruct justice.

    Sieber will be on three years of supervised release following prison.

    The case was investigated by the Lummi Nation Police Department and the FBI as part of the Safe Trails Taskforce.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn Forstein and former Assistant United States Attorney J. Tate London.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Whatcom County Man Sentenced to Four Plus Years in Prison for Brutal and Lengthy Assault of Intimate Partner

    Source: US FBI

    Member of Lummi Nation committed assault on tribal land; obstructed justice following tribal charges

    Seattle – A 50-year-old member of the Lummi Nation was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 51 months in prison for assault resulting in serious bodily injury, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller.  Jason Sieber Sr. was charged federally in February 2024, for the October 20, 2023, assault of his then intimate partner. Sieber has been detained at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac since his arrest in February 2024. At today’s sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez said, “This was a horrific attack over a long period of time – it could have ended her life.”

    According to records filed in the case, Sieber became angry with the victim over the amount of time it was taking her to cook dinner. He struck her repeatedly in the face and head and kept her from leaving the home to get help. The blows with his closed fist caused the victim to suffer facial fractures, extreme pain, and disfigurement.

    Prosecutors described the assault in their sentencing memo: “Sieber’s assault of Victim 1 on October 20, 2023, was brutal and prolonged. Over the course of multiple hours, Sieber repeatedly beat his intimate partner, breaking her nose and fracturing bones in her face. As Sieber himself admitted, his actions ‘caused her to suffer extreme physical pain, as well as protracted and obvious disfigurement.’ In addition to punching and slapping Victim 1, Sieber tied Victim 1’s feet to hooks in his bedroom ceiling, leaving her suspended and trapped for 45 minutes. He burned her using a cigarette and strangled her, while telling her how easily he could end her life.” In court today, Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn Forstein recounted those threats Sieber made to the victim. “He said ‘I could kill you right now and stuff you in a crab pot and no one would ever find you.’”

    The victim reported the assault to Lummi Nation Police ten days after the assault. Sieber was originally charged in tribal court. The case was ultimately referred to federal prosecutors.

    Even after Sieber was charged with the assault he attempted to have the victim change her account of what happened. For that conduct the judge determined that he had tried to obstruct justice.

    Sieber will be on three years of supervised release following prison.

    The case was investigated by the Lummi Nation Police Department and the FBI as part of the Safe Trails Taskforce.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn Forstein and former Assistant United States Attorney J. Tate London.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sherrill Statement On The Indictment of Rep. McIver

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

    WASHINGTON, DC — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) released the following statement denouncing the Trump Administration’s weaponization of the Justice Department through their indictment of Representative LaMonica McIver (NJ-10):

    “This indictment against Rep. McIver is extreme and purely political. The Trump DOJ is weaponizing the justice system to go after a Member of Congress for doing their job. 

    “Every Member has a constitutional right to conduct oversight. That means the right to inspect a federal facility on behalf of their constituents. I will continue to stand with Rep. McIver because this sham prosecution is an attempt to intimidate Congress and stop us from holding Trump accountable.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: BUCKS COUNTY – Lt. Gov. Austin Davis to Advocate for Shapiro-Davis Administration’s Proposed Mass Transit Investments, Connecting Communities and Powering Pennsylvania’s Economy

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    June 17, 2025 – Croydon, PA

    ADVISORY – BUCKS COUNTY – Lt. Gov. Austin Davis to Advocate for Shapiro-Davis Administration’s Proposed Mass Transit Investments, Connecting Communities and Powering Pennsylvania’s Economy

    Lt. Gov. Austin Davis will join representatives from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), as well as leaders from local employers, to highlight the importance of investing in mass transit to create jobs, connect communities and grow Pennsylvania’s economy.
    The Lieutenant Governor will host a news conference Tuesday, June 17, at 9:15 a.m. at SEPTA’s Croydon Station, 751 Bristol Pike, Croydon.

    The Lieutenant Governor will then board a Trenton Line Regional Rail train to travel to Suburban Station in downtown Philadelphia.
    The Shapiro-Davis 2025-26 budget proposal calls for significant investment in mass transit and road and bridge infrastructure all across the Commonwealth ensuring Pennsylvanians can get where they need to go.

    WHO:
    Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, state Sen. Steve Santarsiero, SEPTA Board Chair Ken Lawrence, Transport Workers Union Local 234 President Brian Pollitt, Holy Family University President Dr. Anne Prisco, Bucks County Transportation Management Association Executive Director Stephen Noll

    WHAT:
    News conference and ride-along to highlight the importance of investing in public transit

    WHEN:
    Tuesday, June 17, at 9:15 a.m.

    WHERE:
    SEPTA’s Croydon Station
    751 Bristol Pike, Croydon

    RSVP:
    Members of the news media who are interested in attending the news conference must RSVP to Kirstin Alvanitakis at kirstinalv@pa.gov. There will be opportunities for b-roll footage during the ride-along.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: BUCKS COUNTY – Lt. Gov. Austin Davis to Advocate for Shapiro-Davis Administration’s Proposed Mass Transit Investments, Connecting Communities and Powering Pennsylvania’s Economy

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    June 17, 2025 – Croydon, PA

    ADVISORY – BUCKS COUNTY – Lt. Gov. Austin Davis to Advocate for Shapiro-Davis Administration’s Proposed Mass Transit Investments, Connecting Communities and Powering Pennsylvania’s Economy

    Lt. Gov. Austin Davis will join representatives from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), as well as leaders from local employers, to highlight the importance of investing in mass transit to create jobs, connect communities and grow Pennsylvania’s economy.
    The Lieutenant Governor will host a news conference Tuesday, June 17, at 9:15 a.m. at SEPTA’s Croydon Station, 751 Bristol Pike, Croydon.

    The Lieutenant Governor will then board a Trenton Line Regional Rail train to travel to Suburban Station in downtown Philadelphia.
    The Shapiro-Davis 2025-26 budget proposal calls for significant investment in mass transit and road and bridge infrastructure all across the Commonwealth ensuring Pennsylvanians can get where they need to go.

    WHO:
    Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, state Sen. Steve Santarsiero, SEPTA Board Chair Ken Lawrence, Transport Workers Union Local 234 President Brian Pollitt, Holy Family University President Dr. Anne Prisco, Bucks County Transportation Management Association Executive Director Stephen Noll

    WHAT:
    News conference and ride-along to highlight the importance of investing in public transit

    WHEN:
    Tuesday, June 17, at 9:15 a.m.

    WHERE:
    SEPTA’s Croydon Station
    751 Bristol Pike, Croydon

    RSVP:
    Members of the news media who are interested in attending the news conference must RSVP to Kirstin Alvanitakis at kirstinalv@pa.gov. There will be opportunities for b-roll footage during the ride-along.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Declines Prosecution of Private Equity Firm Following Voluntary Disclosure of Sanctions Violations and Related Offenses Committed by Acquired Company

    Source: US State of California

    Department Credits Firm’s Swift Disclosure and Cooperation in Stopping Violations and Securing Former CEO’s Conviction

    Note: View a copy of the White Deer declination letter, Unicat non-prosecution agreement, and Mani Erfan’s plea agreement.

    The Justice Department’s National Security Division (NSD) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) today announced that they declined the prosecution of private equity firm White Deer Management LLC (White Deer) and its affiliates after the firm discovered and voluntarily self-disclosed criminal violations of U.S. sanctions and export laws committed by a company it acquired, Texas-based Unicat Catalyst Technologies LLC (Unicat).

    NSD and SDTX also announced that the Justice Department entered into a non-prosecution agreement (NPA) with Unicat, and that, on Aug. 19, 2024, the former chief executive officer (CEO) and co-founder of Unicat, Mani Erfan, pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate U.S. sanctions against Iran and other countries and foreign governments, as well as concealment and international promotional money laundering. As part of his plea, Erfan also agreed to pay a money judgment in the amount of $1,600,000.

    “After acquiring a company with a hidden history of sanctions violations, this private equity firm uncovered the misconduct, stopped it, and quickly reported it to the government, leading to the successful prosecution of a senior executive,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Our decision to decline prosecution of the acquiror and extend a non-prosecution agreement to the acquired entity in this case reflects the National Security Division’s strong commitment to rewarding responsible corporate leadership.”

    “Illegally exporting sensitive items to Venezuela and Iran to help them evade sanctions directly undermines U.S. foreign policy and threatens our national security,” said Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz of Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) Houston. “HSI will not sit by idly while businesses or individuals operating in the U.S. blatantly help our nation’s adversaries procure sensitive technologies or weapons and today’s announcement of a $3 million fine and the imposition of criminal charges is just another example of that enduring commitment.”

    As detailed in court documents and in the Department’s agreements with White Deer and Unicat, from approximately 2014 through 2021, Mani Erfan, Unicat’s former CEO, conspired with others, including at least one other Unicat employee, to cause Unicat to submit bids and make sales to customers in Iran, Venezuela, Syria, and Cuba in violation of U.S. economic sanctions. In total, Erfan caused Unicat to make a total of 23 unlawful sales of chemical catalysts used in oil refining and steel production to customers in Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba. Some of the sales were effected through exports of catalysts from the United States and further violated U.S. export control laws.

    To further the conspiracy, the conspirators made false statements in export documents and financial records about the true identities and locations of Unicat’s customers and falsely assured some Unicat employees that the company’s business with customers subject to U.S. economic sanctions was lawful. Unicat obtained approximately $3.33 million in revenue from its unlawful sales.

    Erfan and Unicat employees additionally falsified invoices to reduce the tariffs assessed on catalysts that Unicat imported from China. By undervaluing these imports, Unicat caused a loss of revenue of approximately $1.66 million in duties, taxes, and fees. Further, during negotiations to sell Unicat to White Deer, Unicat’s prior owners provided representations and warranties to White Deer attesting to Unicat’s compliance with U.S. sanctions and export control laws.

    The scheme came to light in June 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, after White Deer acquired Unicat and a second company based in the United Kingdom, and Unicat’s new CEO was able to travel to the United States to visit Unicat and begin to integrate the operations of the company. During his visit, the new CEO learned that Unicat had a pending transaction with an Iranian customer and immediately ordered the deal’s cancellation. Over the next month, White Deer and Unicat’s new CEO retained counsel to investigate, and learned that Unicat had engaged in a series of transactions with counterparties subject to different U.S. sanctions programs. Before the investigation was complete, but after determining that Unicat employees had engaged in potentially criminal violations of U.S. sanctions laws, White Deer and Unicat’s new management submitted a voluntary self-disclosure to NSD.

    Pursuant to the NPA, Unicat agreed to pay forfeiture totaling $3,325,052.10, representing the proceeds of its violations of U.S. sanctions and export control laws. In parallel resolutions coordinated between the Justice Department, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Office of Export Enforcement (OEE), Unicat agreed to pay $3,882,797 to OFAC for its apparent violations of U.S. sanctions laws, and agreed with OEE to pay a penalty of $391,183 for its violation of U.S. export control laws. OFAC agreed to credit Unicat’s payment of forfeiture pursuant to the NPA against the OFAC penalty, and OEE has agreed to credit Unicat’s payment to OFAC against the OEE penalty. In a separate administrative resolution with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Unicat agreed to pay $1,655,189.57, in underpaid duties, taxes, and fees.

    NSD and SDTX declined White Deer’s prosecution and entered into the NPA with Unicat after considering the factors set forth in the Department’s Principles of Federal Prosecution of Business Organizations, the National Security Division Enforcement Policy for Business Organizations (NSD Enforcement Policy), and pursuant to the provisions of the NSD Enforcement Policy that apply to Voluntary Self-Disclosures in Connection with Acquisitions (the NSD M&A Policy).

    The NSD M&A Policy provides that when a company (1) completes a lawful bona fide acquisition of another entity, (2) voluntarily and timely self-discloses to NSD potentially criminal violations of laws affecting U.S. national security committed by the acquired entity, (3) fully cooperates with NSD’s investigation, and (4) timely and appropriately remediates the misconduct, NSD generally will not seek a guilty plea from the acquiror, and there is a presumption that NSD will decline to prosecute the acquiror. The NSD M&A Policy further provides that while a presumption of declination is not available to the acquired entity, NSD will credit the acquiror’s timely voluntary self-disclosure to the acquired entity and will consider whether the acquired entity otherwise satisfies the NSD Enforcement Policy’s requirements to obtain the benefits of the Policy.

    NSD and SDTX determined that White Deer’s acquisition of Unicat was a lawful bona fide acquisition, and that White Deer’s self-disclosure was timely under all of the relevant circumstances, including the COVID-19 pandemic and in the context of White Deer’s acquisition of Unicat and efforts to integrate the company’s operations into another acquired entity. White Deer and Unicat fully cooperated with the government’s subsequent investigation by proactively identifying, collecting, and disclosing relevant evidence to investigators, including foreign language evidence and evidence located overseas, and providing detailed and timely responses to the government’s requests for information and evidence. White Deer’s and Unicat’s cooperation materially assisted the government’s investigation, leading to the successful prosecution of Unicat’s former CEO. Unicat remediated the root cause of the misconduct in less than one year from the date of its discovery by terminating culpable employees, disciplining other employees involved in the misconduct, seeking reimbursement from Unicat’s sellers, and designing and implementing a comprehensive and robust internal controls and compliance program that has proven effective in practice at identifying and preventing similar potential misconduct.

    This resolution marks the first time since the creation of the Justice Department’s Mergers and Acquisitions Policy in March 2024 that the Department has declined the prosecution of an acquiror for self-disclosing criminal conduct discovered at an acquired entity.

    Trial Attorneys Adam P. Barry and Yifei Zheng of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Mark McIntyre for the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case.

    ICE-HSI, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and BIS investigated the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Declines Prosecution of Private Equity Firm Following Voluntary Disclosure of Sanctions Violations and Related Offenses Committed by Acquired Company

    Source: US State of California

    Department Credits Firm’s Swift Disclosure and Cooperation in Stopping Violations and Securing Former CEO’s Conviction

    Note: View a copy of the White Deer declination letter, Unicat non-prosecution agreement, and Mani Erfan’s plea agreement.

    The Justice Department’s National Security Division (NSD) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) today announced that they declined the prosecution of private equity firm White Deer Management LLC (White Deer) and its affiliates after the firm discovered and voluntarily self-disclosed criminal violations of U.S. sanctions and export laws committed by a company it acquired, Texas-based Unicat Catalyst Technologies LLC (Unicat).

    NSD and SDTX also announced that the Justice Department entered into a non-prosecution agreement (NPA) with Unicat, and that, on Aug. 19, 2024, the former chief executive officer (CEO) and co-founder of Unicat, Mani Erfan, pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate U.S. sanctions against Iran and other countries and foreign governments, as well as concealment and international promotional money laundering. As part of his plea, Erfan also agreed to pay a money judgment in the amount of $1,600,000.

    “After acquiring a company with a hidden history of sanctions violations, this private equity firm uncovered the misconduct, stopped it, and quickly reported it to the government, leading to the successful prosecution of a senior executive,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Our decision to decline prosecution of the acquiror and extend a non-prosecution agreement to the acquired entity in this case reflects the National Security Division’s strong commitment to rewarding responsible corporate leadership.”

    “Illegally exporting sensitive items to Venezuela and Iran to help them evade sanctions directly undermines U.S. foreign policy and threatens our national security,” said Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz of Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) Houston. “HSI will not sit by idly while businesses or individuals operating in the U.S. blatantly help our nation’s adversaries procure sensitive technologies or weapons and today’s announcement of a $3 million fine and the imposition of criminal charges is just another example of that enduring commitment.”

    As detailed in court documents and in the Department’s agreements with White Deer and Unicat, from approximately 2014 through 2021, Mani Erfan, Unicat’s former CEO, conspired with others, including at least one other Unicat employee, to cause Unicat to submit bids and make sales to customers in Iran, Venezuela, Syria, and Cuba in violation of U.S. economic sanctions. In total, Erfan caused Unicat to make a total of 23 unlawful sales of chemical catalysts used in oil refining and steel production to customers in Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba. Some of the sales were effected through exports of catalysts from the United States and further violated U.S. export control laws.

    To further the conspiracy, the conspirators made false statements in export documents and financial records about the true identities and locations of Unicat’s customers and falsely assured some Unicat employees that the company’s business with customers subject to U.S. economic sanctions was lawful. Unicat obtained approximately $3.33 million in revenue from its unlawful sales.

    Erfan and Unicat employees additionally falsified invoices to reduce the tariffs assessed on catalysts that Unicat imported from China. By undervaluing these imports, Unicat caused a loss of revenue of approximately $1.66 million in duties, taxes, and fees. Further, during negotiations to sell Unicat to White Deer, Unicat’s prior owners provided representations and warranties to White Deer attesting to Unicat’s compliance with U.S. sanctions and export control laws.

    The scheme came to light in June 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, after White Deer acquired Unicat and a second company based in the United Kingdom, and Unicat’s new CEO was able to travel to the United States to visit Unicat and begin to integrate the operations of the company. During his visit, the new CEO learned that Unicat had a pending transaction with an Iranian customer and immediately ordered the deal’s cancellation. Over the next month, White Deer and Unicat’s new CEO retained counsel to investigate, and learned that Unicat had engaged in a series of transactions with counterparties subject to different U.S. sanctions programs. Before the investigation was complete, but after determining that Unicat employees had engaged in potentially criminal violations of U.S. sanctions laws, White Deer and Unicat’s new management submitted a voluntary self-disclosure to NSD.

    Pursuant to the NPA, Unicat agreed to pay forfeiture totaling $3,325,052.10, representing the proceeds of its violations of U.S. sanctions and export control laws. In parallel resolutions coordinated between the Justice Department, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Office of Export Enforcement (OEE), Unicat agreed to pay $3,882,797 to OFAC for its apparent violations of U.S. sanctions laws, and agreed with OEE to pay a penalty of $391,183 for its violation of U.S. export control laws. OFAC agreed to credit Unicat’s payment of forfeiture pursuant to the NPA against the OFAC penalty, and OEE has agreed to credit Unicat’s payment to OFAC against the OEE penalty. In a separate administrative resolution with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Unicat agreed to pay $1,655,189.57, in underpaid duties, taxes, and fees.

    NSD and SDTX declined White Deer’s prosecution and entered into the NPA with Unicat after considering the factors set forth in the Department’s Principles of Federal Prosecution of Business Organizations, the National Security Division Enforcement Policy for Business Organizations (NSD Enforcement Policy), and pursuant to the provisions of the NSD Enforcement Policy that apply to Voluntary Self-Disclosures in Connection with Acquisitions (the NSD M&A Policy).

    The NSD M&A Policy provides that when a company (1) completes a lawful bona fide acquisition of another entity, (2) voluntarily and timely self-discloses to NSD potentially criminal violations of laws affecting U.S. national security committed by the acquired entity, (3) fully cooperates with NSD’s investigation, and (4) timely and appropriately remediates the misconduct, NSD generally will not seek a guilty plea from the acquiror, and there is a presumption that NSD will decline to prosecute the acquiror. The NSD M&A Policy further provides that while a presumption of declination is not available to the acquired entity, NSD will credit the acquiror’s timely voluntary self-disclosure to the acquired entity and will consider whether the acquired entity otherwise satisfies the NSD Enforcement Policy’s requirements to obtain the benefits of the Policy.

    NSD and SDTX determined that White Deer’s acquisition of Unicat was a lawful bona fide acquisition, and that White Deer’s self-disclosure was timely under all of the relevant circumstances, including the COVID-19 pandemic and in the context of White Deer’s acquisition of Unicat and efforts to integrate the company’s operations into another acquired entity. White Deer and Unicat fully cooperated with the government’s subsequent investigation by proactively identifying, collecting, and disclosing relevant evidence to investigators, including foreign language evidence and evidence located overseas, and providing detailed and timely responses to the government’s requests for information and evidence. White Deer’s and Unicat’s cooperation materially assisted the government’s investigation, leading to the successful prosecution of Unicat’s former CEO. Unicat remediated the root cause of the misconduct in less than one year from the date of its discovery by terminating culpable employees, disciplining other employees involved in the misconduct, seeking reimbursement from Unicat’s sellers, and designing and implementing a comprehensive and robust internal controls and compliance program that has proven effective in practice at identifying and preventing similar potential misconduct.

    This resolution marks the first time since the creation of the Justice Department’s Mergers and Acquisitions Policy in March 2024 that the Department has declined the prosecution of an acquiror for self-disclosing criminal conduct discovered at an acquired entity.

    Trial Attorneys Adam P. Barry and Yifei Zheng of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Mark McIntyre for the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case.

    ICE-HSI, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and BIS investigated the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Declines Prosecution of Private Equity Firm Following Voluntary Disclosure of Sanctions Violations and Related Offenses Committed by Acquired Company

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Department Credits Firm’s Swift Disclosure and Cooperation in Stopping Violations and Securing Former CEO’s Conviction

    Note: View a copy of the White Deer declination letter, Unicat non-prosecution agreement, and Mani Erfan’s plea agreement.

    The Justice Department’s National Security Division (NSD) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) today announced that they declined the prosecution of private equity firm White Deer Management LLC (White Deer) and its affiliates after the firm discovered and voluntarily self-disclosed criminal violations of U.S. sanctions and export laws committed by a company it acquired, Texas-based Unicat Catalyst Technologies LLC (Unicat).

    NSD and SDTX also announced that the Justice Department entered into a non-prosecution agreement (NPA) with Unicat, and that, on Aug. 19, 2024, the former chief executive officer (CEO) and co-founder of Unicat, Mani Erfan, pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate U.S. sanctions against Iran and other countries and foreign governments, as well as concealment and international promotional money laundering. As part of his plea, Erfan also agreed to pay a money judgment in the amount of $1,600,000.

    “After acquiring a company with a hidden history of sanctions violations, this private equity firm uncovered the misconduct, stopped it, and quickly reported it to the government, leading to the successful prosecution of a senior executive,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Our decision to decline prosecution of the acquiror and extend a non-prosecution agreement to the acquired entity in this case reflects the National Security Division’s strong commitment to rewarding responsible corporate leadership.”

    “Illegally exporting sensitive items to Venezuela and Iran to help them evade sanctions directly undermines U.S. foreign policy and threatens our national security,” said Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz of Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) Houston. “HSI will not sit by idly while businesses or individuals operating in the U.S. blatantly help our nation’s adversaries procure sensitive technologies or weapons and today’s announcement of a $3 million fine and the imposition of criminal charges is just another example of that enduring commitment.”

    As detailed in court documents and in the Department’s agreements with White Deer and Unicat, from approximately 2014 through 2021, Mani Erfan, Unicat’s former CEO, conspired with others, including at least one other Unicat employee, to cause Unicat to submit bids and make sales to customers in Iran, Venezuela, Syria, and Cuba in violation of U.S. economic sanctions. In total, Erfan caused Unicat to make a total of 23 unlawful sales of chemical catalysts used in oil refining and steel production to customers in Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba. Some of the sales were effected through exports of catalysts from the United States and further violated U.S. export control laws.

    To further the conspiracy, the conspirators made false statements in export documents and financial records about the true identities and locations of Unicat’s customers and falsely assured some Unicat employees that the company’s business with customers subject to U.S. economic sanctions was lawful. Unicat obtained approximately $3.33 million in revenue from its unlawful sales.

    Erfan and Unicat employees additionally falsified invoices to reduce the tariffs assessed on catalysts that Unicat imported from China. By undervaluing these imports, Unicat caused a loss of revenue of approximately $1.66 million in duties, taxes, and fees. Further, during negotiations to sell Unicat to White Deer, Unicat’s prior owners provided representations and warranties to White Deer attesting to Unicat’s compliance with U.S. sanctions and export control laws.

    The scheme came to light in June 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, after White Deer acquired Unicat and a second company based in the United Kingdom, and Unicat’s new CEO was able to travel to the United States to visit Unicat and begin to integrate the operations of the company. During his visit, the new CEO learned that Unicat had a pending transaction with an Iranian customer and immediately ordered the deal’s cancellation. Over the next month, White Deer and Unicat’s new CEO retained counsel to investigate, and learned that Unicat had engaged in a series of transactions with counterparties subject to different U.S. sanctions programs. Before the investigation was complete, but after determining that Unicat employees had engaged in potentially criminal violations of U.S. sanctions laws, White Deer and Unicat’s new management submitted a voluntary self-disclosure to NSD.

    Pursuant to the NPA, Unicat agreed to pay forfeiture totaling $3,325,052.10, representing the proceeds of its violations of U.S. sanctions and export control laws. In parallel resolutions coordinated between the Justice Department, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Office of Export Enforcement (OEE), Unicat agreed to pay $3,882,797 to OFAC for its apparent violations of U.S. sanctions laws, and agreed with OEE to pay a penalty of $391,183 for its violation of U.S. export control laws. OFAC agreed to credit Unicat’s payment of forfeiture pursuant to the NPA against the OFAC penalty, and OEE has agreed to credit Unicat’s payment to OFAC against the OEE penalty. In a separate administrative resolution with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Unicat agreed to pay $1,655,189.57, in underpaid duties, taxes, and fees.

    NSD and SDTX declined White Deer’s prosecution and entered into the NPA with Unicat after considering the factors set forth in the Department’s Principles of Federal Prosecution of Business Organizations, the National Security Division Enforcement Policy for Business Organizations (NSD Enforcement Policy), and pursuant to the provisions of the NSD Enforcement Policy that apply to Voluntary Self-Disclosures in Connection with Acquisitions (the NSD M&A Policy).

    The NSD M&A Policy provides that when a company (1) completes a lawful bona fide acquisition of another entity, (2) voluntarily and timely self-discloses to NSD potentially criminal violations of laws affecting U.S. national security committed by the acquired entity, (3) fully cooperates with NSD’s investigation, and (4) timely and appropriately remediates the misconduct, NSD generally will not seek a guilty plea from the acquiror, and there is a presumption that NSD will decline to prosecute the acquiror. The NSD M&A Policy further provides that while a presumption of declination is not available to the acquired entity, NSD will credit the acquiror’s timely voluntary self-disclosure to the acquired entity and will consider whether the acquired entity otherwise satisfies the NSD Enforcement Policy’s requirements to obtain the benefits of the Policy.

    NSD and SDTX determined that White Deer’s acquisition of Unicat was a lawful bona fide acquisition, and that White Deer’s self-disclosure was timely under all of the relevant circumstances, including the COVID-19 pandemic and in the context of White Deer’s acquisition of Unicat and efforts to integrate the company’s operations into another acquired entity. White Deer and Unicat fully cooperated with the government’s subsequent investigation by proactively identifying, collecting, and disclosing relevant evidence to investigators, including foreign language evidence and evidence located overseas, and providing detailed and timely responses to the government’s requests for information and evidence. White Deer’s and Unicat’s cooperation materially assisted the government’s investigation, leading to the successful prosecution of Unicat’s former CEO. Unicat remediated the root cause of the misconduct in less than one year from the date of its discovery by terminating culpable employees, disciplining other employees involved in the misconduct, seeking reimbursement from Unicat’s sellers, and designing and implementing a comprehensive and robust internal controls and compliance program that has proven effective in practice at identifying and preventing similar potential misconduct.

    This resolution marks the first time since the creation of the Justice Department’s Mergers and Acquisitions Policy in March 2024 that the Department has declined the prosecution of an acquiror for self-disclosing criminal conduct discovered at an acquired entity.

    Trial Attorneys Adam P. Barry and Yifei Zheng of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Mark McIntyre for the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case.

    ICE-HSI, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and BIS investigated the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Announces Five Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JUNE 16, 2025

    Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced five appointments to various boards and commissions. Governor Kehoe filed the official appointment letters for these individuals on Friday, June 13.

    Shalonn “Kiki” Curls, of Kansas City, was appointed to the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority.

    Former Senator Curls currently serves as the deputy director of the Heavy Constructors Association of Greater Kansas City. She most recently served as commissioner for Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations in Jefferson City, having been appointed by Governor Parson in 2020. Prior to her appointment, she served in the Missouri legislature for 13 years, representing the people of Jackson County in the Missouri House and Senate. Curls serves on the board of Jobs for America’s Graduates, Community Builders of Kansas City, University Health Hospital, and more. She received her education from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

    Logan Hobbs, of Jefferson City, was appointed as chair of the State Board of Mediation.

    Mr. Hobbs serves as the director of labor standards for the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, managing a division of over 30 state government workers to ensure state labor standards are enforced throughout the State of Missouri. He previously served as the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ legislative liaison, representing the Department’s interests in the state capitol. Hobbs has also served as the supervisor of English instructors for a private English academy in the Republic of Korea, as well as assisted in maintaining his family cow-calf operation in McDonald County. Mr. Hobbs earned his degree in political science and international relations from Truman State University in Kirksville.

    Rhonda Mammen, of Springfield, was reappointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

    Ms. Mammen previously served as director of school counseling services for the Springfield School District and an instructor for in-person and online courses for master’s level students in the School Counseling Program at Missouri State University. She has served on the Child Abuse and Neglect Collaborative and the Underage Drinking Task Force of the Community Partnership of the Ozarks. Mammen actively volunteers for organizations such as the Council of Churches Crosslines Food Pantry, O’Reilly Center for Hope, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and more. She holds a bachelor’s in education and a master’s in school counseling from Missouri State University.

    Jennifer Schoonover, of Trimble, was reappointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

    Ms. Schoonover is the vice president of clinical services at Synergy Services, Inc., a non-profit mental health center helping survivors of family violence and creating safe communities. She is a certified counselor with the National Board of Certified Counselors. She is also an active member of the Coalition Against Human Trafficking. Schoonover received a bachelor’s degree in psychology rehabilitation and a master’s degree in counseling psychology from University of Central Missouri.

    Kristen Tuohy, of Rogersville, was reappointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

    Ms. Tuohy serves as the Prosecuting Attorney for Christian County. Touhy previously served as the First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Christian County and Senior Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office. She received her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Targeted cost of living support for Canberrans

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Our CBR is the ACT Government’s key channel to connect with Canberrans and keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in the city. Our CBR includes a monthly print edition, email newsletter and website.

    You can easily opt in or out of the newsletter subscription at any time.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Suspect Wanted in 26 Count Indictment Arrested by Task Force

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Cleveland, OH – Late this afternoon, members of the U.S. Marshals led Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) along with the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s (OSHP) Aviation Unit and Special Response Team arrested Gianni Gray Jr. 26.

    Gray Jr. was wanted by the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department for a 26-count indictment, with charges that include trafficking offenses, drug possession, having weapons while under disability, possession of criminal tools, and receiving stolen property.  Many of the charges have firearms specifications attached to them as well. Gray has been on the run from these charges for a year.  

    Two months ago, members of the NOVFTF began looking for Gray Jr. and his codefendant, Jamal Taylor.  Taylor was arrested by the NOVFTF on April 18 after a short foot pursuit on Cleveland’s westside.  Gray Jr. was recently featured as Crimestoppers most wanted last month.  

    Early this morning, members of the NOVFTF and the OSHP Aviation Unit and SRT began searching for Gray Jr. on the eastside of Cleveland.  Officers were able to locate Gray Jr. in the parking lot of a business in the 9200 block of Miles Ave.  After a short foot pursuit, Gray Jr. was taken into custody.  A handgun was seized from Gray Jr., along with an unknown amount of drugs. The task force will work with local and federal partners to determine if further charges are warranted. 

    U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “This suspect is a menace to our communities with the laundry list of charges against him.  His violent felonies, possession of drugs and a gun at his arrest today show he has no intention of stopping his criminal activity.  Cleveland and the surrounding communities are safer with this suspect behind bars.”

    Anyone with information concerning a wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.  Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland.  

    The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force – Cleveland Division is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies:  U.S. Marshals Service, Cleveland Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department, Euclid Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Independence Police Department, Parma Police Department, Aurora Police Department, Solon Police Department, Cleveland RTA Police Department, Westlake Police Department, Bedford Police Department, Middleburg Heights Police Department, Newburgh Heights Police Department and the Metrohealth Police Department. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: Participants of the anniversary shift should take with them in their hearts love for our country and for Artek

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On June 16, 2025, a special commemorative postage stamp cancellation ceremony dedicated to the centenary of the center was held at the Artek International Children’s Center. The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko, Minister of Education Sergei Kravtsov, and Director of the Artek International Children’s Center Konstantin Fedorenko.

    They greeted the Artek children and took part in the special cancellation procedure – a special postmark that is valid for only one day. This postmark with the date and place of the ceremony turns the postal products that have undergone the cancellation into real philatelic rarities.

    “Being a participant in the anniversary shift is a great honor and privilege. You should carry in your hearts the love for our country, for Artek, meet the children with whom you will go through life, who will forever remain Artekites and will be with you. Here you learn to be friends, work and be useful to our country and your families. This is the main thing you should learn here. Artek has been around for over 100 years, and now we can say so, it is an international standard for the best children’s recreation. Happy anniversary, Artek! Happy holiday, guys!” Dmitry Chernyshenko addressed the participants.

    “On this festive day, I want to thank the counselors, the organizers, who do everything to ensure that each of you realizes your talents. Guys, I think that you will also join these words. Today is a significant event for the international children’s center “Artek” and for other children’s centers. We laid a capsule in 2125, the ceremony of cancellation of the anniversary postage stamp took place. I am sure that in 100 years, the children will also strive to get to “Artek” and rejoice at the opportunity to be here,” said Sergey Kravtsov at the ceremony of cancellation of the stamp.

    During the celebration, Artek member Ruslan Minyaylenko from the Luhansk People’s Republic, the author of the drawing that won the competition to create a sketch for a postage stamp, spoke about the creation of the sketch. His work reflects the spirit and long-standing traditions of Artek, uniting the past and the present.

    The camp counselors and educators prepared a creative exhibition where they presented postage stamps, envelopes and postcards issued in different years on significant dates in the history of Artek. Among them: a postage stamp from 1938 from the Children of the Land of Soviets series; a stamp from 1948 dedicated to the All-Union Pioneer Organization; a stamp from 1958 for International Children’s Day with an image of a bugler from a pioneer camp; postage envelopes from 1963, 1965, 1971 issued by the USSR Ministry of Communications; a postcard from 1975 in honor of the 50th anniversary of the camp; stamps from 1985 and 2015 dedicated to the 60th and 90th anniversaries of Artek, respectively. This exhibition allowed guests and Artek residents to see how the images and symbols of Artek on postal items changed and to feel the connection between generations.

    The release of the anniversary postage stamp is accompanied by the publication of first day covers, maximum cards, artistic covers and vignettes. All these collectibles can be purchased at post offices throughout Russia. Particular attention is paid to the special cancellation stamps, which were made not only for Moscow and Gurzuf (Republic of Crimea), but also for Ulyanovsk and Chelyabinsk.

    The festive mood was created by the theatrical composition “Native Artek” with the participation of the famous song theater “Neposedy”. Artek residents had the opportunity to personally sign envelopes and receive unique impressions of a special stamp in the post house “Artek Post”.

    In addition, Dmitry Chernyshenko, Sergey Kravtsov and Konstantin Fedorenko, together with Artek children, unveiled a memorial bas-relief dedicated to the sculptor Ernst Neizvestny at the entrance to the educational space for artistic creativity.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed Robber Gets Seven Years For 7-Eleven Robberies

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Kevon Holston, 27, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today in Superior Court for robberies he committed on two separate dates at 7-Eleven stores in Northwest, Washington, D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Holston pleaded guilty on March 31, 2025, to one count each of armed robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and robbery. Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced Holston to seven years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. 

                According to the government’s evidence, at approximately, 11:27 p.m., on November 27, 2024, Holston entered a 7-­Eleven store located in the 1600 block of 7th Street, Northwest, and pointed a gun at a store employee and demanded money. The victim complied and gave the defendant $200 in cash. Holston took the money and fled the store.

                On December 28, 2024, at approximately 8:05 p.m., Holston entered a different 7-Eleven store located in the 500 block of K Street, Northwest. The defendant brandished a gun and told the victim, “give me all you got.” The victim did not have the PIN to the cash register and called over another employee to assist with opening it. The second victim opened the register and handed $5 in cash to the defendant. Holston took the money and fled the store.

                In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorney Rashmika Nedungadi, who prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed Robber Gets Seven Years For 7-Eleven Robberies

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Kevon Holston, 27, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today in Superior Court for robberies he committed on two separate dates at 7-Eleven stores in Northwest, Washington, D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Holston pleaded guilty on March 31, 2025, to one count each of armed robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and robbery. Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced Holston to seven years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. 

                According to the government’s evidence, at approximately, 11:27 p.m., on November 27, 2024, Holston entered a 7-­Eleven store located in the 1600 block of 7th Street, Northwest, and pointed a gun at a store employee and demanded money. The victim complied and gave the defendant $200 in cash. Holston took the money and fled the store.

                On December 28, 2024, at approximately 8:05 p.m., Holston entered a different 7-Eleven store located in the 500 block of K Street, Northwest. The defendant brandished a gun and told the victim, “give me all you got.” The victim did not have the PIN to the cash register and called over another employee to assist with opening it. The second victim opened the register and handed $5 in cash to the defendant. Holston took the money and fled the store.

                In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorney Rashmika Nedungadi, who prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rapid surrender of high-profile murder suspect from Greece to Italy coordinated by Eurojust

    Source: Eurojust

    The suspect in a high-profile murder case can be surrendered from Greece to Italy, due to a rapid judicial support action coordinated by Eurojust. Close cooperation via the Agency ensured that a European Arrest Warrant (EAW) could be issued in time, in order to keep the suspect detained in Greece. The detained person is suspected of the murder of an infant girl in the Villa Doria Pamphili park in Rome a week ago.

    Investigations indicated an American citizen as the alleged suspect of the murder, which led to public indignation in Italy. The body of the alleged mother of the young child was also found in the park last week, but the cause of her death has not yet been officially ascertained.

    The Italian State Police, coordinated by the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Rome, managed to trace the suspect travelling to the Greek island of Skiathos last Thursday. In close cooperation with their Italian counterparts, the Greek police were able to apprehend him the following day.

    The rapid issuance and timely execution of an EAW were essential to detain the American citizen. This was arranged through close and immediate cooperation between the Italian and Greek National Desks at the Agency, after the national authorities had requested their assistance.

    The suspect is currently still in detention in Greece, as he did not consent to a surrender to Italy. The Council of the Court of Appeals of Larissa will decide in the coming days on the procedure regarding his surrender to Italy.

    The investigations and actions on the ground were carried out at the request of and by the following authorities:

    • Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office (PPO), Rome; State Police, Rome (Mobile Squad and Central Operations Service); SIRENE Bureau of Italy
    • Greece: PPO Court of Appeals, Larissa; PPO Court of First Instance, Volos; Police Department, Skiathos; SIRENE Bureau of Greece

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Peru: Granting amnesty to those responsible for human rights violations is turning our backs on thousands of victims

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Lima, 13 June 2025. Amnesty International rejects bill 7549, approved by Congress on the first vote, which proposes granting amnesty to members of the Armed Forces, the Police, members of self-defense committees and State officials who have not received a final sentence in “cases related to the fight against terrorism in the period 1980-2000”. Likewise, it establishes a “humanitarian amnesty” for people over 70 years of age who have a final sentence with the quality of res judicata or are in the process of serving a sentence.

    The approval of this bill violates and jeopardizes access to justice, truth and reparation for thousands of victims and their families, as it puts a stop to the ongoing criminal action against alleged perpetrators of crimes under international law and spares punishment for those who have been found responsible for crimes such as extrajudicial executions, forced disappearances, torture and sexual violence.  

    This amnesty, if definitively approved, will impact at least 156 cases with a final sentence whose perpetrators – who are currently serving sentences for crimes against humanity and serious human rights violations – will be released. In addition, it would put an end to hundreds of cases under investigation and trial, such the Putis (Ayacucho) massacre in 1984, where 123 people were killed. 

    “Thousands of families have been seeking justice, truth and reparation for decades. To close the wounds of the internal armed conflict, it is essential that all victims have access to their rights. It is essential to think about a reasonable timeframe for the victims, and that means that it is important to strengthen investigations and prosecutors’ offices, not to eliminate processes and penalties for the perpetrators of serious human rights violations”, said Marina Navarro, executive director of Amnesty International Peru. 

    Thousands of families have been seeking justice, truth and reparation for decades. To close the wounds of the internal armed conflict, it is essential that all victims have access to their rights.

    Marina Navarro, executive director of Amnesty International Peru. 

    Regional and international human rights standards clearly state that amnesties are inadmissible for cases of serious violations and crimes against humanity, such as those committed in Peru between 1980 and 2000. Granting amnesties to the alleged perpetrators and those responsible for these acts represents a serious breach of the international obligation acquired by the Peruvian State to investigate, prosecute and punish those who commit serious human rights violations, and to guarantee access to justice for the victims.

    On the other hand, ensuring the life and guaranteeing the right to health of a person deprived of their liberty is a legitimate concern, but each case must be reviewed individually and evaluated proportionately, so that any measure taken does not prejudice the right of victims of human rights violations and their families to justice. 

    “It is very worrying that in Peru, instead of strengthening guarantees of non-repetition, a law that prescribes crimes against humanity was approved last year, and today approval is being sought for a generalized amnesty project. You cannot turn your back on victims and family members who have been waiting for justice for decades. We will continue to demand justice, truth, reparation and guarantees of non-repetition for the victims and Peruvian society”, Navarro said. 

    You cannot turn your back on victims and family members who have been waiting for justice for decades. We will continue to demand justice, truth, reparation and guarantees of non-repetition for the victims and Peruvian society.

    Marina Navarro, executive director of Amnesty International Peru. 

    Faced with this risk of impunity, we urge the Peruvian Congress to reject this initiative, and the justice authorities to strengthen investigations that guarantee access to justice, truth and reparation for victims. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Charged with Kicking Federal Agent During Immigration Inspection

    Source: US FBI

    BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 37-year-old Mexican woman living in San Benito has been charged with assaulting an agent with Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Maria Isabel Cruz-Salas is expected for her next hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Betancourt June 18 at 11:15. She is currently in custody.

    The criminal complaint filed June 10 alleges Cruz-Salas assaulted a federal officer during a worksite immigration inspection in San Benito.

    According to the charges, authorities were conducting a lawful enforcement operation June 9 at Taqueria El Mante, where they discovered Cruz-Salas. As an HSI agent attempted to detain her, she allegedly kicked him in the face.

    If convicted, she faces a maximum of eight years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

    ICE-HSI and FBI are conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Coronado is prosecuting the case. 

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Charged with Kicking Federal Agent During Immigration Inspection

    Source: US FBI

    BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 37-year-old Mexican woman living in San Benito has been charged with assaulting an agent with Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Maria Isabel Cruz-Salas is expected for her next hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Betancourt June 18 at 11:15. She is currently in custody.

    The criminal complaint filed June 10 alleges Cruz-Salas assaulted a federal officer during a worksite immigration inspection in San Benito.

    According to the charges, authorities were conducting a lawful enforcement operation June 9 at Taqueria El Mante, where they discovered Cruz-Salas. As an HSI agent attempted to detain her, she allegedly kicked him in the face.

    If convicted, she faces a maximum of eight years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

    ICE-HSI and FBI are conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Coronado is prosecuting the case. 

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Government Watchdog Finds Trump Admin is Illegally Impounding Funding for Museums and Libraries Across America; Senator Murray Responds

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on another Government Accountability Office (GAO) decision announced this morning, which concludes that President Trump is illegally impounding funding approved by Congress for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), in violation of the Impoundment Control Act (ICA):
    “Here again, it is clear as day President Trump is breaking the law to block funding Congress provided—in this case, we’re talking about investments in local museums and libraries in all fifty states.
    “President Trump may not like the fact that Congress has, on a bipartisan basis, invested in helping kids learn at their local library—but that does not change the fact that he himself signed these investments into law, and they need to start flowing immediately. The president’s funding freeze isn’t just illegal; every day it continues, it hurts real people and communities across our country who are suffering the consequences as investments they count on get choked off.”
    Presidents do not wield the power to unilaterally withhold or block investments that have been enacted into law through what’s known as “impoundment.” This foundational principle has been affirmed time and again. The Impoundment Control Act (ICA) of 1974 makes this plain and establishes limited procedures the president can and must follow to propose delaying or rescinding enacted funding. The Impoundment Control Act also charges the GAO with the responsibility of investigating and reporting to Congress when the president illegally withholds funding. In testimony to the Committee this spring, the GAO acknowledged that it has opened 39 impoundment investigations and counting. Today’s announcement follows the GAO’s first decision in May in one of its ongoing investigations, which concluded Trump is illegally impounding funding. The ICA also authorizes the Comptroller General to file suit when the president illegally impounds funding.
    IMLS was established and funded by Congress on a bipartisan basis to support museums, libraries, and similar entities in every part of the country through grants, research, and policy development. But earlier this year, President Trump signed an executive order calling for IMLS to be eliminated, which was followed by grant cancellations, delays in allocating required funds, and nearly all of IMLS’ employees being put on administrative leave.
    In its decision today, the GAO concluded that:
    “IMLS has not responded to GAO’s requests for information regarding the potential impoundment of appropriated funds. Yet publicly available evidence, including sworn testimony, federal court cases, data on USAspending.gov, and information on IMLS’s website, indicates that IMLS withheld grant and other appropriated funds. Based on the available evidence and the lack of any special message pertaining to IMLS funds, GAO concludes that IMLS has violated the ICA by withholding funds from obligation and expenditure. GAO also concludes that IMLS violated the ICA by withholding funds that cannot be withheld under the ICA’s fourth disclaimer. …. The Constitution specifically vests Congress with the power of the purse, providing that ‘No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law.’ The Constitution also gives Congress the exclusive power to legislate, and sets forth the procedures of bicameralism and presentment, through which the President may accept or veto a legislative bill passed by both houses of Congress, and Congress may subsequently override a presidential veto. This process does not grant the President the authority to pass his own laws or to ignore or amend a law duly enacted by Congress. …. If IMLS wishes to make changes to the appropriation provided to IMLS, it must propose funds for rescission or otherwise propose legislation to make changes to the law for consideration by Congress.”
    Since his first hours in office, President Trump has illegally blocked funding owed to communities across the country through a variety of different means. Senate and House Appropriations Committee Democrats have been tracking Trump’s illegal funding freeze and found that, as of June 3, President Trump is blocking at least $425 billion in funding owed to the American people.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trump Administration Allows VA Doctors to Deny Care to Unmarried Women and Democrats, Senator Murray Responds

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, released the following statement on new U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital guidelines from the Trump administration explicitly eliminating language requiring healthcare professionals to care for veterans regardless of their politics and marital status, and allowing doctors and other medical staff to be barred from working at VA hospitals based on their marital status, political party affiliation or union activity:
    “Health care isn’t just a special privilege Trump gets to dole out to veterans who agree with the President—it’s a moral obligation our country owes to every single man and woman who serves in uniform. Anyone who doesn’t understand that has no business leading our armed forces in any way.
    “It’s outrageous that President Trump and Secretary Collins are effectively green-lighting discrimination against wide swaths of our veteran population and the doctors who serve them. Under Trump’s new rules, veterans can be blocked from getting care, and doctors can be barred from working at VA hospitals for the sole reason that they may be unmarried, belong to a union, are registered Democrats, or identify as gay or trans—it’s appalling and un-American. Servicemembers defend our country in uniform whether they’re Democrat or Republican, married or unmarried, they have already proven they are worthy of VA care.  They shouldn’t have to fight again when they’re home to get benefits they have earned.
    “President Trump is going out of his way to discriminate against veterans and ripping up the sacred contract we make with our veterans that we will take care of them when they come home, and that they are entitled to the best health care our nation has to offer. This is bigotry, plain and simple, and it cannot be allowed to stand—and I sincerely hope my Republican colleagues would agree.
    “It’s disgusting that this policy was ever allowed to go into effect, and I will not let it fly under the radar. This policy must be rescinded immediately—this administration is not immune to public pressure and now is the time for everyone to speak out.” 
    Senator Murray was the first woman to join the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and the first woman to chair the Committee—as the daughter of a World War II veteran, supporting veterans and their families has always been an important priority for her. Senator Murray has been a leading voice in the Senate speaking out forcefully against President Trump and Elon Musk’s mass firing of VA employees and VA researchers across the country and Elon Musk and DOGE’s infiltration of the VA, including accessing veterans’ sensitive personal information.
    Last week at a hearing on veterans’ mental health, Senator Murray pressed administration officials on the importance of transparency and communication with Congress and how the Trump administration’s mass firings might undermine care for veterans who have dealt with sexual trauma. In February, Murray grilled Trump’s then-nominee for VA Deputy Secretary, Dr. Paul Lawrence, on the mass firings of VA employees and VA researchers. After pressing Doug Collins on EHR and protecting women’s access to VA health care, including lifesaving abortion care, at his nomination hearing, Senator Murray voted against Doug Collins’s nomination to be VA Secretary in early February, sounding the alarm over Elon Musk and DOGE’s activities at the VA and making clear that the Trump administration’s lawlessness is putting our national security and our veterans at risk.
    Recently, Senator Murray released a report on how Trump’s mass firings at VA are already hurting veterans’ services and health care in Washington state and across the country. Senator Murray and her colleagues have demanded that VA swiftly reverse moves to cut VA researchers, and have sent multiple letters pressing Secretary Collins to sever Elon Musk and DOGE’s access to any VA or other government system with information about veterans, and protect veterans, their families, and VA staff from unprecedented access to sensitive information.
    Last month, Senator Murray grilled Secretary Collins on how the Trump administration’s mass firing of VA employes is hurting veterans’ ability to get the health care they need—from jeopardizing VA research, to creating new risks around the deployment of the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system to additional VA Medical Centers, which the Trump administration is insisting on moving ahead with despite persistent and unresolved issues at the sites where it is currently deployed. Murray also pressed Secretary Collins on new policies the Trump administration recently rolled out that severely limit Congressional engagement with veterans and VA for no legitimate reason.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fire at Scott Street, Perth – update, Monday 16 June

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    “Since the fire, Scottish Fire and Rescue, Police Scotland and Council staff have been on site to ensure the safety of the wider public.

    “On Saturday 14 June a structural engineering contractor was brought in to assess the damage caused to the building at 41 Scott Street.

    “Their report outlined devastating damage to the whole building. The structure has been made unsafe and no part of it is salvageable. As things stand, the building is a serious risk to health and safety.

    “Unfortunately, this means that the whole building will require complete demolition. This will be an extremely complex process, and specialist demolition contractor Reigart has been appointed to carry out the task. Preliminary work has already begun on site.

    “The building will require careful demolition from the top, down to ground level and this will take some time to complete. It is estimated that the work could take around 24 weeks, but it is possible that it could be concluded earlier if there are no complications.

    “To allow the work to be carried out safely, pedestrian and traffic access to sections of Scott Street and South Street around the site will remain closed. We appreciate that this will cause continued significant disruption in Perth City Centre, but unfortunately this is unavoidable given the situation we face.”

    Ongoing arrangements

    The closure means that some households who live in blocks very near the site have been asked to move out of their homes while demolition work is carried out to ensure their safety. These people will be provided with alternative suitable housing, as well as any other support they need at this difficult time. To assist with the rehousing effort, the Council is asking any local landlords or AirBnB owners to get in touch with us if they have accommodation that is currently available. They can contact our Housing Team by emailing privatesectoraccess@pkc.gov.uk

    It is hoped some of these people will be able to move back into their homes after 16 weeks, when demolition work has progressed and the building will be of a safe height. People who live in the block directly adjacent to number 41 (number 33) will have to be rehoused for the entire duration of the work.

    Some other households who live further away from the fire site but who still live inside the cordon have been asked to leave their homes for the short-term. We are aiming to allow these people back into their homes soon.

    The Council will support businesses who will be affected by the road closures. We have been speaking to them today to see what arrangements can be put in place to help. This support will continue and develop throughout the duration of the closure. Anyone who needs to speak to our Business Support Team can email businessdevelopment@pkc.gov.uk

    It is hoped that the outer cordon can be reduced in the near future, which would allow some businesses to reopen and some people to return to their homes.

    A new road traffic configuration for Perth city centre is being designed to allow the free flow of traffic as far as we can, and to provide delivery access to premises. We will provide an update with these arrangements.

    Buses will be re-routed, and some temporary stops will be put into the city centre. Signage will be in place so that people know where they can get their bus.

    Councillor Drysdale added: “The people of Perth and local businesses have responded to this sad event with huge compassion and generosity. It has been heartening to see our local community pull together to help people at their time of greatest need.

    “We would appreciate everyone’s ongoing co-operation and understanding as we deal with this difficult situation.

    “We understand that the disruption to the city centre will bring frustrations, but we are committed to completing the work as soon as we can and most importantly, to continue support for the people and businesses who have been directly affected by the fire.

    “I would once again like to pay tribute to our emergency services for their continued excellent response to this incident, as well as to the wide range of Council and Health and Social Care Partnership staff who rose to a significant challenge over the weekend to provide all the support and help that they could. I also want to pass on my sincere gratitude to the staff at Salutation Hotel, who have been superb in working with us to make sure that people affected had the care they needed in the aftermath of the fire.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – “Schools must remain safe spaces of learning and growth – never of fear”

    Source: European Parliament

    MEPs remembered the school killing victims in Austria and France and marked the Schengen area’s fortieth anniversary, after opening the 16 19 June plenary session in Strasbourg.

    School killings in Austria and France

    At the very start of the sitting, President Metsola expressed her deep sadness at the shocking events of Tuesday 10 June, when a school boy stabbed and killed a school assistant in Nogent, France, and a former pupil shot and killed nine students and a teacher and injured many more in Graz, Austria.

    Violence and hatred have no place in Europe, and no place in our schools, she said, concluding that “schools must remain safe spaces of learning and growth – never of fear”. President Metsola invited MEPs to join her in a minute’s silence in memory of those killed.

    Forty years of the Schengen area

    Immediately after opening the June 2025 plenary session, President Metsola led celebrations to mark the Schengen Agreement’s 40th birthday. “Around the world, the Schengen area is looked at with admiration as a clear and very tangible example of what European cooperation can achieve, she said. But we should never take it for granted, she continued, preserving and strengthening Schengen takes constant commitment and effort from all of us”, she said.

    The President’s speech was followed by a round of statements by the political group leaders. You can watch a recording of the proceedings on Parliament’s Multimedia Centre website.

    Changes to the agenda

    President Metsola announced the following changes to the Tuesday’s agenda.

    The Council and Commission statements on the assassination attempt on Senator Miguel Uribe and the threat to the democratic process and peace in Colombia will be replaced by a statement by the Vice-President/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.

    A joint debate with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and the Polish Council Presidency on the situation in the Middle East including the risk of further instability in the Middle East following the Israel-Iran military escalation, the review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza is added as the ninth point in the afternoon following the debate on the revision of air passenger rights.

    Parliamentary immunity

    The President announced that Polish authorities have asked for the parliamentary immunity of Grzegorz Braun (NA, Poland) to be waived and the authorities of Belgium have asked for the parliamentary immunity of Giusi Princi (EPP, Italy) to be waived. These requests will be referred to the Legal Affairs Committee.

    The Legal Affairs Committee has found the request to waive the parliamentary immunity of Helmut Geuking (EPP, Germany) to be inadmissible.

    Requests by the LIBE and SANT committees to start negotiations with Council and Commission

    The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs and the Committee on Public Health have decided to enter into interinstitutional negotiations pursuant to Rule 72, paragraph 1 of the Rules of Procedure, on the basis of the reports available on the plenary website.

    Outgoing MEPs

    MEP Ondřej Kovařík (PfE, Czechia) has resigned with effect from 31 July 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Agenda – Tuesday, 17 June 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    34 Combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child sexual abuse material and replacing Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA (recast)
    Jeroen Lenaers (A10-0097/2025)      – Amendments; rejection Wednesday, 11 June 2025, 13:00 50 Amending Regulation (EU) No 228/2013 as regards additional assistance and further flexibility to outermost regions affected by severe natural disasters and in the context of cyclone Chido devastating Mayotte     – Amendments; rejection Friday, 13 June 2025, 12:00     – Requests for “separate”, “split” and “roll-call” votes Monday, 16 June 2025, 19:00 36 Electoral rights of mobile Union citizens in European Parliament elections
    Sven Simon (A10-0090/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 11 June 2025, 13:00 30 Amendments to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure concerning the declaration of input (Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure)
    Sven Simon (A10-0086/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 11 June 2025, 13:00 16 Strengthening rural areas in the EU through cohesion policy
    Denis Nesci (A10-0092/2025)      – Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least; Alternative motions for resolutions Wednesday, 11 June 2025, 13:00 28 Financing for development – ahead of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville
    Charles Goerens (A10-0101/2025)      – Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least; Alternative motions for resolutions Wednesday, 11 June 2025, 13:00 26 Implementation report on the Recovery and Resilience Facility
    Victor Negrescu, Siegfried Mureşan (A10-0098/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 11 June 2025, 13:00 19 The Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law report
    Ana Catarina Mendes (A10-0100/2025)      – Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least, Alternative motions for resolutions Wednesday, 11 June 2025, 13:00 25 2023 and 2024 reports on Montenegro
    Marjan Šarec (A10-0093/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 11 June 2025, 13:00 17 2023 and 2024 reports on Moldova
    Sven Mikser (A10-0096/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 11 June 2025, 13:00 Separate votes – Split votes – Roll-call votes Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 13 June 2025, 12:00 Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 16 June 2025, 19:00 Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 17 June 2025, 19:00 Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 18 June 2025, 19:00

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Agenda – Wednesday, 18 June 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    51 Macro-financial assistance to Egypt
    Céline Imart (A10-0037/2025)      – Amendments; rejection Monday, 16 June 2025, 20:00     – Requests for “separate”, “split” and “roll-call” votes Tuesday, 17 June 2025, 16:00 39 Adoption by the Union of the Agreement on the interpretation and application of the Energy Charter Treaty
    Anna Cavazzini, Borys Budka (A10-0009/2025)      – Amendments; rejection Friday, 13 June 2025, 12:00 26 Implementation report on the Recovery and Resilience Facility
    Victor Negrescu, Siegfried Mureşan (A10-0098/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 11 June 2025, 13:00 19 The Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law report
    Ana Catarina Mendes (A10-0100/2025)      – Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least, Alternative motions for resolutions Wednesday, 11 June 2025, 13:00 25 2023 and 2024 reports on Montenegro
    Marjan Šarec (A10-0093/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 11 June 2025, 13:00 17 2023 and 2024 reports on Moldova
    Sven Mikser (A10-0096/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 11 June 2025, 13:00 38 Clean Industrial Deal
    (O-000020/2025 – B10-0006/25)      – Motions for resolutions Wednesday, 11 June 2025, 13:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions Friday, 13 June 2025, 12:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions Friday, 13 June 2025, 13:00 41 Electricity grids: the backbone of the EU energy system
    Anna Stürgkh (A10-0091/2025)      – Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least, Alternative motions for resolutions Wednesday, 11 June 2025, 13:00 65 Media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli     – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 16 June 2025, 20:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 18 June 2025, 13:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 18 June 2025, 14:00 66 Case of Ahmadreza Jalali in Iran     – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 16 June 2025, 20:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 18 June 2025, 13:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 18 June 2025, 14:00 68 Dissolution of political parties and the crackdown on the opposition in Mali     – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 16 June 2025, 20:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 18 June 2025, 13:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 18 June 2025, 14:00 Separate votes – Split votes – Roll-call votes Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 13 June 2025, 12:00 Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 16 June 2025, 19:00 Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 17 June 2025, 19:00 Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 18 June 2025, 19:00

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Peter McNeilly Appointed As United States Attorney for the District of Colorado

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DENVER – Peter McNeilly has been appointed as the United States Attorney for the District of Colorado by U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi. Mr. McNeilly was sworn in by United States District Judge Daniel D. Domenico on June 16, 2025.

    Mr. McNeilly has been an Assistant United States Attorney in Colorado since 2014. During his time as a federal prosecutor, Mr. McNeilly has focused on pursuing members of Mexican drug cartels, combatting the deadly fentanyl epidemic, and reducing violent crime. Mr. McNeilly’s work prosecuting fentanyl cases—and particularly cases involving fatal overdoses—has made him one of the leading experts on fentanyl prosecutions in Colorado and a resource for other federal prosecutors throughout the country. As a supervisor within the U.S. Attorney’s Office, he has overseen the creation and expansion of federal task forces which focus on transnational organized crime and violent crime. Mr. McNeilly has previously served as the Deputy United States Attorney, the Chief of the Transnational Organized Crime and Money Laundering Section, the District of Colorado’s Opioid Coordinator, and the Lead Strike Force Attorney for the Denver Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force.

    Mr. McNeilly is a lieutenant colonel in the United States Marine Corps. Mr. McNeilly supported commanders and advanced the rule of law as a Marine judge advocate on active duty before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and he has continued that work in the reserves for his entire time with the office. On active duty, he prosecuted complex cases throughout the Marine Corps’ western region, including sexual assaults, child exploitation, financial crimes, and crimes committed in Iraq and Afghanistan. In the reserves, Mr. McNeilly has served as a prosecutor, as a legal advisor on the staff for a three-star commanding general, and he is currently in his second tour as a military judge.

    As United States Attorney, Mr. McNeilly will oversee all federal criminal prosecutions as well as all civil litigation undertaken on behalf of the United States Government in Colorado. Mr. McNeilly leads a dedicated team of more than 160 attorneys, professional staff, and government contractors.

    Mr. McNeilly’s senior leadership team includes J. Bishop Grewell, who will serve as First Assistant United States Attorney and Chief of the Appellate Division, and Marcy Cook, who will serve as Deputy United States Attorney.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eight Members and Associates of the Transnational 18th Street Gang Charged with Racketeering Crimes in Queens

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    The Defendants’ Crimes Involved Brutal Assaults, Extortion, Drug Trafficking, Production and Sale of Fraudulent Identification Documents, and Counterfeit Currency

    Earlier today in federal court in Brooklyn, an indictment was unsealed charging eight members and associates of the 18th Street gang, a violent transnational criminal organization, with serious crimes.  Six defendants are charged with racketeering conspiracy, including predicate acts involving narcotics and firearms trafficking, production and sale of fraudulent identification documents, and extortion. Seven defendants are also charged with assaults in aid of racketeering.  One defendant is charged with being an alien in possession of a 9mm semiautomatic pistol and ammunition. 

    Seven defendants were taken into custody in New York City and are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Cheryl M. Pollak.  Another defendant, currently in custody on separate criminal charges, is expected to be arraigned tomorrow. 

    Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD); and Melinda Katz, Queens District Attorney, announced the arrests and charges.

    “This indictment represents a significant step in our ongoing effort to dismantle violent gang networks in our communities,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “The 18th Street gang exploited a Queens neighborhood as a hub for violence and illicit activity.  Today’s arrests show the community that my Office and our law enforcement partners are working tirelessly to put these violent criminals behind bars.”

    Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the Queens County District Attorney’s Office, the FBI New York Metro Safe Streets Task Force, the Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General – New York Office, the United States Secret Service, and the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, New York City Field Office, for their invaluable assistance with the case.

    “These violent members and associates of the 18th Street gang allegedly relied on violence—including assault of innocent civilians and rival gang members—to exert and maintain control over a busy commercial corridor along Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, Queens. Those arrested today acted and behaved with callous and cruel disregard for those around them. Our actions today represent yet another example of the FBI’s commitment to crushing the violent transnational gangs plaguing our communities,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia.

    “The defendants in this case are accused of unleashing terror onto Queens communities through brutal assaults, extortion, fraud, and drug trafficking—all in furtherance of the 18th Street gang’s agenda. Every resident deserves to feel safe walking down the street, without having to worry about gang violence. My office will continue to combat violent criminal enterprises and assist partner investigations to dismantle gangs as they try to establish themselves in our neighborhoods, stated Queens District Attorney Katz.  “We thank the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, the FBI and the NYPD for their hard work in this case.”

    As alleged in the indictment and other court filings, the 18th Street gang is a violent transnational criminal organization with members and associates throughout the United States and Central America.  The gang is divided into several “cliques.”  The defendants are members and associates of the “54 Tiny Locos” clique, which controls a busy commercial corridor along Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, Queens. For years, 18th Street has maintained control over this area through violence, including assaults on perceived rival gang members that often result in harm to innocent civilians.  The gang financed its operations through drug-dealing and various other crimes, including trafficking in fraudulent identification documents and counterfeit currency.  The gang’s production and sale of fraudulent documents—including fake passports, permanent resident cards, Social Security cards, driver’s licenses, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cards—was a primary driver of income for its members and associates.  Members of 18th Street, including the defendants, also committed extortion by charging “rent” to other illicit businesses operating in the area, including unregulated brothels. 

    Certain of the defendants are also charged in connection with three assaults in-aid-of racketeering in Queens, New York, that wounded four individuals.

    The December 2021 Assault

    As alleged, on December 31, 2021, members of 18th Street, including Bonilla Ramos, Ramirez, and a co-conspirator, assaulted two victims, including John Doe #1, outside of a bar in Queens, New York, after asking if they were in a gang.  The defendants violently beat both John Doe #1 and his friend, including twice smashing John Doe #1’s head with a glass bottle of tequila, leaving him with severe lacerations to his face and nerve damage.

    The January 2022 Assault

    As alleged, on January 15, 2022, members of 18th Street attacked two victims, John Doe #2 and John Doe #3, outside a bar in Queens, New York. A co-conspirator stabbed John Doe #2 while two other defendants held him in place.  John Doe #2 sustained serious injuries, including injuries to his lung. The defendants then attacked a second victim, John Doe #3, with large wooden planks, causing lacerations that required sutures.  The serious injuries to John Doe #2, the victim who was stabbed, were reflected in the blood left behind after the assault.

    The June 2024 Assault

    As alleged, on June 20, 2024, members of 18th Street attacked a victim, John Doe #4, who they believed was a rival gang member, in a parking lot in Queens, New York.  The assailants, including certain of the defendants, beat John Doe #4 with a bike lock and a metal chair, among other things.  John Doe #4 received medical care for lacerations to his head, which required sutures. 

    1. The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
    2. The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at eradicating transnational criminal organizations, combating violent crime, and restoring the rule of law.
    3. This prosecution also is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation.  OCDETF targets the highest-level criminal organizations threatening the U.S., using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.  More info is available here: www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gang Section.  Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren A. Bowman, Andy Palacio, and Kamil R. Ammari are in charge of the prosecution.

    The Defendants:

    FELIX BONILLA RAMOS (also known as “Chabelo” and “Ferras”)
    Age: 36
    Corona, New York

    URIEL LOPEZ (also known as “Tanke”)
    Age: 30
    Jackson Heights, New York

    REFUGIO MARTINEZ (also known as “Cuco”)
    Age: 32
    Elmhurst, New York

    MARGARITO ORTEGA (also known as “Pinocchio”)
    Age: 38
    Elmhurst, New York

    ORLANDO RAMIREZ (also known as “Niñote”)
    Age: 24
    Elmhurst, New York

    GERMAN RODRIGUEZ (also known as “Loco”)
    Age: 34
    Woodhaven, New York

    DAVID VASQUEZ CORONA (also known as “Teba”)
    Age: 29
    Elmhurst, New York

    MARCO VIDAL MENDEZ (also known as “Matute”)
    Age: 36
    Formerly of Elmhurst, New York

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-196

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Port Charlotte Man Indicted For Production And Distribution Of Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Tyler Russell Kuhn (29, Port Charlotte) with one count of production and one count of distribution of child sexual abuse material. If convicted on all counts, Kuhn faces a maximum penalty of 50 years in federal prison. 

    According to the indictment and court records, in October 2019, Kuhn engaged in an online conversation with another individual. During the conversation, Kuhn produced a video and image of child sexual abuse material involving himself and a toddler. Kuhn distributed this video and image over the internet, to the individual to whom he was speaking.

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

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Tampa and Houston Field Offices. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tampa Man Indicted For Attempted Enticement Of A Minor To Engage In Sexual Activity

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Johan Smith Pavon Mejia (Tampa, 41) with attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Mejia faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. 

    According to the indictment and court records, in April 2025, Mejia communicated online with an undercover detective with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and arranged to meet a fictitious minor to engage in sexual activity. Mejia traveled to an agreed upon location to meet the fictitious minor and arrived with items requested by the undercover detective, including candy, iced tea, and money to pay for the arranged sexual acts.

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

    This case was investigated by FBI Tampa and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sanford Man Sentenced For Possessing A Machinegun

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Orlando, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Timothy Aden-Alan Calhoun (27, Orlando) to 2 years and 10 months in federal prison for possession of a machinegun. The court also ordered Calhoun to forfeit the firearm he possessed. Calhoun pleaded guilty on February 25, 2025.

    According to court documents, officers from the Maitland Police Department stopped Calhoun for a traffic violation while he was operating a stolen motorcycle. During a search incident to his arrest, an officer located a Glock 19 with an extended magazine and a machinegun conversion device installed. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was contacted and confirmed that the firearm was converted into a fully automatic weapon.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Maitland Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael P. Felicetta and Kaley Austin-Aronson.

    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.

    MIL Security OSI –