NewzIntel.com

Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI USA: Three White Supremacists Sentenced to Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy; Two to Serve Life In Prison for Murder

    Source: US State of California

    WASHINGTON — On May 19, a federal judge sentenced three members of the Aryan Brotherhood prison gang who were convicted at trial of a racketeering (RICO) conspiracy that included multiple murders, drug trafficking, fraud, and robbery.

    Francis Clement, 58, was found guilty by a jury in February of RICO conspiracy and five separate counts of murder in aid of racketeering. Each of these murders was committed while Clement was in state prison. Clement was sentenced to life in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.

    The jury also found Kenneth Johnson, 63, guilty of RICO conspiracy and two counts of murder in aid of racketeering. Johnson was also sentenced to life in prison.

    A third defendant, John Stinson, 70, was found guilty of one count of RICO conspiracy. Stinson, who was already serving a lengthy prison sentence in the California state prison system, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between 2016 and 2023, Aryan Brotherhood members and associates engaged in racketeering activity, including murder, conspiracy to murder, fraud, robbery, and drug trafficking crimes. Johnson and Clement, who both held leadership roles in the gang, directed crimes committed by Aryan Brotherhood members both inside and outside of prison using cellphones that had been smuggled into prison. Because of his rank in the gang, Clement received a cut from the illegal drug sales and fraud schemes the Aryan Brotherhood committed. According to trial testimony, the Aryan Brotherhood regularly smuggled drugs, including methamphetamine, into prisons throughout the California prison system, which defendants and other gang members then sold to inmates.

    In October 2020, Johnson and Clement together ordered one murder during the execution of which another individual was also killed. Johnson and Clement also ordered another murder of an individual who was subsequently killed. It was further proven at trial that in February 2022, Clement ordered the murder of an individual and the following month, in March 2022, Clement ordered the murder of two more individuals. For each murder, the killings were ordered because defendants believed the victims either violated gang rules or owed the gang money.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Stinson was a high-ranking leader of the Aryan Brotherhood and had substantial authority over the enterprise, including sponsoring multiple individuals for membership, resolving disputes among members, and approving the murder of current and former members. During the investigation, Stinson used a contraband cellphone within his prison cell to conduct business on behalf of the Aryan Brotherhood. The jury heard some of these communications from Stinson through court-authorized wiretapped conversations. Evidence was presented that Stinson also engaged in drug trafficking, and that, given his position within the gang, he received a cut of illegal drug sales that took place in prison and out on the street.

    “The convicted defendants led a notorious prison gang that committed ruthless murders, widespread methamphetamine trafficking, and perpetuated a culture of mayhem, fear, and disorder within the prison system that bled into the outside world,” said Matthew Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Organized crime within the prison system, enabled by the use of contraband cellphones, endangers American neighborhoods by flooding streets with dangerous drugs. The Criminal Division will continue to pursue crime syndicates, like the Aryan Brotherhood and their facilitators, to ensure they go to prison and the harm they inflict on society ends once incarcerated.”

    “Today’s sentences are yet another blow to the leadership of a violent criminal enterprise run from inside California prisons and spanning multiple counties and states,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith for the Eastern District of California. “The Aryan Brotherhood has maintained its deadly influence over members, associates and others both inside and outside prison. We are committed to doing everything we can to stop these violent inmates from orchestrating their criminal activities from inside prison walls.”

    “These sentences send a clear message: the walls of a prison do not shield violent gang leaders from justice,” said Acting Director Daniel Driscoll of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “The Aryan Brotherhood’s leadership operated a brutal criminal enterprise from behind bars — ordering murders, trafficking drugs, and fueling violence in our communities. ATF remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to dismantle violent gangs wherever they operate and hold their leaders accountable, no matter where they try to hide.”

    The indictment in this case charged 11 defendants with RICO conspiracy and other crimes. There are five defendants awaiting trial and the three defendants have pleaded guilty.

    This case was the product of an extensive investigation by the ATF, with assistance from the Office of Correctional Safety (CDCR), U.S. Marshals Service, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Pomona Police Department, Torrance Police Department, San Diego Police Department, San Diego Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, and Kern County District Attorney’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Stokman and James Conolly for the Eastern District of California are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Trial Attorney Jared Engelking of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.

    The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: San Jose Executives Plead Guilty To Employment Tax Crimes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN JOSE — Two California men pleaded guilty yesterday to not paying over employment taxes to the IRS.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Lalo Valdez and Matthew Olson, both of Northern California, operated a San Jose-based health informatics and product development company that provided clinical care and technology services to clients in healthcare and academia. Valdez was the CEO and Olson the CFO. As such, both were responsible for the company’s operations, managed its internal books and records, signed checks on behalf of the company, and hired and fired employees. Both men also were responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes from employees’ wages and paying those funds over to the government each quarter. The timely payment of quarterly employment taxes is critical to the functioning of the U.S. government, because, for example, they are the primary source of funding for Social Security and Medicare. The federal income taxes that are withheld from employees’ wages also account for a significant portion of all federal income taxes collected each year.

    For every calendar quarter from the first quarter of 2017 through the second quarter of 2021, Valdez and Olson withheld these taxes from employees’ wages but did not pay them over to the IRS or report them on quarterly tax forms. Instead of paying over the taxes, Valdez and Olson used the company’s money to pay for country club memberships and season tickets to the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League.

    During this same period, Olson also was one of the owners and operators of a day spa located in Saratoga, Calif.  There, Olson was responsible for collecting and paying Social Security, Medicare, and income taxes to the IRS.  From the second quarter of 2017 through the fourth quarter of 2020, however, Olson collected but did not pay them over to the IRS or report them on quarterly tax forms.

    In total, Olson caused a tax loss to the IRS exceeding $2.1 million.

    Valdez caused a total tax loss to the IRS of nearly $1.5 million.

    Valdez and Olson are scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 20. Both men face a maximum penalty of five years in prison as well as a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Robbins, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge of the Oakland Field Office Linda Nguyen made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina Green and Trial Attorney Mahana Weidler of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guilty Verdicts for Maryland Members of a PCP and Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy Centered in D.C.

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

               WASHINGTON – Kenneth Watts, 57, of Upper Marlboro, Md., and James Kinard, 47, of Temple Hills, Md., were found guilty by a federal jury today for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed large amounts of cocaine, fentanyl and PCP in the DMV. The conspiracy also used firearms to protect their narcotics and the proceeds from their trafficking operation.

               The verdicts were announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the Washington Field Office, DEA Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian of the Drug Enforcement Administration Washington Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

               The jury found both defendants guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of PCP. The jury also found defendant Kinard guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Jia M. Cobb scheduled sentencing for August 7, 2025. Watts and Kinard each face a minimum-mandatory sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

               Watts has two prior felony drug convictions. Kinard has a prior 1995 conviction for second-degree murder while armed and a prior 2016 conviction assault with intent to commit robbery while armed and related offenses. Kinard was on supervised release during the investigation in this case.

               Three co-defendants pleaded guilty before the case went to trial on May 7.

               Melvin Grayson, 51, of District Heights, Maryland, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a detectable amount of cocaine, more than 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and more than one kilogram or more of PCP. Grayson faces a minimum-mandatory sentence of ten years. He  has two prior felony drug convictions from 1993.

               Tyrone Ragland, 56, aka “Tech,” of the District, pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram of PCP. Charles Cunningham, 58, of the District, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. According to their plea agreements, Ragland and Cunningham will be required to serve 15 years in prison. Cunningham has four prior felony drug convictions.

               According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, officers with the Prince George’s County Police Department intercepted a package containing six kilos of PCP at a FedEx facility in Maryland. The officers set up a controlled delivery of the package and stopped defendant Kenneth Watts after he picked it up. In Watts’ cell phone, investigators found text messages linking Watts to the package and to co-defendant Melvin Grayson.

               Through controlled purchases and wiretaps, evidence showed that Grayson distributed PCP, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The investigation also showed that defendants Ragland, Cunningham, Kinard and others conspired with Grayson to distribute the narcotics. In search warrants conducted at various residences, agents recovered four firearms, more than 2.5 kilos of PCP, more than 100 grams of fentanyl, and approximately $50,000 in cash. 

               This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office Cross Border Task Force and the DEA Washington Field Office, with assistance from MPD’s Violent Crime Suppression Division and the Prince George’s County Police Department. The Cross Border Task Force is a part of the FBI’S Safe Streets Initiative and targets the most egregious and violent street crews operating in the District of Columbia. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and the Baltimore/Washington High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.

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

               The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nihar R. Mohanty and Iris Y. McCranie of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

    23cr007

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Alameda Man Sentenced To Four Years And Nine Months In Federal Prison For Unlawful Firearm And Ammunition Possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    OAKLAND – Adesola Kehinde was sentenced yesterday to 57 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition as a felon.  U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín handed down the sentence.

    Kehinde, 38, of Alameda, was charged by complaint in January 2024 and by information in May 2024.  On Dec. 16, 2024, Kehinde pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).  According to the plea agreement, Kehinde admitted that on Jan. 9, 2024, officers with the Alameda Police Department detained him while he was seated in the driver’s seat of his car, which was parked outside of his apartment building.  At the time, Kehinde was on parole after serving a state prison sentence for human trafficking of a minor, threats with intent to terrorize, and robbery.  Officers searched Kehinde’s car and located a loaded Glock pistol with one round in the chamber and six rounds inside the magazine inserted into the pistol.

    Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.  

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Martínez-Olguín also sentenced Kehinde to a three-year period of supervised release and ordered him to forfeit the firearm and ammunition he possessed.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonah Ross is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Amala James.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Alameda Police Department. 
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Awards – Outstanding exporters to be recognised at ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards

    Source: EMA

    Judges for the ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards have announced the finalists who will be honoured at the awards gala on Friday 18 July at Mercury Baypark, Mount Maunganui. The awards, organised by the EMA, celebrate the exceptional achievements of Bay of Plenty businesses who are exporting goods and services to markets around the world.
    The event is proudly supported by principal sponsor ASB, as well as Sharp Tudhope, Air NZ Cargo, Page Macrae, Zespri, and Orbit Travel, and supporting partners NZTE, Comvita and Port of Tauranga.
    Winners announced at Awards Gala on 18  July, at Mercury Baypark, Mount Maunganui
    The success of each finalist will be celebrated at the 1920s-themed awards gala on 18 July, which promises to be a night of elegance, glamour and celebration, honouring the innovation and resilience of the region’s exporters. Gala tickets are available at ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards 2025 .
    List of finalists – ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards
    Finalists in the 2025 awards encompass a broad range of innovative businesses, showcasing the breadth and depth of exporting excellence in the Bay of Plenty region. These include heavy engineering and precision machine manufacturers, technology and software solution providers for the agricultural, health and legal sectors, as well as a manufacturer of kids’ cycling accessories. The finalists for the 2025 ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards are:
    • Bluelab – a manufacturer of precision instruments for measuring pH, electrical conductivity and temperature in controlled agricultural environments.
    • Carepatron – a provider of a secure, cloud-based healthcare solution for practitioners to manage clients, appointments, payments, and records.
    • Kids Ride Shotgun – a designer and manufacturer of mountain bike seats and accessories for young children to enjoy biking with their families.
    • LawVu – a provider of a unified, cloud-based legal workspace, designed for in-house legal teams to efficiently manage matters, contracts, spend, documents, and reporting within a single, secure platform.
    • Medella Health – a developer of innovative wellness devices, including the Flowpresso therapy suit, which combines compression, deep pressure and thermo therapy.
    • Oasis Engineering – a manufacturer of high-pressure control devices for gases, such as hydrogen and compressed natural gas.
    • Plazmax – a designer and manufacturer of advanced computer numerical control (CNC) plasma cutting and robotic welding systems for precision engineering.
    • Rhino Manufacturing – an industry-leading supplier of parts for trucks and trailers; Rhino guards blend powerful performance with striking style.
    • Spida Machinery – a manufacturer of high-quality, precision machinery for the frame, truss, and building-component industries.
    • Trimax Mowing Systems – a designer and manufacturer of tractor-powered roller and flail mowers for commercial use.
    The short-listed exporting companies will be judged over the following categories:
    – Best Emerging Business (in partnership with Air New Zealand Cargo) – recognising businesses in the early stage of their international growth journey.
    – Excellence in Innovation (in partnership with Page Macrae) – recognising success in the commercialisation of innovation in international markets, incorporating intellectual property, strategy, processes and monitoring.
    – Exporter of the Year (in partnership with Sharpe Tudhope) – recognising the success of those businesses that are established in their international growth journey.
    In addition, the Export Achievement Award (in partnership with Zespri) recognises an individual who has made a material contribution to the export success of a business. Finalists for this category are:
    – Sarah Webb, LawVu
    – Karl Stevenson, BlueLab
    Finally, the Services to Export Award (in partnership with Orbit Travel) recognises an individual or business, who may or may not be directly involved with exporting, but has made a significant contribution to exporting success in the Bay of Plenty. Entry for this award is by nomination only, with the winner announced at the awards gala on 18 July.
    Highlighting export innovation in Bay of Plenty
    The awards are organised by the EMA on behalf of ExportNZ. EMA Chief Executive John Fraser-Mackenzie says, “We look forward to honouring these outstanding companies at this year’s awards gala on 18 July, which will harness the spirit of the ‘Roaring Twenties’.
    “The awards celebrate the community of business, providing an opportunity for peer-to-peer networking and knowledge sharing among like-minded, export-oriented companies.”
    Chair of the ExportNZ BoP Executive Committee Warwick Downing says, “These awards shine a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible exporters in the Bay of Plenty who work tirelessly to bring New Zealand products and services to the world.
    “Equally important is the opportunity they provide to bring the exporting community together, to share stories, challenges, and insights that help drive the sector forward.”
    Head of Trade Finance at ASB Bank Mike Atkins says, “We are excited to partner with ExportNZ to celebrate the export champions from the Bay of Plenty region.
    “At ASB, we are passionate about enabling exporters to scale up, be it through working capital funding or other advisory initiatives across productivity, sustainability, clean tech, and food & fibre.”
    Executive Director of ExportNZ Josh Tan says, “These awards are a recognition of the incredible mahi of exporters in the Bay of Plenty who continue to deliver excellence.
    “The awards not only celebrate the individual enterprises, importantly they encourage a collaborative culture that nurtures exporting success across the region.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Signs Bills into Law Expanding Freedoms for Colorado Food Trucks and Protecting Colorado’s Environment and Air Quality, Takes Action on Bills

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis signed bills into law expanding mobility and operations across Colorado for food truck owners and operators, investing in environmental opportunities for youth, and protecting Colorado’s clean air by increasing building decarbonization standards. 

    Governor Polis signed HB25-1295 – Food Truck Operations, sponsored by Representatives Manny Rutinel and Mandy Lindsay, and Senators Dylan Roberts and John Carson. 

    “I’m excited that we are making it easier for food trucks to serve up delicious food in different cities and towns across the state. By getting rid of unnecessary regulations, Colorado’s talented chefs can bring more delicious food to your community,” said Governor Polis. 

    Governor Polis also signed the following bills into law increasing environmental literacy for Colorado’s youth, and improving Colorado’s air quality: 

    • SB25-055 – Youth Involvement In Environmental Justice, sponsored by Senators Faith Winter and Janice Marchman, and Representatives Junie Joseph and Jennifer Bacon
    • HB25-1269 – Building Decarbonization Measures, sponsored by Representatives Jenny Willford and Alex Valdez, and Senators Matt Ball and Cathy Kipp 

    “We all have a role to play in protecting this state we love for future generations and these bills help more young people get involved in improving our environment and reduce emissions from buildings in our state to improve Colorado’s air quality. I appreciate the sponsors for their work on these bills to support Colorado’s future,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

    The Governor also signed the following bills administratively: 

    • SB25-155 – Legislation Inside Advisory Council, sponsored by Senators Gonzales and Ball, and Representative Clifford
    • SB25-176 – Sunset Commodity Handler & Farm Products Act, sponsored by Senators R. Pelton and Snyder, and Representatives Martinez and Winter
    • SB25-226 – Extending Spinal & Related Medicine Program, sponsored by Senators Amabile and Kirkmeyer, and Representatives Bird and Taggart
    • SB25-229 – Reimbursement for Community Health Workers, sponsored by Senators Kirkmeyer and Bridges, and Representatives Bird and Taggart
    • HB25-1113 – Limit Turf in New Residential Development, sponsored by Representatives Smith and McCormick, and Senator Roberts
    • HB25-1175 – Smart Meter Opt-In Program, sponsored by Representatives Lieder and Joseph, and Senator Rodriguez 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash, State Highway 1, Timaru

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash that has blocked Evans Street, State Highway 1, in Timaru this morning.

    Police were notified of the single-vehicle crash, between Pringle and Belfield streets, about 9.50am.

    The Serious Crash Unit is attending, and the road is expected to be closed for several hours while a scene examination is carried out.

    Diversions are in place and motorists should expect delays.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Questions Witnesses In Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing On Defending Against Drones

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    May 20, 2025
    Today’s hearing highlighted the growing use of drones and how Congress can strike the right balance in response
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled “Defending Against Drones: Setting Safeguards for Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems Authorities.” Today’s hearing highlighted the growing use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, and how Congress can strike the right balance in response. It also examined the existing statutory authorities that enable the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to track, disable, seize, and even shoot down drones. Finally, the hearing also provided an opportunity to consider how to provide sufficient authorities to law enforcement while also safeguarding the national airspace and important privacy rights and civil liberties—including ensuring that actions to counter drones respect First and Fourth Amendment rights and Fifth Amendment due process.
    Durbin began by asking Professor Laura Donohue, Professor of Law at Georgetown University; Director of Georgetown’s Center on National Security and the Law; and Director of the Center on Privacy and Technology, about the balance of protecting privacy and civil liberties, as well as our security, when it comes to the use of UAS.
    According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there are more than one million drones registered in the United States for commercial and recreational purposes. While most are harmless, UAS can pose serious safety risks when flown near airports, other critical infrastructure, or near mass gatherings like sporting events, parades, or concerts. Drones can also be used by malicious actors including criminals, cartels, terrorist groups, and foreign adversaries.
    “If I were sitting in Wrigley Field… and I saw a drone overhead, I would want to be sure it was a safe and friendly drone. I don’t know that when I’m sitting there. Somebody has to find out or at least ask the question. With over one million drones in our country today… it raises a question of who is going to monitor that activity to make sure these are safe… [and] don’t endanger anyone. At the same time, those drones could be gathering information… and there is a privacy angle there too. Who is protecting the privacy of the people that they are gathering information on?”Durbin said. “How do you balance this?”
    Professor Donohue responded, “As a matter of large scale, outdoor events, most states have regulations and law in place that prohibit the use of drones over large scale events” and noted that many have carveouts that don’t allow others to fly drones over private property without the consent of the property owner themselves. She also noted that the way to balance civil liberties concerns is to make sure there are restrictions.
    Durbin continued by asking Professor Donohue, “Let’s talk about the practical world: you have air traffic controllers monitoring commercial aircraft… but in terms of monitoring actual drone activity to the point of knowing whether it is complying with the state law and if it is not, what to do about it, what’s the answer there? How is it enforced?”
    Professor Donohue responded that both states and the FAA play a role. Currently, DOJ and DHS are also authorized to conduct counter drone operations to protect certain covered facilities and assets related to their missions. However, existing authorities do not sufficiently cover airports, critical infrastructure, or events that federal authorities do not have the capacity or resources to protect. The way to balance these authorities with civil liberties, Professor Donohue noted, is to make sure that there are appropriate restrictions on these authorities.
    Durbin concluded by asking, “Professor Donohue, if counter drone authorities are not drafted carefully, could they permit government authorities to intercept data or communications in violation of the Fourth Amendment?”
    Professor Donohue simply responded, “Yes.”
    Video of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE: Death – Pedestrian strike – Palmerston

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    A 65-year-old female has now died in hospital following a pedestrian strike in Palmerston on Thursday last week.

    The 43-year-old male allegedly driving the vehicle is assisting police with enquiries and charges are expected to follow.

    The lives lost on Territory roads now stands at 16.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Targeted traffic apprehensions – Ramingining

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Police have seized over $48,000 in cash, along with quantities of kava, cannabis, tobacco, and alcohol during targeted traffic stops in the Central Arnhem Region.

    On 19 May 2025, Ramingining Police intercepted a green Toyota Hilux on the Ramingining Access Road, approximately 20km from the community. During the traffic stop a passenger fled on foot into bushland nearby. Police conducted a lawful search of the vehicle and subsequently seized quantities of alcohol, cannabis, and kava. A 30-year-old man located in the vehicle tray was arrested and charged with Possess Property in relation to the Commission of an Offence after officers located over $48,000 in his possession. He was bailed to appear in Darwin Local Court on 8 July 2025.

    Shortly after, police stopped a second vehicle on the same track. A search uncovered tobacco, kava, alcohol, and items indicative of drug supply. Three men and one woman, aged between 41 and 65, were arrested and charged with multiple offences including:

    • Supply Trafficable Quantity of Kava
    • Enter on Aboriginal Land Without a Permit
    • Sell Tobacco Without a Retail Licence

    They were remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court yesterday.

    Ramingining Police continue to target the unlawful supply of alcohol and drugs into remote communities.

    Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Surveys – Poll shows overwhelming majority support increase in spending on public services

    Source: Better Taxes for a Better Future

    As the Government prepares to release a Budget that will deliver further cuts to public services an overwhelming majority of New Zealanders support increased spending on those services, according to a new poll commissioned by the Better Taxes for a Better Future campaign.

    The Talbot Mills Research poll asked whether government spending on key public services such as hospitals, schools, and the police should increase (a lot or a bit), stay the same or decrease (a bit or a lot). 83% of respondents supported increases in public spending, and this support remained high across the political spectrum with even 62% of ACT supporters endorsing an increase.

    “This poll shows that there is widespread support for greater investment in our public services to meet the needs of New Zealanders, such as in healthcare, and education,” says Glenn Barclay spokesperson for the Better Taxes campaign.

    “It’s clear that, even in these tough economic times, people across the political spectrum realise investment in public services now is important to help build a better future.”

    The poll also asked if wealthier New Zealanders (e.g.people who earn over $180,000 per year and/or have assets worth more than $5m) should pay more, the same, or less tax than they do at present. A majority (57%) supported the wealthy paying more tax.

    “This may not be a surprising result for Labour, Green and Te Pāti Māori supporters, yet even a majority of National Party supporters favour the wealthy paying more tax,” says Glenn Barclay.

    “The IR report into High Net Worth Individuals in 2023 demonstrated that the wealthiest 310 families in New Zealand had an effective tax rate of 9.4% compared to over 20% for the average New Zealander and it is clear that there is support for rectifying this imbalance,” says Glenn Barclay.

    “The responses to these two questions send a clear message that New Zealanders don’t want to see cuts to essential public services, and the government needs to be looking at other ways to generate the revenue we need to provide services that will enable all New Zealanders to succeed,” says Glenn Barclay.

    “We encourage the Government and opposition parties to be looking at tax changes that would ensure those that have more to contribute, make that contribution. Gathering more revenue from wealth and gains from wealth would put us in a better position to address the challenges we face in delivering public services, addressing poverty and climate change, and funding major infrastructure.”

    The Better Taxes for a Better Future Campaign is a coalition of over 20 organisations led by Tax Justice Aotearoa.

    We believe that tax reform is the only solution to the current challenges facing Aotearoa NZ.  We need the tax system to:

    • be transparent
    • raise more revenue to enable us address the challenges we face
    • make sure people who have more to contribute make that contribution: that we gather more revenue from wealth, gains from wealth, all forms of income, and corporates
    • make greater use of fair taxes to promote good health and environmental health
    • address the tax impact on the least well off in our society.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Prior felon pleads guilty to new child pornography charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Nicholas Mangione, 44, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession of child pornography following a prior conviction, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a fine of $250,000. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that in April 2013, Mangione was convicted of possession of child pornography and sentenced to serve 48 months in prison. On August 15, 2024, a federal search warrant was executed at Mangione’s residence after it was discovered he uploaded a file containing child pornography to the Snapchat server. During the search, Mangione’s cellular telephone was seized. An examination of the device uncovered approximately 20 images and 52 videos of child pornography. It was also determined that Mangione distributed child pornography to other individuals using the Telegram application in exchange for other child pornographic files.

    On August 16, 2024, the defendant was arrested on New York State charges and was found to be in possession of an additional cell phone, which also contained images and videos of child pornography. Some of the child pornography possessed by Mangione depicted the sexual exploitation of an infant or toddler and depictions of violence against children.

    The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto.

    Sentencing is scheduled for September 30, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Indian National Pleads Guilty to Visa Fraud Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant staged armed robberies so that “victims” could apply for immigration benefits in exchange for thousands of dollars

    BOSTON – An Indian national, residing in New York, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to staging armed robberies in furtherance of a visa fraud conspiracy.  

    Rambhai Patel, 37, pleaded guilty to on one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun scheduled sentencing for Aug. 20, 2025. In December 2023, Patel was charged along with a co-conspirator.

    Beginning in March 2023, Patel and his alleged co-conspirator set up and carried out staged armed robberies of at least nine convenience/liquor stores and fast-food restaurants across the United States – including at least five in Massachusetts. The purpose of the staged robberies was to allow the store clerks to claim that they were victims of a violent crime on an application for U nonimmigrant status (U Visa). A U Visa is available to victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and who have been helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.  

    During the staged robberies, the “robber” would threaten store clerks and/or owners with an apparent firearm before taking cash from the register and fleeing, while the interaction was captured on store surveillance video. The clerks and/or owners would then wait five or more minutes until the “robber” had escaped before calling police to report the “crime.” The “victims” paid Patel to participate in the scheme. One purported victim paid $20,000 to participate as a victim in one of the staged armed robberies. In turn, Patel paid the store owners for the use of their stores for the staged robbery.

    At least two purported victim co-conspirators submitted U Visa applications based on being victims of the staged armed robberies.

    Singh is scheduled to plead guilty on May 22, 2025.

    The charge of conspiracy to commit visa fraud provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of New York and the Western District of Washington; FBI’s New York and Seattle Field Offices; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; Massachusetts State Police; Worcester County District Attorney’s Office; and the Hingham, Marshfield, Randolph, Weymouth, Worcester, Upper Darby, (Pa.), West Pittston (Pa.), Louisville, (Ky.) and Bean Station (Tenn.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elianna J. Nuzum and Jessica L. Soto of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Delta Airline Stowaway Sentenced to a Felony Conviction

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Wicliff Yves Fleurizard, 27, of Leander, Texas, was sentenced today on a felony conviction to time-served (approximately six months’ imprisonment), after he unlawfully boarded a Delta Airlines flight in 2024 and hid in a lavatory for a flight to Austin, Texas, from Salt Lake City International Airport.

    The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge David Barlow, comes after Fleurizard pleaded guilty on March 11, 2025, to being a stowaway on an aircraft. Fleurizard was also sentenced to three years’ supervised release and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.

    According to court documents and statements made at Fleurizard’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, on March 17, 2024, he intentionally boarded Delta Airlines flight #1683 at Gate 2 of the Salt Lake City International Airport, which was destined for Austin, Texas. Fleurizard intended to board the aircraft without purchasing a ticket and he hid in the lavatory to avoid getting caught, but was confronted by flight crew. Prior to boarding, Fleurizard was captured on surveillance footage in the boarding area taking photos of multiple passengers’ personal information on his cell phone. He then used that information to obtain electronic boarding passes in their names and successfully boarded airplanes in both Austin and Salt Lake City. See prior release: Texas Man Admits to Stowaway Charge Onboard a Delta Airlines Flight.

    “Today’s sentence sends a clear message to would-be offenders that the District of Utah will not tolerate crimes committed in and around our vital airports,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah. “Airport crimes will be prosecuted.”

    “Mr. Fleurizard’s actions were not only disruptive to passengers, it also compromised the safety and security for all on board,” said Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed of the Salt Lake City FBI. “The sentence holds him accountable for trespassing, theft, and fraud.”

    “This was a deliberate breach of security that put passengers and crew, at risk,” said Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd. “The security measures we have in place are to keep everyone safe and this reminds us that we must regularly work to strengthen those aviation security measures. I want to thank our officers and FBI task force detectives who responded to investigate this incident alongside our federal partners, and the flight crew whose attentiveness on board helped protect the safety of our traveling community.”

    The case was investigated jointly by an FBI Task Force Officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Bryan N. Reeves and Michael Kennedy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case. 
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Springfield Men Sentenced for Meth Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Two men from Springfield, Mo., were sentenced in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine in the Springfield area.

    Erik C. Foster, 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes, to 215 months in federal prison without parole, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Foster pleaded guilty on Dec. 16, 2024.

    Tilton Chase Tate, 41, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes, to 146 months in federal prison without parole, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Tate pleaded guilty on October 15, 2024.

    Foster and Tate were charged, along with other individuals, in a 24-count superseding indictment on July 25, 2023, for their roles in a drug conspiracy that lasted from Dec. 2020 to Oct. 2022.

    Foster admitted to purchasing and delivering methamphetamine for other conspirators to distribute in Southwest Missouri. During the course of the conspiracy, law enforcement seized well over 50 grams of methamphetamine from members of the conspiracy.

    According to court records, on Sep. 10, 2022, officers with the Republic, Mo. Police Department located two plastic bags containing at least 844 grams of methamphetamine from inside a speaker during a traffic stop where Foster was the passenger. Foster told officers that he had picked up the methamphetamine in Joplin and was taking it to Springfield to deliver it to a co-conspirator for distribution.

    On Oct. 12, 2022, deputies with the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office seized a small plastic bag of what appeared to be black tar heroin, a backpack containing 70 grams of methamphetamine, and over $11,960 in cash from Foster during a traffic stop. During a post-Miranda interview, Foster told officers that he was taking the backpack to a co-conspirator for distribution and that he had made six or seven similar trips to deliver methamphetamine.

    Tate admitted to possessing and distributing methamphetamine to others as part of the conspiracy.

    On Oct. 19, 2021, during a traffic stop, a Springfield, Mo. Police Department (SPD) detective seized over 440 grams of methamphetamine from Tate.

    On April 14, 2022, while executing a search warrant for Tate’s residence, SPD officers located a Ruger LCP 380 handgun and a Stoeger Arms, STR 9C 9mm handgun, as well as miscellaneous pills and suspected methamphetamine.

    Later in April, during a post-Miranda interview, Tate admitted to purchasing the methamphetamine seized during the Oct. traffic stop from a co-conspirator. He estimated that he was selling a pound of methamphetamine each week.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Republic, Mo., Police Department, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

    Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: KC Man Sentenced to 30 years for Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin and for possession of firearms in furtherance of that conspiracy.

    Codi J. Monteer, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge D. Greg Kays to 30 years in federal prison without parole.

    On Oct. 8, 2024, Monteer pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana; one count of maintaining a drug involved premises; one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of the drug conspiracy; and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms.

    Monteer’s participation in the drug trafficking conspiracy lasted approximately one year and he was responsible for conspiring with others to distribute at least 124 kilograms of methamphetamine; 700 grams of fentanyl (powder and pills); and 1.58 kilograms of heroin.  He was also in possession of several firearms used in furtherance of his drug trafficking.

    On one occasion, in March 2021, Monteer led members of the Kansas Highway Patrol on a high-speed pursuit that reached speeds of approximately 145 miles per hour.  The pursuit did not conclude until two of the tires came off Monteer’s vehicle.  During the pursuit, drugs were thrown from the vehicle.     

    Monteer was an associate of Autumn Dicks, Ian Hazel, They Kelley, Marc Downs, and Jamison Hopson-Stephens.  Those individuals have already been sentenced for their roles within the conspiracy.  Monteer was also an associate of Davion Williams, Curtis Lewis, Daniel Anderson, and Aaron Dorsey in this conspiracy.  Those individuals have all pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashleigh A. Ragner.  It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo. Police Department, FBI, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Kansas State Highway Patrol.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three White Supremacists Sentenced to Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy; Two to Serve Life In Prison for Murder

    Source: United States Department of Justice

    WASHINGTON — On May 19, a federal judge sentenced three members of the Aryan Brotherhood prison gang who were convicted at trial of a racketeering (RICO) conspiracy that included multiple murders, drug trafficking, fraud, and robbery.

    Francis Clement, 58, was found guilty by a jury in February of RICO conspiracy and five separate counts of murder in aid of racketeering. Each of these murders was committed while Clement was in state prison. Clement was sentenced to life in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.

    The jury also found Kenneth Johnson, 63, guilty of RICO conspiracy and two counts of murder in aid of racketeering. Johnson was also sentenced to life in prison.

    A third defendant, John Stinson, 70, was found guilty of one count of RICO conspiracy. Stinson, who was already serving a lengthy prison sentence in the California state prison system, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between 2016 and 2023, Aryan Brotherhood members and associates engaged in racketeering activity, including murder, conspiracy to murder, fraud, robbery, and drug trafficking crimes. Johnson and Clement, who both held leadership roles in the gang, directed crimes committed by Aryan Brotherhood members both inside and outside of prison using cellphones that had been smuggled into prison. Because of his rank in the gang, Clement received a cut from the illegal drug sales and fraud schemes the Aryan Brotherhood committed. According to trial testimony, the Aryan Brotherhood regularly smuggled drugs, including methamphetamine, into prisons throughout the California prison system, which defendants and other gang members then sold to inmates.

    In October 2020, Johnson and Clement together ordered one murder during the execution of which another individual was also killed. Johnson and Clement also ordered another murder of an individual who was subsequently killed. It was further proven at trial that in February 2022, Clement ordered the murder of an individual and the following month, in March 2022, Clement ordered the murder of two more individuals. For each murder, the killings were ordered because defendants believed the victims either violated gang rules or owed the gang money.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Stinson was a high-ranking leader of the Aryan Brotherhood and had substantial authority over the enterprise, including sponsoring multiple individuals for membership, resolving disputes among members, and approving the murder of current and former members. During the investigation, Stinson used a contraband cellphone within his prison cell to conduct business on behalf of the Aryan Brotherhood. The jury heard some of these communications from Stinson through court-authorized wiretapped conversations. Evidence was presented that Stinson also engaged in drug trafficking, and that, given his position within the gang, he received a cut of illegal drug sales that took place in prison and out on the street.

    “The convicted defendants led a notorious prison gang that committed ruthless murders, widespread methamphetamine trafficking, and perpetuated a culture of mayhem, fear, and disorder within the prison system that bled into the outside world,” said Matthew Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Organized crime within the prison system, enabled by the use of contraband cellphones, endangers American neighborhoods by flooding streets with dangerous drugs. The Criminal Division will continue to pursue crime syndicates, like the Aryan Brotherhood and their facilitators, to ensure they go to prison and the harm they inflict on society ends once incarcerated.”

    “Today’s sentences are yet another blow to the leadership of a violent criminal enterprise run from inside California prisons and spanning multiple counties and states,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith for the Eastern District of California. “The Aryan Brotherhood has maintained its deadly influence over members, associates and others both inside and outside prison. We are committed to doing everything we can to stop these violent inmates from orchestrating their criminal activities from inside prison walls.”

    “These sentences send a clear message: the walls of a prison do not shield violent gang leaders from justice,” said Acting Director Daniel Driscoll of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “The Aryan Brotherhood’s leadership operated a brutal criminal enterprise from behind bars — ordering murders, trafficking drugs, and fueling violence in our communities. ATF remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to dismantle violent gangs wherever they operate and hold their leaders accountable, no matter where they try to hide.”

    The indictment in this case charged 11 defendants with RICO conspiracy and other crimes. There are five defendants awaiting trial and the three defendants have pleaded guilty.

    This case was the product of an extensive investigation by the ATF, with assistance from the Office of Correctional Safety (CDCR), U.S. Marshals Service, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Pomona Police Department, Torrance Police Department, San Diego Police Department, San Diego Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, and Kern County District Attorney’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Stokman and James Conolly for the Eastern District of California are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Trial Attorney Jared Engelking of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.

    The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Starvation of Gaza – a distressing continuation of a decades-old plan

    SPECIAL REPORT: By Jeremy Rose

    Reading an NBC News report a couple of days ago about a Trump administration plan to relocate 1 million Gazans to Libya reminded me of a conversation between the legendary Warsaw Ghetto leader Marek Edelman and fellow fighter and survivor Simcha Rotem that took place more than quarter of a century ago.

    In the conversation, first reported in Haaretz in 2023, Rotem said the Jews who walked into the gas chambers without a fight did so only because they were hungry.

    Edelman disagreed, but Rotem insisted. “Listen, man. Marek, I’m surprised by your attitude. They only went because they were hungry. Even if they’d known what awaited them they would have walked into the gas chambers. You and I would have done the same.”

    Edelman cut him off. “You would never have gone” [to the gas chamber.] Rotem replied, “I’m not so sure. I was never that hungry.”

    Edelman agreed, saying: “I also wasn’t that hungry,” to which Rotem said, “That’s why you didn’t go.”

    The NBC report claims that Israeli officials are aware of the plan and talks have been held with the Libyan leadership about taking in 1 million ethnically cleansed Palestinians.. The carrot being offered is the unfreezing of billions of dollars of Libya’s own money seized by the US more than a decade ago.

    The Arabic word Sumud — or steadfastness — is synonymous with the Palestinian people. The idea that 1 million Gazans would agree to walk off the 1.4 percent of historic Palestine that is Gaza is inconceivable.

    Equally incomprehensible
    But then the idea that my great grandmother and other relatives walked into the gas chambers is equally incomprehensible. But we’ve never been that hungry.

    The people of Gaza are. No food has entered Gaza for 76 days. Half a million Gazans are facing starvation and the rest of the population (more than 1.5 million people) are suffering from high levels of acute food insecurity, according to the UN.

    Last year, Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich was widely condemned when he suggested starving Gaza might be “justified and moral”.

    The lack of outrage and urgency being expressed by world leaders — particularly Western leaders — after nearly 11 weeks of Israel actually starving the inhabitants of what retired IDF general Giora Eiland has called a giant concentration camp — is an outrage.

    As far as I’m aware there’s been no talk of cutting off diplomatic relations, trade embargos or even cultural boycotts.

    Israel — which last time I looked wasn’t in Europe — just placed second in Eurovision. “I’m happy,” an Israeli friend messaged me, “that my old genocidal homeland (Austria) won and not my current genocidal nation.”

    A third generation Israeli, she’s one of a tiny minority protesting the war crimes being committed less than 100km from her apartment.

    Honourable exceptions
    Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Irish President Michael Higgins are honourable exceptions to the muted criticism being expressed by Western leaders, although this criticism has finally been stepped up with the threatened “concrete actions” by the UK, France and Canada, and the condemnation of Israel by 22 other countries — including New Zealand.

    Sanchez had declared Israel a genocidal state and said Spain won’t do business with such a nation.

    And peaking at a national famine commemoration held over the weekend Higgens said the UN Security Council had failed again and again by not dealing with famines and the current “forced starvation of the people of Gaza”.

    He cited UN Secretary-General António Guterres saying “as aid dries up, the floodgates of horror have re-opened. Gaza is a killing field — and civilians are in an endless death loop.”

    Nobel Prize winning economist Amartya Sen argued in his 1981 book Poverty and Famines that famines are man-made and not natural disasters.

    Unlike Gaza, the famines he wrote about were caused by either callous disregard by the ruling elites for the populations left to starve or the disastrous results of following the whims of an all-powerful leader like Chairman Mao.

    He argued that a famine had never occurred in a functioning democracy.

    A horrifying fact
    It’s a horrifying fact that a self-described democracy, funded and abetted by the world’s most powerful democracy, has been allowed by the international community to starve two million people with no let-up in its bombing of barely functioning hospitals and killing of more than 2000 Gazans since the ban on food entering the strip was put in place. (Many more will have died due to a lack of medicine, food, and access to clean water.)

    After more than two months of denying any food or medicine to enter Gaza Israel is now saying it will allow limited amounts of food in to avoid a full-scale famine.

    “Due to the need to expand the fighting, we will introduce a basic amount of food to the residents of Gaza to ensure no famine occurs,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explained.

    “A famine might jeopardise the continuation of Operation Gideon’s Chariots aimed at eliminating Hamas.”

    If 19-months of indiscriminate bombardment, the razing to the ground of whole cities, the displacement of virtually the entire population, and more than 50,000 recorded deaths (the Lancet estimated the true figure is likely to be four times that) hasn’t destroyed Hamas to Israel’s satisfaction it’s hard to conceive of what will.

    But accepting that that is the real aim of the ongoing genocide would be naïve.

    Shamefully indifferent Western world
    In the first cabinet meeting following the Six Day War, long before Hamas came into existence, ridding Gaza of its Palestinian inhabitants was top of the agenda.

    “If we can evict 300,000 refugees from Gaza to other places . . .  we can annex Gaza without a problem,” Defence Minister Moshe Dayan said.

    The population of Gaza was 400,000 at the time.

    “We should take them to the East Bank [Jordan] by the scruff of their necks and throw them there,” Minister Yosef Sapir said.

    Fifty-eight years later the possible destinations may have changed but the aim remains the same. And a shamefully indifferent Western world combined with a malnourished and desperate population may be paving the way to a mass expulsion.

    If the US, Europe and their allies demanded that Israel stop, the killing would end tomorrow.

    Jeremy Rose is a Wellington-based journalist and his Towards Democracy blog is at Substack.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Newark arrests Colombian with criminal warrant overseas for aggravated theft

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    NEWARK, N.J. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested a Colombian national who has a criminal warrant in his home country for aggravated theft and attempted theft with injury.

    Ludwin Quintero-Rojas, 31, who is in the United States illegally, was arrested by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Newark May 9, and detained without bond at the Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark.

    “This criminal alien — who is wanted for theft offenses in his home country — tried to hide in United States, specifically in our region, where he was arrested multiple times for similar crimes,” said ERO Newark Field Office Director John Tsoukaris. “Quintero’s immigration and criminal history shows a repetitive pattern of disregard for U.S. laws.”

    On Sept. 18, 2023, the U.S. Border Patrol arrested Quintero-Rojas in El Paso, Texas, served him with a notice to appear, and subsequently released him on an order of release on recognizance.

    The New York City Police Department arrested him for petit larceny Jan. 13, 2024.

    The Queens County Criminal Court in Queens, New York, convicted him of disorderly conduct July 5, 2024, and sentenced him to a conditional discharge.

    New Jersey’s Lacey Township Police Department arrested Quintero for shoplifting April 16. The Howell Township Police Department arrested him for shoplifting April 17. These charges are currently pending.

    The Marlboro Township Police Department arrested him for shoplifting April 18. The Marlboro Township Municipal Court convicted him of shoplifting May 1, and sentenced him to 10 days of community service.

    The Brick Township Police Department arrested Quintero for shoplifting May 2. This charge is currently pending.

    Quintero is scheduled for a hearing before the Executive Office for Immigration Review in Elizabeth May 22.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police investigate serious pedestrian crash near Bridgewater

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police investigate serious pedestrian crash near Bridgewater

    Wednesday, 21 May 2025 – 7:33 am.

    Police are investigating a serious pedestrian crash near Bridgwater last night.
    About 6:15pm on Tuesday 20 May 2025, a 12-year-old girl was struck by a motor vehicle on the East Derwent Highway, Bridgewater.
    Initial reports suggest that the young girl, while crossing the road, ran into the path of the vehicle, travelling east on the highway. The vehicle, a grey Toyota Kluger, only contained the driver.
    Police and Paramedics attended the scene immediately and the victim was quickly transported to the Royal Hobart Hospital in a critical condition, where she remains receiving treatment.
    The driver of the vehicle was subjected to mandatory drug and alcohol testing.
    Crash investigators and Forensic Services attended the scene and conducted a thorough examination.
    Any witnesses who saw the incident or drove past the area and have dash-cam footage are asked to call Crimestoppers.
    Information can be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Files Religious Liberty Lawsuit Against Troy, Idaho for Discriminating Against a Small Christian Church

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Justice Department Files Religious Liberty Lawsuit Against Troy, Idaho for Discriminating Against a Small Christian Church

    The Justice Department filed a lawsuit today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho alleging that the City of Troy, Idaho, violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) when it denied a conditional use permit (CUP) application sought by Christ Church, a small evangelical church.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: WATCH: Prolific offenders targeted in Met Police shoplifting crackdown

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Met Police officers have secured significant banning orders against two prolific shoplifters as part of their continued crackdown on retail crime.

    Local officers worked with retailers in Greenwich to identify and arrest Winston Wright who stole more than £2,500 worth of goods from stores in the area over four months, banning him from every Sainsbury’s, Boots and Co-op in England and Wales.

    In a separate investigation, officers in Haringey secured an order to ban Patrick Verry from every Greggs store in England and Wales after he targeted a store seven times.

    Across London the Met is prioritising neighbourhood policing by putting more officers into local teams to tackle issues such as shoplifting.

    Officers are working with business owners to target the most prolific offenders who cause fear to retail workers and have a negative impact on communities.

    Chief Inspector Rav Pathania, the Met’s lead for tackling retail crime, said:

    “The Met is focused on tackling the most prolific shoplifters like Wright and Verry. They cause fear to retail workers and their offending has a negative impact on communities.

    “We continue to work with local business owners to investigate reports of shoplifting, understand concerns and use different tactics to crackdown, including targeted operations and regular patrols.”

    Winston Wright, 44 (08.04.81), of Lewisham, pleaded guilty to eight counts of shoplifting and one count of commercial burglary at Croydon Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 6 May 2025.

    As well as being given a Criminal Behaviour Order which bans him from entering any Sainsbury’s, Boots and Co-op in England and Wales for three years, he’s also been banned from entering the Royal Borough of Greenwich for three years, jailed for three months and fined £200.

    During the course of the investigation officers gathered CCTV from various stores which helped identify Wright as the offender. As a result he was stopped in Deptford High Street on Thursday, 20 March by a PCSO who recognised him.

    Patrick Verry, 33 (02.04.92), of no fixed address, was caught in the act by officers at the store in Wood Green High Road on Thursday, 15 May. He pleaded guilty to six counts of theft from the same store at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 16 May.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The public service has a much smaller gender pay gap than the private sector. It’s a big achievement

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leonora Risse, Associate Professor in Economics, University of Canberra

    NDAB Creativity/Shutterstock

    After two years of publishing the gender pay gaps of Australia’s private-sector companies, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency has released public-sector employer data for the first time.

    The report shows a stark contrast between the private and public sectors. The Commonwealth public sector has a gender pay gap of 6.4%, far less than the equivalent gap of 21.1% in the private sector.

    The agency attributes a big part of the “substantially better” outcome in the public sector to the achievement of gender balance at managerial and board levels.

    Women’s representation in senior and governance roles doesn’t just narrow the pay gap at the top. It can also change workplace cultures and embed more gender-equitable practices that ripple through to all occupational levels.

    The agency says public-sector employers have achieved this outcome by “long-term and deliberate actions that address gender equality”. These include conducting a gender pay gap analysis and formulating a gender-equality strategy.

    The public sector’s results also illustrate the power of setting targets. The Australian government has set – and now achieved – targets for women to hold 50% of all Australian government board positions.

    Who’s performing well?

    Of the 120 public-sector employers in the Workplace Gender Equality Agency’s dataset, 55 have a gender pay gap that falls into the target range of between –5% and +5%.

    Several have a gender pay gap in total remuneration at or very close to zero. These include the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Department of Treasury, Department of Social Services and the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman.

    A handful have a slight positive gender pay gap in favour of women, including the Productivity Commission.

    Where is there room for improvement?

    To support greater transparency, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency has published a searchable database of Commonwealth public sector employers. This is broken down by each department and agency.

    The largest gender gaps in median total remuneration are reported by the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (50.4%) and Coal Mining Industry Corporation (31.7%).

    Closer to the middle of the pack, the Australian Federal Police reports a gender pay gap of 12.2%. The Reserve Bank of Australia has a gap of 11.5%, and Australia Post 8.6%.

    The data does not include elected officials such as members of parliament.

    All up, half of Commonwealth public-sector employers have a gender pay gap larger than 5%, which the agency deems the acceptable maximum.

    But this is still a better performance than in the private sector, where 60% of companies exceeded the 5% threshold.



    Read more:
    Women’s annual salaries are narrowing the gap. But men still out-earn women by an average $547 a week

    How much less are women earning?

    Women working in Australia’s public sector earn on average A$8,200 less per year than their male colleagues.

    The data cover both the Australian Public Service (APS) (which is directly responsible for the delivery of government services) and non-APS organisations (which deliver services on behalf of the government).

    Within the APS workforce, men’s average total remuneration of $128,503 compares to women’s $121,146. This equates to a 5.7% gap.

    In public-sector agencies outside the APS, this gender pay gap widens to 8.8%. Men’s average salary of $127,354 compares to women’s $116,157.



    Read more:
    Women’s annual salaries are narrowing the gap. But men still out-earn women by an average $547 a week

    In agencies outside the APS, more of this gender gap – 5.6 percentage points – is due to men being paid more in bonuses, overtime and superannuation. Within the APS, these above-base payments contribute only 1.1 percentage points to the overall gap.

    The role of discretionary above-base payments in widening the gap in total remuneration is similar to the dynamics of the private sector, where there is also greater scope for individual negotiation.

    Research shows negotiation practices are laced with gender biases.

    Public sector employers have taken action after conducting gender pay gap analysis.
    Tint Media/Shutterstock

    More standardised recruitment, promotion and wage-setting practices in the public sector, compared with private companies, mean there’s less scope for personal subjectivity and implicit biases in hiring, promotion and salary decisions.

    Turning data into action

    This is the first year the Commonwealth public sector’s performance on gender equality has been published at employer level. It follows changes to legislation in 2022 requiring public sector employers to report their gender equality indicators to WGEA from 2023, similar to the obligations of large private companies.

    The point of publishing gender pay gaps is to spark awareness and motivate employer action.

    Three in four public sector employers report they have taken action after conducting a gender pay gap analysis. Of these actions, one in four employers have corrected instances of unequal pay.

    With a heightened awareness of the benefits of flexible work, almost all public-sector employers (96%) reported “flexible working is promoted throughout the organisation”.

    But there is scope to improve the practical implementation of flexible work policies.

    Only 56% of public-sector employers offer an online option for all team meetings. Only 43% provide support to managers to ensure performance evaluations are not unfairly biased against staff who work remotely or hybrid. And only 5% report that management positions can be designed as part-time.

    With this greater transparency, there will be opportunity to monitor changes in future to look for ongoing improvements in gender-equality practices and outcomes.

    It’s in the interests of fostering a more equitable, productive and effective public sector for all.



    Read more:
    Working from home is producing economic benefits return-to-office rules would quash

    Leonora Risse receives research funding from the Trawalla Foundation and the Women’s Leadership Institute Australia. She has previously undertaken commissioned research for the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. She is a member of the Economic Society of Australia and the Women in Economics Network. She serves as an Expert Panel Member on gender pay equity for the Fair Work Commission.

    – ref. The public service has a much smaller gender pay gap than the private sector. It’s a big achievement – https://theconversation.com/the-public-service-has-a-much-smaller-gender-pay-gap-than-the-private-sector-its-a-big-achievement-256810

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Applauds House Approval of His Plan To Increase the Wages of Connecticut State Police Troopers

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont is applauding the Connecticut House of Representatives for voting today to approve the agreement he negotiated with the Connecticut State Police Union that will enact pay increases for the Connecticut State Police.

    The governor and the union reached the agreement in April. It must be approved by both chambers of the Connecticut General Assembly for it to take effect.

    “I submitted a plan to the state legislature to give pay raises to the Connecticut State Police because I believe that our state troopers deserve salaries that reflect the essential work they provide to our state and can help recruit more officers to serve in these positions,” Governor Lamont said. “Ensuring the safety of our residents requires us to invest in state troopers and their families. I am glad that the majority of lawmakers in the House supported it, and I urge the Senate to join them in approving the plan.”

    The legislation that was approved today is House Resolution 17. It passed by a vote of 134 to 12, with the votes in opposition cast by Republican legislators. The agreement must next be approved by the State Senate.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Foreign National Sentenced for $3.2 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    A foreign national was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for his role in a scheme to defraud Medicare of more than $3.2 million through a sham durable medical equipment company.

    According to court documents, Julian Lopez, 55, a citizen of Cuba who resides in Miami-Dade County, Florida, obtained Medicare beneficiary identification cards and sold Medicare beneficiaries’ personal information to a durable medical equipment company, One Medical Services. Lopez knew the Medicare identification cards he obtained would be used to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare. One Medical Services used the information from Lopez to bill Medicare for orthotic braces that were never provided to the Medicare beneficiaries. In connection with the scheme, One Medical Services submitted and caused the submission of over $3.2 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary DME.

    Lopez pleaded guilty to two counts of health care fraud in February 2025. At sentencing, he was also ordered to pay $1,496,412 in restitution.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge Jesus Barranco at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Miami Regional Office; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case.

    Assistant Chief Emily Gurskis and Trial Attorney Owen Dunn of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Files Religious Liberty Lawsuit Against Troy, Idaho for Discriminating Against a Small Christian Church

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    The Justice Department filed a lawsuit today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho alleging that the City of Troy, Idaho, violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) when it denied a conditional use permit (CUP) application sought by Christ Church, a small evangelical church.

    The lawsuit alleges that Christ Church had outgrown the space where it had been worshipping and was unable to find a space to rent. It then sought a CUP to operate a church in the City’s C-1 zoning district, where nonreligious assembly uses such as clubs, museums, auditoriums, and art galleries were allowed. Local residents vociferously opposed the Church’s CUP application, and many of their written and verbal comments reflected animus against Christ Church’s beliefs. In its denial of the Church’s CUP application, the City cited the fact that the public was “heavily against” it and that the “great majority of the city residents” opposed granting the CUP.

    “RLUIPA unequivocally forbids local governments from deciding zoning matters based on their dislike of certain religious groups,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice will not hesitate to file suit against jurisdictions that discriminate in land use matters on the basis of the applicants’ religious beliefs.”

    The lawsuit alleges that the City’s denial of the CUP imposed a substantial burden on Christ Church and was based on the community’s discriminatory animus against the Church. It also alleges that the City’s zoning code treats religious assembly use worse than nonreligious assembly use.  The lawsuit alleges violations of RLUIPA’s substantial burden, equal terms, and discrimination provisions.

    RLUIPA is a federal law that guards individuals and religious institutions from unduly burdensome, unequal, or discriminatory land use regulations. More information about RLUIPA and the department’s work can be found on the Place to Worship Initiative’s webpage.

    As part of this initiative, the department distributed a letter to state, county, and municipal leaders throughout the country to remind them of their obligations under RLUIPA, including its requirement that land use regulations treat religious assemblies and institutions at least as well as nonreligious assemblies and institutions.

    Individuals who believe they have been subjected to discrimination in land use or zoning decisions may contact the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section at (833) 591-0291 or may submit a complaint through the RLUIPA complaint portal. More information about RLUIPA, including questions and answers about the law and other documents, may be found at www.justice.gov/crt/about/hce/rluipaexplain.php.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eurojust ensures authorities receive critical information on new undetectable devices used in prisons

    Source: Eurojust

    20 May 2025|

    French authorities took action in 66 prisons across the country against a new type of device that prisoners are using to communicate with the outside world and continue their criminal activities. Following findings by the prosecutor of the Judicial Court of Paris JUNALCO that these devices are being sold worldwide, Eurojust ensured that critical information on the devices was transmitted to the Agency’s National Desks and Liaison Prosecutors. Authorities can now use this information to investigate whether the devices are being used in their own countries.

    Investigators uncovered a device that was being sold worldwide through online marketplaces and could bypass security gates undetected. The device is small, has few metal parts and has specific settings that make it easy to hide from security checks. French investigators estimate that around 5 000 devices were being used in French prisons for criminal activities such as drug trafficking, homicide and money laundering.

    During operation Prison Break in France in the early hours of 20 May, nearly 500 cells were searched across the country. Authorities were able to target all 5 000 devices active and take down the market website selling the phones. After concluding the actions in France, the prosecutor ensured that crucial information and technical specifications of the devices were shared with authorities across Europe and beyond. The information was transmitted to all the National Desks and Liaison Prosecutors at Eurojust. They can now share it with their national authorities, who can determine whether the devices are being used in their prisons.

    If you are a national authority from a country without a Liaison Prosecutor and would like to receive the information transmitted today, please contact the French Desk at Eurojust.

    The following authorities carried out the operation in France:

    • Public Prosecutor’s Office J3 (cybercrime Unit); BL2C – PJPP (Cybercrime unit Préfecture de Police); Gendarmerie National

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: EU/ ISRAEL: Review of the EU’s relations with Israel welcome but devastatingly late

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Reacting to the EU’s decision to initiate a review of Israel’s compliance with its obligations under international law under the EU-Israel Association Agreement, Eve Geddie the Director of Amnesty International’s European Institutions Office said:

    “While this is a welcome first step, it also comes devastatingly late. The extent of human suffering in Gaza for the past 19 months has been unimaginable. Israel is committing genocide in Gaza with chilling impunity.

    “Emboldened by EU inaction – and even backed by some EU states- Israeli leaders have flaunted their genocidal aims. The EU’s unofficial policy of appeasement towards Israel is contrary to its member states’ obligations and will forever be judged in the annals of history.

    “There is no time to lose, every delay costs human lives in Gaza. The EU and its member states must ban trade and investment that could contribute to the commission of genocide and other grave violations of international law.

    “The EU must suspend all trade with Israeli settlements, while the member states that transfer arms to Israel must suspend such transfers. This is critical if EU member states are to meet their responsibility to prevent genocide and avoid complicity in it.

    “The stakes are too high. If the EU fails to live up to these obligations as a bloc, and seeks to shield itself from its clear legal obligations, its member states must unilaterally suspend all forms of cooperation that may contribute to violations of international law. Amnesty International will now push for a meaningful review which takes evidence and international standards into account.”

    Background

    On 20 May 2025, the European Commission acting on the request supported by 17 member states agreed to conduct a long overdue review to determine whether Israel has violated its obligations under article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, namely the respect for human rights and democratic principles.

    Amnesty International has long called for EU leaders to review the Association Agreement in line with EU member states’ obligations to prevent trade and investment that contributes to maintaining Israel’s unlawful occupation of the OPT, as set out by the International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion of 19 July 2024 and obligations not to render aid or assistance to the commission of crimes under international law.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Campaigners stage ‘oil spill’ at Shell HQ to mark AGM and demand justice

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Striking visual protest staged by Amnesty UK, Fossil Free London, and Justice 4 Nigeria coalition coincides with Shell’s AGM

    This morning, activists from Amnesty International UK, Fossil Free London, and the Justice 4 Nigeria coalition staged a powerful protest outside Shell’s global headquarters in central London, demanding accountability for decades of oil pollution in Nigeria’s Niger Delta.

    Timed to coincide with Shell’s AGM – held in a Heathrow hotel protected by a court injunction against environmental protesters – the stunt featured dramatic visuals symbolising the ongoing environmental devastation Shell has caused.

    Campaigners in suits emblazoned with a flaming Shell logo poured fake oil onto a giant map of the Niger Delta. Seated protesters, wearing T-shirts reading “Decades of Oil Spills”, “Polluted Waters”, and “Devastated Communities”, represented those whose lives have been severely impacted by Shell’s operations. A striking red location pin declared: “It’s Hell in the Niger Delta”, while banners demanded: “Shell: Own up, Clean up, Pay up.”

    The protest drew strong media interest and public attention during the busy morning commute as Shell staff arrived for work.

    Shell’s operations in the Niger Delta have led to severe pollution of water, soil, and air, affecting the health and livelihoods of millions. Despite billions in profits and repeated court rulings, Shell has failed to adequately clean up the region or compensate those affected. Just this year, over 13,500 residents from Ogale and Bille filed claims against Shell in the UK High Court.

    Peter Frankental, Amnesty International UK’s Business and Human Rights Director, said:

    “Today’s protest was a stark reminder that Shell cannot simply wash its hands of decades of environmental devastation. Communities in the Niger Delta have suffered catastrophic harm – contaminated water, poisoned land, and shattered livelihoods – while Shell continues to make billions in profit.

    “The frustration and anger on display this morning reflect a wider truth: Shell must be held to account. It cannot walk away. The company must clean up its toxic legacy and provide full compensation to those whose lives it has wrecked.”

    Lazarus Tamana, Justice 4 Nigeria coalition co-founder, said:

    “Shell still refuses to clean up and pay up after so many years of Niger Delta people highlighting the damage Shell has caused. How is it still necessary for us to be here and call on Shell to clean up its mess? They have devastated our water, land, health and livelihoods and we continue to fight for justice.

    Shell admitted liability for their oil pollution in 2014, yet the Bodo community has had to drag Shell back to the courts here in London, just to get them to clean up. They must be held to account and compensate all affected communities.”

    Robin Wells, Director of Fossil Free London, said:

    “Year after year we have hit the front pages or millions of social media views holding Shell to account at their AGM, and we are sick to the back teeth. We’re not only sick of the devastation they cause, but we are sick of a system which rewards them handsomely for tearing down these fragile ecosystems that keep us all alive.

    Communities in the Niger Delta were some of the first to bear the brunt and we stand in solidarity with them as they fight for justice, but, make no mistake, like a Mexican wave of disaster, soon this climate meltdown will impact every single one of us.”

    Shell must not be allowed to walk away from its liabilities for the environmental destruction it has caused. Niger Delta communities will continue to demand full clean-up and compensation for the decades of harm that Shell has inflicted.

    For images contact the press office

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Emission limits for the Acciaierie d’Italia steelworks in Taranto – E-001891/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001891/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Cristina Guarda (Verts/ALE), Benedetta Scuderi (Verts/ALE), Leoluca Orlando (Verts/ALE), Ignazio Roberto Marino (Verts/ALE)

    Amended and converted into Law No 31 of 20 March 2025 and issued in order to ensure that the Acciaierie d’Italia (formerly ILVA) steelworks could continue production, Decree-Law No 3 of 24 January 2025[1] also establishes in Article 1b(2) that the Taranto facility’s health impact assessment (HIA) should use the limit values laid down by Legislative Decree No 155 of 13 August 2010.

    In its ruling on Case C‑626/22 of 25 June 2024, the Court of Justice of the European Union stated that the emission limit values set by the Air Quality Directives ‘must be considered “environmental quality standards” within the meaning of Article 3(6) and Article 18 of Directive 2010/75’ (paragraph 20) and that ‘if compliance with those standards makes it necessary to impose stricter emission limit values on the installation concerned … additional measures must then be included in the permit’ (paragraph 21).

    The European Union has also set stricter emissions limits by means of the new Industrial Emissions Directive[2].

    In the light of the above:

    • 1.How does the Commission view the Italian Government’s decision to use the limit values laid down by Legislative Decree No 155/2010 for the aforementioned HIA? Does it not agree that this decision is an attempt at circumventing the CJEU’s ruling in Case C‑626/22, which clarified that Italy should comply with the stricter limits laid down by the Air Quality Directives[3]?
    • 2.Given that it has recently sent an additional letter of formal notice to Italy over its handling of this case, will the Commission follow up its infringement case against Italy (INFR(2013)2177)?

    Submitted: 13.5.2025

    • [1] https://www.gazzettaufficiale.it/eli/id/2025/03/24/25A01874/sg.
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202401785.
    • [3] Which include Directive (EU) 2024/2881 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2024 on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe.
    Last updated: 20 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –